English Translation by Yamazaki Masatomo and Karen Duffy c. December 1998 This chapter has been done strictly as an introduction to the story plot prior to the release of the Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne TV series. KAMIKAZE KAITOU JEANNE (Japanese spelling but intended to be French style like "Jean Luc Picard"). Story and color illustrations By Tanemura Arina. Literal English "The Mysterious Wind Thief of God, Jean" (Kamikaze means Wind Of God in reference to the fact that every time Japan was attacked by invaders, a typhoon hit Japan and protected its people, as if by God.) Story 1 "The Mademoiselle of Backlighting" from Ribon Magazine #2 of 1998. ************************************************************************************** COMMENTARY by your editor: The name presents an unusual dilemma. The name is in reference to Joan Of Arc. Or in the French language Jeanne D'Arc. The Japanese spell her name "Jeanne". Though it may be tempting to pronounce her name Jeannie, her name is intended to be pronounced "Jean", as in "Jean Luc Picard". In a nutshell... Joan - Stronger connotations. But will not match in pronunciation when the anime comes out nor the French pronunciation either. Neither will it match the posters, CDs, calendars, toys, etc. coming out of Japan. Jeanne - This translation chooses to go with the Japanese spelling, Jeanne, and explain why ahead of time for the sake of pronunciation and explanation. "Joan of Ark" as such, will be weaved in whenever it can be done, in such a way to make the story more powerful to the English speaker. A lot of thought went into how to handle this, and now that it's done, it seems to be working. Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne is to air on TV as an anime on February 12, 1999 at 6:30 PM on Asahi. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From the color illustration at the beginning.... Jeanne: In the name of God, I make my appearance now. Miyako: There she is! This is the night that we'll catch you! Jeanne: This evening, I'm taking "That False" beauty. (She's referring to something not right with a piece of art). --------------------------------------------- 1st Page At the end of the century... ...one small Kaitou thief targets beautiful works of art. She has disrupted the world. [Image] Someone: Maron... Maron: Hm? ------------------------------------------------------ 2nd Page Noise... Maron: What're you trying to do, Miyako? Miyako: VENT MY ANGER ON YOU. (Author put in a note to say: and she's doing it clearly!) SHE RAN OFF AGAAAAAIN YESTERDAY! THAT THIEF, JEANNE! (like Jean Luke Picard) Maron: You have no right to upset others in the club with it. Miyako: I can get away with it because we're childhood pals! Kaitou Sinbad and Kaitou Jeanne ------------------------------------------------------ 3rd Page Miyako: How scary. For a minute, I thought she'd figured it out. Maron: I'm Kusakabe Maron. 16 yrs. old. I belong to the Rhythmic Gymnastics Club. But... ...in truth, I'm really I'm Kaitou Jeanne. Course that's top secret. Maron: Hey Miyako, why don't you quit accompanying your dad, as the daughter of the investigator, to the spots where these incidents occur? ----------------------------------------------------- 4th Page Miyako: No way. One day I'll become an investigator like my dad. That means I need to know the basics of the work. Maron: Ah shoot, what a pain. Miyako: Oh I seeee. You just don't want me to become a hero by catching Jeanne. Maron: I'm just worried about you. At the last gymnastics match, you lost to me on total score. Can you afford to have that keep happening? Maron shows Miyako her certificates of award from her wins. ------------------------------------------------------ 5th Page Maron: Hey! Don't be burning my history! What's the big idea, YOU! Miyako: You just wait 'n see! Maron and Miyako: Pakkyamlamao-sensei! (a teacher or manager of the team. The authoress says "a REAL beauty") Pakkyamlamao-sensei: Quit fighting! What IS this? Gymnastics requires a beautiful mind like a flower. If your mind is ugly, you can't perform. Maron and Miyako: Yes, Ma'am. ------------------------------------------------------ 6th Page Pakkyamlamao-sensei: Who started it? Maron: Miyako did. Miyako: Maron did. Pakkyamlamao-sensei!: All right you two, out! Maron: Quit following me! Miyako: I can't HELP it! We live in the same apartment and our bedrooms are next to each other! Maron: I got scolded by sensei... Whenever I'm with you, you bring me nothing but trouble. ------------------------------------------------------ 7th Page Miyako: Say WHAAAAT?! Maron is opening the mailbox. Miyako: Are you LISTENING to me?! She touches a cardboard box and the other boxes come tumbling down. Miyako: It's true, I bring bad luck. Maron: Everyone's well aware of it. Miyako: So who'd leave empty boxes right there?! Maron: Never mind! Just give me an apology! Miyako: It wasn't MY fault! ------------------------------------------------------ 8th Page A guy suddenly picks Miyako up over his shoulder. ------------------------------------------------------ 9th Page Both girls are blushing. Guy: Are you all right? Maron: Y-yes. Guy: I'm sorry. I left the boxes. I'll take care of them right away. The elevator has arrived. Maron: Th-Thank you very much. Miyako, let's go. ------------------------------------------------------ 10th Page Maron: Cool, wasn't he? (with hearts) Miyako is dealing with a pounding heart. Maron: The boxes were empty so he's the one that just moved in. Maron (thinking) He's good looking and honest. Exactly MY TYPE! Guy Thinking: Just as I suspected. She's the one. Maron [Image] 11th Page Guy: Kusakabe Maron. Maron: I'm home, Fin! Fin: Haro....n! Vice-angel, Fin-fish is here! Maron: I'm home, Fin! Fin: Welcome home! The next job is... Maron: I refuse. Fin: Why? Why? Maron: I just did one yesterday. I'm a busy high school student. I need time for school and adolescence. ------------------------------------------------------ 12th Page Maron: Compared to me, being an angel is a breeze. You never have to deal with tests or clubs. Fin: WHAT?! Fin, has to complete her orders. Otherwise, I can't be promoted to a real angel! It's HARD! Maron: Then we ought to quit stealing! Fin: MARON! YOU STILL DON'T UNDERSTAND EVEN THOUGH YOU'VE BEEN DOING IT FOR A MONTH! The only one, who can collect the devils concealed by Satan within the art, is the incarnation of Jeanne Daluku! (Joan of Arc - English; Jeanne D'Arc - French) ------------------------------------------------------ 13th Page Maron: Anyway, being the incarnation of Jeanne is a nice position and it fits me to a T. Fin: Long ago, Satan, who wanted this world, found that God could be weakened when the century turns to the 20's. And that's by using works of art in the human world. Whomever feels the beauty of those paintings, he shall be able to destroys their minds. Humans' beautiful minds..THEY are the root of God. ------------------------------------------------------ 14th Page Fin: If it continues unchecked, God will die. Humans will disappear. There will be NO ONE left. Maron: You're right. Fin: If any other person were to try to collect the pictures, they'll be possessed. Only YOU, who received the power of God in your former life, can do it. Maron: But... What a pain. And there's Miyako to deal with. Fin: Oh, so you're giving up the reward? ------------------------------------------------------ 15th Page Fin: If you finish this, I can make a wish come true for you. Maron: No! I'll do it! Right away! There's nothing that will keep me from doing it! Fin: Yes! Maron: Where? Fin: Weeell, near Kakimachi. Maron: You mean, that's ALL you know? You talked like you knew all about it. Fin: That's all. I thought I'd leave the rest up to you, Maron. Maron: Actually, it wasn't planned for tonight, that's why, right? ------------------------------------------------------ 16th Page Well, Kakimachi borders our town, so it should be over that way. Pretty close! Easy! Easy! Guy: Good afternoon. Maron: Good afternoon. ------------------------------------------------------ 17th Page Maron thinking: He's the one I met before. Guy: We meet again. Maron thinking: Wow! His smile is attractive too. High points for him! Maron: Oh, you're next door! Guy: Looks like it. I'm Nagoya. Just moved in today. Maron thinks: He's a bit different than I thought, but still handsome. Guy: What a lovely view. Maron: Sure, because it's the 7th floor. Guy: I didn't mean the scenery. Maron: Huh? ------------------------------------------------------ 18th Page Maron suddenly realizes what he meant. Kyaaaaaaaah! (Apparently, her bra is showing from beneath a light summer top and possibly some of her anatomy there as well.) She thinks: No, no...how embarrassing. This couldn't be worse. Oh my GOD! Aaaaaaaa! Fin: What happened, Maron? ------------------------------------------------------ 19th Page Maron: What?! You fell for him at first sight?! Miyako: Sure did. The guy that saved me from the boxes yesterday. Maron: You're so uncomplicated. Just like you, Miyako. Miyako: So, once again, we're rivals, Maron. Maron: Huh? Miyako: You can't hide it, I can tell you're in love too. Maron: Pass! Pass! I'll pass on a guy of HIS type! ------------------------------------------------------ 20th Page Maron: Nice first meeting, fall right into love...no way! He saw me in a shameful moment and I never want to see him again. Miyako: Maron, you're REALLY not interested in him? Maron: Nope. Miyako: Oh? Then, I'm going after him. Maron: Go right ahead. The teacher comes in. Sensei: Hey, hey, take your seats. Quiet down! Miyako: What's Pakkyamlamao-sensei so irritable about this morning? Maron: She's been that way ever since yesterday. ------------------------------------------------------ 21st Page Guy: I'm a transfer student, Nagoya Chiaki. Maron thinking: Oh nuts, it's HIM! ------------------------------------------------------ 22nd Page Nagoya: Nice to meet you. Maron thinking: Why did THIS have to happen?! Shoot, God! I work hard! Why don't you give me some GOOD luck?! Well anyhow, it'll be better if I don't look at him. Huh? (she can feel him looking at her) He's staring at me. He looks like he's measuring something. Nagoya: Thought so! You're the girl from yesterday. What a coincidence! Maron: Huh? ------------------------------------------------------ 23rd Page Nagoya: What's your name? Maron: Huh? Kusakabe Maron. Thinking: Don't talk to me. Nagoya: Living alone? Maron: Y-yeah. My parents are abroad. Nagoya: Hm. Will you date me? Maron: Yeah. WHAT?!!! ------------------------------------------------------ 24th Page Maron thinking: My impression of him from yesterday about being honest is different. Not different...more like the opposite. Maron: Nampa (girl hunting)! She tries to hit him with her slipper but Miyako saves him. Miyako: Good afternoon, I'm Todaiji Miyako. Nagoya: Oh, you're the girl that was with her. Miyako: Can I call you Chiaki-kun? Nagoya: Just call me Chiaki. I'll do the same with you. Maron: What're you DOING, Miyako? Miyako: You said you'd pass. You can't cheat on me now. Other than that, Chiaki, what made you decide on Maron? ------------------------------------------------------ 25th Page Maron thinking: Yeah, why ME?! When I met him the first time, Miyako was with me too. Not because of ...THAT (thinking of what happen with her blouse)! Beats me! Everyone: Why?! What?! Nagoya: Actually... Maron: Don't TELL! Maron beats on him. ------------------------------------------------------ 26th Page Pakkyamlamao-sensei: You guys! I've kept quiet. Do you realize how long you've been disturbing the home room hour?! Maron: Oh, it's time for first period. Miyako: Sensei, hurry up. Pakkyamlamao-sensei: Kusakabe! You're the only one that hasn't turned in your homework from last week! You still haven't turned it in this morning so I'll have to dock off points from your grade. Maron: No, no, no...I'm gonna turn... Nagoya: Wait! ------------------------------------------------------ 27th Page Nagoya: Remember my feelings for you. Maron: You're not serious! (In English, that "serious" would mean that he didn't mean he really wanted to take her out, that he's just teasing. In Japanese meaning, she's saying that he's not asking her out because he loves her, but is asking her out because he's just looking for a good time or some other equally frivolous reason. A typical Japanese girl wants to wait for the right guy and doesn't want that ruined by a playboy. She's waiting for love.) Someone: Chiaki-kun! Girl: Where are you from? Miyako: Do you know of Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne? I'm a detective in training, who's after her. Nagoya: She has appeared in my town too. The Mysterious Thief. Maron: I didn't think he'd be that girl crazy. But I was sorta fascinated by him. (author adds: "a lot") Maron thinking: Nope, don't believe a word he says. There she is (she's looking at the teacher). ------------------------------------------------------ 28th Page Maron: Sensei! Pakkyamlamao-sensei accidentally steps into the flower bed. Maron thinking: What?! Sensei loves flowers and is forever saying "Rhythmic Gymnastics requires the mind of a flower" is stomping on a flower garden... The cross given to me by Fin is reacting. Can't be! ------------------------------------------------------ 29th Page Maron thinking: A devil. Oh Sensei lives in Kakimachi. Maron: Sensei! Sensei: Huh? Kusakabe. Maron: I've gotta question. Have you bought any paintings lately? Sensei: Yes, I did. Such a lovely drawing. Maron thinking: Oh, yeah. Found it. ------------------------------------------------------ 30th Page Maron: Game begins. Notice Letter: "To Pakkyamlamao-sensei Igarashi-sama, tonight I'll have the beauty of your drawing." Maron thinks: Nightfall transforms me. ------------------------------------------------------ 31st Page Miyako: Ho ho ho ho ho. Pakkyamlamao-sensei, don't worry. I, Todaiji Miyako, will protect Sensei's picture from Jeanne. Her father: Miyako-chan. Miyako: Quiet, Dad. Sensei: Any fool that tries to get MY picture will have to deal with ME. Father: Miyako-chan, isn't the teacher acting rather strange? He thinks: She's beautiful though. Miyako: Sensei is always weird. Shut off the lights. ------------------------------------------------------ 32nd Page Fin: The room's gone dark, Maron. Maron: Miyako's dreamed up something stupid again, I guess. Fin: What're you so happy about? Maron: It's 9 o'clock. Let's go, Fin. Miyako: Huh? ------------------------------------------------------ 33rd Page Policeman: There she is! Maron: To seal the evil born in darkness... ------------------------------------------------------ 34th Page Maron: ...Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne, in the name of God, appears. [Image] Miyako: Well Jeanne, you've shown up! Everyone, GET HER! Policemen: Ready? ------------------------------------------------------ 35th Page Policemen: Jeaaaaaanne-chaaaaaan! Jeanne (Maron): Yeeeees? Policeman: Whew! Policemen: Cute! Policeman: You're the BEST! Sign points to Jeanne: Says popular. Miyako falls down. Miyako: Don't make fools of us, stupid Jeanne. Jeanne: "Make fools of you". Never. I'm always well-focused and completely serious. I'm on my way. ------------------------------------------------------ 36th Page A flashlight beam is on Jeanne. Miyako: The reason the room was kept dark was for this. Now you can neither see the picture, nor where the entrance is. Fin: Jeanne! Jeanne: I know! Jeanne thinking: If I can't see, I can do it by feel. Lead me... ------------------------------------------------------ 37th Page ...the other Joan of Arc who sleeps within me. Jeanne: There it is! Pakkyamlamao-sensei:: Umph! Shit! ------------------------------------------------------ 38th Page Sensei falls. Devil: NOW I'll possess YOU! (talking to Maron) Maron: Aaaaaaa! .......Just kidding. ------------------------------------------------------ 39th Page Devil: WHAT?!!! Kaitou Jeanne: A devil cannot possess Joan of Ark, who has the power of God from a previous incarnation! In the name of God, you, an evil born from darkness, shall be sealed here. ------------------------------------------------------ 40th Page Jeanne: Checkmate. Devil: Aaaaaaaaaaaaa! ------------------------------------------------------ 41st Page Policeman: Oh, the picture turned to white (back to the canvas). Everyone can now see the devil. Fin: Collected! Jean: Adieu (French for farewell). Miyako: No, you don't! Wait! ------------------------------------------------------ 42nd Page Pakkyamlamao-sensei: What happened to me? Policeman: Oh? Are you all right? You were unconscious so we're taking you to the hospital. Pakkyamlamao-sensei: No, thanks. Uh, excuse me Detective-san, would you watch your feet. There's a flower garden there. ------------------------------------------------------ 43rd Page Miyako: Wait, Jeanne! Policeman: Oh! Same as usual! A drawing of an lovely angel has appeared on the canvas. Miyako, I don't see any reason to arrest her. The victim has received an alternate drawing and no one has filed a report. ------------------------------------------------------ 44th Page Miyako: Shuddup! You're policemen! Your job is to take care of those who disturb the world. Jeanne: Tonight once again...that "false beauty". I got it... Today was easy again. Leave it to me. Guy: I saw your work. I have to admit that you're my rival. Jeanne: Who are...? ------------------------------------------------------ 45th Page Guy: I'm Kaitou Sinbad. Jeanne. I challenge you. ------------------------------------------------------ End of Story 1 The first tankoubon has been released as of this translation. For collectors the number is ISBN4-08-856100-7. karen.duffy@bbs.chemek.cc.or.us ---------------------------------------------------------------------------