January 29, 2014

Akai Ito [Chapter 18]

[Free Talk: snow and to others who saw that tag about Reimei no Arcana’s last chapter, the Chinese scanlators suddenly removed it from their schedule ^^;; Maybe it isn’t finished? But hopefully, it would be out in February.]
Narration: “The first autumn after going steady--” Rino says, “Juuu~~~..” and beats the drums. With her hair down and holding up both hands, Chihiro puts on her creepiest expression with her creepiest voice to say, “..I really hate...” Rino crosses the drumsticks and exclaims that it isn’t scary. Chihiro looks dejected. She asks Rino what part is wrong, what part isn’t good, about her Sunakake-Babaa [sand throwing hag/granny demon from Nara] for the school festival is coming soon and isn’t this tragic. Rino says that it isn’t like it is totally not scary. She suggests that they put on some make-up which could thoroughly change it. Chihiro says that she’ll leave it to her. Fifteen minutes later, Rino says that it is finished. While looking at the mirror, Chihiro looks aghast for Rino drew a Joker-type smile around her mouth and an eye on her forehead. Rino excitedly asks that it’s called Three Eyes Splitmouth Babaa and isn’t is scary. Chihiro lamely says hm..ya..quite good..I think..this..this is your best.. Rino tells her good luck[/gambatte]. Chihiro thinks that she actually wanted to do something cute but because no one else wanted to do this so there’s no choice.. Flashback: Rino is asking if who among the girls wanted to do Sunakake-Babaa and Kasa-obake [umbrella demon]. And, Chihiro had a premonition on how this would progress. End flashback. Chihiro has decided not to let Shou see her like this. She nervously looks around and hopes that Shou isn’t around and how is she going to hide it from Shou until the day itself. A hand comes out from the locker. Shou glomps Chihiro and says, Babaa [/Granny]~~~ Chihiro screams and hits him away. Holding his wrist, Shou says that hurts and she can really punch. Seeing her cowering down, Shou asks why she is hiding. She tells him that it is a psychological reaction and it isn’t like she’s deliberately hiding. Bending down to her, Shou smiles and tells her to let him see. Chihiro exclaims no. Shou says that he wants to see it. After some protests, he pulls her hands off her face and his expression freezes. He says, “Ah. So scary!” Chihiro thinks that it is over and this is why she doesn’t want him to see her like this..but then, she should be scary so she feels complicated [<- should be happy or not about this]. She is puzzled when Sho is staring at her. Then, he lets out a laugh. She angrily says if he’s laughing or he’s scared, pick only one.
She looks away and mutters that in the end, it is like that, since he laughed at her means that it isn’t scary enough. Sho says no, it is already okay. Chihiro says it isn’t since she decided to do this, she is doing to do it to a level that would make everyone cry and scream. She tells him that since this is the first school festival upon entering high school, she wants to do this well. Sho smiles and lightly pats her head. He says that he likes this part about her. This made her blush. Thinking that he said that he likes her, Chihiro says that for him to say that in this kind of place. She glances at him to see him trying his best to suppress his laughter. She is aghast when he starts laughing again. With a dubious expression, Sho tries to assure her that it is really amazing and awesome, so how about a picture.. Chihiro says that THERE’S NO NEED FOR THAT. Pouting Rino calls out to them and asks if they forgot that she is still there. The two sweatdrops and smile. When the girls return to the classroom, they hear a girl complaining that she won’t be wearing that outfit..she won’t wear any youkai [demon] outfit. The other girl says that it is because she [Kitamura] is always absent that it has been decided while she isn’t around. Chihiro asks another girl what’s going on. Short curly haired girl says that Kitamura doesn’t want to wear the youkai outfit and it’s quite troublesome. Kitamura exclaims who would like to wear that kind of umbrella youkai-something. Chihiro imagines her in that outfit that she looks away and giggles for she couldn’t say anything to her. Kitamura angrily asks if she’s laughing. Chihiro apologizes and says that just now, she thinks that it is a bit cute. Kitamura asks ha? With a deadpan expression, Chihiro asks if she hates it that much then how about exchanging with her but then, she’ll dress up as a three eyed split mouth babaa. Kitamura exclaims that she doesn’t want to dress up as some granny. Soon, everyone is busy fixing the haunted house’s props. The teacher tells everyone that there are still two days before the festival so it is okay for them to stay overnight to finish up the work. After 8pm, they are forbidden to go out so do the work that is assigned to them. Rino tells Chihiro that she felt excited that they can stay at school. Chihiro says that it is the same with her and she really anticipates the school festival and it ought to be very interesting.
Chihiro asks permission from Rino if she can go buy something at night. This puzzles Rino that Chihiro has to remind her that in going out, they have to get the permission of the committee member for the cultural festival. Rino says that’s right, she is the committee member. Chihiro sweatdrops. A guy asks Kitamura to help out in moving a board at the side. Kitamura says that she doesn’t want to for she just fixed her nails. Chihiro offers to help the guy out if he waits a moment. The guy apologizes for making her help. Kitamura tells Chihiro that she’s acting like a do-gooder. This irks Chihiro but Kitamura who has a snobbish expression just walks away. Rino tells Chihiro that this nail won’t get in so Chihiro offers to try and do it. Rino thanks her and gives her the hammer. Then, Kitamura is screaming who put her bag here on the floor [with the other bags]. Chihiro apologizes and says that she’ll get to that later on. Chihiro wonders what’s up with today. “Do not mind that. Think more of happy things. Right. This is like the club training, I can always be with Hinase. Would Hinase also stay overnight here? I must properly enjoy it! (Even if it is not just the two of us)” She glances at Sho who is working with another guy and saying that it is hot. He has his sleeves pulled up. She watches him and thinks that he’s so handsome and unexpectedly sexy. Wondering what she’s thinking, she continues to hit the nail without looking. She suddenly says ouch..she just hammered her finger. Rino exclaims if she is alright. The others laugh if Chihiro is doing a skit for she can do foolish things. Chihiro is embarrassed that everyone saw that. Holding her hand, Sho says that she cracked her nail. Her nail is indeed cracked and bleeding. Sho tells him that they go to the clinic together. Chihiro says that it is alright, it isn’t a big deal. Sho tells her that it is bleeding. This made Chihiro think that could it be that he.. They walk away and Kitamura is watching them. At the clinic, Chihiro’s nail has been bandaged. Chihiro thanks him. She thinks that the two of them are alone and for Shou to insist for her to come here.. Sho says that they can go back. Realizing that she was mistaken, Chihiro sheepishly says okay. While walking at the hallway, Chihiro stops and looks behind. Sho asks what it is. Chihiro says that just now, she heard some strange sound. Sho says is that so, he didn’t hear anything.
He teases her that it’s haunted. Chihiro looks aghast that Sho says that he’s just kidding. Chihiro tells him not to say that kind of words. Then, Sho hears something and says that it is this way. Sho tells her to be quiet for it is in this empty room. Chihiro nervously tells her not to be like that, let’s quickly go back..don’t. Sho quietly opens the door and they see a couple making out inside. They look at each other and Sho quietly closes the door. Chihiro is blushing and Sho acts casual. Thinking that it is very awkward, Chihiro says that they should quickly go back. Shou tells her that there is something on her head. She asks ha. Sho says, there’s something. Chihiro is moved by his expression that she says, geez, always doing the same trick, she won’t fall for it. She is surprised when Shou suddenly hugs her and says that there is really something. He holds up her hair and says, an insect. This freaks Chihiro out that she quickly tells him to get rid of it. Sho tells her not to recklessly hit him and calm down. A girl calls out to Chihiro regarding the outfit. She asks what happened. Freaking out Chihiro is clinging on to Sho like a koala bear. Sho casually tells the girl not to mind them. Back in the classroom, the girl shows Chihiro a huge rip on the outfit and asks if it can be mended. Chihiro says that it isn’t that ruined so she can mend it by sewing. The girl is delighted to hear it for it was ruined while she’s carrying it. Chihiro assures her that she can fix it. The girl apologies that she has to ask for her help. It is from Rino where she learned that Chihiro is an expert on this. She gushes that it is great that Chihiro is here. This made Chihiro blush. Later that night, while everyone is sleeping, Chihiro is busy sewing the outfit. Sho puts a bottle of green tea on her face and tells her ‘good work’. Chihiro thanks him. He asks if she’s tired and does she want to sleep. Chihiro says that it is just a little bit more so she wants to finish it. Sho pulls her to his shoulder and tells her to sleep for a while. He assures her that she won’t oversleep because he’ll wake her up. “Okay?” Chihiro asks what she’ll do for she’s so nervous that she couldn’t sleep. He asks if he is the reason. She says that there are two more days before the school festival. He says, ya. Chihiro thinks that she is so happy that she couldn’t sleep.
Finally, it is the Shijo Academy Festival. Everyone is putting on their costumes and make-up. Rino tells them that they have one hour more before they open so those who are working as youkai-s should get ready. A girl asks what to do for Kitamura really hated it and she’s always complaining. A girl asks if that is for real, she hasn’t prepared yet. Then, they hear a crash. Kitamura had tripped on the props. She starts to vent her temper that she kicks their gravestone prop and shout why they are leaving dangerous things around. Everyone is aghast that there is a hole on their gravestone. Before going out, Kitamura shouts what is it, it is their fault that it is easily destroyed and not hers so she doesn’t care about that, she’s leavi.. Then, Kitamura groans. Chihiro asks if her foot hurts. Blushing Kitamura denies it. Chihiro says that she doesn’t look well. Kitamura tells her to shut up. The others say that she reaps what she sows and who cares about her. They tell the others to quickly get ready and whose fault is it that they were delayed. This made Kitamura look flustered. Rino says that it would be better to quickly go to the clinic. Chihiro pulls up her kimono and bends down. Putting her hands at the back, Chihiro tells Kitamura to hop on. Kitamura asks why she would.. Chihiro says that is enough and she also doesn’t want to make it more serious, right. While Chihiro carries Kitamura, she tells the others that because of this, she’ll ask everyone to quickly fix that and she’ll quickly come back. Chihiro runs off with Kitamura. Everyone couldn’t believe that Kitamura unexpectedly listened to Chihiro and Chihiro really has energy. Witnessing all this, Shou starts laughing which surprises Rino. He says that it’s amazing and you’re so awesome. In front of the clinic, Chihiro says that they are here so is she okay by herself. Kitamura looks away and thanks her. Chihiro says about that, she doesn’t have a bit of intention of participating, right. She tells Kitamura that for this to go on, she and also everyone would only have bad memories about this rare school festival. While Kitamura is flustered, Chihiro adds that is what she wants to say, and she’s going. Kitamura asks if they are going steady. Chihiro looks back and asks ha? Kitamura says going steady with Hinase, because she knows just by looking at how they are sneaking around and if she gets her special permission, it would be okay. Chihiro totally do not understand why she is saying this.
Flustered Kitamura calls Chihiro slow-witted for she is saying that she’s willing to do the Kasa-obake. Chihiro asks if that is for real. Kitamura says that it is because she implored her so what else can she do. Chihiro asks what she begged from her. Kitamura tells her that they’re going. Chihiro asks about her foot. Kitamura says that of course, she’s lying about that. As they head back, Chihiro tells her that as matters are, she shouldn’t just let it be and Kitamura asks if she’s an idiot. Later on, Chihiro scares the Kagamido brothers out of their wits with her Sunakake-Babaa. After Chihiro removed her make-up, Rino says good work and she did well for the place is quite lively. Chihiro tells her ‘good work’, too. Looking at her notes, Rino tells her that she can rest up to 13:00 so how about eating lunch right now. She informs Chihiro that it is also Sho’s break so they can conveniently go together. She and the teacher will be at the corridor nearby. Chihiro thanks Rino for that. At the hallway, Chihiro wonders where Sho is because there are a lot of people around. She notices that there is even a free market. She sees a cute necklace but she is surprised that it costs 2000 yen for the price doesn’t suit a school festival. She looks at the sellers and thinks that they don’t look like high school students either. The two guys are saying that it is cheap. A beautiful girl wearing a hat picks up a necklace and says that it is beautiful. She asks how much is it. Chihiro thinks that she’s very beautiful and her eyelashes are very long. The guy says that since she is beautiful, he’ll give her a bargain, how about 5000. Thinking that isn’t right, Chihiro asks the guys what year and section they are in. The guy asks if she has any objections. Chihiro tells him that what they are selling is a bit too expensive that they are taking advantage of the student’s free market. The two guys look at each other. Then, they quickly make a run for it. Chihiro shouts for them to wait. Sho arrives and says what’s up and it turns out that she [Chihiro] is here, found you.. Hat girl turns around and says, “Sho-kun!?” Chihiro looks at the smiling girl and wonders who she is. Meanwhile, Nanjou is standing outside the school gate.
Comment: So, it’s school festival time. I think the mangaka loves that and horror. It is the same theme in the last arc of her previous manga. Hm..I think Rino has a thing for cosmetics. She advised Chihiro before about the concealer for the hickey and now, she put on Chihiro’s make-up. I wonder if it is her hobby or she was figuring out a way to conceal her scar. Hehe, it wasn’t quite shown if Chihiro kept that make-up but it really doesn’t look that scary..actually, I would probably laugh like Sho did. Maybe in the dark haunted house, it will look scary. Chihiro x Sho scenes here are quite funny and amusing especially when she is clinging on him =P And, how they are together that night while everyone is sleeping is very nice, too ^^ In every group work, there is the one who does her best in making things memorable and there is that uncooperative person. Chihiro is quite nice that she even want to help a person like Kitamura. I guess she is somewhat throwing a tantrum that Chihiro is going steady with Sho. Checking the previous chapters, Kitamura seems to be the girl who is always clinging around Sho. Hehe, I guess Chihiro got to pay back the Kagamido brothers by scaring them =P After all the lovey-dovey, teasing and fun, trouble is coming and they possibly came in doubles. The girl is either Sho’s ex-girlfriend or possibly, just his sister. As for Nanjou, he is a most definitely a problem. Scans by Link同好会汉化

Quote of the day:
An essential part of a happy, healthy life is being of service to others. ~ Susan Patton Thoele

13 comments:

  1. Thank you so much for the summary!! :)

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  2. Thank you, yes Nanjou is still a problem ;(

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  3. I like when there is cultural festival in the history. Thank you a lot for your summary :)

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    1. Is that so, Mineira ^^

      Thanks for reading ^-^

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  4. I'm guessing she's an ex of his, given how they juxtaposed her with Nanjou (another romantic rival) in that scene and how hazy/enigmatic information about Shou's past love life has been. I'm not sure I like this development. Chihiro is already self-doubting and not entirely confident to begin with. This will probably shake her up even more. I want more cutsey couple scenes dammit!
    Thanks for summarizing!

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    1. Is that so, Luna. Yup..I agree. Well, hopefully, it doesn't turn out that bad..like in most shoujo..if it is indeed a rival.

      Thanks for reading ^-^

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  5. I agree with Nanjou being a problem 100%! To me he comes off as a very manipulative person who Chihiro should be the up most cautious around, and unfortunately she is kind of slow in these matters so she isn't. And i definitely think he will take advantage of Chihiro feeling insecure due to the mystery girl.

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  6. School festivals are really fun and usually a good plot for lovey-dovey moments in manga's..^^ although its a horror theme here, i liked the interactions between the couple.. sweet.. hehehe

    Well, its seems that Kitamura has feelings for Hinase, but its good that she doesn't seem to be a problem for the couple.. and since Chihiro is unaware of the situations, where one is irritated with someone going steady with the guy she likes..

    And who would be that beautiful girl with hat?? Is she Sho's ex-girlfriend or someone he liked before, who probably hurt/ rejected him before that's why those close to him is saying his not lucky with girls?? and Nanjou being there too, i think next chapters will be about jealousy among the couple..

    Oh, and my couple, RenxRino doesnt have any exposures here, hope to see some from them on the next chapter.. <3<3<3 (waiting for the half-half part you mentioned before Ms. Kat..) Thank you very much and have a nice weekend..

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    1. Yup..usually, it is a cafe thing. I'm actually curious what is Shou's ghost costume if he is also a participant =P

      Ya..it's good that she isn't being too difficult with. Aside from starting to feel uneasy because of what she is doing, Chihiro pretty much hit the bull's eye about 'leaving bad memories'. Indeed..I think she is more clueless about getting permission from Kitamura..and also when she is trying to make Chihiro appear that she is giving Chihiro a favor. ^^;

      Indeed..more jealousy coming soon.

      Ya, in the next chapter. Well, you're welcome and have a nice weekend, too ^-^

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  7. hmmm.. I don't think Shou is into festivals, so maybe he didnt participate..

    And i'm really puzzled why Nanjou suddenly became interested with Chihiro and he's behaving like he wont let Chihiro be with Hinase. or maybe this is also connected with them being rival at Kendo.

    I just also thought that if the Hat girl is Shou's ex, he might not be that interested with her; If she's a close friend or a sister, he might be a little accomodating and won't have enough time for Chihiro during the festival. But being insecure and somewhat confused of what she really wants, Chihiro might be the problem. What if the couple decided to use these 'unexpected guest' to make one jealous like in the other manga's?

    Ohhh.. can't wait for RenxRino moments.. Thank you again Ms. Kat..

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    1. Probably..it is only shown that he is helping in the building of the props.

      Possible..though it is indeed sudden.

      Ah..that's right. It would most likely be that.

      You're welcome ^-^

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