Tokyo Crazy Paradise
Hana to Yume
1998 vol. 24, episode no. 50
Translation by Yuki-chan

Text: ------If I were to even touch that small source of light, I would probably break------...

The text is accompanied by the picture of someone's outstretched hands receiving a floating sphere of light.

Asago is staring out a large window, holding her right arm. She massages it, recalling Sakahogi kumicho's words earlier.

"To become Kuryugumi's seisai must be difficult but please, gambatte!!"

She feels a stab of pain in her arm. "......!! ......!" She looks afraid.

Ryuji: "---...Asago..."

Asago whirls in fear: "!!"

Ryuji: "----..."

Asago quickly lets go of her arm: "...A... Ryuji......"

Ryuji: "......... ...Is your right arm......"

Asago, starting: "...R... Right arm...? It's nothing. Really, I felt a bit cold." {Like I said before it's probably just a mild cold.}

Ryuji: "---... ...Either way, you're important to us (Kuryugumi)......... Take care..." He drapes his coat over her shoulders. {...Here, wear this home.} [What a large jacket... you can't see her hands... Then again he is over a head taller than her, even if she's wearing heels.]

Asago thinks of his words. "---...For us---"

Asago: "...Ryuji...... ...Why did you suddenly decide that the engagement should be announced......?"

Ryuji: "...It's... not that sudden...... The inner disputes for the seisai position has died down and it was just postponed so obviously,"

Asago, cutting into his words: "...Liar... The last time, wasn't it because I asked you to..!? Then what about this time...!?"

Ryuji: "...... ...Asago......?"

Asago: "Why did you decide to do so this time...!? Why!? Right now I'm......!!"

Ryuji: "Asago!! ...What's wrong......?" He leans down a bit and takes both of her shoulders. "Why are you being so pessimistic?"

Asago looking down and avoiding his eyes: "......!"

Ryuji: "...It's not like you......"

Asago: "......"

Flashback.

Seems that Asago had a talk with Kadokanegumi's anesan some time in the recent past. Sumire was there too.

Asago and the anesan are sitting down on a bench while Sumire is standing nearby. I guess this happened some time after Tsubaki was saved and before they left Osaka (Asago and Sumire are in their school uniforms)... [that is unless the anesan came out to Tokyo or something.]

The anesan: "---You are not the one to decide if you're worthy to be the woman (seisai) of the gokudo------ If Sandaime, the one to be your husband chose you, then you have to answer to that. I've heard enough rumours that Kuryugumi's Sandaime is a person that does everything reasonably and properly. Then in order not to bring shame to the title of Kuryugumi's woman (seisai), you should become a reasonable and proper person as well. Never become a person who does dirty things from the dark shadows------..."

These words struck Asago hard. She recalls the day of the shooting match where she threatened Tsukasa with her brothers' lives. She recalls having Sho and Toshi shot.

Back in the present.

Asago feels a stab of pain in her right arm. {------...I... had Kozuki's brothers shot from the shadows---... To threaten her (Kozuki).}

Ryuji: "...Asago......?"

Asago: "...I'm sorry........." {To try and separate her and Ryuji------...} "...I...... Right now... I feel like a tiny and ugly person......" {...Ryuji... ...Is it really all right...?}

Ryuji, looking lost: "---...?"

Asago: {...Are you fine with (the seisai being) me------...}

Ryuji and Kamo-san watch as the car (presumably Asago's) drives away.

Ryuji, with his arms crossed: "---..."

Kamo-san: {Ummm...} "...... ...I really... wonder what going on..." {Not just Tsukasa-san but even Asago-san......} "...When I thought she's suddenly being friendly with Tsukasa-san she suddenly becomes serious...... Now this is what you call an uneasy feeling."

Ryuji: "......"

Kamo-san: "When we were waiting for the engagement announcement before there was nothing like this... ...I wonder what happened......."

Ryuji: "...I......"

Kamo-san starts.

Ryuji thinks back to the graduation trip when he first finds out for certain that Tsukasa was hiding her feelings towards him because of Asago's threat. Tsukasa had grabbed him by the collar and had told him "You better realize that your every word and action towards Asago may turn her into a little devil!!"

Ryuji: "...I changed her (Asago)------..."

Kamo-san: "......"

Ryuji, with his hands in his pockets, turning to leave: {---...and undoubtedly also Tsukasa as well-------} He recalls Tsukasa when she received the love letter.

Text below Tsukasa: Suddenly becoming more manly.

Ryuji: {-------...If I can just tolerate all of this, everything should be all right---------...}

In Kuryugumi's private VIP hospital. [It's probably the next day.]

Tsukasa has really thick false eyebrows on and is posing in front a large full length mirror. She's trying to look 'manly'. [I think it looks weird... Very weird...]

Tsukasa, satisfied with herself: {OK, I'm a better man!! I'll never let anyone say that 'You show expressions like a girl' anymore!!}

Meiko sensei just happens to spot her: "Oh Tsukasa-kun you were here? No way what's up~~~!? After not seeing you for awhile"

Tsukasa: "!!"

Meiko sensei: "You suddenly look more womanly~!" {Those tight fitting jeans look sexy.} "They look comfortable. Let's see ©" The doctor pats Tsukasa's butt. [Same sex sexual harassment?]

Tsukasa: "Hi!!" Her arms and legs crack like a hot glass doused in cold water. "Uwaaaaann!! Even you Meiko sensei------!!" She had large tears in her eyes.

Meiko: "E!? What, what!?"

It just so happens that Ryuji has also entered the VIP hospital and overhears Tsukasa's wailing.

Tsukasa is waving her arms and legs so fast (in a tantrum?) that she has 6 arms and 6 legs. "Why!! Why do you say I'm womanly when I'm wearing these smart looking eyebrows---!!" {Everyone's so mean---!! Everyone's stepping on my effort like it's tofu or something---!!}

Meiko, holding a armload of files: "U~m it's not a matter of looks-------..." She leans down to face Tsukasa. "Tsukasa-kun, do you know what pheromones are?"

Tsukasa, stopping her tirade: "Pheromones?" {What they use on farms?}

Text below Tsukasa: Those are hormones.

[Okay, to be honest, some of the text here does not exist in any dictionary I have but I'll explain it to the best of my knowledge from bio classes...]

Meiko: "It's a chemical that animals release, causing the members of the same species to react to it."

Tsukasa, who still has the false eyebrows on: "?" {???}

Meiko: "Females who release these pheromones appear rea--lly sexy and males who perceive this have this urge to want to touch even though they think they shouldn't." {...And those who actually do touch are just hentai [perverted] oyajis.} She laughs as Tsukasa's 'eyebrows' pop off her head.

Ryuji is directly behind Tsukasa trying to stop his hands for reaching out for Tsukasa's butt... which obviously ends in failure. {Kuoooo! Tight fitting jeans, long slender legs and a cute looking butt are beckoning me------!! Though I just told myself last night that I would tolerate---!!}

Text referring to Ryuji's thoughts: This is undoubtedly a hentai oyaji .

Some time later.

Ryuji, with several bandages on his face and a cigarette in his mouth: "...Man... ...Sometimes I find my will so weak it's pathetic..........." Ryuji looks pissed.

Meiko is putting bandages on his right leg [the cuff is rolled up, and no he isn't naked]. "You can't help it since you're a boy." {Even I, a female touched her.} "...I'm thinking it's 'unanswered love' that has made her so womanly all of the sudden...... ...is that wrong......?"

Ryuji, still smoking: "......"

Meiko, glancing at his face: "......" {U~m... I can't read that...} "...Sandaime you love her right? Then what about making her a bodyguard as well as a sweetheart?" [The translation 'lover' sounded too strong...]

Ryuji starts at this and glares.

Meiko notices this {...U...! I'm sorr~~y, I've said too much~~~}. She bows as Ryuji walks off. {Don't look so scary-! So you have no intention as making her your sweetheart!? ...Then... What are you planning on doing from now on------... With a boy and a girl who have feelings for each other being together everyday of the year------...}

Tsukasa, somewhere else.

Tsukasa: {Shit~~~...} "These pheromones~~~ Why is there such thing as pheromones~~~~~~" {Thanks to this thing I don't understand all my efforts are like soap bubbles!} [That is easily broken popped... Interesting analogy...] She tightens her belt.

Text: She changed into baggy jeans.

Tsukasa: "But!!" {I won't be defeated by pheromones or so they're called!! ...Otherwise,}

Meiko, back in the hospital: {The relationship can't remain platonic forever------...}

Tsukasa: {I won't be able to stay at Ryuji's side------...}

In some other room. Looks kinda like an office.

Kumiin 1: "...A."

Kumiin 2: "Sandaime."

Ryuji enters the room: "I heard that the report on the drug came from the lab."

Kumiin 3: "A... Here it is. ...It looks like they did some tests on animals but......" He hands the report to Ryuji.

[Ryuji doesn't look that serious with 5 bandages on his face.]

Kumiin 3: "The only things we learned from the 'good trip' and 'bad trip' conditions and through the analysis of the drug was that it has something alkaloid-like." [Chemistry is not my strong point...Don't ask...]

The report has the symptoms of sudden overdose listed: Sudden excitement turning into confusion, increased body temperature, nausea, the breath becomes... Later there is a loss of... followed by... death. [Some of the words are not shown]

Ryuji: "------..." {Like...?}

Kumiin 3: "It has the same affects of alkaloid poisoning, including increased body temperature, increased pulse and breathing rates but it also seems that the drug...... after prolonged periods cause the buildup of individual muscle fibres never seen caused by any alkaloid!!" [Damn all these technical terms!! They don't string together too well when translated!! I hope I translated it properly...]

Ryuji, slightly pissed: "...You don't have to explain it since it's written here." {Quiet a second.}

Kumiin 3: "But!" {I wanted to be of some use to you...!!}

Ryuji reads the end of the report.

------It is an unknown drug that requires further study------

Ryuji: "..." {...An unknown drug------... ...Why... ...do I have this bad feeling---...}

At the Sumon residence.

Asago is in her room, flexing her right arm. She sighs. "---..." {...It doesn't hurt......} She glances at her open purse on the bed and picks up a business card. {When I think about 'Kuryugumi' or 'seisai' it really hurts------...} [You can't even tell she's wearing a false arm.]

Flashback.

In some hospital.

Doctor/surgeon: "---...Are you really sure------...? While it is true that we do have a line of treatment that involves the use of latest bioceremics or biomaterial for professional sportsmen or the elite businessman who don't have time for treatment or rehabilitation... In your case there is the possibility of restoring your arm without the use of prosthesis........."

Asago is with her father in a hospital room where they are discussing how to proceed with the treatment of Asago's arm (right after the Sakahogi-Hizaki incident).

Asago, with tears in her eyes: "...I'm saying!! I live in a world where you don't know what can happen next!! I don't have time for treatment or rehabilitation!! I want an arm that will move immediately right now!!"

Doctor: "...Well... Presently we do have prostheses that will work immediately after the attachment is made... it will likely be just like before within 1 week of getting used to it......"

Sumon (Asago's father): "...Doctor, please respect her will."

Doctor, sighing: "...... ...I understand.........."

Asago: "!" She smiles.

Doctor: "---...But... ...On the downside of being usable immediately, because of it's special properties...... This (the prosthesis) requires delicate care. ---Have you ever heard of people having the sites of their operations hurt on rainy days.........? ---...Similar to that, the present artificial limbs, also known as Gystgear, are highly sensitive to the mental condition of the patient. If the user is emotionally unstable to the point of being mentally unhealthy, there is the possibility of the attachment site becoming painful."

[The Gystgear is a made-up word using the characters that mean 'mental' and 'tool/item']

Doctor: "...Do you understand? Unlike the previous prostheses, the present ones cannot be removed once attached. ---So if the site of attachment begins to cause you pain, then immediately return here for mental care. ------Otherwise that pain may continue for the rest of your life------..."

She had gotten the business card following the operation. Seems that the company name is Revival Dock. [For some reason Asago's full name is also printed on it...]

Back in the present. Asago is suddenly wearing different clothes [!!? I guess she was changing.]

Sumon: "---...Does your arm hurt......?" He enters the room and notices that Asago is holding the business card.

Asago: "...Father...!"

Sumon: "That is a Revival Dock's member's card right? It also counts as a medical examination and treatment card."

Asago: "...No... My arm doesn't hurt......"

Sumon: "...That's good but...... if the outside finds out that the person who's to receive Sandaime's 'Shirogami' name tomorrow is unstable to the point that her arm hurts you'll be a laugh."

Asago turns away and avoids her father's eyes.

Sumon: "...I don't remember raising you as such as weak person, and I don't think that with you, that will ever happen. ---...But... if, Asago...... if your arm were to start hurting, don't you dare go for treatment."

Asago: "!!" She whirls to face her father.

Sumon: "You don't know where you're being watched. If it's pain that's caused by your mental state then you should be able to control it with your mind."

Asago: "......"

Sumon: "Solve the problem yourself, since you're Sandaime's seisai!!"

Asago's eyes go wide, and she feels a stabbing pain in her arm.

Sumon: "Listen, don't do anything that shows others your weakness! Become a more perfect person worthy of Sandaime. Whatever happens, don't ever fail so that you'll be left behind by Sandaime."

Asago recalls when she saw Ryuji and Tsukasa take off on a bike together to go and save Tsubaki and she was left behind.

Sumon: "Just like when you lost to Kyuragi's daughter over the seisai battle don't you ever embarrass Sandaime again!!"

Asago, now with tears in her eyes: "I KNOW THAT!!" {I know that!! I've always wanted to be worthy of Ryuji !! Thinking I have to be perfect, I've come this far without anyone else's hand!! ---But, but I------...!!} She remembers having Tsukasa's brothers shot.

The door opens as Asago bursts out.

Sumire is there, her hand reaching for the doorbell.

Sumire: "A! It's Asa-yan------!!" {Hey-- It's your friend Sumire---} "What good timing I was just about to ring the bell......"

Asago with a tear-streaked face: "---!!"

Sumire: "...A... ...Asa-yan......? ...What's wrong...?"

Asago turns to go back in the house: "......"

Sumire: "...By any chance... Does your arm still hurt.........? Haven't you gone to the hospital yet......" {How aho.} "If you're scared of going alone then I'll go with you... ...Do you want to go now......? I can help you out you know...? {I am your friend...} She touches Asago's arm.

Asago envisions herself in a dark place with a small sphere of light in front of her. She looks worried. As she reaches out with her hands, the sphere of light collects over her open palms and starts to grow.

Asago: "Stop...!!" She slaps Sumire's hand away.

Sumire: "......Asa-yan..."

Asago, with her hand to her mouth: "...Stop...! ...Don't be so nice to me.........!!" {------...Right now if...} "...It will make me want to rely on you......!" {------if I were to touch even that small source of light} "If I were to touch that small source of light,} "If I rely on someone right now------...!!" {I will probably} "I won't be able to stand alone (unaided) anymore------..." {break---------}

The next day.

Cars are pulling up and the members of Kuryugumi are assembling.

The kumiin are talking: "How joyful."

"There were a lot of obstacles but with this, things should settle down, right White, Red, Purple and Green,"

Kyuragi, Usui, Kawazoe and Mooka: "Ri---ght." They laugh uneasily.

In a room, there is a large sign announcing the official engagement behind a massive table with flowers and candles.

Tsukasa is alone in her usual casual boyish attire. She stares up at the massive sign. "------..." She takes a deep breath and claps her hands one. She then smacks her cheeks (pretty hard) several times.

Tsukasa: "Okaaaaay!! That's enough spirit!! Kozuki Tsukasa!! Today you'll get through the day like a man------!! If I just get through today------!!" She's all charged up getting ready to face the next couple of hours.

A lone figure stands by the door in the shadows: "---......"

Tsukasa is singing to herself, and putting on the fish costume she promised for Asago. The eyes are attached to springs and are bouncing around. As she's sitting on the floor pulling the large costume over her head and her sight is temporarily obstructed, the figure enters and starts speaking to her.

Person: "---... Is the reason your try to act so manly to kill the feelings Sandaime has towards the female you are------...?"

Tsukasa's hand twitches.

The person steps closer: "---...Or is it to hide the feelings you, as a female, have towards Sandaime------...?"

Tsukasa lifts up the costume and glares at the person through slitted eyes. It's Kamo-san. [Actually, you could tell by his speech mode.]

Kamo-san: "......Seems like they're both true------... ...Though you love Sandaime so much... is it necessary to hide to your feelings...? Tsukasa-san, you and Sandaime... have mutual feelings......? But........ ...in this state...... both you and Sandaime will find it painful------..."

The fish costume lands on the floor.

Kamo-san: "...If you both love each other then Tsukasa-san, do you have any thoughts of becoming Sandaime's second seisai------...?"

Tsukasa is still sitting on the floor looking up at him with slitted eyes.