PRINCESS ARMY TANKOUBON 12 Page 8 Satoru: NO! NO! NO! Akira: I can't imagine life without Nonoka! Sign: Throwing tantrums. Page 9 Satoru and Akira: NONOKA DON'T GO TO FRANCE! NO! NO! NO! NOOOOO! Koji: Shut up and calm down! Above all, it's judo training authorized by the Judo Association, right? Nonoka: At the Tenmu Institute's sister school in France. Before the Olympics, we are going to train in judo for a year. The chose participant are students from Tenmu, who will be going to the Olympics. I am the only exception. Page 10 Koji: So, what're you going to do about it? Nonoka: I'd like to go. Satoru and Akira: Nonoka. Nonoka: I want to see how far I can push myself. But... But... Nonoka thinks: I can't see him for a year. I don't want that. I don't want be separated from Yuya. Nonoka: I don't know. I dont' know. Page 11 Koji: Think it over carefully. Only you're only 16 years old once. You don't want to do anything that you'll regret later. We'd miss you Nonoka, but, we don't love you in a way that will stop your growth. Nonoka: Onii-chan. Page 12 Nonoka thinks: Yuya and judo. I should put the two of them on the scales (think Libra type scales). I wonder what I can do about it when I'm only 16 years old. Training abroad? It's a good break for me. This is my only chance. Page 13 Nonoka thinks: But, I'll miss the memory of the 17 year old Yuya. Hey Yuya, what should I do? Page 14 Hashiba: Nonoka. Nonoka: Yuya. Hashiba: Aren't you going to school? Hop on. Let's go to Judo Club together. Human powered taxi. Nonoka thinks: Yuya's back is warm. Page 15 Nonoka thinks: I thought about this before. I'm getting used to seeing his back which has protected me before. But if I go to France, I'd like to ride like this forever. Hashiba: Nonoka, about you training abroad... Page 16 Nonoka: Yuya, let's go an amusement park. Hashiba: Huh? Why, all of the sudden? Nonoka: Because it's a Sunday. What does it matter if we miss practice one day. Hashiba: Hey, hey. Page 17 Nonoka: Waaaa! Yaaahooo! Hashiba: Waaaaaa! Nonoka: Haaa haa haaa Hashiba: Uuuuuuugh Nonoka: Sorry, you didn't like the yelling machine (any kind of ride that makes you yell). Hashiba: Let's stop kidding. Does it look like I don't like them? Nonoka: Okay now the Screw Roller Coaster. After that, the Flying Carpet, then the Space Coaster. Sign behind Hashiba: The sounds of a tantrum. And there's the poison warning symbol. Page 18 Nonoka: That's was FUN! Why don't we take a rest? Hashiba: Uuuuuhn. Nonoka: ARe you all right? You're just like a tuna fish laying on the ground. Hashiba: 8 yelling machines. Leave me be. I'll buy you something. What would you like, Nonoka? Nonoka: Canned coffee. Page 19 Poster: Judo Tournament. March 3rd. Page 20 Nonoka: Whoops, I can......! Whoops. Boy: Excuse me, are you Aida Nonoka-san? Nonoka: Hm? Boy: Oh yeah! I'm a big fan of yours! Page 21 Boy: It's like a dream I never expected to see you in a place like this. AFter I watched you, I began to do judo. Probably you'll laugh at me. I've been harrassed all my life. But when I watched you on TV, Aida-san, I was enthalled that a little girl like you... When I watch you, you give me courage. Nonoka: Thank you very much. Boy: Good luck. I'll be as good as I can be at it. I'll never forget about today. Page 22 Nonoka remembers: When I watch you, you give me courage. Nonoka thinks: My judo cheers up others. It's like a dream. Hashiba: Don't run away. Don't overdo it. Actually, you'd rather be doing judo, right? Page 23 Sign: Two judo teams Nonoka: It's too late. Everyone's all ready gone. Hashiba: Who cares? Let's spar. Page 24 Hashiba and Nonoka: Please. Sparring noises. Hashiba: More! More! Nonoka: Who cares. 25 Nonoka thinks: Yuya... he's great. He's much stronger than he used to be. I want to be stronger myself. I want to spread my horizons and go up against more people. More. More. More. Page 26 Nonoka thinks: From my body, my spirit..something yells "I want to do judo". It makes me feel hot. But... Hashiba: MY CHANCE! Nonoka thinks: More than that.... Page 27 Hashiba: Huh? I...won? You've gotta be kidding? Hey Nonoka, were you just going easy on me? Page 28 Nonoka thinks: I don't want to be apart from Yuya. Hashiba: Nonoka. Nonoka: I don't want to go. I dont' want to go. I want to be with you, Yuya. Page 29 Nonoka: Say "don't go". Hey, tell me "Don't go anywhere. Stay here." If you say "Don't go", I... I... Hashiba: It's just one year. Page 30 Hashiba: It's only 12 - one months. Then, we can see each other again. Nonoka, it's really your decision, you know. In your eyes, go see the world and become stronger and stronger. Then come back. I'll do the best I can in Japan. Page 31 Nonoka: Don't fall for another girl. Hashiba: Don't get hunted by some arrogant Frenchman. Nonoka: I'll write you every day. Hashiba: I'm too lazy to write. Nonoka: I'll call you too. I'll say "good morning" and good night to you, Yuyu. And... Page 32 nothing. Page 33 Nonoka: Don't forget me. Hashiba: I won't. Page 34 Hashiba: Why don't you go ahead and take off because the moon is too blue. (Note: This "the moon is too blue" comment is from a Japanese song. It refers the moon's is bright it's pale and bluesh. But Masatomo doesn't know what it has to do with the mood and Makiko isn't around for me to get a second opinion. Masatomo readily admits he's not a romantisist. However, I notice he gobbles up romantic stories like a thirsty man! Hashiba: It's pretty late. France... That means certain things need to wait for a year. Nonoka: What do you mean? Hashiba: Something "good" with you, Nonoka. Nonoka: Ah (that). Hashiba: Just kidding. Don't take me seriously. Just joking. Nonoka: You can. Page 35 Nonoka: It's NOT sympathy. Because I'm REALLY am in love with you, Yuya. Hashiba: Nonoka. Nonoka: I want you to remember me. Page 36 Nonoka: I want you to remember me. Page 37 Nonoka: Because I love you, Yuya. Remember my...hair, eyes, lips, breasts, fingers, everything. Page 38 Nonoka: So that you don't forget about me. Remember me with your eyes, fingers, and body. I'll never forget you, Yuya. Hashiba: Stop this. Page 39 Nonoka: Yu... Hashiba: Don't overdo it. Your feelings are enough. We'll enjoy that after the year is up. Nonoka: Yuya...why? How come? Page 40 Shinobu: I see. You've decided to do it. Nonoka: Yes. I came here to see the chairman of Tenmu. Shinobu: Aren't you going to regret this. What did Hashiba say? Page 41 Nonoka: Uh-huh, I made my choice. So I'm heading off to the chairman's room. Akechi: As we thought, she's going, right? Shinobu: Hidemi. Akechi: I'll also put you out of my mind. Page 42 Akechi: I have more pride than you give me credit for. I'll forget a guy that doesn't love me. I'll make you regret that you refused me. Page 43 Akechi: Without question, I will. Shinobu: That's the way. You're a cool lady. Shinobu: I'm looking forward to it. Akechi: Oh hell. Page 44 Akechi: He's been hateful all the way through this thing. He makes me sick. Nonoka: Soon, the day after tomorrow... Brother: Nonoka, Hashiba came over. Page 45 Nonoka: What's up, Yuya so suddenly? Satoru: Don't just stand there. Come on in. Nonoka: Yuya. Hashiba: Pardon the intrusion, Onii-sans. Give me several hours to borrow Nonoka. Nonoka: Yu... Page 46 Brother: What the hell?! Let's stop this fooling around. Satoru: Do you think we'd let YOU...? Nonoka isn't going with you! Get outta here! Page 47 Brothers: NONOKA! Page 48 Hashiba: Please! Koji: Hashiba, can we trust you with her? Page 49 Satoru and Akira: KOJI-NI! Hashiba: Thank you very much. Satoru and Akira: Koji-ni, are you SERIOUS?! Koji: I've never realized... that Nonoka's eyes are that of a woman's. (She's matured). Page 50 Nonoka thinks: I wonder how far Yuya plans on going. It doesn't matter to me. I won't ask him, I just look at his back and I have faith in him. Nonoka: Huh? Sign: Sharp curve. Slow down. Page 51 Nonoka thinks: A cliff. Nonoka: Yuya! In front of you, Yu... Page 52 Hashiba: We're fine. Nonoka: Yuya, it's dangerous. What's the matter? Hey! Hashiba: I wanted to take you somewhere far away, Nonoka. Page 53 Hashiba: Somewhere that no one knows about. Some place far away. Just the two of us. Nonoka thinks: Yuya understands that we can't do that. He knows it but he's frustrated and was in a hurry. Page 54 Hashiba: That night I left and seemed fine, it was because I was scared. If I had made love to you, I wouldn't have been able to separate from you. Page 55 Nonoka thinks: Yuya. Hashiba: I regret that somewhat now. That night, I shouldn't have let you go. Hashiba thinks: Though I haven't made love to you, I don't want to let you go. Take care of yourself in France. Nonoka thinks: Yuya. Yuya. Yuya. No, matter how many times I say his name, I can't erase my saddness. Page 56 Nonoka thinks: We kissed thousands of times, to erase our discomfort. To the eyelids, the cheeks, the forehead, the lips. Whenever we kissed, I told myself over and over that I love him. Page 57 Tenmu Chairman: Learn everything that you can. Tenmu person: We expect something special from you. Akechi, Nonoka, Yagyu: Yes, Sir. Koji: Weird, Hashiba isn't here yet. Wonder what's happened. Nonoka: Ah, Yuya won't be coming. I guess he has something to do. Page 58 Shinobu: Are you really not regretting this? A year is longer than you think. Nonoka thinks: Shinobu-kun. Nonoka remembers: I won't be coming to the airport. I'll see the jet from the judo club. Akechi: Aida-san, it's about time to go. Nonoka: Oh, yeah. Koji: Take care. Nonoka thinks: Bye bye, Yuya. Page 59 Hashiba: Shit! Nonoka left a long time ago. Now I'm reacting to every jet that I see. I wonder where the jet she's in is right now. Page 60 Hashiba thinks: Whoops, someone's figured out that I've opened up the gym without permission. Hashiba: I apologize. I'm leaving now. Huh?! Bullshit! Page 61 Nonoka: It hasn't been a year but I'm already back. Nonoka thinks: Chairman, the reps of the Judo Association, my brothers..sorry for being selfish. But I realize now... Page 62 Nonoka thinks: ...what is the most important thing in my life. What would be the worst thing to happen to me? No matter who disagrees with what I've done and no matter what the reprecussions are, I don't care. Page 63 I'll never leave Yuya. Page 64 Organizer (Uesugi): WHAT'S THE MEANING OF THIS?!!! WHAT A DISGRACE!!! NOTHING LIKE THIS HAS EVER HAPPENED BEFORE!!! NO ONE HAS EVER LEFT THE PROGRAM AT DEPARTURE TIME!! I CAN'T BELIEVE SHE DID THAT!! THIS IS SHAMEFUL!!! IT YOUR FAULT FOR SPOILING HER!!! HOW THE HELL DID YOU DISCIPLINE HER?!! Koji in a small voice: Shut the hell up. Page 65 Chairman: Now, now, Uesugi-san, calm down. Though Aida-kun isn't going to train abroad. She'll still go to the Olympics anyhow. We've got a car for you so go that way please. Uesugi-san: Your sister often throws me off-guard. She must cause you a lot of trouble, Chairman. Chairman: But she's an honest and nice girl. I'm really looking forward to the next Olympics. Koji: Huh? Satoru: I couldn't believe that Nonoka dared to do something like that. Akira: She did it for Hashiba. Shinobu: You think so? Even I was surprised when she decided to go to France. Page 66 Akechi: Aida-san, it's about time to go. Nonoka: Oh sure. Koji: Good luck. Announcer: Passengers To France #722, please wait at gate 9. Koji: Give it all ya got. Brothers: Eeeee! Page 67 Nonoka: I'm sorry. I can't leave. Organizer: Wait! Wh-Wh-What do you mean? Koji: Nonoka! Nonoka: I'll do judo in Japan. I'll go to the Olympics. I'm sorry. Page 68 Shinobu: I kind figured you'd come back. Why aren't you going? That simple, stupid guy (Yuya) might be off crying because you left him. Nonoka: Shinobu-ku... Page 69 Nonoka: Sure. Thanks. Koji: Nonoka just doesn't know how to pick a man. She dumped a cool guy like you. Shinobu: Bullshit. Don't take it wrong. I'm the one that dumped her... Page 70 Shinobu thinks: ...to save her smile. Koji: I broke up with my girlfriend last month too. Being alone is fitting for good-looking guys. Page 71 Shinobu: How true. Yagyu: I don't get it. Why did Aida-san suddenly...? Akechi: Well, this isn't for "little kids" (like you). Yagyu: We're the same age. Akechi thinks: It's likely for Hashiba. Page 72 Akechi thinks: I chose judo over Shinobu, but you (Nonoka)... Akechi: I hope both of us will find happiness. Yagyu: What Akechi? Are you sad? Poor you. Akechi: HELL NO! Nonoka: Yuya. Yuya. (she giggles) Yuya. Yuya. Yuya. Hashiba: What the heck are you doing? Page 73 Nonoka: It's only that I'm so happy! I'll never feel like I can say you name enough. Hashiba: Knock it off! You're embarrassing me. Nonoka: Yuya. Yuya. Yuya. Yuya. YUYA! Hashiba: Huuuuumph! Nonoka: Nyaaah! Page 74 Nonoka thinks: I love you so much. Kindergarten kids: Hey! Hey! Are Onii-chan and Onee-chan good friends? Hashiba: Excuse us. Page 75 Hashiba: 170. Nonoka: 30. Hashiba: That was fun. Note: Yuya and Nonoka sit on a park bench. Page 76 Hashiba: There are no kids hanging around at night. Note: Nearby there are obvious sounds of a couple making out. Lady: Uhn... Hashiba: Even though there's no kids around... Nonoka: ...there are loads of adults. Lady to her boyfriend: Aaaah. No. Hashiba: Excuse us. Page 77 Nonoka thinks: Oh geez, now I'm even more nervous. A while ago, we were holding hands. When there's a distance like this, Yuya must also feel strange. But, I feel like I can hear his heart pound through our hands. What can I do? Hashiba: I'll never do anything you say not to, Nonoka. So please don't be scared of me. Page 78 Nonoka thinks: No, no. If I say that I'm not scared, it wouldn't be true. But I've already made up my mind, that it will be with Yuya. Nonoka: I won't say "no". Page 79 Nonoka thinks: The time's come. The time's come. The time's come. The time's come. Finally, the day has come. The first time that we were at a hotel, and at the judo dojo before I was supposed to go to France, the third time it'll become true. I'm fine. I'm ready. Nonoka: This's made lots of bubbles. I'll put it into the bath. I'll polish my whole body. Since we've been playing all day long, I wonder if I should shampoo my hair. Sign: A lady who forgets that there's a 2 hour break. (This is a type of rental on love hotels for 2 hours). Page 80 Hashiba: Nonoka's taking too long. A half hour has already gone by. It's dumb of me to check on her. It would be like peeking. Sign: Late fee. Hashiba: Oh shit! Two hours have already past by! Nonoka! How did you let yourself get overheated in the bathtub in the hotel?! Sign: Her body and hair are shining. Page 81 Nonoka wakes up: Huh? Hashiba: Are you okay? Sign: Water from the front desk. Nonoka: Huh? I... The one who brought me here and put the Yukata on me was... Did you see me? Hashiba: Nope, I didn't. Though I'd have loved to, I covered you with a towel instead. Nonoka: Sorry about that. Thank you. Page 82 Note: It's hard to tell if she's tickling him or what. Hashiba laughs: Stop it! NONOKA! WHAT'RE YOU DOING?! DO YOU WANT TO MAKE LOVE OR NOT?! Nonoka: I'm sorry. Well, it's be-because, because, because, because... Page 83 Hashiba: Sorry. I...actually, thought that because it was because you didn't want to and that's why you were trying to be funny. Sorry for being careless. It's not a scary thing. Nonoka: I know. Hashiba: I'll take good care of you. Nonoka: I know. Page 84 Hashiba: I'll never let you go again. Nonoka: I understand. (Note: Sorry, about this people. I didn't intend for this to sound x-rated. But this is towards the end of the story and the two are in love so I guess it's pretty normal. I'm adding more explanations here because without them, the dialog sounds a bit more sensual than it is.) Page 85 Hashiba: I thought my hands would be doing this a year from now. Nonoka. Nonoka thinks: My body is hot. I still feel overheated. It's a different kind of heat (than being overheated by the hot water). Yuya's voice is so comforting. My heart replies to each word. I'm losing myself. Page 86 Hashiba: Nonoka, hot? Are you still overheated. Nonoka: Am I? Hashiba: I'll cool you down. Nonoka thinks: Wow, Yuya looks like a pervert. Again, I'm passing out again (from being overheated.) Page 87 Nonoka: It's cool. Makes me feel good. Nonoka: I'll cool you off too, Yuya. She throws ice at him teasingly. Hashiba: It's cold. Shit! I'll do this! He threw ice back. Nonoka: It's cold, but I can take it. (Note: Nonoka turns the bucket of ice upside down and dumps it all out on the bed.) Hashiba: Stop! Don't dump it there! There's nothing else I can do, but... Page 88 Nonoka: It's been 12 years since I met Yuya for the first time. Hashiba: To tell you the truth, I never thought I'd meet you again. I never dreamed I would love you this much. Nonoka thinks: Since I was 5 yrs old and was save by the two, I have heard the sound of love. Page 89 I was waiting for the time when. The one making the beat (of her heart) was... Page 90 Nonoka thinks: ...Yuya. Because of nervousness and pain, I can't remember, I could only remember ... Page 91 Nonoka thinks: ...the scar on Yuya's back. (She's referring to the scratch she made on his back while currently occupied). Yuya's voice is still in my ears. "I love you". Page 92 nothing Page 93 Koji: It's time to leave for the Olympics. They're late. What're they doing? Chairman: Doesn't it remember us of last year right before going to train abroad. Aida-san went home. Yagyu: It can't be that they'll back out of the Olympics. Akechi: Both of them. Even Hashiba? Page 94 Shinobu: They'll be here. Don't doubt it. Nonoka: We're late! Told ya we should turn right back there. Hashiba: Nonoka, you said "go left". Someone: Hey! You're way late! Hashiba: Excuse us. Someone: At the last minute, everyone shows up. Get going, it's time to leave. Satoru: Take care. Page 95 Nonoka: I'm off to make the three of us, our dream, come true. Nonoka remembers: I'll show you the world, Shinobu-kun. I'll see to it that you hear the roar of the crowds. Shinobu: I'll be waiting for it. Hashiba: Excuse me, Koji-san. I need to talk to you. Koji: What's up, Hashiba? Page 96 Koji: What?! Nonoka: Yuya, it's time! Hashiba: I mean it. Please. Please. Page 97 Nonoka: I'm leaving! Page 98 Announcer: Now, the world's festival that is an every 4 year event. Skilled athletes from around the world have assembled at the Olympic site with the roar of the crowds to greet them. Page 99 Announcer: The Japanese Athletic teams are entering now. Sign: In Japan, the three brothers. Wow! Nonoka, good luck. You're the cutest! Hashiba's mother: Masaya! Masaya! Page 100 Mother: You're brother's on TV. Don't you want to watch the Olympic finals? Masaya: Found now on, I'm going make myself busy in a club. I'll be back by dinner. Mother: Lately, you've gotten serious about things. That's a good sign. You two are twins after all. Being persistant is very much a Yuya trait. Masaya: That moron really became an Olympic athlete. Page 101 Masaya remembers: Nonoka says, although it's only a slim chance, depending on how much effort I put into it, a miracle could happen. It's cool, isn't it? Masaya: Aw shit, it really happened what the lady said. Beats me how. I know what the end results are going to be without watching the TV. My ni-san will win for sure. Hashiba: HA! Page 102 Announcer: Hashiba has his opponent pinned. If he get an ippon, he'll take the gold. Nonoka thinks: Do it Hashiba! You're close, very close, Yuya. People: Five! Four! Three! Two! One! Page 103 Announcer: Ippon by pinning! Hashiba has done it! He takes the gold in the 78 kilogram class! Page 104 Nonoka: YUYA! Hashiba: YES! Satoru and Akira: WAY TO GO, HASHIBA! GOOD! COOL! GREAT! Koji: You guys get prepared to let your sister go. Page 105 Koji remembers Hashiba saying: Koji-san, I have a request. If I become a proper guy for Nonoka, if I win the olympics, please allow me to have Nonoka. Koji: He did the impossible and got first place. You're one cool guy. Announcer: It's now time to have woman's 48 kiligrams class judo finals. Hashiba: Touch. Page 106 Nonoka: I'll win this. Ichiko: Ko-chan! Kira: Ichiko, quit calling me that! I have have a last name, "Kira". Ichiko: Aida-san's finals have come up. Aren't you going to watch? Page 107 Kira: No reason to. 100 swings of the sword. Ichiko: Ko-chan. Kira thinks: Aida, if I hadn't met you, I never would have been able to continue kendo. There's no doubt in my mind that you can win this. Kira: HA! Announcer: Two minutes have passed. The Japanese, Aida, and the American, Foster, neither will give the other any leeway. Page 108 Foster: Shit! Announcer: Foster went for an uchimata, but Aida managed to avoid it and turn the uchimata back on her. Nonoka thinks: Yuya, Shinobu watch me. Yagyu: 30 second left. Neither has gotten any points. Japanese judo participant: If Aida-san gets a koka... Page 109 Yagyu: Nope. She'll win by an ippon. Yagyu thinks: We'll never forget... Saigo: Regardless, even with a shoulder injury she beat me. Saigo thinks: ...that I have lived in the same generation with her. Akechi: She was a prodigy born to win. Akechi thinks: ...we have done judo in the same lifetime as her. Hashiba: NONOKA! Page 110 Hashiba: Our dream, the three of ours'... WIN THIS BOUT AND MAKE IT HAPPEN! Page 111 Nonoka thinks: "Our dream". Page 112 nothing. Page 113 nothing. Page 114 People are yelling. Foster takes a slam to the ground. Page 115 Announcer: She's done it! Japanese, Aida Nonoka! The gold metal! The gold metal! Nonoka thinks: It's over, Yuya, Shinobu! Page 116 Nonoka thinks: Our dream, for the three of us... Page 117 Nonoka thinks: ...has come true! Page 118 Sign: Silver metal on Yagyu. Bronze metal for Akechi. Reporter: Congratulations on getting the Gold. Nonoka-chan, who would you like to tell you feelings to right now? To your father and mother in heaven, your brothers? Page 119 Nonoka: To Oda Shinobu-kun... Nonoka thinks: Shinobu-kun, can you see me? This is the stage that you were supposed to be on. Can you hear the applause and roar of the crowds? Note: Shinobu is drinking brandy or whisky (for celebrating). Shinobu: Congratulations. You kept your promise to me without fail. Page 120 Shinobu thinks: I'm glad to know you. Nonoka: Uh-oooh, the Olympics are over. Page 121 Hashiba: Next is the college entrance exams hell is waiting for me. Nonoka: What do you mean? We've already been accepted by recommendation to Tenmu College. Hashiba: Heh heh heh heh.. Nonoka: I've heard that Shinobu is going to "A University", but he'll still be coaching the Tenmu Judo Team. I guess the Chairman thinks a lot of him. Hashiba: What the hell. The three of us will be together again. Nonoka: Plus don't forget about tonight. Hashiba: Yuck! Asking your brothers "Please allow me to have your sister". I'll bet they'll pull out the katana from the family treasures. I'll bet ya 10,000 yen! Hashiba imagines: The brothers are yelling "HASHIBAAAA!". There's no doubt about it. Page 122 Nonoka: Hm...if you don't do something to keep me, I'll cheat on you. Just kidding. Hashiba: H-H-Hey! Nonoka: There's Shinobu-kun! Good morning, Shinobu-kuuun! Hashiba: NONOKAAAA! Shinobu: Oh good morning. Nonoka by telepathy: Hey, do you remember back when we met 13 years ago? Page 123 Nonoka by telepathy: It was the beginning of everything. We've laughed a lot and cried a lot, but we have lived life to fullest. It was really fun. Page 124 Nonoka by telepathy: A dream of ours came true, but it's all just beginning for us. Page 125 Nonoka by telepathy: Dreams, hope, our future won't change and will be never ending. THE END!