Tokyo Crazy Paradise
Hana to Yume
1998 vol. 15, episode no. 43
Translation by Yuki-chan

Sound of footsteps.

Asago: "---...If you would ever looked at Ryuji with the eyes of a woman, I would kill your brothers. ...That's what you promised with me. You remember don't you.........?" Asago draws her gun.

Tsukasa, who's tied up in several ropes: "!!" She looks frantic. "Wait---! I didn't mean that!! I was just trying to get you spurred on since you were so depressed though you had a shooting competition against that Purple Dragon Clan's daughter......!" Tsukasa's brothers are tied up like her, and are lined up in front of Asago.

Asago, pointing her gun at Tsukasa's brothers: "...Too late.........! I'm a woman who will do something when I say I will!"

Tsukasa: "...S, Stop!!"

Tsukasa is thrashing about in her bed: "Please! I won't interfere! I won't tell Ryuji how I feel! And I will act so that he won't notice! I promise! I'll promise! Asago-sama~~~" She wakes up. There are tears in her eyes. She wakes up in a really strange position. [You have to see this one. I can't explain it. - See below]

Tsukasa: "...A...?" {---...That dream again......... ...Dammit... I wonder how many times do I have to have that dream before I realize part way through that it is only a dream......} She gets up and brushes her teeth. {...Well... Because not all of it's a dream...... Even if Taku-nii, Toshi and Sho are shooting targets is only a dream, the words that Asago and I exchanged are real...... ...That was after the shooting match for the position of the seisai---... After I escaped from Asago......}

Flashback.

In the hallways (probably in the Kuryugumi main house).

Tsukasa, out of breath: "...I'm saying!! I don't think of Ryuji anymore than a friend---!! As proof, even if you and Ryuji become engaged, or even if you two marry, I'll wish you well and with a smile!"

Asago is in the doorway, with both guns drawn, breathing hard.

Tsukasa: {I'll even say omedeto 100 times and I'll even dance in a fish costume!!} [omedeto = congratulations] "If I really loved Ryuji, then if you were in my position, then could you do the same!!?"

Asago: "...Wish us well...?" She thinks a moment. "......" She snickers. "...That may be interesting..."

Tsukasa: "...E...?" {W... What? What? Hello? What are you thinking?} Her heart is beating fast.

Asago: "...... I'll give you another chance... But if from now on when you're near Ryuji, if you show even a bit of your feelings towards him then I won't forgive you. I won't allow Ryuji, Kamojima, Shibuya, or anyone to know about your feelings."

Tsukasa: {...I'm saying... That I don't see Ryuji anymore than a friend.} (Though this is a lie).

Tsukasa: {Is she going to accept any of this......!?}

Asago: "...Do you understand what this means?"

Tsukasa, looking naive: "Huh?"

Asago: "Living hell." [Okay, that's not quite right. More like to almost kill someone.] "Just like you said. No matter what happens, you have to watch over me and Ryuji with a smile! ...Okay......? If you break any part of this deal, then this time I'll use your brothers as shooting targets in front of your eyes."

Tsukasa: "......"

Asago: "Remember well that your very words or actions may change your brothers' lives---"

Back in the present.

Tsukasa: {---When I heard that deal, I thought clearly that I won!! But even if I think in my mind that it's simple, that I would just have to keep my friendly relation with Ryuji...} Picture of many Ryujis and Tsukasas skipping along with arms linked. {Now that I've noticed Ryuji, I can no longer tell what how large this friendship domain really is.}

Tsukasa: {...Huh...? I far apart did I walk from Ryuji!?}

Text: A friendly distance.

Tsukasa: { If I walk too close then he may think it strange...!} Picture of Tsukasa trying to figure out how large a distance to leave between her and him. {How was I talking to Ryuji up until now!?}

Text: The expression you have when you talk to a friend.

Tsukasa: {If I look too happy when I talk to him then he may think it strange...!} Picture of her trying to look normal when she talks to Ryuji. {How did I used to play fight with Ryuji!?}

Text: Play fighting with a friend.

Tsukasa: {If I seem to have too much fun then he may think it strange...!}

She opens the door to her room to leave.

Tsukasa: {--When you think you have to act normal... then it's so~~~ hard to act normal......} "......" She lets out a big sigh.

Kamo-san: "...What a big sigh. You sound like an adult who's tired of life."

Tsukasa starts: {An old fox!} She sees a siren above Kamo-san's head. The danger level on the siren reads 80%.

Kamo-san: "Is something bothering you?"

Tsukasa is reluctant to speak. {This guy is sly. I better leave.} "Well, a lot of things. Since I am at a sensitive age."

Kamo-san, smiling: "...Hmm... Does it have to do with love?"

Tsukasa feels like a shuriken labelled "You said it!" just hit her in the heart. [Shuriken = ninja star] She freaks. {How the hell did he know------!! Why, because I say I'm at a sensitive age, do you think it's about love!!?} "Kamo-san, where do you get the idea that I would be in love?" She laughs, trying to cover up her feelings.

Kamo-san, smiling: "Hm? It shouldn't be that unusual. I don't think that you would be worrying about your debt or your lifestyle by now. ...Then the only thing you could be worrying about would be a love problem wouldn't it? ...And you are already in Grade 9. ...By the way... About your worry and the fact that Asago-san is no longer chasing after you with a gun... are they in anyway related......?" He whispers the last words into her ear.

Tsukasa freaks big time. The reflection of her heart suddenly manifests as a huge shadow behind Tsukasa. It looks like Munch's "The Scream" again.

Tsukasa: {...I... It can't be helped------...! I shouldn't say a word to this gu---y !! If he can figure out that from just the words "a sensitive age" then I don't have enough lives---!!} She starts dancing a strange dance to regain her calmness.

Kamo-san: "Tsukasa-san!? What's wrong all of the sudden?"

Ryuji comes out with a large white paper fan and smacks her on the head: "Hey!"

Kamo-san: "A."

Tsukasa comes to: "A?"

Ryuji: "...Why are you still dressed in casual clothes?"

Tsukasa: {...Ryuji!} "What's with you Ryuji... With a jersey and all........." {Gate ball from the morning?}

Ryuji: "......" He takes out a piece of paper and shoves it into Tsukasa's face.

Tsukasa: "N? N? N!? AAAAAAAaaaaa"

The notice:

At school.

Toshi: "Tsukasa---!"

Tsukasa: "Toshi--!"

Toshi: "What's with you---! I thought you forgot since you were so late."

Tsukasa, with a knapsack: "Actually, I did~~~" {Completely.}

Toshi, looking surprised: "E!? You!?" {Why!?} "Weren't you looking forward to this!? The Destination Contest Orienteering!!"

Text: Let's explain what is this Destination Contest Orienteering!!

Apparently, there are several destinations for the school trip. This includes France; England; Greece; Spain; and Osaka, Nara, and Kyoto. [The last 3 as a set]

If there is a place that you would like to go, then from today you must finish a orientation program that corresponds with the desired destination. The orientation program will take place at the "Nature House", a green paradise [sounds like a green conservation]. Each class will be divided into 6 or 7 groups and the destination will be awarded by placing within certain categories.

---Of course, Tsukasa-kun--- is looking forward to going overseas.

Tsukasa: "...That's right. I was looking forward to this Destination Contest Orienteering to get the school trip of my dreams." {...But...} "The devil and Death's child from hell sometimes gives me amnesia........." [She's talking about Asago of course.]

Toshi, looking confused: "...Ha...?"

Tsukasa: "...... Forget that Toshi. Is it all right for you to be taking part in this...? Your leg,"

Toshi, rubbing his right leg: "Aa, it's all right. Lately even if I move it doesn't hurt much. Plus this orienteering is compulsory." {I won't overdo it.}

Tsukasa looks down: "......" She hugs her twin brother. "...I'm sorry..."

Toshi: "E? Why are you apologizing Tsukasa?" He laughs. "This leg injury is from walking in the city and coincidentally being hit by a stray bullet. But the fact that Sho in a different part of the city was also coincidentally hit by a stray bullet and wounded is not funny." {But stray bullets are always flying by in the city.}

Tsukasa: "......" {---...It's not a coincidence......} She recalls Asago's earlier words.

Asago: "Next time I'll use your brothers as shooting targets in front of you."

Tsukasa: {---She said next time... ...This is a warning for me...... ...Damn her...... She's really starting to look like the devil or Death. I mean... I knew that her personality wasn't the best before......} She grabs her brother's hand. "But Toshi!! It's all right! I! I won't give up!!"

Toshi: "E?"

Tsukasa: {I will protect Taku-nii, Toshi and Sho!!}

An announcement stops their conversation.

"Attention everyone! We want to be off after the roll call so please head towards the buses now."

Toshi: "See you Tsukasa, I'm in bus no. 4."

Tsukasa: "Okay." {Don't overdo it.} "...Now." She turns to Ryuji. "Let's go too Ryuji-kun."

Bun-san, worriedly: "...Aah... Is it all right with just Tsu-bo..."

Kamo-san: "Tsukasa-san said it was all right." {It should be okay.} [Yes, Ryuji is finally going somewhere without his bodyguards.]

In front of the buses.

A teacher: "Understand---? You must sit in the assigned seats---! Do not switch seats!"

Tsukasa, holding out her hand: "U~m Shimada-kun, Kudo-kun, Asaba-kun looks like we're in the same group---!" [Shimada, Kudo, and Asaba are all last names.] None of them move to shake her outstretched hand. Kudo looks absolutely terrified of her.

Inside the bus.

Tsukasa: {...U~m... Are these the types that don't like talking to people who are 'just classmates'...!!?} She comes to seat number 37. Ryuji is sitting in the next seat. "......"

Ryuji: "...What's wrong? Aren't you going to sit down?"

Tsukasa: "...Um... But, my seat's no. 38."

Kudo, who's in the seat behind Ryuji freaks. Ryuji turns around to look at Kudo, who freaks again.

Tsukasa: {...I see... ...The way he's shaking... looks like he's heard rumours about Ryuji. Like if your eyes meet with Ryuji you'll be turned into a stuffed animal [person?], or be transformed into a mutant and sold in the black market.}

Ryuji: "...Who cares. It doesn't matter." {Hurry up and sit.}

Tsukasa: "U!" {What if Asago finds out that though there's a seating plan, I ignored it to sit beside Ryuji!?} She starts panicking [quietly though]. She's thinking whether she should beat Kudo up to get her proper seat. {I'd like to sit beside Ryuji but should I use force!? But... What should I do... Should I sit here... Maybe I should... But...! But I want to...! But...!}

Ryuji: "..." He stares up at Tsukasa, who looks confused. "...Hey......"

Asago comes out of nowhere: "Ryuji is this seat free?"

Ryuji: "!"

Tsukasa: "Gya! Wh..." {What!? Weren't you in bus no. 10!? Asago---!?}

Asago sits down, all smiles. "Lucky-- ©" She glances behind her at Tsukasa.

Tsukasa: {Wha~t!? What's with that face!? Do you have a problem~~~~~~!?} Tsukasa starts. Suddenly she smiles, remembering her promise. She then goes to the back seats where her teammates are sitting. "...Do you mind if I sit here...?" A black aura surrounds her. {Dammi~~~t! I was just about to sit down~~~!}

Asago, talking to Ryuji: "The teacher didn't stop me and the girls' bus seemed boring so I came here. But this whole trip seems boring."

Ryuji doesn't seem to be listening to Asago. He glances back at Tsukasa. He looks down. "---..."

At Yamanashi.

Seems like it's a natural reserve or something. [Sorry, I can't read all of the kanji.] The sign reads that the "Nature House" is 2 km from there.

A teacher [most likely]: "From here, you will be walking to your destinati---on! Break up into your groups and go towards the entrance to your backs and head for your goal--- Groups that reach the goal first will start lunch preparations---! There are instructors at the destination so ask about anything you don't understand. That's all. Start---!"

The students start heading off into the bush in their groups.

Asago: "A! Wait Ryuji! I have a cramp in my leg!"

Ryuji: "Sit here a minute. Which one?"

Asago: "The right."

Tsukasa, who happens to overhear this: "...Ha..." {...What's this 'I have a cramp in my leg'? Acting so cute and all. It seems so fake. ...But even if that was true, it seems like she's trying to get at me.}

Asago glances over at Tsukasa and smiles slyly.

Tsukasa, barely smiling: {How annoying!!}

Teacher: "Hey Kozuki-kun. Weren't you told to move in your groups?"

Tsukasa: "Sensei." [Sensei = teacher]

Teacher: "What's the key word of this Destination Contest Orienteering!?"

Tsukasa: "...It's teamwork."

Teacher: "That's right!" He leans over to whisper at Tsukasa. "Actually... It's supposed to be announced before the orienteering, but the whole group has to place for it to count towards a desired destination. Or else you'll end up at last place, with the Osaka, Nara and Kyoto trip."

Tsukasa is very disturbed: {Wha~~~~~~t!!?} She starts walking unsteadily. {...No way...! The members of our group are already moving their separate ways with no care for teamwork~~~. Osaka!? Nara!? Kyoto!? Why the heck do I have to pay an expensive travelling fee for Japanese sightseeing!!? You've got to be kidding!!} Looks like Tsukasa is being drawn into a whirl pool again. {With our family budget, the only time I'll get to go overseas will be for this 'school trip', otherwise I may never be able to go~~~~~~~~~ I was looking forward to it! I was looking forward to it~~~!}

A shuto to the back of her head brings her out of the whirl pool. "Ow! Wh~at the..." She whirls around. "...Ryuji!"

Ryuji: "... ...What are you doing getting so close with a teacher..." He doesn't look too pleased.

Tsukasa: "...W... What? I wasn't getting close!" {What nonsense are you talking about?}

Ryuji: "You were too! Your face was this close!" He brings his face up close to Tsukasa.

Tsukasa freaks. {U!} She suddenly slaps both her cheeks with her hands.

Ryuji: "!!!" The sound surprises him.

Tsukasa, her hands and cheeks red, and stinging: "...The air's great here..."

Ryuji: {Who's the one who's doing nonsense?}

Tsukasa wipes her brow, letting out a breath in relief: {Damn that was close. I was about to turn red in the face there. Dammit he scared me! To turn into a tomato in front of a friend like that will make anyone suspicious!! ---...But... ...Only 2-3 months ago..... Ryuji's close up didn't bother me...... U... My heart's racing!} She starts suddenly. "By the way... Where's Asago......?" {I thought it was quiet all of the sudden.}

Ryuji: "...Some girl from her group dragged her off."

Tsukasa: {What!? That Asago...!? That girl's gonna be in critical condition......}

At the lunch rest stop.

Students are trying to prepare lunch.

"Gya-- I cut my finger---!"

Some of the guys are collecting firewood [!!?]

Shimada and Kudo are staring dumbfounded at the counter where there are cutting boards, knives and a bowl of vegetables. "...... ......"

Tsukasa: "Oh! There are you are. He---y!"

Shimada and Kudo: "!!"

Tsukasa: "Sorry I'm late. We're supposed to be making curry!? Maybe there's nothing to help with anymore." She notices the stuff on the counters untouched. "......"

Shimada: "Um... ...We don't know what do......"

Tsukasa: {A... They spoke......}

Ryuji, picking up a knife and a potato: "... ...Am I supposed to do this too......"

Tsukasa: "Of course! Team work! It's teamwork!!" She turns to Shimada, "That's right, now this time cut it vertically!"

Ryuji: "...I've never done this."

Tsukasa, turning back to Ryuji: "It's easy! All you have to do is chop it!"

In case you're wondering, Asaba is washing the rice.

Ryuji: "..." He looks at the knife. {...Chop...? Chop......} He brings the knife down... and cuts his left thumb. "......!" He looks at this hand, thinking about what he should do. "......" He lifts his hand up in the air (so that's it's above his heart). "......"

Tsukasa: "...And... If you do that then is it supposed to do something......" Shimada and Kudo stare in disbelief.

Ryuji: "!!" The blood from his thumb is trickling down his arm.

At a make shift first aid station.

Tsukasa: "Man---! Can't you do something about this kind of injury!!?" {You are the Kuryugumi kumicho aren't you!!?} She's bandaging his thumb, and yelling. "You can't always be relying on Kamo-san or others!! Didn't you learn in grade school from Kono-sensei that you should do your own things by yourself..." She stops in mid sentence.

Ryuji is smiling down at her.

Tsukasa: {...W...} "What are you smiling about!! You bastard---!!" She punches him in the face.

Asago, who just happens to be walking by notices this. {...A...} She too is injured, with all the fingers on her right hand bandaged.

Tsukasa, quickly packing away the first aid kit. {...Dammit...! This guy's smile seems to be my weak point! Don't smile like that all of the sudden!}

Ryuji: "...... ...Lately... You seemed... a bit strange..."

Tsukasa: {N?}

Ryuji: "You started walking a far distance from me, and while talking to me your face would suddenly harden, even while play fighting you seemed to be stiff and today in the bus... ...It seemed like you were avoiding me... or something..."

Tsukasa: {...What... I was trying to act normal and it made it even more suspicious...!}

Ryuji: "...But now, it seems like you're your usual self ...so I'm glad..."

Tsukasa starts to turn red.

Light coloured [red I suppose] hair starts blowing upwards as if there is a wind.

"...Ba~~~ka~~~-zu~~ki~~~"

Tsukasa freaks.

In the nearby trees.

Asago: "You---!! It seems that you didn't understand what I meant!!"

Tsukasa: "I do! I understand!!"

Asago: "Liar! What was that atmosphere!! Weren't you thinking of confessing (your love) to Ryuji!?"

Tsukasa: "Of course not! I, I see Ryuji only as a friend,"

Asago: "You're sti~~ll saying that!? I heard from Ryuji!! That it was your idea to leave Kamojima and Shibuya in Tokyo!! Isn't it because you had secret motive!?"

Tsukasa: "Wh! ...A! That! That's because if he's always followed everywhere by people from the kumi then he would feel confined, so I suggested that they give him a breather...! That I'd always stay by his side so there's nothing to worry about......"

Asago: {See!} "I thought so!! You just want to be beside Ryuji all the time."

Tsukasa throws a punch at Asago.

Asago: "Kya!" The punch lands on the tree trunk just beside her head.

Tsukasa: "......I'm a bodyguard. ...So that can't be helped........."

Asago: "...!"

Tsukasa looking serious: "......" She sighs. "...Hey... Asago... ...I will keep my promise. Even if my brothers weren't involved in this, I probably would have... come to the same conclusion with these feelings......"

Asago: "...!?"

Tsukasa: "... So, can you just take it as a joke... that I loved Ryuji---"

A twig snaps somewhere nearby.

Asago and Tsukasa look in that direction. "!!!"

It's Ryuji.

Tsukasa [I think]: "... ...What...?"

Asago looks totally freaked. Ryuji looks slightly surprised.

{...What...!?} [Okay, this is not a good translation, but it's kind of like both "huh" and "oh my god"]