PRINCESS ARMY TANKOUBON 7 Page 7 The sound of the waves from a window. Their hearts are pounding. Narrator or title: Mixing with the sound of the waves, the pounding of the two hearts can be heard like a metronome. Page 8 Nonoka: Shinobu-kun. What made you save me 11 yrs. ago? Page 9 Shinobu: It just happened in a flash. I was just unconscious act. Now as I look back I think I saw you as some little treasure. .. Page 10 Shinobu: ....that shouldn’t be hurt or broken. I saved a precious gem. You can laugh at me for being childish but at the time I felt like a knight. And yet, when I found out that I’d never be able to do judo again, something broke inside me. It turned out not to be the beautiful dream I thought it was. Page 11 Shinobu: In time, my family became disfunctional. They began to fall apart. And I hated that it was the fault of that encounter. Nonoka thinks: For 11 yrs. Such a long time you've been suffering. Page 12 Shinobu: I should've hated you but somewhere down deep I've always wanted… Flashback: Is she okay? Is she still crying? Oh please, make her be happy. Please be happy. Page 13 Shinobu: Happy. Shinobu: I was nearly able to put it all behind me and forget. Suddenly, that treasure showed up in front of me. Flashback: I am Aida Nonoka. Nonoka shouting: I was saved by a boy 11 yrs. ago. Page 14 Shinobu: You've become a puzzling girl. Nonoka's heart pounds. Shinobu: To tell the truth, I... didn't know if I should push you away or hold you. And... Page 15 Shinobu: ...the one allowed to touch the treasure isn't only me. Nonoka thinks: Ah, Yuya. Page 16 Nonoka thinks: Yes, both of you are my important....princes. Nonoka: ...it's the first time you've talked about yourself this much. Do you still feel hate... Page 17 Nonoka: ...me? Nonoka's heart is pounding. Nonoka thinks: That's right. He still.... Page 18 They kiss. Page 19 Nonoka thinks: I know without being told. He's not as rude as he used to be. Kind. So kind. Page 20 Nonoka: Y-You know, because you played George Winston's music. What is the title? Nonoka thinks: Wow, I'm embarrassed. Page 21 Shinobu: Longing For/Love (Why the slash in there?...I don't know but Masatomo showed to the slash to me in the manga.) You were confusing to me, but I’ve wanted you for 11 yrs. Page 22 nothing Page 23 Nonoka: Shino... Shinobu: I want to play you (like a piano). I want to hear your music. I want to hear what kind of voice you make...your high a sweet voice. Page 24 Shinobu: By my hands, for only me. Nonoka thinks: Shinobu-kun. Page 25 Nonoka makes a noise. Page 26 Nonoka: Wait, Shino... Nonoka thinks: I'm scared. I don't like this way. This way. I can't be against... Page 27 Shinobu: Sorry. It wasn't fair to me to do that after telling you that story. Nonoka: So-Sorry. I love you, Shinobu-kun, but...I'm not ready yet. Page 28 Shinobu: It's all right. I'll wait for you. I've been waiting for 11 yrs. I'm not in any hurry. I just hope you will get over feeling indebted to me and let me be your special guy. I wish that more than anything. Page 29 Nonoka thinks: I'm sorry Shinobu, I'm... Thank you. Page 30 Nonoka thinks: I'm body is still hot. I'm going to go take a shower. Yuya. Hashiba: Ah! Got ya! There's Nonoka! Nonoka thinks: Wait a minute! I'm not ready. I'm still blushing. Page 31 Hashiba: How was it? Can you swim some now? Nonoka: No, not at all. The teacher was stunned. Hashiba: Oh Nonoka, close your eyes. Nonoka: Why? Hashiba: Just do it and give me your hand. Here's a gift. Page 32 Nonoka: What? How cute! A Cherry Shell. Hashiba: When I was swimming I found it. I was so beautiful. Nonoka: I'm delighted with it. Thanks. Hashiba: Oh you like it? Good. Good. Page 33 Hashiba: See ya. Other guys: Wooo Wooo. Hashiba: Shutup. Nonoka thinks: I can't pick between them. Page 34 Nonoka thinks: One of the other, I can't choose. Among the three of us is our part, there's no easy solution. They're both my important savior. As the result of choosing, one of them will be hurt. Page 35 Nonoka thinks: Neither of them. Nobody. I don't want to fall in love. Page 36 Nonoka thinks: I can't sleep. Page 37 Nonoka thinks: I still remember the soft kiss. I still feel the touch of his fingers. Yuya. Page 38 Nonoka thinks: My throat is hot, my heart doesn't rest. What can I do? Which one should I... Someone 1: Good morning. Someone 2: There's bad weather today. Someone 3: A typhoon is getting pretty close. Someone 4: Thanks for the food. Page 39 Someone: Oh Nonoka, you haven't eaten a thing. Nonoka: Huh? Nonoka thinks: I couldn't sleep a wink. I'm pretty drowsy. Hashiba: Morning, Nonoka. Nonoka: Yuya, morning. Hashiba: What happened? Your eyes are like rabbit's. (KD: What kind of eyes do rabbit have? Masatomo says red. I said “But Masatomo not all rabbit are albino, are they?” knowing full well that they aren’t. He said "no". Well, said I, there are a lot of other animals that are albino. Masatomo: Well, that's the Japanese way. And why do contact lenses come in so many colors. I asked for pink and purple ones but they said they didn't have them. The rest are all boring".) A kid that sleeps well, grows up well. That's why Nonoka is tiny. He takes her roll. I so excited about tonight's fireworks. Let's go together. Sign: A mound of food. Nonoka wonders: In the morning, where does all of that go to? (The reason in the morning is added is because people don't eat as much in the morning. Mastomo says it looks like they're eating rolls and salad which he says is weird. Most kids want miso soup and rice in the morning). I envy him not being bothered about anything. Page 40 Girl: The wind is really strong. Can we really do firework tonight. Girl: Oh, the Long Distance Swimming Group. Girl: Today, the sea isn't good so today the class will swim only half distance. Girl: But it's still 2 killometers. Compared to that... Page 41 Instructor: Aida! You've got to distinguish the difference between swimming and drowning! Nonoka: I so worn out. Shinobu: Before it rains, we'll do the fireworks. Page 42 Nonoka: Oh Shinobu-kun. Shinobu: You didn't eat this morning. Even if you don't have an appetite, you should eat something. Nonoka thinks: Oh, he cares about me. Nonoka: Oh sure, thanks. Shinobu: The cause of your rabbit eyes, was it me? Because.... Page 43 Shinobu: ...if it's because of me, I couldn’t be happier. Nonoka: Two... both of you, Shinobu-kun. I'm sorry about not being clear. Sorry. (She means about not making a choice.) Page 44 Someone: WOW! Someone 2: Beautiful. Someone 3: We've got the sparklers too. Someone 4: Gimme. Gimme. Hashiba: Nonokaaaa! Page 45 Hashiba: Hey! Hey! It's beautiful, isn't it? Nonoka thinks: It's just like "Yatsuhakamula". ("8 grave stones village" it's a story about a village with a serial murderer. It must remind her of a scene from that movie. The movie came out about 20 some odd years ago...this is Jan 1999 as I write this). Nonoka: Ha haa ha...cute. Hashiba: Shit. Incense sparklers are no fun. I like the big ones better. Look at the rocket fireworks. And there's some rat fireworks. (they run on the ground). Nonoka: Play by yourself. Hashiba: How's it going? Can you swim now? Nonoka: Yeah, but only kicking. Page 46 Hashiba: We in the Long Distance Swimming team went to a place with bungalows for camping, but it wasn't the right season yet. So nobody was there. We trespassed and went nuts. Nonoka: That wasn’t a nice thing to do. Nonoka thinks: I like this way. Loving someone and dating someone...but hurting one of them is not the way I want to do it. Isn't it better just to have fun together (she's implying the 3 of them). Page 47 Nonoka: I wish could swim like you do, Yuya. It would be cool. I should learn the breathing. Page 48 Sounds of fireworks Page 49 Nonoka: Yu… Girl1: Beautiful. Girl 2: It’s a bit windy. Girl 3: That one’s isn’t doing well. Page 50 Nonoka thinks: This’s dumb, dumb, dumb. If someone catches us doing that, HOW embarrassing. Nonoka: Oh…I..I…I’m going to go join my friends. Hashiba taking a good look at Nonoka’s anatomy. Nonoka: Just what do you think you’re looking at?! (It was her breasts). Pervert! Retrobate! Peeping Tom! Hashiba thinks: Lucky for me. Hashiba: I didn’t mean… Hey, what hit you in a place like that? You’ve got a bruise there. Nonoka: Nothing. Page 51 Nonoka: Ack! Hashiba: Nonoka why? Nonoka! Page 52 Nonoka: What should I DO about in a case like this. Hashiba: NONOKA WAIT! Page 53 Hashiba: WHY’RE YOU RUNNING…. AAAAAAH?! Hashiba thinks: It can’t be! Nonoka thinks: Yuya, you dummy, don’t chase me. Page 54 Nonoka is falling off a cliff. Nonoka: Aaaaaaaa. Page 55 Hashiba: Where could she be? NONOKA!!! Page 56 Hashiba dives into the sea. Hashiba thinks: Shit! She’s further off than I thought. Page 57 Nonoka is sinking and making noises of drowning. Hashiba: No-Nonoka! Hashiba thinks: Don’t DIE, Nonoka. Page 58 Nonoka thinks: It’s difficult. I’m almost through. I guess I’m dying. I’ll never see anyone again. Page 59 Nonoka thinks: Who? Page 60 Nonoka thinks: Ah. Page 61 Nonoka: Yu..ya? Page 62 Nonoka thinks: As I was losing consciousness, I realized Yuya breath was helping me. At the same time, I thought I heard his voice..but I could have been wrong. Page 63 Hashiba: I love you. Page 64 nothing Page 65 A guy: Hey, did you know that Hashiba and Aida haven’t come back yet. Girl: The two of them together? Girl 2: I noticed when we were doing fireworks that they were with each other. Girl 3: That means… No way. Page 66 Teacher: Hey, don’t be talking about stupid things. Go to bed now. Girl: But only because… Teacher: It’s none of your business. Teacher to another teacher: Regardless, a male student and a female student together means trouble. Page 67 Hashiba to himself: Usually I can carry someone little like Nonoka but right now there’s a nasty storm. What can I do? Yes! On yes, nearby… Page 68 Hashiba: Are you all right Nonoka: Nonoka: O..okay. Hashiba: I think I told you about this place. When we went long distance swimming, we came across it. It’s off-season, no one’s around. One of them has a broken lock. Page 69 Hashiba: Regardless, we need to wait out the typhoon. Shit. There’s no electricity, no shower because of the off-season. Bad news. Nonoka thinks: Oh no. In a dark place like this..only the two of us? Hashiba: There’s nothing else I can do. Nonoka: Kyaaah! Page 70 Hashiba: “Kyaaaah?” If we keep these on we’ll get chilled. Nonoka, you should get yours off too. There are blankets. Nonoka: This is shameful. Nonoka thinks: He’s right, this is an emergency. I shouldn’t make a big deal out of it. This is hardly the time for that. I’m being stupid. Nonoka takes a breath in and says: Don’t look at me. If you do, I’ll hate you. Hashiba: That would be a problem. In a small voice: I’m missing a great chance. Shit. Page 71 Nonoka: The wind is getting worse. After of the typhoon is over, how’re going to get back. Hashiba: When the sea is calm, I can swim and get you back. Page 72 Nonoka thinks: It’s scary thinking about whether we can get back safely. Plus, this situation is nerve-wracking. I don’t want him to notice my heart beating. Hashiba: It’ll be fine. The typhoon will blow over tomorrow. Nonoka thinks: I don’t want him to figure what I’m thinking about this situation. Nonoka: Sure. You’re right. Page 73 Nonoka: Thank you for coming to my rescue. I have been saved by you twice, Yuya. Page 74 Nonoka: I had given up by the time you got to me because I couldn’t swim and I took down too much water. I was choking. It was terrifying. When I saw your figure, I thought it was an illusion… Page 75 Nonoka: …until I felt your lips and breath…. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Page 76 Nonoka: Aaachooo! Hashiba: You’re cold? Nonoka: Yeah, a bit. But I’m okay. Hashiba: Don’t you think we’d be warmer together? Page 77 Nonoka: Huh? Nonoka thinks: Together? Nonoka: B-but…that’s… Page 78 Hashiba: I swear on this scar, I won’t do ANYTHING. I promise. Nonoka thinking: From eleven years ago… “I swear on this scar…” Page 79 Hashiba: Come over here. Nonoka thinks: He looks serious. Nonoka: You won’t do anything? I believe you. I trust you. Hashiba: You should. Page 80 Hashiba: You’re shaking. You’re scared? Of the storm or me? Page 81 Nonoka: Both most likely. Page 82 Nonoka thinks: On my ear, I can feel Yuya’s heart pounding. Page 83 Nonoka thinks: That’s amazing, those uneasy feelings I had a while ago are like they never happened. No matter how scary the storm is or having arms around me is , I still feel comforted. Page 84 Nonoka thinks: I didn’t know human skin was this comfortable. Hashiba: Hey Nonoka. Nonoka: Huh? Hashiba: The bruise on your chest wasn’t a hicky, right? Page 85 Nonoka: This is… It…it… Hashiba: Why? It’s okay. Don’t tell me. I don’t want to hear about it. When I figured it out, I was pissed. But now, it doesn’t bother me so long as you’re alive. Page 86 Hashiba: When I found you in the sea, I was so scared wondering what I would do if you died that way. Just tell me this… Page 87 Nonoka: Kyaaaah. Hashiba: You don’t belong to anyone else, right? Can I trust you? You don’t belong to anyone else. You don’t belong to Oda. Page 88 Nonoka: Y-yeah. Hashiba: Good. Nonoka: Yuya, you’re hurting me. Page 89 Hashiba: Please, let me stay like this. Shinobu: To-Together. Where the hell are they? Why don’t they come back? Page 90 Shinobu: Can’t be. Something’s happen to her? NONOKA! Page 91 Nonoka thinks: I wonder if one day I’ll belong to Yuya or Shinobu-kun. Why did it have to be that my savior(s) are not one person. If they were only one, there wouldn’t be all this trouble. Am I too selfish to think that way? Page 92 Nonoka: I’m sorry, Yuya. Hashiba: Huh? Nonoka thinks: But I know that the day won’t come…should never come. I’m not supposed to be with neither of them because I know both of their feelings. Page 93 Nonoka thinks: If I can’t pick one, I should stay away from both of them. Page 94 Nonoka: Hm. Page 95 Hashiba: Ah. Nonoka: Go-good morning. Nonoka thinks: That’s right, last night it was so cold that we… At the time what else could we do? But now that I’m back to normal, it’s embarrassing. Hashiba: Look. It’s as thought the storm never happened. Page 96 Hashiba: Let’s head back. Nonoka: Agreed. Page 97 Guy: Hashiba and Aida are back. Guy 2: Did they swim back? They’re drenched. Girl: Hey, where’d they stay the night? Girl 2: They’ve gone to see the teachers. Girl 3: It may have been… Teacher: I think understand what happened. Page 98 Teacher: It was an unexpected accident. It’s a good thing that you’re safe… …if we can believe what you told us. Regardless, a guy and girl spending the night together did happen. Hashiba: What?! Teacher: You have be careful how you influence others. Be careful what you say and do around other students. That’s all I have to say. You’re grounded for a day to the facility. Hashiba: Excuse u… Son of a bitch. They don’t believe us! Nonoka: Yuya. Page 99 Hashiba: I’m starving. Everyone pisses me off by looking at us with doubt. Nonoka: If they’re going to doubt us, there’s nothing we can do about it. Page 100 Hashiba: Sorry about making you feel like a sleeze. Nonoka: No, it’s not your fault, Yuya. There’s a saying “People’s rumors only last 49 days.” Hashiba: That should be 75 days. It’s BUM luck! Nonoka: It doesn’t matter. Sorry, I’m going to take a rest. Thanks for what you did today. Hashiba: Sure. Page 101 Nonoka thinking: I thought something worse would happen. I’m worn out, so I’ll take and shower and get some sleep. I still can’t believe I’m back in the facility. Nonoka: Shinobu-kun. Kyaaaah! Page 102 Nonoka: Shi..no… Shinobu: I’m just relieved that you’re safe. Page 103 Nonoka thinks: Shinobu-kun, your eyes are bloodshot. Is it because…he didn’t sleep at all. Shinobu: Show me your face more. Didn’t you get hurt? If something had happened to you, I… It’s bad enough to go through a terrifying night like that… Page 104 Nonoka: I’m sorry that I worried you, Shinobu-kun. Last night… Uuuuh! Shinobu: I don’t want to hear that you were somewhere with Hashiba. Page 105 Shinobu: Sorry for yelling at you. Get some rest. Nonoka thinks: Hey, don't worry and care about me. Wherever you two think about me. I don't know what to do about it. It would be easier if you both hated me. Page 106 Nonoka thinks: Why can't I sleep? Or... Page 107 Nonoka thinks: I used to think if I met my savior, I would be happy. Flashback: What's the way I want things to be. That's my dream. Nonoka thinks: I thought it could be nothing but heaven. I never expected that the love would be complicated. Page 108 Nonoka: I'm home. Sojiro: Nonoka, have you been careful? Koji: You must be tired. Your hot bath is ready. Akira: Aren't you hungry? Dinner's ready. Nonoka thinks: If I tell them I almost drowned and was lost with Yuya overnight, they'll get out the family sword. But I feel better now anyway. There's been so much going on for the last 4 days. Page 109 Nonoka thinks: If I keep thinking about it, it'll be nothing but depressing. Cheer up, Nonoka. Hashiba: Wh-WHY?! Before we went to the camp, we had 15 newcomers. Why, now do we have only THOSE? And on top of that, why are all of them first year students? Page 110 Iwayama: Well, you know? I followed the practice menu that you gave me, Hashiba-kun. Then... that's why only the first year students that went to the camp are left. Hashiba: Shit! No ONE has any spirit! Nonoka: Of course 10 laps around the field and 100 pushups and situps each is... Tokugawa: We want him to realize that not everyone can live up to his level. Nonoka: Anyway, why don't we just practice in our dojo? Tokugawa: Th-That's a good idea. Kira: Oh, what good timing. Everyone's here. Page 111 Kira: Yo! Nonoka: Kira-san and Shinobu-kun. In a small voice: What a delicious two shot (She's saying they're both handsome). Kira: Got good news for you. We had a club meeting. We in the kendo club decided to share the gym with the judo club. Shinobu: In the track field club will share our extra budget money for the judo club now that they've been admitted by the student government. Nonoka: Re-Really?! Kira: What do you have a Judo Club Advisor for anyway? Small voice: He doesn't know a damned thing. Hashiba and Nonoka: You know... Page 112 Kira: The Tatami mats have already arrived. Everyone: Whoa! Yes! Shinobu: So now... See ya. Nonoka: Than... Thank you SO much! Page 113 Shinobu is smiling at Nonoka. And Nonoka's heart taking off. She takes in her breath. Nonoka: Guys why don't you work out? Page 114 Hashiba: So, why don't we call it a night? Members: All done. Nonoka to herself: Now we're done fixing up our club room, we have money, and practice room, and the club's safe. We can feel better now. We don't have to worry about anything about judo club. But, I... Page 115 Nonoka to herself: No, no...I won't let myself be depressed. I'm going home now. Hashiba: Oda. I've got to talk with you. Shinobu: You knew you'd get around to this. It's really easy to guess what's on your mind. Page 116 Hashiba: If you do anything disgusting to Nonoka again (hicky), I don't give a damn who you are, you've had it. Shinobu: You seem to be having trouble with words. What're you talking about? Hashiba: Do you have something to hide? You jerk. What the hell were you thinking, putting a hicky where it was easy to find? Shinobu: People say: Only lower class people would be suspicious. Page 117 Shinobu: How come YOU know about it? Hashiba: It doesn't matter. Nonoka thinks: Yuya and Shinobu-kun. Page 118 Hashiba: It's true that she owes me a debt from 11 yrs. ago but it's NOT about that. There's absolutely no way I'm going to give her up and let you have her. Shinobu: How interesting. A passionate guy with the face of a saint. You mean you've NEVER wanted to sleep with her, right? Page 119 Hashiba is speechless. Shinobu: You aren't able to say a word. That means that you're just as guilty. How can you blame me? NOnoka thinks: Finally, the 3 of us are able to smile together. We understand each other. Nonoka: Stop it! Hashiba: No... No.... Shinobu: You're not angry for what I did because I did what you wanted to do first. That's why you're pissed, right? Nonoka thinks: It's because of me... Page 120 Nonoka thinks: ...it will all be destroyed. Hashiba punches Shinobu. Shinobu: I guess this is a declaration of war. I know our destiny was that we'd never be able to get along. Nonoka thinks: No. Because of me, you guys are at each other's throats. I can't stay with you any more. Page 121 Nonoka thinks: I'll steer clear of them. Page 122 nothing. Page 123 NOnoka thinks: Yuya and Shinobu-kun. I don't have a right to stay with them when I can't choose between them. I should give them my farewell. Akira knocks and opens the door: Nonoka, telephone. Nonoka: Oh sure. Page 124 Nonoka: Hello. Sorry to make you wait. The Chairman of Tenmu Institute: Are you Aida Nonoka-san? I am the Chairman of the Tenmu Institute. Sorry, for the sudden call. I know about your judo career. Nonoka thinks: Tenmu Institute? It's a school with quite a reputation because of it's strong sports teams. Chairman: Soon someone from our school will visit you. Please listen to what he has to say. I'm expecting a lot from you. See you. Nonoka: Huh? Excuse me? Hello? Page 125 Nonoka thinks: The chairman of Tenmu called for me specifically. That conversation was so one-sided. Someone will talk to me? For what? I'm not smart enough to figure it out. Nonoka thinking in the classroom: Shinobu-kun... I have to tell him...goodbye and to forget about me. Page 126 Shinobu: Good morning. Nonoka looks impressed by him: Good morning. Girl: Hey, it's Hashiba and Aida-san from the swimming camp. But Oda-kun is... Another girl: But that was an accident, wasn't it? Girl 3: If it were true... One of the girls: How can she get away with two-timing? Another girl: Why is she able to...? Nonoka thinks: Two-timing? Page 127 Nonoka thinks: That's not how it is? I'm just not able to decide between them. Others may think that's what's going on, but don't worry, I'll tell them goodbye. Page 128 Nonoka: Yuya. Hashiba: Yo! What's up, Nonoka? Nonoka: You know, I... The 3 girls: Oh, it's THOSE two... Hashiba: Sh-Shutup, don't be talking about it forever! Nonoka: You know, it so hard to tell you this but...I'm not... Hashiba: Nonoka. You wouldn't... Page 129 Hashiba: ...being having a cold? Nonoka: What makes you think THAT?! Hashiba: You're red and shaking and perspiring. Oh, you've got a fever! Nonoka: NO! Hashiba: Today, you can take off from the club. Stay home and sleep. YOu need to take care of yourself at the beginning of a cold. See ya. Nonoka: No, Yuya! Wait! Hashiba: Get yourself home, now! Nonoka. Yes. Page 130 Nonoka sighs: I'm so stupid! Stupid! Why can't I just tell them?! If I have a turning point... Man: You're Aida Nonoka-san, are you not? Page 131 Nonoka: I am. But... Man: Sorry, for coming suddenly. Could you come with us? I have something to show you. Nonoka remembers: "Nonoka, don't go off with strangers". Nonoka thinks: My brother always tells me that. Man: I apologize for being impolite. I am... (he gives her a card). Nonoka: Ah! Tenmu Institute chairman, the one that called yesterday. Chairman: Can you come with me? Page 132 Nonoka: Wow! Page 133 Nonoka thinks: Tenmu Institute has facilities as good as company sports teams. It's incredible for a high school to have that. Chairman: This way please. As you see our school is focusing hard on sports. Besides this field, we several track and fields, and courts covering over 10 locations. We have gathered together the finest high school atheletes in every sport from across the nation. We are very much like a castle for the select. Plus... Page 134 Chairman: ...if you decide to join our girls judo club, it will be complete. Nonoka thinks: So good. A judo dojo is in an annex. If I join... Ah! Are you scouting? Chairman: Anyone with potential, and under the right kind of circumstances, will bloom to their fullest. A fine diamond needs to be polished. Page 135 Chairman: Oh, how fortunate. I'll introduce you to here. She just transferred yesterday. Akechi-kun...! Like you, she's a first year student, Akechi Hidemi-kun, the vice-captain of the girl's judo team. To the other girl: This is the well-known, Aida Nonoka-kun. Nonoka thinks: Wow, she's a beauty and so tall. Nonoka: Nice to meet you. I'm Aida. Akechi: Shrimp. Sign: 5'7" vs 5" Nonoka is shocked. Page 136 Nonoka cries like a kid: Who IS this lady?! Akechi: Oh, so you're Aida Nonoka? You look more childlike that you do in the scouting video tapes. I'll tell you right now. I don't care if you're celebrated or not. I'll only admit that one person is a judo genius. Other than that one person, no matter who, I won't admit it. Page 137 Nonoka thinks: Only one? Who would that be? Nonoka: Huh? Who would that be? Akechi: Never mind. Other than that, we'll be teammates. Show me what you can do not what you're gene pool is (she's referring to the judo history of her family). Nonoka: You talk like that but I haven't even decided to transfer. Chairman: Of course. It's fine if you take time to think about it. Think about the best way for you to bloom. And, we need you. Nonoka: I'm leaving now. Chairman: Oh wait, I'll all a car around for you. Nonoka: No thanks. I'll go home by myself. Page 138 Akechi: See ya. I'll wish that you won't be stupid. Nonoka: Akechi Hidemi-san. Koji: WHAT?! FROM TENME INSTITUTE? SCOUTED? Page 139 Sojiro: Way to go, Nonoka! Getting that school to ask you! Akira: If you go there, you can do judo more seriously. NOnoka thinks: It wasn't smart of me to ask them for advice. Koji: Nonoka, how do you feel? Do you want to go to Tenmu? Nonoka: I...have no idea. If I continue with judo, Tenmu would be better. But if I do want to take it seriously... Page 140 Koji: Just imagine merits and de-merits when you transfer to Tenmu. Commuting, studying, friend you've made so far, and your future. Nonoka thinks: Friend...? Yumi and the judo club members...Yuya, and Shinobu-kun. Page 141 Nonoka thinks: It could be a chance given by God to get myself away from the two of them. Akechi: Oh, here you are? Page 142 Hashiba: Oh Nonoka. Cold's better? Nonoka: Yeah, oh well..I can talk to you a second? Hashiba: Okay, let's go out. Nonoka thinks: They're doing fine now and will be fine if I'm not here anymore. Page 143 Hashiba: What's up? Something serious? Nonoka thinks: I have to be brave and tell him. I have to say something... Nonoka: ....I'm...not... Page 144 Nonoka: I don't want to keep going over what happened 11 yrs. ago. Who would? I still appreciate your help but it's the past. Page 145 Hashiba: Nonoka. Nonoka: But you still talk about the debt and loving each other and going out. Stop it. Hashiba: Nonoka, you're kidding? NONOKA! Nonoka: I want to be in love with someone freely. So both of you forget about me. Hashiba: LOOK AT ME! Page 146 Hashiba: Nonok... Page 147 Track and field member: 5 laps of the 100 meter dash. Nonoka: I'M SERIOUS! LET GO! You always say "11 YEARS AGO... 11 YEARS" AGO... Don't act like my prince forever! Page 148 Nonoka thinks: I SHOULD NEVER HAVE MET THEM! "11 years ago, the coincidences piled up. If any one of them was missing, we never would have met. No one would have suffered. Page 149 Hashiba: If that's really the way you feel, why are you crying. Nonoka thinks: I don't want to be separated, I don't WANT to be separated.. I want to be with both of them forever. But I can't. I can't pick one. I don't want to see you two hate each other. I'd rather be hated. Please hate me. Akechi: I got it. The reason you couldn't decide on the scouting from our school. Page 150 Nonoka: Akechi-san. Akechi: Don't look at me that way. There's a position as captain open for you at our school. The Chairman forgot to tell you about it yesterday. Page 151 Hashiba: Tenma Institute?! Is THAT....?! The Chairman?! Scouting?! What does this mean?! Nonoka thinks: Yuya... He's got it figured out...in the WORST way. Page 152 Hashiba: Scouted by Tenma Institute? Nonoka, is that true? Page 153 Nonoka thinks: What should I do? Being figured out this way... Akechi: Our Chairman loves the words "natural ability". He means only a select few are true jewels. In any case, making an effort isn't quite the same as natural ability. Shinobu: Nonoka. Page 154 Shinobu: Are you serious considering Tenmu? Nonoka: Shinobu-kun... Yuya: Oda, how come... Akechi: Huh? Page 155 Akechi: Shi...nobu? Shinobu has question marks around him. Akechi: Shinobu...Oda Shinobu, right? I've found you. I can't believe that you're here. Don't you remember when you were a child... a girl that lost to you in a match? We promised that we'd fight again in 10 yrs., didn't we? I'm Hidemi, Akechi Hidemi. (Odd, the Japanese way would usually Hidemi Akechi. Masatomo says that it's probably because when she told him her name she was a child. Children often call each other by their given name.) Page 156 Shinobu: Aaah. Hidemi, you're Hidemi? Akechi: That's right, I have been trying to find you ever since. Nonoka thinks: Shinobu-kun and Akechi know each other?! What's going on? Akechi: Shinobu, when you retired you moved away as well. So why didn't you let me know. Why would you disappear from the judo world so suddenly? Page 157 Shinobu: Hold on. Don't ask me so many things at once. Akechi: Ah! It doesn't matter any more. The chairman had me agree to locate you after I transferred to the school. Please attend Tenmu with me. Then we can continue judo together. Shinobu: Ah. Page 158 Shinobu: Nonoka... Nonoka, are you serious...about Tenmu. Nonoka: Ah. Yuya! Page 159 Nonoka: Yuya, wait! Shinobu: Nonoka! Akechi: Wait Shinobu! Why are you so persistant about HER?! Ten years! I've never forgotten THE PROMISE! For 10 years! I've always wished to fight with you again. Shinobu: Hidemi, sorry. Page 160 Shinobu: I already quit judo. Page 161 Akechi: Huh? Nonoka: Yuya, Wait! Yuya! It's not true. I was just told about it yesterday. I was going to tell you. Hashiba: Do you really look down on me that much? Page 162 Nonoka: Yuya... Hashiba: It's true if Oda had continued judo, he'd be so far beyond me in judo. I'm well aware of it. It's no different with you. In no time, you'll unreachable. You act so normal about it, but you'll betray me. Nonoka: That's not...! Hashiba: Even by run or chase after you... Page 163 Hashiba: ...I'll never be able to catch up to you because you've been scouted by Tenmu. You want to be away from me. You don't want me like unwanted luggage. Nonoka: Yu... Hashiba: Go! Do whatever you like! Nonoka: Wait, now listen to me! Hashiba: Don't make me any more miserable than I already am! Page 164 Hashiba: Just go to Tenma or anywhere else you like! Nonoka thinks: I'd rather be hated. Page 165 Nonoka thinks: But not like that. Nonoka: Sorry, Yuya. Sooor.... Sorry, Yuya. I...wanted to get to know you two as an ordinary girl that doesn't know judo. Page 166 Nonoka: Good luck. Farewell. Hashiba thinks: I wanted to push myself as far as I could. Some day, I'll be on top. Some day for sure. Later he thinks: If anything happens, I'll be the one to protect you. Page 167 Hashiba: How odd. However, no matter how miserable I feel, I still love her. Hashiba thinks: Nonoka. Nonoka. Nonoka. In a small voice: Son of a bitch. Page 168 Hashiba thinks: Nonoka. Chairman: Oh, Aida-kun. I didn't expect you to come here voluntarily. Page 169 Chairman: What's up? Have you thought over what we talked about yesterday? Nonoka: I have... It's... I'm all yours. Nonoka thinks: I'm doing the right thing. Page 170 Chairman: The official transfer will be a week from now. But, why don't you go ahead and let me introduce you to the other club members. This is Shirakawa-kun, the judo club supervisor. Shirakawa: Nice to meet you. Nonoka: Pl-Pleased to meet you. Nonoka thinks: From now on, I'll do judo here. Someone taps her on shoulder. Page 171 Nonoka: Oh, Yagyu-kun. Yagyu: I haven't seen you in a while. I knew you'd be scouted. I just come to check out the boys' judo club. Have you decided to transfer? Nonoka: Yes. Yagyu: Is that right? We may end up teammates. Boy Judo Club Supervisor: Yagyu-kun, see ya. Nonoka thinks: How odd to be teammate of Yagyu-kun. Akechi: Yagyu Yutaka is also very strong. Though you wouldn't know it by looking at him. Page 172 Nonoka: Ah, Akechi-san. You know Shinobu-kun, right? NOnoka thinks: She's the one that's knows the child aged Shinobu-kun... She knows the things about him that I don't. Akechi: I don't believe he quit judo. Nonoka: Akechi-san... Akechi: Not just like that. He was only 6 years old and could do anything with his talent. He wouldn't just quit. Page 173 Akechi: Shinobu didn't say why yesterday, but there has to be a reason. I didn't quit. He had to have been forced not to be able to continue. Nonoka is shocked and thinks: I hurts to hear that. Akechi-san told me yesterday that she only admits that one person is a judo genius...that would have been Shinobu-kun. Page 174 Shirokawa: Aida! Nonoka: Ah! Yes! Yes, Sir! Shirokawa: This is Aida Nonoka. She will transfer here as our captain next week. Today, she'll join our practice as a special exception. Aida, there's a gi in the lockeroom, so get your clothes changed. Nonoka: Uh, but... Member: THAT..IS...AIDA-NONOKA? Member 2: I saw her in the tournament. Member 3: Already, she's the captain? Member 4: She's only a first year student, isn't she? Nonoka thinks: They're looking at me with suspicion. Page 175 Nonoka thinks: This is no ordinary school. A whole group of competitive types. I've got to forget the past. I'll continue judo here. I need to get myself used to this. Forget about the past. Nonoka: Sorry for the wait for me. Shirakawa: Okay, why don't we practice grabbing. Fujiwara, be her partner. Fujiwara: Yes, Sir. Akechi: Now, lets see if the rumor of the thoroughbred is true. I'm hoping it wasn't bullshit. Page 176 Shirakawa: Begin! Page 177 nothing. Page 178 Member: Cool. Chairman: Aida-kun, if we have you, it won't not out of the question for us to become national champions. Akechi feels the chills and thinks: She's one also... Is she another judo genius? Page 179 Akechi thinks: I'll never admit it. Never. I'll never admit it. I give no genius any mercy except Shinobu.