Basara Volume 9. ver1.0 by Tamura Yumi ISBN#4-09-133629-9 Please do not alter this document. Translated by Janet Losey () indicate lines not spoken [] indicate lines in handwriting ** indicate flashbacks {} indicate translator notes Inside flap: Product Introduction: The ship capsizes, and Sarasa washes ashore to Okinawa alone. Luckily she is found by Nakijin and receives Bashou-sensei's treatment, but during her rest, she is soon caught up in the battle between Asato and Unten for the position of president. And in the midst of the battle is...?! Bessatsu Shoujo Comics' popular serial Jipang legend, volume 9!! P.4 Table of Contents Verdigris Chapter 4 - Scenario - 5 Verdigris Chapter 5 - Passion Flame - 77 Verdigris Chapter 6 - Ghost Ship - 138 Tam-tam Time - 188 Summary Civilization is destroyed at the end of the 20th century, and for hundreds of years after, the people suffered under the rule of despots. Byakko Village too is destroyed by the Red King, but at that time Sarasa decides to dress as her departed brother and fight. Sarasa and the Red King, Shuri, meet, without realizing that they are long-time foes, and fall in love with each other. Shuri, having returned from the battle at Kumano, is overthrown by the treachery of his subordinates. He is found by the doctor Bashou and crosses to Okinawa. Meanwhile, Sarasa, who injured her eyes at Kumano, also heads toward Okinawa to visit Bashou. However, her ship wrecks in a storm, and Sarasa washes to shore alone... Character Introduction Sarasa A 15 year-old girl. Fights in the place of her bother Tatara who was killed. In truth, she is the "Child of Destiny". The Red King His name is Shuri. Last son of the Emperor, he was charged with Chugoku, Shikoku and Kyushu provinces. But he was overthrown, betrayed by his subordinate Ashou. P.5 Verdigris Chapter 4 - Scenario Bashou: You say there's a body floating there? Okinawan: No, Bashou-sensei! She's still alive. [What is it, what is it?] [Murmur] The ship she was on must've capsized in the typhoon. There was all sorts of flotsam washing up. Okinawan: She was very lucky. P.6-7 Verdigris Chapter 6 - Scenario {Verdigris is green rust.} P.9 Bashou: Awake, are you? You'll be fine now. Sarasa: ...... --------------------------------------------------------------------- Mini Tam-Tam Time 1 Hello! Finally, it's volume 9! Thank you for your constant support! Sarasa: Have you already checked out the Basara CD and image video? <-- They're really great! I'm so happy! They're really very cool and wonderful, aren't they? Those of you who haven't checked them out, be sure to, okay? It's full of the seiyuu I was hoping for, the music is weighty, large, and sweeping. As the original creator, I am at the height of joy. TAMU --------------------------------------------------------------------- P.10 Bashou: Oh, did you injure your eyes? Sarasa: No, this is from before... [cough] Bashou: Hm? Let me see. Sarasa: Where... am... I? Bashou: Here? A place called Nago. In Okinawa. Sarasa: (Okinawa?!) Sarasa: (I made it to Okinawa...?!) [Clatter] Nakijin: Excuse me, Bashou-sensei. Nakijin: Oh, good, you're awake. I brought some okayu I made. {A porridge often served to the ill.} Nakijin: I thought chicken okayu would be good, but for now, it's potato and egg. [And spinach.] Bashou: Oh, very good. Good work, Nakijin. Sarasa: (Ba...shou-sensei...?!) P.11 Bashou: He is called Nakijin. He found you accidentally, and carried you like this to his own house... Sarasa: Bashou...sensei?! Bashou: Yes? Sarasa: Are you Nagi's master?! Do you know Nagi? Bashou: Goodness, that's another familiar name. So you are acquainted with Nagi? Sarasa: Yes! Sarasa: I came from Japan with Nagi to request you heal my eyes, Bashou-sensei! P.12 [Splash] Bashou: Alright, now. Bashou: Nagi's preparations seem good. Your eyes are on their way to recovery. Bashou: Dissolve this in water, and wash your eyes in it every day. Also there are medicines to drink and good eye medicine. Take those afterwards. Last is to eat well and rest. Sarasa: Will I... be able to see again? Bashou: You will, if you eat plenty of colored vegetables. You'll get better in no time. Bashou: Now, you mustn't cry. Tears are poison of the eyes. Sarasa: Yes... Bashou: Eat up this okayu, and go to sleep. P.13 Sarasa: So good... Bashou: Isn't it? Nakijin's cooking is good as anyone's. Nakijin: Sensei... Nakijin: Right now, the neighbors are checking whether or not there are other survivors. It would be good if the people you were with are safe. Bashou: You needn't worry about Nagi. [Clatter] Bashou: That boy has known his own life since he was a child. There is no way he would die in an accident. I give you my pledge as a doctor. Bashou: So don't worry, and get some rest. P.14 Bashou: Nakijin, how is the typhoon damage? Nakijin: Even the door was blown away. Because I was walk around looking for it, I found her. Ordinarily, no one goes to that sort of place. Sarasa: ... But, there were people there... Nakijin: Eh? Sarasa: Two people... Sarasa: They seemed to be arguing, and then I heard a strange sound... Nakijin: (What did she say...? I have a bad feeling about it...) Nakijin: Hmm...? Bashou: Oh, Nakijin. It's Unten. Nakijin: Nii-san! P.15 Unten: Nakijin! [Pat pat] Nakijin: Nii-san! What are you doing here at midday? Unten: Oh, I was wondering if you'd seen Arakaki. Nakijin: Your secretary Arakaki-san? No. Is something wrong? Unten: After the typhoon yesterday he left the office saying he had something to discuss with President Asato, and he didn't come back. Okinawan: Ah, there he is! Governor Unten! [Wah, wah] Okinawan: It's serious! [Wah wah] Arakaki-san is... P.16 Okinawan: Arakaki-san is dead! Okinawan: One blow to the chest with a blade. Nakijin(?): How awful... Okinawan: We were searching for castaways, then, in the shadow of the trees... Nakijin: It's Asato. Nii-san, I wonder if Asato didn't do it. Unten: Nakijin! Unten: Don't say something rash when there isn't any proof. He is the current president. Unten: Indeed, since Arakaki was sounding out the situation in Japan, he may have found out some thing resembling a secret agreement between President Asato and Japan. P.17 Unten: Asato is indeed trying to sell our Okinawa out to Japan. I know it, but without proof... Nakijin: (Proof...) Sarasa: *There were people.* Sarasa: *They seemed to be fighting, and then I heard a strange noise.* Shinbashi: Ku-- [flap flap] Sarasa: Shinbashi, are you alright? [Shinbashi: I got soaked with sea water.] Sarasa: I'm glad you're safe. Sarasa: (Nagi... Kakujii... are you safe? I've met Bashou-sensei.) [Tamura-sensei: Shinbashi is immortal.] P.18 Sarasa: (He called Nagi 'that boy'. So even Nagi was a child once.) Sarasa: (I want to see soon.) Sarasa: (What kind of scenery does Okinawa have? What kind of room am I sleeping in now?) Sarasa: (Kind words are spoken to me, but what sort of mouths say them? It's a little scary.) Sarasa: (But, any place that has good food must be a good place.) P.19 Sarasa: (If I listen closely... Chickens are calling. They're in the yard.) Sarasa: (Cows? Pigs? I smell livestock...) Sarasa: (That sweet smell is... Flowers...?) Sarasa: (And... That sound is...) P.20 Nakijin's Mother: Oh? You are... Nakijin's Mother: Ah, you needn't run away. Nakijin's Mother: Is it alright for you to be awake? Is anything the matter? Sarasa: Um... I'm sorry, I heard the sound of your loom, you see. Nakijin's Mother: Oh, you could tell. This is called bashoufu. {Banana plant fabric.} P.21 Nakijin's Mother: Cut the stalks of the string banana plant that grows over there, and... Nakijin's Mother: Ah, I'm sorry, you can't see, can you? Sarasa: No... Learning a little is a good thing. Sarasa: In my village too women would weave on the loom. But in the desert the materials are rare, so we have to bring it in from far away, and weave carefully, bit by bit. Sarasa: It makes... a very familiar sound. Sarasa: (A gentle sound.) P.22 Sarasa: (The village is gone, but here, the same scent it everywhere.) Chigusa(?): *The name Sarasa is the name of a beautiful cloth.* Nakijin: Okaa-san? Would you like some tea? Nakijin: Huh? Sarasa-chan! Nakijin: You need to sleep! Sarasa: Wah?! [Scoop] Nakijin: Now I've got you. P.23 Sarasa: I can walk by myself. [struggle] I can get back to my futon. [struggle] Nakijin: Ah... Nakijin: I'm sorry! I didn't mean to touch you. Nakijin's Mother: My, what is this boy of mine saying? Sarasa: I-I understand. Sarasa: (His pushiness reminds me of Shuri, but he seems to be a more reasonable person.) [chuckle] Sarasa: Sorry to disturb you. Nakijin's Mother: Not at all. [Come again.] Nakijin: Hey, impressive. She went straight back to her room. Nakijin's Mother: She seems to have been through some hardships. Nakijin's Mother: It's as if Yuuna-chan were here; doesn't it gladden you? She hasn't come by often these days, has she? Nakijin: Because she'll be getting married soon. P.24 Nakijin's Mother: I wanted her to be your bride. Nakijin: So you keep saying. Nakijin: After she lost her parents, she went completely into the care of Asato. She feels she has a debt to him. Nakijin: Okaa-san, worry about Nii-san rather than me. [I'm just 18.] He's still alone at his age. Nakijin's Mother: I am worrying. Nakijin's Mother: I'm very concerned for him. He is the sort that, once he starts running with all his strength, he can't see his surroundings. Nakijin: Nii-san will be fine. [You don't need to worry about that.] I'm sure he'll make a splendid president. Nakijin's Mother: All this talk about your brother. Have you studied properly? Nakijin: Right now all the students have been taken out of school to prepare for the Zen'yasai. P.25 Shuri: Zen'yasai? Yuuna: Yep. The election is still ahead, [clop clop] but soon, the Zen'yasai festival will be held. Nakijin and I will dance in it. Yuuna: There'll be boat races, and especially bull fighting. Yuuna: The two presidential candidate's bulls fight, with thier honor on the line. Bashou: Hey, Shuri. Won't you get out and push the cart? It's all uphill for a while. Bashou: That's why I brought you along, after all. [Shuri: Urg--- Shit---] Bashou: Come on, push harder. [Push more.] P.26 Bashou: Up there is Shuri Castle. Narration: Shuri Castle---- Narration: It is the residence of the President, and the office in which all government bureaus perform their functions. P.27 Narration: If Naha is the heart of Okinawan commerce, Shuri is the heart of its government. P.28 Shuri: Shuri Castle, huh? It seems like it exists for me. [It _is_ bright red.] [bonk] [Shuri: Dah!] Bashou: [You] Irreverent...! Bashou: It's because you bear that blasted brand so proudly that you come up with such unhealthy ideas! Asato: If it isn't Bashou-sensei! Welcome. Yuuna: Oji-sama. Bashou: Well, President. I had a hard time coming with the typhoon uproar. I brought you many a souvenir from Japan. P.29 Bashou: Ah, and this is an unwelcome guest in my home, by the name of Shuri... [Gone] Bashou: Hey? Shuri! Bashou: What are you doing---?! Shuri: Taking a piss. [Shhhhh] Asato: [Hahaha] Looks like fun. I think I'll join you. Bashou: President! Yuuna: Oji-sama!! Asato: It seems this castle is not to your liking. Shuri: Of course it isn't. Shuri: Not a particle of it takes defensive calculations into mind. A castle unsuitable for holding a siege. What about it is like a castle? [At most it can catch piss!] P.30 Asato: It seems it was meant for ceremonies and festivals from the beginning. [Hahaha] Shuri: [What's so funny?] Why doesn't this country have a military?! Asato: Hm? Well, why does your country have one? Shuri: What will you do if Japan attacks? Quietly put out your hands and surrender? Asato: ...Well, That point is what I've been thinking about. A way to end this without fighting. Shuri: Naive. There is no one who can get through to the Emperor of Japan with talk. He's a moron, you see. Asato: Nonetheless, I do not want to make this land a battlefield. P.31 Asato: Ever. Asato: Protecting the lives and property of the people is my first priority. That is the duty of the head of a country, is it not? Asato: Is it different in your country? Yuuna: Oji-sama, don't associate with that idiot. Asato: [Hahaha] That a cruel way of putting it. [Bashou: Wait over there!] Shuri: (This is a bizarre country. The longer I stay, the more my pace seems to slow...) Shuri: (What do think is my first priority...?) P.32 Shuri: (Sarasa... What are you doing?) Shuri: (Lately, my dreams have been only of you.) Sarasa: Only a little longer until I can take off the bandages! P.33 Sarasa: Nakijin! I watered the garden. And the well water is drawn. Nakijin: You're fantastic, Sarasa. You can walk anywhere around here, huh? Sarasa: Well, if I don't do something I feel bad... [Though there's not much I can do...] Nakijin: That's alright. [toss] Here, open your mouth. [Chew chew] Sarasa: This painappu stuff really is tasty, isn't it? Nakijin: Pineapple. The sugar coated kind. Ah, there's a bucket over there, so watch out. P.34 Sarasa: Are you washing the cattle? Nakijin: Yeah. This one will enter in the bull fighting at the festival. Sarasa: I know about bull fighting! With the person waving that fluttering red cloth. [Ole!] Nakijin: No, no. [Scrub scrub] It's with dog fighting and cock fighting. The bulls fight each other. Nakijin: This guy is Unten Togaii. Sarasa: A door is good? {Togaii can mean 'a door is good'.} Nakijin: [Hah] Because his horns are sharp, he's Togaii. {Togaii is a modification of tongari, meaning sharp.} Nakijin: He'll be in a showdown with Asato's bull. I have to have him win. Nakijin: ...... Nakijin: ...Say, when you get well, there's something I'd like you do... Sarasa: Yes? [Shinbashi: Food] P.35 Nakijin: The day you washed up here, there was an incident where my brother's secretary was killed. You said heard the voices of people fighting, right? Sarasa: Ah... yeah... Nakijin: Would you recognize that voice if you heard it again? Sarasa: ...I'm not confident, but probably I could. Nakijin: Would you be alright riding on a horse? Sarasa: Perfectly fine. Nakijin: Then, come with me for a bit. Nakijin: The guy I think is probably the owner of that voice is coming near here today giving speeches. P.36 [Clop clop clop] Nakijin: Are you alright? Sarasa: Yes. Nakijin: If you follow this road straight south, you'll reach Naha, opened up for the Zen'yasai. Nakijin: There's an bad guy. Wandering about even around here... Sarasa: A bad guy? Nakijin: He's freeloading off of Bashou-sensei. Let's avoid him. P.37 Asato: Citizens, please give me your honest votes. Nakijin: What do you think? Was it this voice? Asato: I best understand the hearts of our peace-seeking people. Let us protect the peace and freedom of Okinawa. [Wah wah] Sarasa: ...... Asato: Oh, Nakijin. Observing the enemy position, I see. [Wai wai] [Please do your best!] Asato: Don't glare at me like that. It's as if you hate me. P.38 Asato: Ah... You are the young lady from Japan that Bashou-sensei mentioned. Asato: Is everyone treating you kindly? Sarasa: Yes. Asato: Very good, very good. Asato: We Uchinanchuu are proud of our hospitality. {Uchinanchuu means the Okinawan people in Okinawan.} If you love your own country, you can respect other countries as well. Asato: Do you like your country? Sarasa: ...I do... ...like parts of it. Asato: I would like us to get along. Well then, take care. Sarasa: (This person is the President... [He's the greatest person in the country...] He has warm hands and a warm voice...) P.39 Sarasa: I think it's not him. He's not the type to kill people. That's my intuition, anyway. Nakijin: Is that so... He probably used someone. Must not've wanted to get his hands dirty. Nakijin: Ah, Nii-san's speech started over there. Let's go! [Wah wah wah wah] Sarasa: Nakijin, you really like your brother, don't you? Nakijin: Of course! Nakijin: After our father passed away quickly, Kaa-san always had troubles. Nii-san worked hard to save us. Nakijin: I respect him. P.40 Sarasa: (How nice, to have such a wonderful brother...) Sarasa: I respect my Onii-chan too. Nakijin: So you have a brother. Sarasa: Mm-hm, but now he's... Unten: Citizens! What meaning is there in a peace of mere words? Japanese occupation is not freedom at all! Unten: We must fight! Gather our courage and our pride! P.41 Sarasa: (This...voice...) Sarasa: Nakijin... This...voice is your brother's...? Nakijin: It is. My older brother Unten. [Wah wah wah] Supporters: Do your best! We support you! Thank you! Unten: Nakijin. Nakijin: Nii-san. Is this your first time meeting Sarasa? Unten: Ah, you girl who washed ashore. Nakijin: Sarasa heard the voice of Arakaki-san's murderer. She says she'd recognize it if she heard it again, so I had her listen to Asato's voice. P.42 Unten: If you heard it again, you'd recognize it? Unten: Is this true? Arakaki: *You are deceiving the people! Traitor!* Unten: *I'm stuck. If I don't close your mouth, I'm in trouble.* Arakaki: *What are you doing? Stop! Stop! [Gwa!]* P.43 Sarasa: (It's this voice!) Sarasa: (He killed his own subordinate because he found out some secret...!) Unten: ...Then, if you find the murderer, please tell me. Unten: Nakijin, I'll be coming home starting today. Tell Okaa-san for me. [--> Always stays at the office.] Nakijin: Wahh, Okaa-san will be thrilled! Unten: Please tell me many things about Japan. It a pleasure to have met you, ojou-san. P.44 Nakijin: Huh? I'm short a chopstick. Sarasa: (I should've brought a sword.) [Sarasa: Sorry, I took one. Maybe it'll be useful...] Sarasa: (Unten, who closed up his subordinate's mouth, couldn't possibly leave a witness alive.) Sarasa: (I'll go to Bashou-sensei's place. Nagi and the others should be heading there.) [Clatter...] Unten: Where are you going to, now that the sun has already set? P.45 Unten: I'm about to go night fishing. I want you to come with me. Unten: Fishing is my one hobby. [Splash lap lap] Unten: In this area, sea water and river water intermingle, and there are fish aplenty. Sarasa: ...... Unten: You already know, don't you? Who the voice of the murderer belongs to. P.46 Unten: I must have you removed, but you are a Japanese. Rather than bring down my own hands, I'll leave it to Japanese hands. Sarasa: (?!) Sarasa: (A boat...?!) Unten: Welcome, you from distant Japan. Torinoko: Thank you, Unten-san, for waiting. P.47 Sarasa: (Japanese...?! Unten is allied with Japan...?!) Torinoko 2: Who is this girl? Unten: A Japanese who shipwrecked and washed ashore. Unten: She saw the secretary murdered, so I'm handing her over to you. Take her back with you, dump her in the sea; do as you please. Torinoko 3: So young. It's a shame. [Come, get on here.] Torinoko 2: So, what about the day for the plan? Have you decided? Unten: Yes. Unten: At the Zen'yasai three days from now, at the bull fighting arena, I want you to kill President Asato. P.48 Sarasa: (Kill President Asato?!) Unten: Make the bulls drink a drug and let them run wild. Please do it in the confusion. Unten: The assassins are Japanese. I rise up in anger, incite the upset people, and start a war with Japan. Unten: It will be a war in name alone. Japan will not know. Before there are any victims, Okinawa will surrender, and be occupied by Japan... Torinoko 2: After that, your position will be validated by the Emperor. As the governor of Okinawa. Unten: Sooner or later, Japan will take us. But if it is left to history that we offered a bit of resistance, the pride of Okinawa will be preserved. P.49 Unten: This is the scenario for the surrender of Okinawa. Torinoko: We, the junior Torinoko Brothers, undertake this scenario in the name of the Emperor. Unten: Well then, in three days. [lap...] Torinoko: In three days. Torinoko 3: Well, ojou-chan, you heard it all. Torinoko 3: Prepare yourself. P.50 Torinoko 3: You think you can escape?! Torinoko 3: When your breath runs out, I'll set you afloat on the sea! Sarasa: (They are lackeys of the Emperor. I can't let the likes of them kill me in a place like this!!) P.51 [Thok] Torinoko 3: Uwa!! Ow... [Splash] Torinoko 2: What is it? [What are you doing?] Torinoko 3: Damn! She caught me off guard. [Ouch!] Torinoko 2: Find her! Torinoko 2: Else she reports to Asato. Torinoko 2: Find her, and kill her! P.52 [lap lap] Torinoko: Where is she? It's so dark I can't tell. Torinoko: Argh, damn her! Nakijin: *I respect Nii-san.* Sarasa: (It seems peaceful, has a laid back atmosphere, and everyone is kind.) Sarasa: (But here, just like in Japan, a fire smolders.) P.53 Sarasa: (Somehow it makes me angry. It makes me angry.) Sarasa: [Haa haa] (I have to let President Asato know...!) Sarasa: (I don't really understand the situation, but I feel I can't allow him to be killed.) Nakijin: *If you take this road straight south, you'll reach Naha, where the Zen'yasai will be held.* Sarasa: Let's go, Shinbashi. I don't know how far it is, but let's walk to Naha. P.54 Sarasa: [Haa haa] (Am I being followed? I don't know.) [Okinawans: Hahahaha... Waiwai] Sarasa: (They may have other allies. I mustn't seek help carelessly.) Sarasa: Shinbashi, is this the right way? Is it? Shinbashi: Ku-- [He can't see in the day.] [Sarasa: Haa, whew] P.55 Sarasa: (Being treated like a girl was very pleasant. But it wasn't the situation for it.) Sarasa: (Nagi... Kaku-jii. Now, there is no one.) Sarasa: (Hang on, Tatara!) [Shinbashi: On watch] Sarasa: (You can fight through it alone!) [Sarara: Haa haa haa] P.56 Sarasa: (I can hear... music...) Sarasa: (The Zen'yasai is starting.) P.57 Yuuna: Hey, Nakijin. You seem distracted. Nakijin: Gone. Yuuna: What is? Nakijin: (She suddenly went off somewhere, without saying anything, though she still can't see.) [Clap clap clap] P.58 Asato: Well, shall we go see our bull? Yuuna: Yes, Oji-sama. Announcer: Today's main event! The grand champion battle! Announcer: Here, on the white side, Asato's Yuuna has entered. [Wah wah] It goes without saying, this is the President's prize red bull. Announcer: On the red side, Unten's Togaii also enters the arena. [Ooh, Waaah] He's a black bullet from Tokunoshima! Announcer: Now, it's a momentous battle, with meaning signifying the outcome of the presidential election! Spectators: [Wah wah] Go, Unten! [Wah] Good luck, Asato! Yuuna: Huh? Sensei, where's Shuri? [And here it's starting.] Bashou: [Huh?] He was here a moment ago... P.59 [Clash] [Spectators: Waah] Shuri: This squid is good. Give me another. Shuri: What's that? [Signs: Takoyaki Okinawa Soba] Vendor: Palm tree juice. Shuri: Give me one of those too. Vendor: Sure. Thanks! Shuri: Charge it to old man Bashou. Vendor: Wha? Don't pull this, mister! [Sarasa: Haa haa haa] P.60 Sarasa: (I can hear the cheers from the bull fighting arena. I'm in time...!) Nakijin: Nii-san, do you think there's something wrong with the bull? [Both of them.] His eyes are bloodshot and he's unusually agitated. Unten: Perhaps he ate something strange. [Crowd: Wah wah Wahoo! yahoo] Nakijin: If something goes wrong, will they be controllable...? P.61 Crowd: Go, go! Torinoko 3: Hey. It's the girl... [Sarasa: Ha.] Torinoko 2: To think you'd come out to be killed... ojou-chan. [Dodge] Torinoko: Argh, this crowd! Wait! P.62 [Sarasa: Haa haa] Torinoko 2: So this is where you ran to? It's a dead end. [Crowd: Wah wah] Sarasa: (I can hear the cheers. The bull fighting arena is below!) [Crowd: Go, go! Wahh] P.63 Sarasa: (Don't underestimate Tatara!) Crowd: Wha? [Wah Go, go!] There, what is that? Crowd: What is this?! Is it a side show?! Crowd: [Kyaa] Look out! P.64 Sarasa: President! President Asato! Are you there?! Sarasa: Please escape! Torinoko 2: The bitch... Sarasa: There are people after your life! [Snap] Crowd: Kyaa! She's falling! P.65 [Thud] [Bull: Bueee] Bull Tamer: Look out! [Waahh Kyaa] Get the bulls under control! P.66 Bull Tamer: Calm them down! Bull Tamers: Uwa! Gya! Bull Tamers: It's no use! They won't calm down! Run! Sarasa: Ow... P.67 Sarasa: (What... Bulls...?!) Nakijin: Sarasa! [Waah] Run! [Kyaa] You're in danger! Crowd: This way too, bulls are running loose! [Roar] What in the world is going on?! P.68 Shuri: What? [Slurp] [Label: coconut] [Roar Waah wah kya] Shuri: There seems to be a disturbance. Shuri: (What's this...?) [Crowd: Wah wah!] P.69 Asato: Quickly, get everyone to shelter! Shuri: (The president!) [Wah! Roar] Asato(?): Someone calm down the bulls! Shuri: (An assassin, huh?) Shuri: Hmph. [Pitch] P.70 [Bang!] [Who--sh...] [Thud] Shuri: President! Run! They're after you! P.71 [Crowd: Waah waah!] Shuri: President! Someone protect the President! Yuuna: Shuri?! [Where is he?] Shuri: They're after him! Don't just stand there! Get out of there, you fools! P.72 Sarasa: (This... voice...) Sarasa: (This is voice, it's...!!) [Shhh...] P.74 Sarasa: SHURII!! [Roar] P.75 Shuri: (Sarasa?!) p.77 Verdigris Chapter 5 - Passion Flame Sarasa: (There's no way...) Shuri: (How could it be...) Sarasa: (That Shuri...) Shuri: (That Sarasa...) Sarasa & Shuri: (Should be in Okinawa...!) P.78 Verdigris Chapter 5 - Passion Flame P.81 Sarasa: (So bright...!) [Rumble] Nakijin: Sarasa! Look out! --------------------------------------------------------------------- Mini Tam-Tam Time 2 Tam-tam Question Box: Did have them give you any money on your data gathering trip? Not at all. At book signings I have sometimes. Tamu: It's true. Besides gathering data, it was just a vacation. I made the plans myself, I got the tickets and hotel reservations myself. I went by myself and I paid by myself. Hohoho TAMU --------------------------------------------------------------------- P.82 [Slide slide slide] Nakijin: Sarasa, hurry! Run! Sarasa: That voice... Nakijin?! Nakijin: Yes! Get going! Sarasa: (I heard Shuri's voice. Even though he shouldn't be here...) P.84 [Rumble] [Waah!] [Thud] [Kya--!] Crowd: Run! Shuri: Argh-- Move! Let me through! Crowd: It's a raging bull! Shuri: (It was Sarasa's voice. She was calling for me!) Shuri: Where are you?! P.85 Sarasa: (Now at any rate, I have to let the President know.) Sarasa: [Haa haa] (That the one conspiring with the assassins is Governor Unten!) [Woosh] Sarasa: Wa! Torinoko 2: What a troublesome girl you are. The hide-and-seek ends now. P.86 [Whoosh whoosh] [Thuk thuk] Okinawan: President! Asato: The fools. What does killing me accomplish? [Whoosh] [Chop] Yuuna: Oji-sama! Stand back! Asato: Yuuna, you mustn't overdo it! P.87 Torinoko 3: That's right, back off, ojo-chan. Yuuna: What was that?! Torinoko 3: Uga?! Nakijin: Yuuna! [Crowd: Wah Kya Wah] [Punch] [Bull: Guoo] Nakijin: Sorry. Rest a little while. Nakijin: Yuuna! Leave it to me! P.88 Yuuna: Nakijin! Torinoko 3: Guoh! [Sarasa: Haa haa] Torinoko 2: Honestly. Because of one little girl, the plan has been spoiled--- ...!! [Slash] Torinoko 2: !! P.89 [Boom] Shuri: Are you okay? P.90 Sarasa: (Just when... I think my eyes are finally healed...) Sarasa: (Is this an illusion...?) P.91 Sarasa: Is it... really you, Shuri...? Shuri: Why? Sarasa: Shuri... Shuri... But... you have hair. Shuri: How about you touch it? [Come 'ere.] Sarasa: Shuri... [THUD] P.92 Shuri: Stay out of our way! [Moron!] Torinoko 3: Shit... Nakijin: Hey! Catch that guy! Shuri: What was that?! You're giving orders to _me_?! Nakijin: Ah! It's _you_! Torinoko 3: Damn! So Aniki got killed? [Crowd: Waaah!] Crowd: How could you [Waaaah!] target the president's life?! Crowd: We won't let you [Wah wah!] spoil our sacred festival! Crowd: Catch him! [Waaoooh!] P.93 [Crowd: Waaaaah Oooh!] Torinoko 3: Ugh... ah... Asato: Your people seem to have made an error. I am not like the Emperor in your country. Asato: Even if you kill me, before long a new representative will be chosen to stand. That is all. P.94 Torinoko 3: But still, you would be dead. [Slice] Okinawan: Hey! Bashou: He bit through his tongue. Should I call it praiseworthy, or idiotic? Asato: What of the bulls? Okinawan: They finally calmed down. [Murmur murmur] Asato: Any people injured? Okinawan: Several with light injuries. Asato: Everyone, listen well: Japan will attempt in many ways to chastise us, and take Okinawa from us, but we must not give in to their provocation! Asato: May we refrain from impassioned, rash actions! Asato: Let us think of a way to end this without fighting. P.95 Okinawans: We're in your hands, President! Okinawans: We trust you! Okinawans: I know you'll protect Okinawa! Okinawans: We'll do our best, too! Okinawans: President! President! [Oooh!] President Asato! [Oooh!] Sarasa: (How... Reassuring...) P.96 Sarasa: (Trusting, helping, the President they chose themselves.) Sarasa: (How wonderful would it be, if I could say I loved my country?) Shuri: ...... Sarasa: (I can't let the President be killed.) Sarasa: President. [Murmur] Asato: Oh, Ojou-san. Nakijin: Did you get hurt? Sarasa: Yes... I want to tell you... Sarasa: (I don't want Nakijin to hear.) Sarasa: Governor Unten joined with Japan and planned the assassination. [Whisper] P.97 Unten: Are you uninjured, President? Sarasa: (Unten...!) Unten: This happened because of your half-hearted words. Unten: We will act as we intended, making preparations for war. Unten: Oh, yes, I hope you don't heed the nonsense of a Japanese girl. P.98 Sarasa: (He's openly proclaiming war. That means that he's not concerned with what I've given away to everyone anymore.) Nakijin: Nii-san, is there anything I can help with? Unten: You go home and stay with Okaa-san. Nakijin: Che. Sarasa: Aren't you going to arrest him? Asato: For now... yes, I'll keep this to myself. Asato: Please don't tell anyone else. Sarasa: But... Asato: Please don't forget. Keep this from becoming a burden on you. Asato: I am grateful for your courage. Please leave this to me. Asato: Isn't it safest for you to be at Bashou-sensei's place? Sarasa: President... Sarasa: (A truly... Great man...) Sarasa: Yes. I understand. P.99 Asato: You also helped me, didn't you? I'd like to have a nice conversation with you sometime. Shuri: You'd be well off to not to stroll about. They may not have been all the assassins. Asato: I hope not, but, well, take care. [Hahaha...] Bashou: Well! Taking off the bandages on your own! Bashou: Well, I think you're alright, but... [Sarasa: I'm sorry.] Bashou: It will be a bit bright for a while. [Don't overdo it.] Shuri: Did you hurt your eyes? Sarasa: Yep. So I visited Bashou-sensei... Shuri: So, old timer, you're a famous doctor?! [Hey, that's a surprisingly big deal! Ha, ha!] Bashou: You two know each other, I see. Shuri: [Well,] We're engaged. P.100 Sarasa: It... it's not really that concrete. Shuri: Hey. Why are you distancing yourself? Sarasa: ...... It's not like that. [Um...] You see... Sarasa: I'm dirty, and... Um... I ran all the way here. [Sarasa: In the desert it's always dry, and I didn't mind so much, but here it's sticky, and everyone is so clean...) Sarasa: And I haven't had a bath. Sarasa: That's why... Shuri: I don't really mind, but if that's so, let's take bath! [Grab] P.101 Shuri: Hey, Where are the hot springs? Sarasa: [Wakya!] Shuri! Bashou: There are none. Shuri: None?! Bashou: They say long ago there was one near Nakadomari, but it's gone now. Shuri: What a stupid country. No onsen! [Goddamn!] [Bashou: It's not like I don't like them!] Shuri: Oh well, then. The ocean it is! Sarasa: Uwaa! P.102 Sarasa: It's so pretty! [Like there's no water.] Sarasa: Why?! All the oceans are connected, so why are they different depending on the location?! Shuri: Everything impresses you, doesn't it? Shuri: But at any rate... [Splash] Sarasa: Glub! Sarasa: G-glub! [What're you doing?!] [Splash] Shuri: They say Okinawan women cleanse their bodies in the ocean. [Shinbashi: I was sleeping!] Shuri: All's well now, right? P.103 Shuri: I missed you. Shuri: I missed you... P.106 Sarasa: (Shuri......) Sarasa: (Shuri... Shuri...) [Prickle] P.107 Sarasa: H... Hold on! Sarasa: Stupid! [Splash] Shuri: We did something like this before, didn't we? P.109 Sarasa: We wouldn't be cold even without building a fire. [Shinbashi: Ah, I had a good swim.] Shuri: That's true. Sarasa: (The Byakko Sword... Shuri kept it after all. What a relief...) Shuri: Hey. Lately have any weirdoes come up and flirted with you? Sarasa: What?! Shuri: It's nothing. If there haven't been any, it's fine. Shuri: (It's not like that fairy bastard Asagi knew Sarasa's location.) Shuri: Because you're mine. P.110 Shuri: But I didn't make you my bride quickly enough. They took me for everything I had, and I don't have a penny to my name or a roof over my head. Sarasa: Your manjuu selling went bankrupt?! Shuri: Enough with the manjuu talk! [Sarasa: Gyahahaha!] Shuri: What's so funny? Sarasa: But, it all [Uhyahaha] seems so like you. Shuri: What seems like me?! Sarasa: It's you, Shuri, so I'm sure you did too much or were too rash, and carelessly kicked aside someone important to you. Sarasa: Didn't I tell you? If you trample on people, someday it will come back to you. P.111 Sarasa: But, you don't seem very broken up about it. [Since you're cheerful, and lecherous.] [Crackle crackle] Shuri: Oh well. Sarasa: [Chuckle] Shuri, you never loose heart, do you? Sarasa: The harder things become, the more lively you are. That's amazing. [Though I don't know if it's that full.] Shuri: Sarasa. I have a request. P.112 [Flap] Sarasa: Wh, [Shock!] What?! Shuri: Burn it. Shuri: Burn this brand to nothing with that fire. P.113 Sarasa: Burn it... But, won't you be hurt?! Shuri: ...Oh well. Sarasa: ... [Tamura-sensei: If it was Shinbashi he'd be barbeque!! Yakitori!!] [Crackle] Shuri: Please. [Crackle crackle] P.114 Sarasa: No! I can't do it! Shuri: Then, would you cut it out with a sword? Sarasa: Shuri... Shuri: My father gave me this slave's brand. [Lap...] Sarasa: What?! Shuri: It seems I truly displeased him. Shuri: Even though I have been living to deny him, to resist him, and to go so far as to knock him from his place someday-- P.115 Shuri: It's all been given to me by him, and I was simply playing the part. Shuri: I realized this lately. Shuri: Remove this mark, and I will be reborn. Shuri: Please. I want you to do it. Sarasa: (Shuri...) P.116 [Lap lap] [Crackle] Sarasa: Here I go. Shuri: Yes. [Crackle] [Roar] Shuri: (I had known it.) P.117 Shuri: (The night I was pursued in Suou, though the retainers callously betrayed me,) Citizens: *We like this city!* Shuri: (The people of the city tried to help me.) Shuri: (Certainly, I was moved. But, I didn't want to admit it.) Shuri: (I am different from you. I am the king. The Red King, Shuri!) P.118 Shuri: (A king from birth...!) Shuri: (Even though that was a title I received from Dad.) Shuri: (The name of Red King, as well as that desert land, were both given to me by Dad! There was not a single thing I had gotten for myself.) Shuri: (What a joke, that I had clung to such things.) Shuri: (I will be reborn. As a man, alone.) P.119 Shuri: (I will claim all under heaven with my own power!!) Shuri: (Not a king. I will become not a king, but a true, absolute ruler. Watch me!!) P.120 Sarasa: (So hot... It hurts... It hurts...) Sarasa: (Shuri... Shuri...) Sarasa: (Are you crying...?) [Lap lap...] [Shuri: Haa haa haa] P.121 Shuri: Sarasa... I'm sorry I made you do that. Sarasa: No, I'm glad. Sarasa: (I'm glad you would have me at your side at a time like this...) [Not holding his back.] [Shinbashi: Looks painful.] Sarasa: Ah, I shouldn't be doing this. I have to cool you down with water. Sarasa: Water... water... P.122 Shuri: ...What do you think you're doing with sea water? [Trying to kill me?] Sarasa: ...ah... Sarasa: Let's hurry and get Bashou-sensei to take care of it. [Shuri: Hahaha] Sarasa: (Shuri...) Sarasa: (It was heavy, wasn't it? It was surely a heavy burden to carry.) Sarasa: (The slave brand...) Sarasa: (I know of one other like it.) Sarasa: (Will Ageha too burn his back...?) [Rattle rattle rattle] Senju: Ageha-sama. P.123 Ageha: I said you needn't add the -sama, Princess Senju. [Rattle] Senju: Then... Ageha. Where are we bound for? Ageha: A place I am rather fond of. If you are prepared not to return to your parents' home. Senju: Yes, of course. Ageha: ...You must know why Shidou died. Senju: I know that. Tatara killed him! Ageha: ...That will force the child you will bear down the same path. P.124 Ageha: You must find a wise era. [Short break] Ageha: Because you are a mother. [Burble] Ageha: Do you understand? The ones who build the future of this country are not saviors, or kings, or heroes. Ageha: They are mothers. Ageha: Because to make that child shameful or not is dependant on you. P.125 Senju: It seems you are more than a mere dancer. Ageha: I was a slave in Shidou's house. Senju: ...eh?! Ageha: My nomad clan was hunted, my parents were killed. When a judgment was reached, I was a slave. Ageha: A person who came to live hating the royal house, cursing the contrivances of the world, and wishing for the downfall of the kingdom. Senju: Th... [Clatter] Then... Ageha: ... If not for Shidou, that is what I would've become. P.126 Ageha: Shidou was kind to the slave children. Senju: ...Then-- Then, you liked Shidou-sama, didn't you? Ageha: No. His pity made me miserable. Senju: No, that shouldn't be! If it were, then you shouldn't have rescued me. Senju: You liked him, didn't you? Ageha(?): Hatred will not go on. P.127 Ageha: Living, walking, meeting people... Ageha: If you love someone, they will vanish. Ageha: (The hatred will not go on. Hatred creates nothing.) Ageha: (Tatara... Do you understand this? Do you see the path you must advance upon...?) P.128 Senju: Then, what allies do you have now? Ageha: None yet. Ageha: (I still haven't heard, Tatara.) Ageha: (What kind of country do you want to create? How will you change it?) Ageha: (I still haven't heard these from your mouth.) [Okinawans: Wah wah Wah wah] P.129 Okinawan: Let's form a bodyguard for the President! [Wai wai] Okinawan: [O-h] We'll alternate on the night watch too! Okinawan: Let's tighten the port security also! Sarasa: ...This is a good country. I'm envious. Shuri: I've been walking around looking at this country since I got here. Shuri: This country has no privileged class. No distinctions in social standing, a small gap between rich and poor. It's peaceful. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Extra. Meanwhile, Asagi is: Asagi: I wonder if Tatara will come back soon... Everyone's dinner. --------------------------------------------------------------------- P.130 Sarasa: (I want to tell the others that there is a country like this.) Sarasa: (Hey, everyone, there are no tyrannical emperors. They decide on a representative by voting.) Sarasa: Everyone is together, and at peace...) Sarasa: (I wish Japan was like that...) P.131 Sarasa: (I...) Sarasa: (Even though I've said, let's defeat the Emperor, I didn't know what I wanted to do after that.) Sarasa: (I didn't know if it was right or not.) Sarasa: (But here, there is one example.) Sarasa: (Of our new Japan...!) P.132 Bashou: You say you fell on top of a fire?! [Uhaha!] Shuri: That's right. Bashou: [Wahahahaha] Well, again, you've certainly burned yourself well. [Hahahaha] Very good, very good. Sarasa: Is the President alright? Bashou: Well, he seems very busy, one meeting after another. Bashou: But there is no way to gain more time. It must be hard. [Shuri's back] Shuri: Gain time? Bashou: Internally, Japan is a bed of hot coals. If a large civil disturbance occurs, the Emperor will likely not be able to concern himself with the likes of Okinawa. Bashou: Do we wait for it...? Bashou: There is also the hand of borrowing foreign power, but if we are attacked by them next, we're in trouble. P.133 Shuri: You should try to fight. You aren't assured to win, but... Bashou: ... Bashou: You wouldn't know about it, but this land has an unhappy history. In a war long ago, this place was the site of a terrible battle. Bashou: It's said that hundreds of thousands of islanders died in the war, such that the natural disasters of a few hundred years ago pale in comparison, and that most of them were women and children. Bashou: Those stories have been passed down for generation to generation. It is the first story the are told upon birth. Bashou: The Uchinanchuu... despise war. P.134 Asato: *I do not want to make this land a battlefield. Ever.* Shuri: (Suou will not burn again!) Sarasa: But, I feel like everything will be alright as long as President Asato is here. And we've taken care of the Torinoko Brothers. Shuri: Torinoko...? Sarasa: That duo of assassins. They called themselves that. P.135 Shuri: Come on, old man! Bashou: What?! Sarasa(?): Shuri?! Shuri: (The Imperial assassins, the Torinoko Brothers, are a trio!) Shuri: (Moreover, the most frightening of them is the eldest brother, called Kinarigumo...!) {Kinari = unbleached cloth. Kumo = spider.} P.136 Okinawan: Waaaah! President! Shuri: [Chi] (We're too late...!) Bashou: What is it?! Okinawan: Uwa! Bashou-sensei! What a relief! Okinawan: But he was alone in the room and a guard was posted! Okinawan: [Wah wah] President! Yuuna: Oji-sama! Bashou: Hm... This is bad. Okinawan: W, will he be alright? Bashou: Quiet! Bashou: Are you going to die before me?! President, hold on! P.137 Okinawan: Shit! Damn you, Japan! At this rate, there will be all out war! Okinawan: Let Unten know. We won't be silent any longer! Asato: Don't. Not war... [Clasp] Shuri: Leave it to me, President. I will protect Okinawa. Sarasa: (Shuri...!) P.138 Verdigris Chapter 6 - Ghost Ship P.139 Shuri: I will protect Okinawa from Japanese invasion. Sarasa: (Shuri...!) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Mini Tam-tam Time 3 I have always liked baseball, but never much cared for soccer, even after the J-League started... so I thought. But thanks to Armind-san of the Antlers, it has had my full attention. Hahaha. I am so weak to fads... Of course, I like sumo also. And tennis, and volleyball, and F1. Which is cooler and more interesting, soccer of baseball...? This is often babbled on TV and such, but... I wish they'd stop this meaningless dispute. Of course they're both cool. They're both doing their best. TAMU --------------------------------------------------------------------- P.140 Soldier: That's the main island of Amami. The northern reaches of the land of Okinawa. Officer: Soon it will belong to us. [Creak... creak...] Soldier: I wonder if the order to attack will come soon. Officer: Waiting out at sea is miserable. Let's hurry up and take them. Soldier: ...Hey. Soldier: This's odd. There's fog coming in. Soldier: Captain! A ship is drawing near! Officer: Where is it? Soldier: There's... something odd... P.141 [Creak... creak...] Officer: Red... sails. Soldier: Strange... Soldier: Hey, it's a wreck. Officer: He--y, anyone aboard?! We‘re going to hit you! Soldier: There's no sign of people on the deck! But the gong is sounding! Officer: H...hey. It can't be... P.142 Officer: (A ghost ship...?!) Soldiers: Uwaaa! It's a bad omen, let's get out of here! Officer: Hold on there! [Fools!] Officer: Terrified at a simple abandoned ship... [Soldier: Waaah!] Officer: What is it? Soldier: The water... [Glub glub glub] Soldier: There are holes in the hull! [Glub glub] [Gyaa!] We're sinking! We're sinking! Soldier: Fire! Why are we on fire?! Soldier: It's the ghost ship's curse! P.143 [Soldiers: Uwaaaa!] [glub glub glub] [creak... creak...] Yuuna: Shuri! We've gotten word from our allies at Amami. Okinawa, Main Island --Shuri-- {As in the capital of Okinawa.} Shuri: Good. Yuuna: It seems the test went well. Shuri: Okay. P.144 Shuri: Then we too will set out for Amami. Put out the boat tonight, Yuuna. Yuuna: ...But, I don't want to leave Oji-sama's side now. Shuri: ...When I was coming to Okinawa, as I scrubbed the deck, inwardly I was terribly impressed. Shuri: You handled the boat splendidly with a single woman's hand. And you must know the coastal waters. Shuri: I need your strength. Come with me. P.145 Yuuna: [Chuckle] Shuri, you certainly use your skill for employing people well. Yuuna: But until Oji-sama's condition stabilizes, I don't want to leave him... Unten: People of the nation, it is I, Unten. Unten: The president has been attacked by Japanese assassins, and is on the verge of death. Will you allow this crime to go unanswered? Unten: Let us take up weapons and rise up. Though we cannot match them, with even a single arrow's retribution, let us show Japan the pride of Okinawa! P.146 [Crowd: O--h!] [Murmur] [Wa--h!] Unten: The response was mixed. Aide: They must still have their trust placed in the President. Aide(?): The letter from Japan said to turn public opinion quickly. Unten: (Even though there is no other way......) Unten: (The pride of Okinawa will be upheld. In order that the land does not burn and many people are not killed...) Unten: (After the declaration of war, we surrender quickly. A bloodless capitulation.) Unten: (-----Beyond this there is......) P.147 [Dozing] Sarasa: Bashou-sensei, you should rest a little... Bashou: Oh! Not good! [I fell asleep!] Sarasa: How is the President? Bashou: Hm. It seems he's held out somehow... Sarasa: As a Japanese person, I am ashamed. Bashou: It isn't your fault. Sarasa: No... really, in Japan the value of a life is small. Sarasa: Killing each other is commonplace, and even if whole families are killed, no one can say anything. P.148 Sarasa: (Japan is wrong, as long as that royal family rules it...!) Bashou: Well, such broad statements aren't so. There are people there with hearts. Bashou: As proof, there are personages in Japan too who, understanding the President's words, are working with us to avoid fighting. Bashou: The President is the pivot point. As long as President Asato is here, there will be people thinking that they do not want to attack Okinawa. P.149 Sarasa: But there are also people who don't... Bashou: There are. [They must have a lump in front of their eyes.] Sarasa: Then you may be attacked again. Bashou: Well, that's why we're fortifying the area around the castle with karate masters. The attics and the area under the floor are under watch. Sarasa: (I hope that is enough...) Sarasa: Ah, I'm going to bring back water. Bashou: Thank you. Shuri: Sarasa, are you here? Sarasa: Shuri... Wa! Shuri: What are you doing? [Shinbashi: So tired.] Sarasa: Sorry. Thanks. P.150 Shuri: We're putting out the boat tonight. Get ready. Sarasa: Okay, got it. Bashou: She is on the mend too, so you mustn't push her too hard. Sarasa: (Though I was walking with so much care when I couldn't see, once I could see, I am absent-minded and stumble around.) Sarasa: (Am I careless because somewhere I am excited at seeing Shuri...?) Sarasa: (At a time like this...) Bashou: You choosing a girl like that is a bit surprising. I have a new opinion of you. P.151 Bashou: But at any rate, having taken this grand pose of protecting Okinawa, what do you plan to do? Shuri: I've gotten the cooperation of Yuuna for karate, and my plan is moving forward. Bashou: How will you protect Okinawa without fighting?! Shuri: I didn't say I wouldn't fight. Bashou: What?! That is against the President's wishes! Shuri: The point is that it's alright-- if I don't make the land a battleground. Shuri: Anyway, just watch. P.152 Shuri: I won't fight battles I can't win. Bashou: ...... Bashou: (The face of a war demon......) Bashou: (If you enjoy battle, you still have far to go......) Sarasa: Yuuna-san, lots of gifts are coming in. [To the President] Most of them are flowers and vegetables, and... Sarasa: Hmm, this one doesn't have a name. [It's pretty heavy] Yuuna: Could you open it, Sarasa-chan? Sarasa: Ah, it looks like some sort of vase. P.153 Sarasa: Okinawan pottery is pretty, isn't it? Yuuna: Give it to me!! Sarasa: Yuuna-san?! [Smack] Yuuna: This is a zushigame. A funeral urn. P.154 Sarasa: A funeral urn?! Yuuna: Even harassment has its limits. Sarasa: (It's Unten!) Sarasa: (Terrible... What a terrible thing to do!) [Bang] Yuuna: Shuri!! Yuuna: I'm coming too! If this situation isn't ended quickly, the blood vessels in my head will pop! Yuuna: Hold this! P.155 [Yuuna: Torya!] [Crack] Yuuna: We're setting out as soon as the sun sets! Sarasa: The funeral urn made her angry. Shuri: I see. Sarasa: (I have a bad feeling about this. Was it just harassment...?) [Skitter] P.156 Nakijin: Yuuna, how is the President...? Yuuna: Nakijin? Yuuna: ......He's hanging on. It looks like Bashou-sensei saved him. Yuuna: You usually say you hate him, but you're worried, aren't you? P.157 Nakijin: I do hate him, but I can't forgive assassination. Yuuna: Even if I said the one who did that unforgivable thing was your brother? Nakijin: I know there is such a rumor. Nakijin: His rivals are trying to knock him aside... Yuuna: It's not a rumor. Yuuna: Sarasa-chan told it to Shuri. That Unten joined with Japan and planned the assassination. Yuuna: If it's true, I won't forgive him. P.158 [Bang] [Grab] Nakijin: What did you tell Yuuna?! What did you say Nii-san has done?! Shuri: Don't lay hands on me, fool. P.159 Nakijin: Then, why do you think Sarasa was attacked at the bull fighting arena? Sarasa: Nakijin... Shuri: Well, it's not that surprising. Brothers, in the end, are different people. If they become enemies, there are times they even kill each other. Sarasa: Shuri, don't talk like that. Shuri: Whose side are you on? Sarasa: But I respect my Onii-chan too. I loved him, and trusted him. He was precious to me. P.160 Yuuna: Nakijin! Yuuna: Where are you going? Nakijin: I'm going to talk to my brother. Yuuna: There's no way he'd tell you the truth! Yuuna: Come with me. I'm helping with Shuri's strategy. P.161 Yuuna: Your brother has his own way of thinking, doesn't he? But your brother's thoughts aren't yours. Yuuna: What are you going to do?! Stay with him always?! Yuuna: Detach yourself from him and think: Yuuna: What is _your_ will, Nakijin?! What about you?! Think with your own head! Yuuna: What do you want for Okinawa, Nakijin? P.162 Nakijin: What in the world does he intend to do? Yuuna: Shuri means to strike the Japanese army on the sea. Nakijin: I don't want to be that suspicious Japanese's lackey and follow his commands! Yuuna: Not a lackey. An ally. Yuuna: Come with us. Yuuna: The abilities of the student karate champion will help. P.163 Nakijin: ...You're not in love with him, are you? Yuuna: Do you want me to split your skull?! Nakijin: Uwa! Okay! Nakijin: Then I'll go, in order to prove Nii-san's innocence. --Naha Bay-- [Creak...] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Extra Vertical Tam-tam Time In Okinawa... Sarasa: Tasty Sarasa saw a painappu for the first time. Shinbashi too. Sarasa: (But I know this shape. It reminds me of something.) Sarasa: (What could it be?) Sarasa: (It looks like Nakijin, but there's something more...) Sarasa: WA! [I've got it!] Sarasa: (Uncanny. [Nachi: I don't have any appearances! Hahahaha!]) --------------------------------------------------------------------- P.164 Yuuna: Shuri! I'm launching the boat! Shuri: Good! Thanks! Nakijin: Yuuna! Sorry! Yuuna: Nakijin, you're late! Nakijin: I went to see Kaa-san. She'd worry if I suddenly disappeared for several days. [And I have luggage.] Yuuna: That's what's so cute about you. [--> 1 year older] Nakijin: Such things you say. I'm helping aren't I? Yuuna: For good. Yuuna: Raise anchor--- Set sail! [Creak...] P.165 Shuri: Are you worried about the President? [Creak...] Sarasa: Mm-hm. Sarasa: I have a really bad feeling about it. My heart's been pounding this whole time... Shuri: Leave it to old man Bashou. Shuri: Instead... Shuri: Give me a reward if I protect Okinawa. Sarasa: A reward?! Me? Sarasa: Give you what? Shuri: You. P.166 Shuri: Alright? [Shinbashi: Simmer down!] Shuri: We're settled. Sarasa: Shuri... [You decided by yourself] Sarasa: (Why is it that when I'm with Shuri, my head, my eyes, my ears; all my senses turn towards him?) Sarasa: (Other things grow faint.) P.167 Sarasa: (My self as Tatara disappears somewhere...!) Shuri: Sarasa...? Sarasa: (Even though I've gotten no word of Nagi and Kakujii, even though the others remain...) Sarasa: (But in front of Shuri, I want to be just Sarasa.) Shuri: I didn't think you'd brood over it like this. [Damn... Still no good...] P.168 Sarasa: I like you, Shuri. Shuri: Good. Sarasa: But I feel like I'm steadily turning into an idiot. Sarasa: (For proof, though there is some warning sounding in my heart, but I'm not sure what it is. I can't see it clearly.) [Cr-creak...] P.169 Shuri: I don't really understand, but, is it my fault? Sarasa: No. Shuri: Sarasa? Why are you shaking? Sarasa: (Think, Sarasa. What is this uneasiness?) Sarasa: (Why did Unten send that thing?) Sarasa: (Harassment? Would he do something that pointless?) Sarasa: (If it's not harassment...) [Cr-creak...] Sarasa: Shuri... P.170 Sarasa: Shuri... Shuri: Sarasa...? Sarasa: I'm sorry! Shuri: Sarasa! P.171 Sarasa: I'm sorry! I'm worried about the President after all. I'll follow after you! Sarasa: Nakijin! I'm borrowing your horse, okay? Nakijin: Sarasa?! Yuuna: Shuri! Should I stop the boat?! Shuri: Damn it all! P.172 Shuri: Take this! Sarasa: (The Byakko Sword! Mine!!) Shuri: Do whatever will put you at ease! When we reach Amami I'll send someone for you! P.173 Shuri: Listen! If it gets dangerous, save yourself, no matter who you have to give up! Shuri: There is nothing more important to me than you! Nakijin: Are you crazy? Leaving her alone... Shuri: She may not look it, but she can take care of herself. Yuuna: Shuri... P.174 Shuri: (When I think I've caught you, you soon disappear.) Shuri: (The time of our partings is always uncertain. Such that I even wonder if I will see you again.) Shuri: (Why is that...?) P.175 Sarasa: (If it isn't harassment, but a death sentence...) Sarasa: (It means ‘this time for certain I'll kill you‘!) Sarasa: (The Treasure Sword of Byakko is binding to my hand.) Sarasa: (Come back, my senses!) Sarasa: (Come back, Tatara!) P.176 [patter patter] Sarasa: Bashou-sensei! Bashou: Sarasa?! I thought you had gone on the boat... Sarasa: How is the President?! Bashou: There are guards inside and outside of the room. It's fine. If something happens, we'll soon know. Sarasa: Just open it, please! [Bang] Sarasa: President! Bashou: Hey, what are you sleeping for... ?! P.177 [Stab] P.178 [Sarasa: Haa haa haa haa] [Tamura-sensei: Spider-san, I'm sorry.] Sarasa: (There were things like this in the Blue King's collection.) Sarasa: It's a poisonous spider. Bashou: They've expired. What potent poison. Sarasa: Sensei, is there anywhere we can remove the President to? [Quietly] Bashou: Dear me, well, now it would be unwise to... Guard: Sensei! [Patter patter] Guard: Above, the guards are down! Guard: And two below also! Sarasa: There's no time to think about it! Please! Bashou: Uwoh! P.179 Bashou: Over land is risky. Let's take him down south by boat. Sarasa: To where? Bashou: A sanctuary called Gyokusendou, where there are women who serve the gods. Priestess: We have been waiting since receiving your message. Please bring the President this way. P.180 Bashou: In this country, these women are still objects of worship. Even Unten will be hard pressed to raise hands against them. Sarasa: That may be so for Unten, but for Japanese assassins it is irrelevant. Bashou: We... well. Bashou: It seems everyone changed. Very well. Bashou: Within here, it becomes a stalagmite cavern. Sarasa: Stalagmite cavern? Bashou: A cave. No one has ascertained how far it goes back. Aide: The President is sleeping peacefully. Bashou: Good, good. Thank you. [Sarasa: Ha!] [Brush] P.181 Bashou: An ordinary spider. They are everywhere. Sarasa: (They may be on us.) Sarasa: Please strengthen the guard. Sarasa(?): (If it comes to it, I'll go into the cave, taking the President.) Bashou: (What has happened to this child...?) Bashou: (She too has the aspect of a war demon.) P.182 Japan --City of Suou-- Momonoi: The ghost ship appeared again?! The Minister --Momonoi of the North-- Momonoi: How could such a thing exist in this world?! Soldier: B-but, in fact, ships that encountered it have been sunk, and already 5 ships have settled in the seaweed. Soldier: The men say it is a bad omen, and fear heading towards Okinawa. Momonoi: Fool! We have been entrusted by the Emperor with the strategizing the attack on Okinawa. Soldier: What frightens the men is more than just that. The ship flies red sails, and on its deck-- P.183 Soldier: The Red King's spirit is said to ride... Soldier: Uwaa! There it is! Soldier: [Wa-h!] Get us out of here! Soldier: Uwa! There's water! [Burble burble] Water is coming in! Soldiers: [Gyaaa!] It the Red King's curse! Spare us...! P.184 [Glub glub] Shuri: [Hahahahaha!] What do you think of the ghost ship strategy? Shuri: The Japanese are weak to superstition! [Wahahahahaha!] We can keep sinking ships this way. P.185 Nakijin: Does he usually go that far? [What _is_ that makeup?] [I'm embarrassed for him.] Yuuna: He likes festivals. Shuri: (The sunken ships were all my possessions once. Then, as I thought, the western Red Army is coming...) Shuri: (But the "Kurenai" is no longer, and now that the great navy "Fuujin" is also gone, Japan has no decent ships.) Shuri: (And as long as they are without ships, they will not be able to come to Okinawa.) P.185 Momonoi: I cannot think that the ghost ship is anything but an Okinawan plot! Momonoi: Damned Unten, putting on the show that you've joined with us, and then this betrayal! Momonoi: I've waited for the death of President Asato, thinking I could take Okinawa without fighting, but I can no longer rely on that. Momonoi: But indeed, the battle would not be easy. Momonoi: Only have them gather. Assemble the ships, and attack in a single strike! P.186 Sarasa: Bashou-sensei. Please get up. Bashou: mm... Bashou: Is it the assassin?! But it's quiet... Sarasa: No, he is coming. Sarasa: Take the President into the cave. Bashou(?): Yes. Sarasa, who are you?! Sarasa: I will defend you. Bashou: What?! Sarasa: Stay back! Sarasa: (He's coming!!) 9 *End* Bessatsu Shoujo Comic Serialized through Sept. 1990 issue. P.188 --------------------------------------------------------------------- It's only 4 pages, but it's the extra TAM-TAM TIME I went to Okinawa on a data gathering trip! Chapter. Tamu: Hiya! Are you all doing fine? Lately the Flower Comics Special volume of "X-Day" came out. If you're interested, give it a read, okay? And another novel came out, check it out! TAMU Well then. This is quite the usual thing, but as Basara's stage suddenly shifted to Okinawa, Tamu: I guess I had better go. (I thought.) (Somehow I tweaked my schedule and put together plans for about a week. But there was an incident where I was late getting on the departing airplane.) Tamu: Wait.. (It happened when I went to America too.) (It was my first time in Okinawa. (I have lots of first visits. Up until now I haven't gone to many places.)) (It was the end of January. But in Okinawa, its already spring, they say. Such fun!) (But... it was rainy.) [Naha Airport] Tamu: C, Cold. (I was cold in a spring jacket.) P.189 During the day I flew to Ishigaki Island and stayed at a hotel. (In the hotel (room) they had video games, and I stayed up late playing.) The next day, I went to Iriomote Island. There had been an earthquake or something at Iriomote, and the road to the jungle in the south has collapsed and I couldn't go. A shame. (Scarey huh? Are you folks in Hokkaido alright?) (Completely unknown scenery!) I rolled about on a boat inside a mangrove forest. I had seen them before on TV commercials, but I crossed to neighboring Yufu Island on a water buffalo cart. (Underneath is water. It's shallow.) (Electric poles standing in the water. It was strange. When the tide is out, you can see the sea floor.) (This is a digression, but the water buffalo cart was late getting back.) Tamu: Am I slow? (I passed though Taketomi Island on the back to Ishigaki Island, and went to the main island by plane.) (I hate planes!) Nago Naha Iriomote (After that I made it to Nago in one shot.) (It was a hard day.) (The hotel had become the official pro baseball Japanese camp lodgings.) (Player-looking people are loitering around.) (The place I stayed at later in Naha was the Orix's lodging. Imagine!) Nago was in the middle of its sakura festival. P.190 (The sakura blooming were deep red like plums.) (You've probably seen it in TV commercials.) (Nakijin Castle was so pretty!) Well, this trip to Okinawa had three main objectives. One was seeing the bashoufu factory. (A place called Kijoka. I stopped by.) The second was seeing bull fighting. It's not an exaggeration to say I came to see this. (A nice guy explained it to me. Thank you very much.) (I got juice too.) And the last one was Shuri Castle. (East... Tokiyo-chan is there...) (Hyu-- hyu--) They did the NHK drama Roke, that was lucky. (What was?) They didn't allow picture-taking inside Shuri Castle. Tamu: I'm going to draw a comic, so let me. (Even though I said that, it was no good.) But afterward they lent me some pictures. Thank you very much. It was very helpful. P.191 Oh, yeah. I mustn't forget. Gyokusendou! Tamu: Looks painful. I really like limestone caverns and things. I went to other things all over the place at double time. (The Southeast Botanical Garden. Or Nakagusuku. Or Urasoe youdore. (<-- A grave) Or the Ryukyu Village Nakamura house. ) (Oh, there are so many. And a glass workshop.) It was hectic but fun. I saw unusual things and was excited about it. (And Himeyuri Monument...){A memorial to the Battle of Okinawa in WWII.} (There were many things I needed to think about.) (I offered flowers.) (Okinawa pottery is modern, pretty, and fashionable.) (The glass is pretty too. The color is very clear.) Tamu: I...I want this vase... But it's expensive... (Resembles Kamamoto pottery.) (You shouldn't always buy on impulse, but, being on vacation makes you feel generous. It was just the place to get a reward, so I gave myself a present.) (I got lots of others too.) I ate pineapple, and drank coconut juice. (Tasty.) (I bought videos and books as materials, and even some Famicom games that have nothing to do with that.) I ate lots of Okinawan cooking. (Okinawa Soba) And I peeked into the ocean in a glass bottomed boat. (I don't know why people from the land always talk like they're chewing.) It made me happy that everyone was so kind. (You feel the history there. Stay pretty there always, okay?) In a flash I had run out of time there, Tamu: I'd like to go again sometime... And now I'm drawing the Okinawa Arc. (Send me your impressions, okay? Everyone, work cheerfully and hard!) Tamu: Please write me letters! Tamu: My best to Betsucomi, Deracomi, and Karin! (Later!) TAMU *End* --------------------------------------------------------------------- Inside flap: Tamura Yumi Profile Virgo, born Sept. 5. Blood type O. A passionate Giants fan. Example work: "Tomoe ga Yuku!" Debut work: "Oretachi no Zettai Kuukan" (Serialized in Shoujo Comic Sept. issue, 1983.) Back Cover: Sarasa, having washed ashore alone on Okinawa, luckily is found by Nakijin, and receives Bashou-sensei’s treatment. However, during her rest, before long she is caught up in the political strife between President Asato and Unten...?!