Kizuna Book 7 Part 27 translation KIZUNA by Kazuma Kodaka Book 7 Part 27: pp. 3-50 unofficial translation by Katherine Conventions: regular text: name of speaker and spoken lines italics: thoughts bold: descriptions bold and italics: translation note At the hospital. Masa: Shouhoukai's Odzu-gumi has offered an apology for taking up our time with this matter. Sooner or later they'll come to pay their respects again. Mr. Sagano: Hmph. I don't want to see a dirty pack of Odzu dogs. Masa, deal with them however you see fit. Masa: Yes, sir. Mr. Sagano: I've finally managed to find time to come to Tokyo, so let me enjoy myself. Masa: Knocking on the door. Yes, sir. Masa: Excuse me, it's Araki. Kei-san, the boss has come to visit you... Ranmaru: From behind the closed door. H-hey! Stop that! Enjouji: What's the matter? It's not gonna get used up or anything? Masa and Mr. Sagano enter. Ranmaru has stuffed a piece of sushi in Enjouji's mouth, presumably to fend off his kisses. Mr. Sagano: I heard you were badly injured, but... Masa: He's made an impressive recovery. Enjouji: With sushi in his mouth. Huh? (page) (page) (page) (page) Mr. Sagano: It's been a long time..... Enjouji: ..... Mr. Sagano: I don't believe we've talked face to face like this since Keiko's funeral. Enjouji: .....I guess that's right. Ranmaru: Please, have a seat. Mr. Sagano: Ah, thanks. (page) Masa helps him into the chair. Ranmaru: Whispering. Enjouji, I'll excuse myself... Mr. Sagano: Ah, no need, no need! Please stay, Samejima-san. Mr. Sagano: It is "Samejima-san" isn't it? Ranmaru: Yes. Mr. Sagano: I've heard a great deal about you. ...Although this is the first time we've met. (page) Mr. Sagano: Bowing. I am Takashi Sagano, Kei's father. I'm very glad to make your acquaintance. Ranmaru: Also bowing. Ranmaru Samejima. You're too kind. Mr. Sagano: I've heard about you from Kai, too. Mr. Sagano: He said you were very beautiful, and strong as well. ...Ah, perhaps you're offended to have another man call you beautiful? Ranmaru: No, sir... Enjouji: Why not, it's true, isn't it. Enjouji: 'Cause I chose the strongest and most beautiful one, right? Ranmaru: Enjouji! Mr. Sagano: Oh, you can say that again. (page) Mr. Sagano: I've been worried about you, wondering how you're doing, all alone since Keiko's death. Mr. Sagano: You're too stubborn to rely on me for help, just like your mother was... Mr. Sagano: Now you've decided to spend your life with Samejima-san? Enjouji looks surprised. Enjouji: As he and Ranmaru look at each other. ...Yeah. Enjouji: I would like to go through life always by his side. Mr. Sagano: Samejima-san. Ranmaru: Looking embarrassed and flustered. Yes, sir?! (page) Mr. Sagano: Although his father walks down a dark path as a yakuza boss, Kei has no connection to the criminal world... Mr. Sagano: The blame for your car accident long ago, and for this incident rests with me, and Kei is not at fault at all. Mr. Sagano: If you say you'll stay by Kei's side only if all ties are cut between myself and my son, I am prepared to cut the ties. Ranmaru: Wait, that's--! Mr. Sagano: I am well aware that it's not my place to be saying such things... Mr. Sagano: Please, take care of my son. (page) Enjouji takes Ranmaru's hand, and Ranmaru squeezes it. Ranmaru: I'm the one... Ranmaru: who should be asking your blessing. (page) Kai is walking happily down the street with a bag. Kai: Thought I'd get cheesecake today... I hope sempai likes cheesecake. Kai: Noting the cars parked outside the hospital. Huh? (page) Kai: I have a really bad premonition about this... Kai: I'll just go home. Yakuza guys: Boooonnn!! Yakuza guy: Grabbing Kai and preventing his escape. Perfect timing!! The boss has just arrived!! Kai: I knew it!! I'm going home!! Yakuza guy: What are you talking about? Hurry, hurry! Kai: Let! Me! Go!! There's a knock on Enjouji's door. Yakuza guy: Excuse the interruption. Bon's just arrived, and we've escorted him up here. (page) Mr. Sagano: Oh, Kai! You're here too. Come in, come in! Yakuza guy: As Kai glares at him. Excuse me. Mr. Sagano: Well, come on, get yourself over here! Kai: Walking past the silent, bowing Masa. ....... Kai: It figures Masa would be here too... Kai: I knew he'd be sure to come with my father. Kai: This sucks. It hurts too much to face him... (page) Kai: Handing the bag to Ranmaru. Sempai, here's some cake... Ranmaru: Ah, thanks. Kai: Privately, to Ranmaru. What's going on here, all of a sudden? Ranmaru: I'm not sure... Mr. Sagano: Well, this is a good day! The family is all together. That's something to celebrate! Kai: When a yakuza guy screws around and that screwing around results in two brothers who have nothing in common, and yet they manage to be in the same room without killing each other, now that's special. Mr. Sagano clocks Kai in the head. (page) Kai: You wanna fight, old man?! I'll take care of you!! Come on!! Ranmaru: Restraining Kai. Cut it out, Sagano!! Mr. Sagano: Damn brat! Why can't you reform?! Masa: Boss! Think of your blood pressure... Enjouji: The hospital's gonna throw us all out... Mr. Sagano: I came here today to have a nice, calm conversation!! Ranmaru: Sir, it's not good for your health to get so excited... Mr. Sagano: Clasping Ranmaru's hand. Samejima-san, you're truly a good man, aren't you? Ranmaru: Thank you. Kai: Hey! Don't be carried away by all the confusion and start holding his hand! Kai: (Sempai, you better put some disinfectant on that hand.) Ranmaru: (Hey, now.) Mr. Sagano: Oh yeah, I was forgetting something. Mr. Sagano: Have you been visiting Keiko's grave like you should? (page) Enjouji: Now that you mention it, I haven't been for years... Mr. Sagano: What? That's terrible. You have to go. I know Kyoto's a good distance, but... Mr. Sagano: I bet you haven't even told her about Samejima-san, have you? Enjouji: No. Ranmaru: ..... Ranmaru: Are you saying you haven't prayed to her since the cremation ceremony? You haven't been since you started college...? Enjouji: Sweatdropping. I guess that's right. That's not good... Mr. Sagano: Keiko will be crying for sure. Well then, go visit her grave when you get out of the hospital. You can give thanks for your recuperation at the same time. Mr. Sagano: As Masa hands him an envelope. It's a bit early, but here's a little something from me to celebrate your release from the hospital. (page) Ranmaru: Ah, that's not necessary... Enjouji: It's okay. He was the one who arranged for this room, so... Mr. Sagano: Don't be stupid. The payment for the room and the recovery gift are separate. Mr. Sagano: Can't you let me spoil you a bit at a time like this? Mr. Sagano: Think of it as doing your duty as a son and humoring your old man. Enjouji and Ranmaru look at each other. Enjouji: Taking the envelope. Well then, this time I'll allow you to spoil me. Mr. Sagano: That's right. Mr. Sagano: And when you settle on a date, let me know, all right? I'll make reservations for you at my favorite inn. I'll tell the okami to take good care of you! Note: "Okami" is a title for a woman who owns and runs an inn. Mr. Sagano: When I tell her "Hotaru's" son will be staying there, she'll be very happy! (page) Enjouji: Why? Mr. Sagano: Holding out a brochure. (This is it.) Mr. Sagano: Do you remember Takeya, in Matsubarakiya? Enjouji: Oh, that place? Enjouji: Smiling as he looks at the brochure. Takeya... That brings back memories! Ranmaru: Sweatdropping. Wow, it looks expensive. Mr. Sagano: However, I'm concerned about the organization being all stirred up right now, so I've arranged for Araki and Imagawa to go with you, to make sure you find the inn all right, and to provide protection. Mr. Sagano: The room with the outside bath is at a distance from the rest of the rooms, so the two of you can relax in privacy together. Ranmaru: Blushing. Uh... Enjouji: That's the best room, isn't it? Are you sure it's okay? Kai: Wait just a second! Mr. Sagano: Huh? Kai: As Ranmaru looks like he's going to faint. When did this "coming out" thing happen? How come when it was me, you said "homo, get out"!? Mr. Sagano: Not understanding the English phrase "coming out." Kami what? Kei owes Ranmaru his life. He's not a homosexual. (page) Kai: As Masa quietly sweatdrops. Have you gone senile old man?! He's gay! He's gay! He's completely gay! Mr. Sagano: How dare you say such things about Samejima-san?! He's not like you at all! Ranmaru: E- Enjouji... Enjouji: If he doesn't get it, just let it go. It'll be easier that way. Kai: I can't be bothered to spell it all out to you, old man. This is stupid. I'm going home. Ranmaru: Ah, Sagano, wait, you just got here... Masa: I'll escort you. Kai: ! Kai: Blushing. I can get home without your help! (page) Kyousuke: Out in the hall. Ah, Bon, are you leaving? I'll take you home... Kai: I said I don't need any help!! Kyousuke: As Ranmaru comes out. Ah, Samejima-san. Ranmaru: Oh, Imagawa-san. Thanks for all your help. I'm afraid it looks like we'll be taking up your time further... Ranmaru: Sagano! Wait up! Kyousuke: ..... Kyousuke: I guess they had another round of miscommunication. I can understand Bon's pain. Yakuza guy: Nodding sympathetically. Ranmaru: There's no need to leave in such a hurry... You haven't seen your father in a long time, right? Kai: It's all right. As soon as we see each other's faces, we start arguing. We just can't have a conversation without fighting. (page) Ranmaru: From my standpoint, I'm envious of you even being able to fight like that. Kai: What about your father? Ranmaru: When I was very young, he left home and never came back. I don't remember him very well... Kai: Ah, I'm sorry! Ranmaru: It's okay. Ranmaru: But because you have your father with you, you should value him more. Kai: Without enthusiasm. All riiight... Ranmaru: May I ask you a question, too? Kai: What? Ranmaru: Um, after what happened, are you and Araki-san not on good terms...? (page) Kai: Alarmed. Why...? Is that what it looks like...? Ranmaru: Yeah, pretty much. I know I really wanted to find Enjouji, but I let you go too far... And I caused trouble for Araki-san... Ranmaru: If you two aren't getting along because of that, I want to apologize properly to Araki-san... Kai: Sempai, you have nothing to apologize for! Kai: I know I got carried away this time... But that's not what the problem is. It's because... I'm just a kid... Kai: I've always been a little kid that Masa has to babysit, so I just told him it was about time he stepped down from that job. Kai: If the two of us aren't on good terms, it's just our problem. You shouldn't feel responsible at all. (page) Kai: Well, I'm off! Thanks for walking with me! Ranmaru: Take care. Ranmaru: ....... As Ranmaru returns, Mr. Sagano is coming out of Enjouji's room. Ranmaru: Ah, are you leaving already, sir? Mr. Sagano: Oh, Samejima-san. Sorry we made such a commotion! Ranmaru: We'll be sure to let you know when Enjouji's release date is set. Mr. Sagano: I appreciate you going to the trouble. Ranmaru: It's no trouble at all. Everyone bows. Mr. Sagano: It was an honor meeting you. Ranmaru: Thank you for everything you've done. (page) Ranmaru: Um... I'd like to express my thanks to Araki-san if you can spare a moment? Mr. Sagano: Ah, go right ahead. Mr. Sagano: I'll be waiting in the car. He leaves with Kyousuke. Masa: ...I don't recall doing anything worthy of your thanks... Ranmaru: Smiling. Well, I certainly remember. Ranmaru: You stopped me from becoming a killer. Ranmaru: If I had brought that sword down, I would have lost everything. (page) Ranmaru: I was so angry then, I forgot myself... I let the insanity of the sword control me. Ranmaru: Now... it frightens me to remember that feeling. Masa: That's good. Masa: When a person is no longer afraid to kill, or to use violence on another, then it's all over. Masa: You're a man who must wield a sword that can't be tainted by anyone. A sword that fights to protect something, not a sword that harms people. Masa: I believe you're the kind of man to wield a pure, clean sword. (page) Masa: Because if your sword is stained with blood, there are people who will be sad... Masa: Please, continue your peaceful life. Ranmaru: ...Yes... Ranmaru: Thank you... Masa: Turning to leave. Well then... Ranmaru: Uh, um... Ranmaru: I know it's not my business, but... Ranmaru: Please, if you could try to understand Sagano-- no, Kai-kun's feelings... (page) Ranmaru: I can tell he's suffering right now... Masa: Samejima-san... Masa: ...Sometimes... I am envious of you and Kei-san. Masa: You aren't dependent on each other, but as equals you help support each other in life... Masa: I can't do anything like that. Masa: I am dependent on him, and I am consuming him. (page) Masa: His position, his pride, everything -- I am swallowing it all down. Masa: So before it goes too far... Ranmaru: You've let Kai-kun go...? Masa: It's not something as admirable as that. Masa: His pure love frightens me, and I'm running from it. Masa: I'm just a coward. (page) Ranmaru: This doesn't seem like the kind of problem that my words are going to help... Enjouji is squeezing a ball. Enjouji: NNNngggggh!! Ranmaru comes back into the room. Enjouji: Ow! Ow! Ow! Ranmaru: Hey, if you do that all the sudden, you're going to hurt your shoulder. Enjouji: It's nothing compared to the rehabilitation you went through. Ranmaru: When you put it that way, I don't have any come-back... Enjouji: Tossing the ball to Ranmaru. Try squeezing it with your right hand. Ranmaru: Why me? Enjouji: Just do it. (page) Ranmaru: Like this? Enjouji: Wow, you have a strong grip! Ranmaru: Looking smug. This is easy. Enjouji: If your gripping strength has come back this much, you could do it, couldn't you? Enjouji: You could hold a kendo sword, couldn't you? Now? Ranmaru: Wh- What are you talking about... Enjouji: Your grandfather talked to you about it. Enjouji: Didn't he? Didn't he ask you to take up kendo again? (page) Enjouji: If it's something you hesitated to discuss with me, it's gotta be something really personal. Enjouji: And if it's something to do with your talking with your grandfather without me, well, it's gotta be about kendo. Enjouji: Well? Am I right? Ranmaru: ...You're right, oh omniscient one... Enjouji: And? You're still thinking about what to do? Ranmaru: ...Yeah... Ranmaru: It's been a long time since I practiced, and there's the problem of my strength, but what worries me most... Ranmaru: is my own mindset. The way I am right now, do I have the spirit to do kendo...? Ranmaru: To be honest, I don't have any confidence. (page) Ranmaru: I think even more than technique, what you need for kendo is a heart that's inclined towards the sword. Ranmaru: So, truthfully, since I picked up that sword in the warehouse... Ranmaru: Since I wanted, even just for a second, to cut someone down, I may not be able to... Enjouji reaches out and tweaks Ranmaru's nose. Ranmaru: !? Ranmaru: Enjouji! I'm trying to have a serious talk! Enjouji: Silly boy. Enjouji: If you have all this time to fuss over whether or not to do it, why not just pick up a kendo sword and try it out? (page) Enjouji: You're only wasting time with your indecision. Just try it, without expecting to succeed. I know it's different from before. It may be some ugly kendo... but I'll watch it all. Enjouji: Quit thinking about it, and pick up the sword. Enjouji: I've grown up now, so I won't say stupid things about you being stolen away by kendo. Ranmaru: ..... Ranmaru: Getting angry. You did say that, didn't you? At the dojo, when you told me how you felt about me, and then you... (It's all coming back to me...) Enjouji: Oooh, Ranmaru, you remember all the widdle details of our wuv! (page) Enjouji: Well, I guess we should remember the first time we had sex... Ranmaru: Smacking Enjouji. Anyway, the past is the past! Ranmaru: I can't decide, because I'm trying to settle the whole future at once. ...I understand. Ranmaru: I'll do as you say, and let the sword decide which way I should go. Enjouji: Try the sword. There's always time later to change your mind. Ranmaru: Well, I'd better be getting home. I have to call grandfather... Enjouji: Wait! Aren't you forgetting something? (page) Enjouji: Pointing to his puckered lips. Here, here! Ranmaru: ..... Enjouji: You're forgetting something! Ranmaru: Grabbing Enjouji's chin. Shut up already! Enjouji: What do you mean, shut up?! Ranmaru kisses him gently. Enjouji: Mm... Ranmaru: You get the rest in Kyoto. Enjouji: All right...! Enjouji: I mean, no, wait!! You're saying no sex until then?! Ranmaru?! Ranmaru: Blushing, on the other side of the door. You think you're the only one who has to suffer and wait, stupid? (page) At Kai's apartment... TV: These guys are all gonna go crazy when the guest comes out. TV: "These guys"? Be more polite! TV: Well then, shall I bring out our guest? TV: Come on out!! Kai is lying on the carpet, smoking a cigarette. Masa: In flashback. Bon... Masa: Please allow me to stay by your side forever. (page) Masa: Because I want nothing more and nothing less than that. Masa: I'm sorry. Masa: I guess that joke was a little harsh. Kai: Sitting up and blushing. Ah! That damn Masa!! Kai: Why am I Kai: bringing up these memories now...? (page) Kai: Masa... What are you thinking, now...? Kai: Are you really done with looking after me? Kai: I want to know... your real feelings... Kai: Looking at the phone. ..... The phone rings at Mr. Sagano's hotel. Yakuza guy: Hello? Yakuza guy: Ah, Bon? What can I do for you? Yakuza guy: Yes, the boss is here, but... (page) Yakuza guy: Boss, Bon is on the phone. Mr. Sagano: Sitting at a table with Masa. Hn? Mr. Sagano: A phone call from Kai? I wonder what he wants. Masa: ..... Mr. Sagano: Yeah, it's me. What's up? Mm... Mm... Hm? You want to go too? Mr. Sagano: That's fine, but I don't want you bothering those two. Kai: I'm not going all that way just to cause trouble. Oh, and one more thing... Kai: While I'm staying there, would you loan me Masa? Kai: Could you...? (page) Mr. Sagano: What is this, all of a sudden? Weird kid. Hey, Masa! Masa: Sir? Mr. Sagano: You'll be staying in Kyoto for a little while. Masa: Hah? Mr. Sagano: When Kei and Samejima-san go to Kyoto, you're going to stay there too. Masa: Yes, sir, but... Mr. Sagano: Kai says he wants to go to Kyoto with you. Masa: Bon said that...? Mr. Sagano: Yeah, I don't know what's going on, but he asked to borrow you. You never take vacations, anyway, these days. This'll be good. Take your time and do some sightseeing with Kai in Kyoto. (page) Mr. Sagano: Okay? I'm counting on you to watch over those three. Masa: ...Yes, sir... Ranmaru Narration: A few days after Mr. Sagano's visit, Enjouji prepared to leave the hospital. Doctor: Congratulations on your recovery! We'd better not see you back in here again! Nurse: Ha ha ha, doctor you're so mean! Ranmaru: Sorry for all the commotion we caused... Nurse: We'll miss you, Enjouji-kun! Other nurse: Come visit us once in awhile, okay? Doctor: Hey, you two! Enjouji: Ask for me at my club! Ranmaru: In the taxi. Thanks for everything! Doctor: Take care. (page) Ranmaru: Quit drooling over those girls. It's pathetic. Enjouji: Oh?! Jealous? Ranmaru: Don't be stupid. Enjouji: Well, I've been released, so let's get on with setting the date for the Kyoto trip. Enjouji: An outside bath, away from the other rooms... Ranmaru: Don't forget the main objective is to visit the cemetery! (And don't laugh like a pervert.) Enjouji: Yes, sir. Ranmaru: ...Kyoto... Ranmaru: I want to hear about you... when you were young... (page) Ranmaru: ...about your memories of Kyoto... I want you to tell me... Ranmaru: everything I don't know about you. Enjouji: Taking his hand. Yeah... I guess we've been so busy, there hasn't been time to relax together. Enjouji: ...Sure, we'll do that. Enjouji: We'll take our time together, and talk. Enjouji: And there's also that outside bath... Taxi Driver: I've got some oddball passengers this time... (Are they gay!?) (page) At the train station... Ranmaru Narration: When everything had gotten back to normal after Enjouji's hospital stay, we decided on the date to leave for Kyoto. Ranmaru: Sorry to make you come all the way from Osaka to accompany us... Masa: Don't worry about it, the boss told us to pick you up at your home and go with you. Masa: Feel free to ask us for anything you need. Ranmaru: Thank you. Enjouji: Struggling with Kyousuke for his bag. It's fine! I can carry it myself!! Kyousuke: Certainly not! It's bad for your delicate health!! Masa: As they go up the escalator. Please watch your feet. Enjouji: Shall I carry you? Ranmaru: Shut up, idiot. Kai: Hey! You guys are late!! (page) Kai: The Shinkansen's about to leave without us! Quit dawdling and hurry up!! Ranmaru: As Enjouji looks ready to explode. S- Sagano...? (page) Masa: I'm afraid you weren't fully informed. Bon will be accompanying us. Kai: As Ranmaru sweatdrops and Enjouji is immobile with shock. Yep, that's right! Kai: Let's have a good trip! Ranmaru: Uh, yeah... Enjouji: I hope your trip sucks!! Kai: Whatever. I'm not talking to you, I'm talking to sempai. Kyousuke: Sporting his ever-present sweat drops. Well anyway, let's just get on the train, okay? Ranmaru: As Enjouji and Kai glare at each other. Y... Yeah, let's get on. Come on, Enjouji! Masa: Bon, is this your only suitcase? Kai: Yeah. (page) Kai: Masa. Kai: Grabbing his lapel. Don't run away. Kai: I went to all the trouble to get permission from my father, so I could talk with you. Kai: I won't let you go back until you tell me how you really feel. Kai: Got it...? (page) Ranmaru Narration: Sagano and Araki-san, as far as I know in the middle of a fight, plus Imagawa-san, Kyousuke: The boss and Bon don't seem their normal selves... I wonder if they're fighting? Masa: ...... Kai: Popping up behind Ranmaru's seat. Kyoto's gonna be so much fun, isn't it?! Ranmaru: Y...yeah. Ranmaru Narration: And the completely out of sorts Enjouji... Ranmaru Narration: It started out as a pleasant little trip, but... I have a feeling it will turn into an exhausting journey... Ranmaru Narration: As uneasiness filled me, the Shinkansen headed on a straight path for Kyoto.