Rekka no Honoo [Flame of Recca] :: Anzai Nobuyuki
 VOLUME 2
:: translated by tenno yukie :: edited by {~ stratis /~} ::
:: volume 01 :: 1 :: 2 :: 3 :: 4 :: 5 :: 6 :: 7 :: 8 :: 9 :: 10 :: volume 03 ::
Aoi Honoo

volume 02 chapter 01

Volume 2 Chapter 1 : Princess Yanagi's Visit

(Recca walking along with yanagi. talking excitedly.)

recca : let me tell ya! the main character in that manga...... is an expert in throwing daggers! whatever his target is...... he always hits it right on!

(an SD picture of a ninja practicing with a tree. they pass by a baseball field.)

yanagi : like baseball players?
recca (pat her head) : idiot!

(on the baseball field, one team strikes a homerun heading right for recca and yanagi.)

players : wow!

(yanagi stares wide eyes. *doesn't she know what the word "dodge" mean?* recca steps in front of her with his explosives. his jumps and attacks the ball, which gets blown into pieces.)

recca : princess, the enemy's weapon has been destroyed! (gentlemanly bow) you don't have to thank me, this is my duty!

(all the baseball players, little kids, attack him, beats him up, step on him, etc.)

players : what weapon? give the ball back to us! don't think that you can push us around 'cause we're elementary school kids!
recca (totally beaten up) : ah-enemy's attacking! princess, run
yanagi (on the side) : huh?

(later, an all beaten up recca, walking with yanagi.)

yanagi : sorry, it's all my fault......
recca : haha! just a few kids, it doesn't hurt at all! [uh uh uh]
yanagi : recca...... those explosives, you made them?
recca (those marbles) : you talking about this? you know about the fireworks they use on holidays? those are composed basically of fire powder, "stars", and an outer cover! (diagram of what he's talking about) I just took the "stars" and sort of changed it a bit! (sudden thought) ! hey! princess, come to my house this sunday! I'll shoot fireworks for you!
yanagi (imagining) : ...... [wow--] I wish sunday would come faster!

(around the corner, fuuko and domon are listening with a sneaky look.)

side text : Sunday

(recca running around the house cleaning, doing chores, wiping windows etc.)

hanabishi : ...... son, are you feeling all right?
recca (excited) : princess is coming over!
hanabishi (thinking) : huh? this kid's got a girlfriend?
door : dingdong
recca : she's here!

(yanagi walks in.)

recca : hey! princess! you're so good! you actually found this place alone! come on in! even though the house is kinda dirty and messed up!
yanagi : got lost 12 times......
hanabishi : how is my house messed up?
recca (running up stairs) : today's weather is great, it's best suited for fireworks! (open door) this is my room......

(domon and fuuko are sitting there reading magazines. both wearing sunglasses, reminds me of gangsters...)

fuuko : hi! don't mind if we join?
yanagi (meanwhile recca falls with his feet in the air) : fuuko! domon!
recca : Ah-- how did you get in?
fuuko : of course uncle let us in!
domon (scratching his head) : your potato chips still doesn't taste as good as the original!
recca (vein pop) : then don't eat it! complaining after you steal it?

(domon and fuuko towering over a speechless recca.)

fuuko : what's this attitude? think that we're in your way?
domon : you want to be alone in a room with another girl?
recca : well...... (give up) whatever!

(domon and fuuko cheering in the background. around the room, there's a lot of books and ninja collection items.)

yanagi : ah! so many books about ninja! you must really like ninja?
recca : it's my dream! look! this is the weapon they use! it's really famous!

(yanagi looks at a book, fuuko and domon winks, the title says ninja encyclopedia.)

yanagi : recca! what's this book?
recca : oh! this......

(the book opens with a picture of a naked girl with huge breasts.)

side text : the large-breast fighter Christine yang [age 19]

(recca's eyes are huge, surprise, shock, nervousness, etc. yanagi is blushing. the cover of the book falls off a bit to reveal another title, large breast number one. in the back fuuko and domon give each other a high five.)

yanagi : ah!
recca (bing bang) : so you are the ones behind this!
fuuko & domon : [sorry, sorry.]

(yanagi still reading, wondering about the picture.)

yanagi : oh...... (sweatdrop) recca likes this kind of woman?

(stares down at herself. domon stares at her in sweatdrops.)

side text (yanagi's front) : stare--...
recca : hey! princess went to a different junior high, so she mustn't have heard your infamous name, introduce yourself!
domon : I'm ishijima domon! strong, powerful, very dependable hero type!
fuuko : I'm kirisawa fuuko! I'm the cute and pretty type!
recca (kicking their heads) : what are you talking about? who's very dependable? and who's cute? where are they?
domon (being kicked) : none of your business!
fuuko (pulling domon's hair, whatever he has left) : what kinda hero are you? (yanagi sweat drop)
yanagi (smile) : It's mine turn! I'm sakoshita yanagi! ......!! ah! (breathing hard) [fuu-haa fuu-haa]
recca : ?
arrow : deep breath
yanagi : I was too nervous, forgot what I was gonna say.

(everybody falls. all have very big mouth, laughing.)

domon : ahahaha! such a funny princess!
recca : [hahaha]
fuuko : ha! your face is funnier!
yanagi : ...... I eh...... ever since I was little, I've been afraid of strangers, so I don't have many friends. but it's so strange...... being with you guys make me feel so natural! this feeling is great......
recca (blush) : don't say that! relax if you wanna have fun!
domon & fuuko : [he's embarrassed!]

(yanagi remembers, gets excited, and digs in her bag for something.)

yanagi : oh! I brought something with me today! I'll show you!
fuuko (waiting) : what is it?
domon (anticipating) : what did you bring?
arrow (a weird looking recca) : has a bad feeling about this!

(a messed up picture of recca. title says flame man sequel. bottom corner has the name rose yanagi. a disfigured old lady and a baby*?* by a river.)

side text : once upon a time, there lived an old man and an old woman. one day, the old lady found flame man by a river.

(pictures of a grown up flame man and a monster holding a spiky club.)

side text : the flame man can transform, and shoot fire. one day, he suddenly says to the old lady, "I want to go kill the monster!" (there's a label by the monster saying "monster")

(picture of flame man running, and an big ape with a nose ring, a chick with a girl's face blowing wind *geez, I wonder who they are?)

side text : on the way, he met the chick who can control wind and the very strong ape man, those two became his good partners...... they took care of all the monsters, and made everybody happy.

(yanagi holding her book seriously.)

yanagi : the above is rose yanagi's ink stage, thank you!
fuuko & domon : what the hell is this? boring......

(domon turns around eyes bulging, sweating, veins pop. recca stands in a scary shadow behind them, his flame dancing.)

recca : how dare you diss princess's hard work, you're gonna die!
domon : wonderful! so wonderful! especially the ape man!
fuuko (clapping hand) : what a perfect story of the flame man! I'm gonna cry!
yanagi (excited) : great! now I am full of confidence to continue the series! [aya]
recca, fuuko & domon (completely in shadow) : oh......
side text : today-let us just have fun!

(recca's messy room, with soda cans, potato chip bags, game boards, food, etc. while recca and domon are in their own little muscle competition, fuuko and yanagi are singing kareoke. now it's after dark.)

recca : OK! it's dark already...... (holds the firework ball) this is today's final act!
yanagi : recca...... are we playing basketball?
recca : idiot! you forgot what we're here for?
fuuko : come on! let's go to the back.
domon (staring at yanagi) : if only somebody's front were also so large! right?
yanagi (smoke coming out) : you're so mean!

(the four of them stand around a canon. recca lights the fire.)

recca : shoot it before pop gets here! or he's gonna shoot me up there instead!
fuuko (slap yanagi on the back) : yanagi! you know what to do!
yanagi (jumps) : huh?
fuuko (recca still lighting the fire) : a couple in love standing under the exploding fireworks, it's gonna be beautiful like a picture. recca that idiot is slower than a pig on stuff like this, so you have to step up!

(fuuko and domon leaves, fuuko still waving at yanagi.)

fuuko : us two light bulbs are leaving now! bye! yanagi, it was really fun today!
side text (yanagi blush, smile) : [you got it wrong......]
recca : look! it's up!
side text (a shooting light in the sky) : I never imagined to become a couple with recca!

(the sky is beautiful with fireworks exploding. yanagi and recca stand next to each other watching.)

hanabishi : that damn kid! He stole my fireworks again!
little kid (point to sky) : mama-fireworks!
old man : you, look!
old lady : hehe! summer's here!
recca : heheh! done! this firework belongs to the category yanagi! same as your name-- really...

(yanagi holds recca's hand, recca sweating, shaking, nervous.)

side text : because-
recca (SWEATING) : pretty right?
side text : the way we are right now,
recca (sweat, sweat) : huh? where's domon and fuuko? (sweat)
side text : I already feel very, very happy!

(they stand closer, holding hands, somewhere else domon and fuuko talking.)

domon (smile) : we're really like their cupid! think those two are a good pair?
fuuko : uh-huh- they at least have a better chance of getting together than us two!
domon (sweatdrop) : haha...... really?

(a shadow watches them behind a tree, who else can it be?)

kage hoshi : it seems...... you like yanagi too? but she's hanging out with recca everyday...... (a shadow behind her) unless you can beat recca, you have no chance of getting close to her. what do you say? Mikagami, do you believe you can do it?
tokiya : water extinguishes fire. that is my answer.

end of volume 2 chapter 1
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volume 02 chapter 02

Volume 2 Chapter 2 : The Swordsman of Water I (Mikagami Tokiya)

(Mikagami Tokiya enters the guidance office of the school.)

councilor : Grade 2 *high school junior* class See, Mikagami Tokiya-- excellent grades, entering school as a honor student...... that's great! to be able to become your teacher is my honor. [haha] if all of my students were like you, I'd have an easy job!
tokiya (expressionless) : please don't talk. your mouth stinks!
councilor : huh? what did you say?
tokiya (stands to leave) : excuse me!
councilor (calling after him) : hey! don't leave yet! I didn't finish! which college do you want to attend? With your grades, Tokyo University is not a problem!
tokiya : I'm not interested.
councilor : why? what is your goal?
tokiya : it's none of your business. I search for more valuable things than education.
councilor : mikagami! watch out!

(recca is running like crazy, he almost bumped into tokiya. tokiya simply steps aside and recca falls to the ground.)

recca : AHHHHHHHH damn it hurts! sorry, you all right?
tokiya (alarmed) : ......... you...... are hanabishi recca?
recca : huh? how'd you know my name?
fuuko : RECCA!
recca (sweating, looking at the people catching up to him) : AH!
fuuko (sharp teeth) : how dare you steal and copy my homework!
domon (points to his all messy forehead) : and drew all over my head, what's the meaning of this?
fuuko : isn't it your fault for being so slow?
yanagi (teary eyes) : and you ate all of my favorite pastry!
fuuko : such a pathetic reason......

(fuuko and domon blank expression. tokiya's heart is beating fast as he is shocked at the sight of yanagi.)

side text : help me......
tokiya (looking at yanagi) : [so alike...... looks so much like ne-san *older sister*...... she is......]
councilor : uh! these are the troublemakers! They spend more time fighting than going to class. other than sakoshita, their grades are unbearable. (clench teeth) you must stay away from these people...... (turn around, tokiya's gone) huh? where's mikagami?

(recca walking alone in the streets. thinking.)

recca : that's so strange! [every single week, princess would ask to go home alone on this day......]
yanagi (flashback) : [sorry, recca, I want to walk alone today. because I have to go to work somewhere. this is a secret! you can't tell anybody or the teacher!]
recca (thinking) : what work? so secretive......

(recca suddenly falls over as he's walking pass a building and hears a voice.)

voice : kids! today I'll tell you the story of flame man!
recca : what... what the hell? why would flame man be in a place like this?
side text : kindergarten
recca : [how come they know this name too?]

(through the classroom window recca looks inside.)

recca (surprised) : ah!
yanagi (sitting in front of the kids) : how is everybody?
recca : [princess!]
yanagi : [at that moment, gorilla man appeared!]
recca (sweating) : so this is her job? I can't believe there exists somebody who likes that stuff......
kids (cheering) : ah-- eh ah-
side text : feels like a peaking pervert!
girl (turns around) : huh? (points to recca who is horrified) flame man's over there!
kids (laughing) : [ah-- it's flame man! lets catch him!] yanagi (knocking the kids on the head) : recca? [how can you recognize him? the picture doesn't look like him!]

(in the yard, kids playing, beating each other up, etc.)

yanagi : this is the place which made me decide to be a children book writer. at first it was just to make the kids happy. Then when I saw them enjoying it so much, I was also really happy!
recca : heh-
kid : teacher sister!
yanagi : ah! wipe your nose! (kneels) here, I'll help you!
recca : eh, you're pretty good with kids! (laughing) it's true that kids understand other kids the most! hahaha! hehe... (eyes narrow) uh-oh!
yanagi (smiling) : come here everybody! why don't we play catch with our visitor?
recca : fine! come on!

(later, the principal comes.)

principal : does it hurt? eat some snacks! mr. flame man! [haha]
recca (drinking) : thank you! principal. [fufu]
principal : yanagi is a really good girl. all the kids here love her. they all wait eagerly for the day that she comes! (yanagi playing with kids) that's probably her ability!
recca : yeah...... [I have the same feeling--] (jump up) I've decided! from this day on, I'll also come and play with you! [lets play catch the monster!]
kids (cheering) : ahh-
yanagi : recca!
recca : princess! you should really help me! or else, with so many kids, somebody is gonna get left out! "hey! recca, come help me play with these damn kids!" if only you gave an order, I would do it no matter what! (knocking her head) get it?
kid (the one he carries on his back) : who are the "damn kids"?
yanagi : ...... I really can't give orders! but... (salutes) I leave everything to you!

(recca salutes back with a stupid smile. mikagami tokiya, cold, watching, expressionless. scenes flash by, his memory. a girl looking like yanagi is washing a little boy's face. they are talking, laughing.)

tokiya : [so like my sister...... the person I loved the most in my heart...... (eyes narrow) finally...... I can see you again...... ne-san--]

(later, kindergarten. recca's leaving.)

yanagi : sorry, recca, I still have some things to talk about with the principal.
recca : ok! I'm leaving first then!
kids (waving) : [bye! flame man!]
recca (jumping up and down) : [I'll come again! bye!]
tokiya : hanabishi recca!

(recca stops, he faces tokiya.)

recca : ah! you're that guy last time in school......
tokiya (toying with a short stick he's holding) : I'll say this directly! leave her alone!

(close up on the stick. there's a crystal/jade at the center. the kanji word mizu for water is carved on it.)

end of volume 2 chapter 2
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volume 02 chapter 03

Volume 2 Chapter 3 : The Swordsman of Water II (Ensui [water of hell])

(outside the kindergarten. mikagami tokiya is facing hanabishi recca.)

tokiya : leave her alone! hanabishi! she's an elegant angel.
recca (2 dots for eyes) : ...? you mean princess?
tokiya : yes! you don't deserve her! monkey boy!

(image of a monkey squeaking. recca is furious)

recca : monkey...... (punches tokiya who dodges easily) it's very rude to talk about first time acquaintances like that!
tokiya : eh! your moves are pretty fast, too bad you're a simple-minded fool. people like you don't even realize what stupid things they do! (recca fuming) I heard you want to be a ninja? to risk your life for the true master? I think you're just forcing people to accept your ways! ninja? most idiotic! (still very cold and elegant)
recca (very serious) : take back what you said! you hear me?
tokiya (smile) : about to explode? such an emotional monkey! stupid ninja!

(recca punches tokiya, who dodges again. recca looks surprised.)

tokiya : want a fight? (takes out a bottle of water) I originally wanted to resolve this peacefully! but...... It's fine with me if we do it the other way! (pours water on the stick he's holding) even though I'm generally gentle (*HAHAHA*), I can be difficult to deal with!

(the stick begins to grow as the water gathers. recca watches in surprise.)

recca : !!?

(finally the water forms the shape of a sword. the original stick is the handle and the body is completely water.)

tokiya : I apologize! I don't think I introduced myself? I am Mikagami Tokiya. (attacks recca) please remember this name!
recca : uh! (flame appears) what the hell is that sword?

(contact, recca stares at his hand in surprise. the flame is gone)

recca : !! [my flame? dis... appeared?] (his wound on his arm pops with blood) ahhhhhh!
tokiya (very cool) : water extinguishes fire, even a three-year-old knows that.

(in the kindergarten, yanagi has a bad feeling.)

yanagi : recca?
principal : yanagi, what's wrong?
yanagi : ah! no... nothing! [...... was it my imagination? I thought I heard-- recca's voice......]
tokiya : this sword is called Ensui. any liquid can become its blade, to me, it's the symbolic representation of the person I love...... it's my treasure. I've seen kage hoshi! (recca surprised.) that woman seems to want to start a fight between us. Truthfully though, I have no interest in you. but, anything regarding sakoshita yanagi will be my business. meeting her is your bad luck. kage hoshi's target is you. if she stays with you, then she's in danger!

(recca wide eyes. remembers all the times yanagi got hurt.)

tokiya (attack) : you understand what I mean? hanabishi recca!

(recca's bleeding with several new wounds. his shirt's been slashed with a few crosses.)

tokiya : don't just have everything your way! If you really want her happy, then leave her alone! only then, will you be able to truly protect her!
recca (falling down, bleeding) : so what...... (memory of their times together) [no matter what...... I still......]
yanagi (flashback) : it's so strange...... I feel so natural when I'm with you guys! it feels so good......
recca : I want to be with my princess! I want to be the ninja who protects her!
tokiya : don't be a stubborn child. hanabishi recca.

(blood.)

recca : [princess!!!]

(yanagi suddenly stands up. very serious)

principal : ah! (yanagi runs out) yanagi! what's wrong?
yanagi : [this time I heard it so clearly! it must be! although I don't know what's happening, but...... that's recca's voice!]

(yanagi suddenly stops, looks around.)

yanagi : should be around here...... my senses must be right!

(she sees recca lying over there by the fence. runs to him.)

yanagi : recca! [hurt so badly......] (use healing magic)
recca (open eyes) : eh?
yanagi : ah! you're fine?
recca : princess?
yanagi (teary) : don't get hurt next time! I was so worried!
recca : princess...... (looks down) ......
tokiya (flashback voice) : if she stays with you, then she's in danger! if you really want her happy, then leave her alone! yanagi : strange! I thought I heard your voice! although I didn't know what it was, but your voice was in my head......
recca (smile, kinda sad) : don't get involved with me anymore! sakoshita......
yanagi : huh? [recca?] (recca running away) he called me sakoshita, not princess......

(she stands alone, shocked. mikagami is watching.)

tokiya : [now...... I can relax......]

(school. yanagi sees recca.)

yanagi : ah! recca! can we go to play with the kids again? (ignores her) re......

(sad look, she does various things to get his attention. bought a lot of pastry, showing him her new "masterpiece". recca totally ignores her.)

yanagi : recca-- (teary) was it...... that I did something wrong?
recca (clenching teeth) : nothing of that sort! sorry...... (fist, punch the wall, cracking a dent) only that, (eyes covered) I can't be your ninja anymore!

(yanagi is left standing in darkness... *why do I feel so happy?*)

end of volume 2 chapter 3
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volume 02 chapter 04

recca (shocked yanagi) : I can't be your ninja anymore!
yanagi : ...... then...... you won't play with me anymore?

(recca tries to control himself, while yanagi runs away crying.)

tokiya (voice) : if she stays with you, then she's in danger! if you really want her happy, then leave her alone!
recca : PRINCESS!

(recca wake up. it was all a dream)

recca : damn! (breathing heavy) I would even have a nightmare about this...... this is getting serious......

Volume 2 Chapter 4 : The Swordsman of Water III (HA)

(recca walking to school, yanagi waiting for him by the gate. recca walks right pass her.)

recca : morning......
student A (yanagi looking sad) : hey! did you all hear? hanabishi and yanagi are having some problems!
student B : that can't be true?
student C : I think hanabishi said "can't be with you anymore"!
student B : isn't that so mean?
student A : they're finished!
student B : hey! you think I have a chance if I go after him?
student A : so you like hanabishi's type? [Kyahahahah]

(a hand slaps the desk, all the girls turn around in surprise.)

fuuko : repeat what you just said!

(in school, yanagi sitting on a bench. holding two tickets to an amusement park.)

yanagi : eh- [ticket to the amusement park limited to the day issued...... what did I do to make recca mad? I wanted to go with him......]

(an image of the amusement park. yanagi wiping her eyes, ripping the tickets.)

yanagi : [it's pointless to go alone!]

(mikagami takes her tickets. yanagi still staring at her hands *so slow*)

tokiya (always cool) : don't waste it! even though the person you wanted to go with couldn't make it, you could always ask somebody else! do you mind if I go with you?
yanagi (blushing) : .........

(recca totally miserable in class. all the students are talking about him.)

student A : ......
student B : uh-
student C : hanabishi looks very gloomy today!
student A : the troublemaker of the class turned into that thing would change the entire mood!
student B : let's help him wake up!

(various methods tried, including knocking him over with a basketball, sticking rulers in his mouth, etc. no reaction. recca though has many bumps on his head.)

student A : no reaction......
student B : seems like the problem is those rumors......

(alert! recca jumps up from his desk, a few needles are sticking on the spot where he originally rested.)

fuuko : not completely numb! how about it? who are you showing that sad face of yours to? want a little comfort from fuuko?
recca (veins pop) : want a fight? bitch!
fuuko : I'm not interested in fighting you in the current state. I heard you've been avoiding yanagi recently?
recca : that, doesn't have anything to do with you!
fuuko (beating recca up) : what the fuck are you talking about! (recca down) yanagi is my friend! how would it be none of my business? speak! or else I'll beat the crap out of you!
recca : ...... she's always in danger if she stays with me...... (leaves)
fuuko : what kind of foreign language are you speaking?

(in school, recca walking alone, he suddenly stop, eyes wide open.)

recca : !
yanagi : recca......

(mikagami is standing right beside her.)

recca : mikagami!
tokiya (eyes narrowing, words pass between them unspoken) : [if you really want her happy, then leave her alone!]

(recca walk pass them restraining himself. yanagi looks back sad. she's about to cry)

tokiya : forget him! thinking too much will only hurt...... change your attitude, stand up to it! [I feel like such a low-life...... I hate to be casted as such an dirty character...... like the evil that destroys love...... but...... even if it's a ten out of a thousand chance, I still can't allow her to be in any danger, even if it means she'll have to endure a little heart breaking, it's for her own good. (a picture of his sister) I cannot let her-fall into the same fate as my sister! I will do it, using any necessary measures......]

(recca gets on the roof. sees domon.)

recca : what do you have to say to me? domon!
domon : just some unimportant stuff! Didn't you say you wanted to be a ninja who protects girls? now that you've lost your confidence you wanna just leave like this? coward!
recca (clench fist) : say that again! asshole! who's a coward?
fuuko (from above, on the fence) : you're really slow! don't you understand how yanagi feels at all? and aren't you afraid that the Mikagami guy's gonna take her away?
recca (defending) : her safety is the most important......
fuuko (eyes narrow) : domon, do it!

(domon knocks his head on to recca's. recca falls back bleeding. stands up really mad. he kicks domon.)

recca : it really hurts! asshole!
fuuko (bing bang) : that was to help you clear your mind! (time pass) recca, your mind clear now?
recca (lying on the ground with domon, breathing heavy) : what?
fuuko : some guy fools around with you, and you believe his every word? when did you ever become so obedient? If I told you to go to hell, would you do it? (smiling) you should use your fist more than your mind, it's more like you! [heheh] don't decide everything on your own, at least talk it out with yanagi! [hehe]
domon (vein pop) : a man has to keep his words! idiot!

(recca first looks blank, then begins to smile.)

recca : really? I seem really stupid! got tied up by such a small problem! if I get turned into a chicken just by some guy's words, then I should've given up before it started! domon! fuuko! thank you!
fuuko : sell you one more favor! they went to the amusement park!

(recca running away with amazing speed.)

recca : [kyahahaha!]
fuuko : fast transformation, such a simple-minded idiot......
domon : so what! That's more like him!
fuuko : hey! I'm a little worried...... that guy mikagami...... may look gentle and delicate, but...... he's not a simple guy...... let's go along!
domon : hey! I'm still hurt!

(recca rushes toward the destination, where mikagami is standing with yanagi.)

end of volume 2 chapter 4
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volume 02 chapter 05

Volume 2 Chapter 5 : The Swordsman of Water IV (Mikagami's Past)

(amusement park, yanagi walking with mikagami.)

yanagi : [what-am I doing here? walking with mikagami tokiya senpai...... who I've only met today...... recca......]

(earlier scene, when she saw recca approaching. yanagi holding the amusement park tickets tight.)

yanagi : [please say it...... "wanna go to the amusement park together?"] recca......

(recca walks right past them. yanagi crying.)

yanagi : [why?]

(mikagami behind her, touching her shoulder.)

tokiya : don't mind if I go with you?
yanagi : [my mind was blank. probably all my thoughts have stopped......]

(tokiya and yanagi walks in another direction as recca arrives behind them.)

recca (catching breath) : I made it! my princess and that stupid mirror *part of tokiya's name* guy is probably in there! princess, I'm here to get you! just wait to hear my most sincere apology! ask somebody first! hi-- the guy with the balloons! have you seen this person? (hands a picture)
balloon guy : what?

(a very ugly and distorted picture of yanagi. the label says : yanagi hime, and the yanagi in the picture is saying : recca, want pastry?)

balloon guy (sweating) : ......... Monster!?

(recca is very humiliated, and sweatdrops forming?meanwhile, yanagi and mikagami are on a roller coaster ride.)

yanagi : ahhhhhhhhhh!
mikagami (after they get off, still cool) : are you all right?
yanagi (dizzy) : eh......

(next they go to the house of monsters. the monster heads pop up one after another.)

yanagi : ahhhhhhhhhh! (faints) uh!
tokiya : yanagi! (carries yanagi, thinking) such a timid little girl......

(yanagi sits alone on a bench in the park stupidly. tokiya hands her an ice cream cone.)

tokiya : sorry! I didn't know you couldn't stand the ghost house.
yanagi (smiling) : ah-recca! thank you!

(mikagami looks strange, yanagi looks up and realize it's not recca.)

yanagi : uh! I'm sorry...... mikagami senpai......
tokiya : it's all right. I was only a little disappointed, I thought you would finally smile at me...... (senses recca's presence) !! [hanabishi......] yanagi, let me take you to a not scary place!
yanagi : where is it?
tokiya : a very beautiful place...... [I can't allow you to interfere-- because you are the worst choice for her in the world!]

(while recca is looking around clueless, in the house of mirrors, yanagi looks at her own image stupidly *I seem to be using stupidly a lot on her*)

yanagi : huh? this is?
tokiya : this is the house of mirrors, the maze of glass. I really like this place, and always come here alone. I hope that you'll like it and get your spirits back up again......
yanagi : ...... mikagami senpai...... why are you so nice to me? why? isn't this the first time we've met?
tokiya : because you look like someone I know...... the girl who was killed when I was in elementary school, my older sister, mifuyu! no one will find us here, so let me tell you the whole story......
sign (in front of the house of mirrors) : the house of mirrors is closed for today, please don't come in.
recca (huff, puff) : fuu-- where did princess go? let me see...... gift shop, flying rides, the horse...... other than the already closed house of mirrors, I've looked everywhere...... let me go around all over again!

(kage hoshi stands in front of him. recca totally does not notice. he walks past her.)

kage hoshi : go to the house of mirrors!
recca (turns around) : the voice? kage hoshi?

(no one is there. meanwhile in the house of mirrors, tokiya is telling his story.)

tokiya : there were four members in my family, but my parents died in a car accident, and left only my sister and i. even though we sought refuge in either a relative's house or stayed in the kindergarten, we were never lonely. (a picture of tokiya's sister fooling around with her brother) because I have the sister who loved me. she found a job immediately after she graduated to be able to raise me...... she always worked hard, saying that one day I have to go to college. On cold nights she would hug me and go to sleep...... at the old apartment, even though life was hard, we were very happy...... at least before the day of the tragedy!

(flashback of men in shadows, evil smile.)

tokiya : [ne-san...... I'm scared...... I'm really scared......]

(the men approach with knives. the leader has multiple earrings. tokiya's sister hugs her brother and they both shrink into the corner. the man raises the knife.)

tokiya's sister : [TOKIYA! watch out!]

(the knife is stabbed into her body. young tokiya's hand is reaching out for her, broken flower pedals falling. blood spilling, the man with earrings' evil smile. his sister calling his name.)

tokiya's sister : to... ki......
tokiya : ne...... ne-san! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

(back to present in the house of mirrors.)

tokiya : it's been seven years, I still cannot forget that day! (cold, cruel expression) my sister's painful expression, that man's pleased smile...... it's all carved in my mind, revenge! that is the only reason why I am alive!
yanagi (heart beating, breathing) : this man......
tokiya (smile) : sorry! telling you such an old story. I didn't mean to scare you. from the first day I saw you, my hatred disappeared...... so I won't allow hanabishi to get you involved in his dangerous problems! I'm glad that he won't bother you again, I'm relieved! (holding something)
yanagi : ! what? so you are the one making recca act so strangely!

(tokiya holding his Ensui cut most of yanagi's hair. his eyes look somewhat psychotic.)

tokiya : now you look more like ne-san! my most dear......
yanagi (touching her hair) : I don't know what you are thinking...... but other than I'm sorry, I have nothing to say! I am sakoshita yanagi! (teary, gonna cry again?) no matter how much I look like her, even if the hair is the same, I cannot replace your sister!
recca : [PRINCESS]
yanagi : I heard it...... I heard recca's voice!
tokiya : what? [imagination? no! if it's real...... this is a maze, he won't find this place so fast......] let's go! yanagi!
yanagi : I'm not leaving! recca! I'm over here!

(the mirror behind tokiya begins to crack. recca bursts in through the mirrors.)

recca : hanabishi recca at your service!
yanagi : recca? how come you came out of there......
tokiya (holding his ensui) : [completely ignoring all the mirrors, just bursts in? what kind of a idiot is this guy?]
recca : princess! sorry about what happened these few days!
yanagi (all happy) : yay! you're talking to me!
recca : ......... (touches her hair)
yanagi (scared?) : ...! ah!
recca : did you do that? mikagami! turned a girl's treasured hair into this? unforgivable! (his flame raging)
tokiya : !? [different from the flame last time......]

end of volume 2 chapter 5

yukie's note : I just have to get this out, it's been stuck inside me for too long, ever since I started to translate this chapter, here it goes... I HATE YANAGI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SHE IS DITZY, SHE IS STUPID, SHE IS USELESS, SHE IS ANNOYING, SHE IS UNBEARABLY ANNOYING!!!!!!!!!!! basically, what that all means is I WANT TO KILL HER!!!!!!!! thank you for listening to my tiny complaint.

Editor agrees wholeheartedly
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volume 02 chapter 06

Volume 2 Chapter 6 : The Swordsman of Water V (Battle of Flame and Water)

(recca summons his flame, mikagami looks at him surprised.)

tokiya : [it's different from the flame last time! this is......]
yanagi : huh? no, don't be so scary!
recca (mad) : how dare you cut off princess's beautiful hair! mikagami! I will not forgive you! (steps back) just watch...... (throws his flame at tokiya) I'm gonna kill you!

(tokiya watches the flame approach. his hand on ensui tightens.)

tokiya : [three flames!] (ensui flashes) [fast!] uh! [I can only block two of them... what should I do......]

(he dodges the third one which hits the mirrors behind him. the glass breaks into pieces and slashes tokiya. but they are flying towards yanagi. *good, she dies, the end*)

yanagi : ah-

(blood. yanagi closes her eyes, waiting.)

yanagi : ...... (opens one eye) ......?
recca (standing in front her, glass pieces all over him) : so close!
yanagi : !
recca : this time I almost went too overboard!
yanagi (SD) : re... recca! does it hurt?
recca (super deformed) : ha! no problem! how can it hurt! (takes out the glass, blood gushes, yanagi sweatdrop) uh?
yanagi : let me help you......
recca : don't! (veins pop) doesn't matter what excuses I had, when I said I'd protect you and I didn't keep my word, I was a turkey! I'm repenting right now, don't bother with me!
yanagi : [recca still is...... so stubborn......]
recca : I've decided to be you loyal ninja forever! protecting you until death! maybe I'm stubborn! if you feel annoyed just tell me! I'm come back for your answer later!
yanagi (happily crying) : ...... eh!
tokiya (holding some fire powder) : ah! so you used fire powder with your flame...... [huh!] you can use your brain sometimes too...... I thought you were a complete imbecile! last time when I called you a monkey I was wrong.
recca : hey! you finally get it now?
tokiya (still cool as ever) : your IQ can be raised a level to a gorilla! (image of a gorilla with bananas)
recca (veins, eyes bulging) : wha...-- what did you say!
side text : freaked out-
recca : anyway, let's go somewhere else! fighting here would easily endanger princess.
tokiya : no objections.
yanagi (as they both disappears) : recca! mikagami senpai! why? why must they fight all the time?
kage hoshi (suddenly appears behind her) : all because of you......
yanagi : !
kage hoshi : they are both fighting for you from different points of view. the question is which side will you be on.
yanagi (surprise) : [kage hoshi......] why are you here?
kage hoshi : don't worry, I won't hurt you. it's not necessary anymore......
yanagi : ...... huh?
kage hoshi : doesn't matter if you believe me or not, I have to tell you-everything that I'm doing is not intended to hurt you. it never was...... everything is for recca!

(tokiya and recca are fighting. recca breathing heavy. blood dripping.)

tokiya : you can't stand much longer? hanabishi! to get here, you used you body to get the mirrors out of the way, you couldn't have remained unhurt! even if the wounds are not deep, won't a massive loss of blood will also result in death?
recca (attacking) : you just shut up!

(tokiya blocks the attack with ensui)

recca : [this guy...... he's good!]
tokiya : I dislike you! but I have to admire your spirit! (recca gets thrown back)
recca : hurts! [uh! damn! (mad) my body is in a bad condition, the flame is growing weaker too......] if I continue to bleed like this, it's gonna be over...... (sees many images of tokiya) what! how did that mikagami turn into so many?
tokiya : you idiot! can't you tell the difference between reality and a reflection?
recca : [......! mirrors?] (smile) twice more!
tokiya: what?
recca : just two more flames, and I can defeat you! revenge for princess's hair!

(recca looks very confident.)

kage hoshi : in the near future-recca will be involved in a series of unimaginable events. it's his inevitable destiny-his enemy of destiny is about to reveal himself!
yanagi : enemy? who is it?
kage hoshi (sweat) : ...... a mad man...... his identity is a "flame master"!

(a picture of a man in shadows, scary looking, his hand is on fire, a much stronger fire than recca's. a bunch of people behind and around him, they have madougu, note specifically the words "thunder" and "gold" - meaning metal in this case, basically.)

kage hoshi : everything that recca has experienced so far will not go to waste! when the true battle begin-then, everyone who was his enemy in the past will become his partners! they hold the same destiny as recca...... no one can escape the fate of a ninja!
(pictures of fuuko, domon, mikagami, and recca.)

end of volume 2 chapter 6
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volume 02 chapter 07

recca : [only two more flames, and I can beat you! actually-- with my condition I can only summon the flame two more times......]

side text : holding the sword of water-ensui's mikagami tokiya, I can't even make a little smoke!

Volume 2 Chapter 7 : The Swordsman of Water VI (Determination of the Flame)

side text : he's not a normal person! damn! like he said, I don't have much more strength left! the two times will be my only chance! if I fail...... then, I must lose!

(recca does a funny face, inhale, and attack, he's using his explosives again.)

recca : here it comes! mikagami tokiya!
tokiya : [using fire powder again? if you want to beat me in two hits, you better come up with something better than that! from his wounds, his flame won't last much longer...... twice...... if I can stop his attack two more times, I'll win!]
recca (getting ready) : [hang in there! for the princess!] take this! (attack)
tokiya (surprised) : huh? this is......

(outside in the amusement park, fuuko and domon running around.)

fuuko : hey! what the hell? so many people! we just can't find recca!
domon (excited, VERY excited, thinking) : in the amusement park with fuuko! my dream has come true.

(domon imagines various scenes of going on rides with fuuko, eating together, he's happily singing, day dreaming.)

domon (singing) : so happy......
fuuko (thinks that he's some weirdo) : ?
domon : fuuko, next time let's pick a time and come here again!
fuuko : huh? (considers) yeah right! I'm more interested in the OTB or the MJ house!
domon (thinking) : to expect her to turn romantic is worse than waiting for a pig to fly......
person A : did you hear noise from the mirror house?
person B : isn't it closed? they're fixing the inside!
fuuko : domon!
domon : hn!

(in the house of mirrors, glass flying all over the place.)

kage hoshi : !
yanagi : what's happening?
kage hoshi : that kid's gone wild again! he probably wants to destroy all the mirrors!
yanagi : WHAT?
tokiya (slashed by the glasses, recca not any better) : you want to die? hanabishi! you don't have to be so rough even if you want to win!
recca (also being hit by the glass) : it hurts! now you're also hurt! we're even!

(tokiya looks surprised, he remembered what recca said.)

recca (flashback) : (let's go somewhere else! if we stay here princess might get hurt.)
tokiya : did you...... were you planning this from the very beginning? [blood...... ......!! where is he?] (tokiya's bleeding, recca's gone) recca! where are you hiding?

(through broken glasses, recca is in the air about to attack.)

tokiya : !!
recca : let's do this! mikagami!
tokiya : you are a worthy opponent...... put your life on the line when you're mad. but that is not enough!

(ensui passes into recca's body, before his punch can land on tokiya. the image of recca suddenly breaks to pieces.)

tokiya : !!? mirrors? [a trick? then where is he?]
recca (voice behind him) : this is the last attack!

(recca stands behind tokiya, his flame ready, tokiya turns around in time to use his ensui to block the flame. memory.)

tokiya : ne-san......
police : poor family! how did they let a maniac get in? and the brother is only so young...... if that someone didn't get here in time, he'd probably be dead too! so sad.
tokiya (holding his sister's hand) : ne-san!
tokiya's sister : to...... tokiya...... take it......
tokiya : ?
doctor : don't talk anymore!
tokiya : wha...... what is this?
tokiya's sister : It's a lucky charm...... (ensui) this is the mikagami family's treasure, father said it's called "ensui", I don't know what it's for, but...... it's always been protecting me...... from now on...... I hope...... It will also protect you…… (her hand falls) [tokiya...... protect you......]
tokiya : NE-SAN! (memory fades) [the sister who's always been guarding me...... if I can't even defeat this guy's fire, then how can I still seek revenge? I must win!]
recca : mikagami!
tokiya : !!
recca : you said once that water extinguishes fire right? but-- you forgot the other side! evaporation! (ensui is getting bubbly) water can extinguish fire, but fire can also evaporate water!

(recca's flame grows, explosion, tokiya holds the original ensui.)

tokiya : ensui returned to normal?
recca : remember this! girls see their hair as their life! and- (punch tokiya) this is unforgivable!

end of volume 2 chapter 7
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volume 02 chapter 08

Volume 2 Chapter 8 : Memory of a Dream

(tokiya falls back onto the mirrors. he gets up. recca is breathing heavily.)

tokiya : uh...... hanabishi......

(domon and fuuko gets there. domon sweating.)

domon : so tired! hey! isn't that hanabishi? looks like your fight is over! hey! hanabishi......
fuuko (elbow him) : shut up! domon. it's not over yet!
tokiya (smile) : I underestimated you! I admit my loss this time! I don't have any strength left to form the sword again...... if you want to finish this, it's your last chance. I won't be in such a situation again next time.
recca (holding the ninja cross/star/dagger thingy) : if you say so, then I'll do it! here it goes!
domon : hey! you can't carry such dangerous objects with you all the time!
fuuko : you just shut up!
recca (super deformed) : take this! asshole!

(he throws it at tokiya, the blade ups tokiya's hair.)

tokiya (sweatdrop) : .........
recca (the finger) : one for one, now we're even! [heheheh!] if you do this again next time, I'll cut all of your hair!
tokiya (cruel smile) : are you trying to humiliate me? To tell you the truth, my failure this time still won't change my opinion of you.
recca : fuck! you want to tell me again that I shouldn't be together with the princess? I used my not-so-effective mind, thought about this for the nth time, and still decided...... there's no way...... to get me away from the princess! (scenes of yanagi crying) if I make princess cry, I would feel guilty! I'll never do this again! if it wasn't for my friends who taught me a lesson, (domon and fuuko laughing) I would have fell for it!
tokiya (sees yanagi flashback) : [............]
yanagi : ah! recca! thank you!
tokiya : even if she only thinks about you...... if it was you who caused her to loss her life! what the hell can you do?
recca (clench fist) : if I can't even protect my master-- I'll commit suicide! *he means one of those ancient japanese traditions, they all carry a short dagger which is reserved for cutting their own stomach open when they commit suicide*

(tokiya looks at him, chewing on his words, recca look very determined, very serious.)

fuuko : he can't be serious?
domon : that's totally history stuff!
tokiya : eh...... heheh! hahahahah! (points ensui at recca) is that your promise? (cold) how useless! if such a thing happened, I would kill you first!
recca (breathing heavy) : whatever!
tokiya (leaving) : [hanabishi recca-- (recca falls) this time, since you are seriously putting your life on the line......] (fuuko and domon rush to recca)
fuuko : recca!
domon : hanabishi!
tokiya (look back) : [I'll believe you for once!]
fuuko : hang in there! damn! he's been bleeding too long...... he could die!
domon : what the hell did they do? To get hurt to such a degree! fuuko, let's take him to the hospital first!
yanagi (running) : wait!
fuuko : huh? you?
domon : yanagi?
yanagi : I'll help him!
fuuko : you? hey! you're not really a doctor......
yanagi : what's recca's blood type?
domon : huh? O I think!
yanagi : same as mine! then...... I can probably try it!

(yanagi takes a piece of broken mirror and cuts her arm. domon and fuuko jump back surprised.)

domon : hey! are you crazy?
fuuko : wait! domon!

(yanagi puts her wound next to recca's, their blood touches.)

fuuko : look! (recca's healing) recca's wounds......
domon : yanagi...... you?
yanagi : I have the power of healing. but it wasn't enough, we had to replace recca's lost blood...... so I thought I could try this...... don't know if it works......
fuuko : yanagi......
domon : it's working! fuuko, look! this asshole's looking much better...... so everybody has some function designed by nature! such an unexpected surprise!
fuuko (smiling) : now you and recca really has "blood flowing in each other"! getting closer and closer! princess yanagi.
side text : evil.
yanagi : hn! I really like recca!
side text : determined

(domon and fuuko speechless, standing like dummies. yanagi just realized what she said.)

side text : fre-eze
yanagi : Ah! [ooops!]
fuuko : ah-big secret! yanagi likes recca.
yanagi : it's not what you think!
domon : confession! so beautiful!
yanagi : what I meant was the like between fri... friends... friends......
fuuko : yeah right! you're eyes are speaking for you! so wonderful!
yanagi : wa... wait a second!
side text : stop pretending-

(recca is asleep, entering a dream world)

recca : [uh...... this place...... (a village) what...... is this place? such an ancient look...... seems like the homeland of the ninjas. (a house) am I dreaming? (people) ah...... there's people. (a woman holding a child) such a cute baby! the woman is his mother?]
elder : kagero...... that child is the same as kurei, he's a child of the flame, the same power as our leader......
recca : [what are they talking about?]
kagero : I understand. this child...... recca...... he will be the most formidable ninja!

(she looks up, *hint* you should recognize her face from somewhere, recca jumps up like waking from a nightmare. throws fuuko and domon to the side unknowingly.)

recca : AHHHHHHHHH! (thunder strikes, super deformed recca) what... what the hell was that dream?
fuuko & domon : quiet! idiot! you want to wake up your princess?
recca : huh? (sees yanagi sleeping on his lap) princess?
fuuko : she risked herself to save you, that's why she's so tired now!
domon : and she also gave you her blood! so scary!
yanagi : uh--..
side text : I believe......
recca : princess saved me......
side text : as long as recca is with me, I won't be afraid of anything! I want you to guard me forever...... that is my answer.
kage hoshi (look on) : [recca...... no matter what kind of difficulties you shall face...... you cannot lose...... because-- you are my last hope of salvation......] (crying) my dear child...... recca!

end of volume 2 chapter 8
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volume 02 chapter 09

Volume 2 Chapter 9 : Hokage [flame shadow]

reporter : the man who promoted "send love to the neglected children", and at the same time donated a huge amount of money- C-COM foundation's representative Mori Koran will hold a press conference today.

(a picture of mori koran and a man in glasses behind him.)

recca : what the hell! what a ugly face! donated a buncha money, but he looks like a mafia guy.
hanabishi (kicks recca) : you damn kid! this is so horrible! (cry) [umum...] I raised a son who could only see the outer appearances!
mori koran (TV) : this was only done as our duty! the whole thing should be credited to my son kurei for his assistance.

(a picture of kurei in sunglasses, *for good reason* note his face has a tape on it, like the one kenshin uses to cover his cross... *gee I wonder what it's there for*)

mori koran : we're not here for fame or reputation! I believe everyone can see that with their own eyes.
hanabishi : he doesn't even take his sunglasses of, arrogant- (gets hit in the head)
recca : you're doing the same thing! stupid dad!
hanabishi : shut up! go to school! huh!
door : BANG!
hanabishi : damn kid! ever since was little, he's been more muscle than brain and hasn't changed a bit.

(memory of two kids running. the first one crying, screaming, the second one laughing, holding something and chase after the other.)

arrow (first kid) : young fuuko
fuuko : UNCLE! HELP ME!
recca (flashback) : a woman said...... I was her only family. hanabishi : could it be such a coincidence? uh......

(in school, fuuko running, yelling)

fuuko : hey! did you see today's papers?
recca (in yanagi's class) : fuuko, don't always come to other people's classrooms.
fuuko : you don't belong here either! look at this!
yanagi : ah! this story was already published on yesterday's papers!
recca : ha! such a big accident will obviously catch some attention!
fuuko : don't make it sound like a tabloid! I was just thinking that it wasn't as simple as an accident. *scenes of the broken mirror house* it's a big event! people investigate and report, but the police are not moving, don't you think it's strange?
recca (running off) : I'm not interested in thinking too much! I've gotta go prepare for class!
yanagi : recca likes to go to class? [unexpected......]
fuuko : you can't be serious...

(in recca's class.)

side text : lesson 1 english

(recca's laughing, drawing in his notebook, stuff like the ninja super man etc.)

side text : lesson 2 math
recca (reading a book, crying face) : [uuuahh! why did the mermaid princess have to turn into bubbles?]

side text : lesson 3 japanese
teacher (vein)* : where did that kid hanabishi go?
student (raise hand, answer) : he said he wants to go become a bird! teacher.
side text : teacher's pet-- BUT!

lesson 4 japanese history

(recca sitting all eager and energetic. big smile.)

side text : because he can hear about ninja stuff in japanese history class, so this is recca's favorite subject.
student : you can't make it into a good college if you only pass history.
recca : shut up! just wait for the teacher!

(teacher walks in, recca anticipating.)

students : huh? [ah] a different teacher?
tatesako : nice to meet you all! your teacher is on pregnancy leave, so I am your substitute for history, tatesako! we should thank your teacher for a chance to be all gather here! this is great!
recca (jumps on his desk) : yay-- [such a wonderful introduction]
tatesako (enthusiastic) : oh? so you like my way of speaking?
recca : of course! if you can tell some stories of the ninja that'd be even better!
tatesako : ninja?

(he's suddenly calm, recca look clueless. later, teacher's office. yanagi walks in. recca and tatesako sitting there. talking very LOUDLY.)

tatesako : this is fuma clan's weapon! this one belongs to iga!
recca : yes! yes!
yanagi : excuse me!
tatesako : hanabishi! I didn't expect you to be a ninja fan!
recca : no! sensei you are the greatest!
teacher : no wonder hanabishi gets to come to the office......he found a friend!
tatesako (turns around) : class is starting! but I'm not done yet!
recca (seeing yanagi) : [princess!]
yanagi : [hi!]
tatesako : good! I never though there were still teenagers who liked ninja stuff! just because of our interest, I have to show you my treasure! it's related to the super secretive ninja militia's item! come to my house after school!
recca : super......
yanagi : secretive......
tatesako (turns the vacuum cleaner over) : it's like using the vacuum cleaner upside down, really rare!
recca (clap, yanagi sweatdrop) : the comparison sucks......

(later, tatesako's house, yanagi follows recca inside.)

tatesako : don't worry! come! come in!
arrow (yanagi) : following recca.
recca (stare at the room full of books) : aaaaaa......
yanagi (a room full of ninja items) : It's more filled up than recca's room! right?
recca (thinking) : it's a gold mine!
tatesako : hey- come on!
tatesako's wife : ah! are they your students?
tatesako : three cups of tea!
tatesako's wife : sure!
yanagi : I'll help!
recca : teacher! your wife is really beautiful! [how did you get her to marry you?]
tatesako : [hahah] really-
tatesako's wife (taking out snacks) : that kid's probably another ninja fan!
yanagi (pouring tea) : that's why they are so excited to meet each other!
tatesako's wife : oh! you two-
yanagi : what?
tatesako's wife : you're a couple?
yanagi (explode, hair stands up) : ahh-- (embarrassed) come on! scaring me all of a sudden like that! [ha-ha--]
tatesako's wife (smiling) : but you like him don't you? (yanagi blushing) I was right! well my husband! he's also always talking about ninjas! even when we go on vacation, he would never give it a rest! but, every time when I see his eyes light up like a child, I always feel that I've married a really, really adorable guy-- look! he's taking out his treasures again!
yanagi (sees recca's excited expression, smile) : ......... I really understand what you mean! [heh!]
tatesako : let's get to the topic! hanabishi! have you heard about the hokage ninja?
recca : do you mean the combination created after fuma and the sword techniques?
tatesako : no, no wonder you didn't know! because the hokage ninja was never recorded in history. you can call them the shadow of the shadows!
recca : shadow?
tatesako : everybody knows that ninja is the assassin organization with mysterious people using swords, bombs and daggers, they are all good fighters, and moves like the wind, in one night, they can claim two mountains, they can fly, cross oceans...... but the hokage ninja is different!

(he takes out a scroll. and opens it in front of recca.)

recca : what is this?
tatesako : this is the remaining scroll of the hokage clan! the only one left in all over japan! [hehe] (music note)
recca : [this symbol......]

(the opening of the scroll reads Hokage, on top is a funny symbol, *hint* it should look familiar)

recca : [where was it...... where did I see it before......]
tatesako : these hokage ninjas do not have special abilities, their fighting is normal, and their sword techniques also suck, but they have one thing that no other ninja can rival! (points to his head) this!

(he opens the scroll full. there are pictures of different weapons. a long half sword half knife called Kougon Anki. the crystal ball called the Ekai ball.)

recca : wh... what is this?
tatesako : they used their genius minds to develop different kinds of weapons to fulfill the holes left by their physical abilities! can you believe it? many of the weapons they made can't even be developed in today's world!
yanagi (looking out of the kitchen) : ?
recca : cool! even though it's not part of everyday ninja?huh?

(he sees the next few pictures. the world ensui is written next to the picture of the handle. fuuko's fuujin is there too. and below is the word raijin *picture being cut off, so we have not idea what it looks like* recca's eyes are wide, surprise)

recca : [!!! what's this? fuujin...... ensui...... how did they have the weapons of the hokage ninja?]
tatesako : in general, the hokage clan is completely mysterious. legend says they can control time! And have the secret to eternal life! and some say they can also control fire! (recca pale)
recca (waving his hand) : impossible......
tatesako : they are like the legendary gods, no one knows the truth!
recca : teacher, you're so cool! you deserve a nobel prize!
tatesako : nobel prize has this category? (recca humiliated) anyway-- the reason I was so interested in legends was because of some person. that person will support me to the end! but I gave her a bad life. the small results that I can gather, is my way of repaying her! (picture of his wife, recca smile)
recca (pat tatesako's head) : sensei! good luck!
tatesako : stop patting me!
yanagi : [tea's here--]

(raining outside, a man and a boy standing on the street)

kaoru (the little boy) : our target is mr. tatesako! but don't kill him! we want him alive, it's lord Kurei's order!

end of volume 2 chapter 9
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volume 02 chapter 10

Volume 2 Chapter 10 : The Boy of Metal, the Man of Wood

*note : the word used in the manga is "gold", but the meaning is metal, so I'm using metal most of the time, if I'm inconsistent, please forgive me*

(in a dark office, two people in shadows. a man at the desk, another standing in front of him.)

mori koran : the thing I told you to do last time, is it done? that man tatesako knows too much about the hokage clan, he's a dangerous character. we must get rid of him fast!
kurei : don't worry! father. I already sent kogenai kaoru and Nagai Mokuren to get him!
mori koran : hahah, really? sending "metal" and "wood"...... that's good......

(raining, in tatesako's house. recca and tatesako playing video games. K.O game over. recca is very horrified. the teacher laughing.)

recca : that's not fair! why did I lose again?
tatesako : [hahaha] you suck! I've already won 61 times in a row!
recca : damn it! when I play with princess, I never lose!
side text : because she doesn't know how to use the special attacks!
tatesako : what's taking them so long to go to the store?
yanagi (flashback, energetic) : I'll cook today for you all! even though I've never tried it before, but I think I can do it!
recca (thinking) : bad feeling......
tatesako : oh! recca! have you two kissed? (fall)
recca (sweating, eyes bulging out) : teacher! don't scare me like that suddenly please?
tatesako : but don't you like her?
recca (pondering) : hmm...... of course! but...... saying loyal servant should be more accurate.
tatesako : you two are really ninja and princess? not a couple? you can really come up with names! smart kid!
recca : I'm not...... (lights off) !! what happened?
tatesako : short fused?

(someone knocking on the door)

tatesako : they're back?
recca : wait! the aura......

(he takes out his explosives, the door open, recca and tatesako waiting, alert, nervous. the little boy kaoru walks in.)

kaoru : sorry, please excuse me!
recca : you know this kid? ?
tatesako : hmm...... nope!
kaoru (laughing) : hahah! you are tatesako fumio? nice to meet you! I'm here to kidnap you!
tatesako : .........
recca (annoyed) : hey! kid! (knocks kaoru on the head "BANG!") don't come into other people's house like this!
kaoru : who the hell are you? you're in my way!

(kaoru reaches back, and pulls out his weapon.)

recca : !?

(one end of kaoru's long, knife shaped weapon hit's recca's stomach.)

tatesako : hanabishi!
kaoru : hahahahahah! you started it first, just don't blame me!
tatesako : li... little kid! that's too dangerous! (eyes open wide) huh......

(he sees the crystal on the weapon carved with the word gold)

tatesako : that...... that is one of the hokage's weapons-- kougon anki!

(kaoru's weapon matches one of the pictures in the scroll.)

tatesako : the legend says that kougon anki which has five forms...... so it's true! how did you get it!
recca (climbing up) : I thought you were a kid so I wasn't serious...... don't take it wrong! (someone from behind) ah! mokuren : another bystander? koganei......
kaoru : what are you using this time? mokuren.
mokuren : it will only cause the person to go numb, they won't die. (a gas is spreading from one of the rings he's wearing) anyway I have no interest in killing men.
recca (knocked on the head by kaoru's anki) : my body can't move......
kaoru : hey! idiot guy! I'm not a little kid! I'm already in junior high!
mokuren (carrying tatesako) : koganei, don't fool around! let's go! this guy's asleep on from some of my herbs!
kaoru : ok! let's go!
recca : [my teacher? why are these people after teacher? my senses...... (mokuren and kaoru out the door with tatesako) ........................... ]

(recca passes out. mokuren and kaoru down the stairs, mokuren alert)

tatesako's wife : my husband!

(she stands in the rain, dropping her bag and umbrella. yanagi close behind.)

mokuren : hey! it's a woman! it's really a woman! your fault for showing up, don't blame me!
kaoru : wait a minute! mokuren!

(tree branches comes out of mokuren's body as he attacks tatesako's wife. she's very hurt. yanagi stands very still. eyes blank)

yanagi : mrs. tatesako...... (her eyes wide open) recca : STOOOOOP THAAAAT!

(he jumps out the window of the house. mokuren looks up in surprise. he knocks mokuren back several feet who is now bleeding. kaoru sweating.)

kaoru : damn it! (he jumps up and knocks recca on the head with his anki) sorry mister! did he wake up because of that woman's scream? to resist your poison, he stabbed his own arm......

(recca is on the ground, unconscious. a knife stabbed into his arm. mokuren on the other side, is very excited.)

mokuren : hey! koganei, come over here! this woman who just fainted...... could she be......

(kaoru turn around in surprise. they stare at yanagi *duh... who else would faint but this dork*)

kaoru : .........!

(later in a large mansion.)

man : "metal" and "wood" just came back to report, they captured tatesako fumio! and also-- they found the girl with the healing power. Kurei-sama.

(a picture of kurei his face hidden by a hideous mask. recca still lying in the rain.)

recca : [teacher...... his wife...... princess......]

end of volume 2 chapter 10
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