April 25, 2014

Last Game [Chapter 31]

Yanagi is shock over why Kujou is with Souma. 30 minutes ago: Souma suggested that they walk around the temple fair because he always felt that he had abandoned her that day and ran off. He had caused her to not know anything that her head hurts. Kujou says ya..then she repeated Souma’s full confession and said that actually right now, she still doesn’t know what’s going on. Souma freaked out about her repeating his confession since she has a genius memory. Blushing Souma admitted to her that this is his first confession so he wants to talk more with her. Kujou wondered what he meant when he said that he liked her. End flashback. Since Yanagi didn’t know what they talked alone before, he is at a loss over what is going on. Kujou should be working and she obviously rejected his invitation, but she is now strolling together with Souma around the temple fair. His friend calls out to him and asked what he is dillydallying for. Yanagi wanted to tell him that the girl he always like, is strolling around with some other guy so he really wants to follow them around but then, he said those arrogant words earlier = it is only a matter of time before she falls for him. He felt like he was a fool for saying those stuff a while ago. When his friend calls out to him again, Yanagi sees the couple heading to the cotton candy store so he shouts that he really wants to eat cotton candy or else, he’ll die. So, Yanagi is forced to eat a sweet cotton candy with his friend thinking that he really likes it. Still stalking, Yanagi couldn’t hear what the couple is talking. His friend goes to buy some yakisoba. Yanagi sees the couple sharing one yakisoba that he wonders if it is because they don’t have money. He bites into the cotton candy and denies that he is envious of Souma. While eating a yakisoba, his friend comments that he always looks preoccupied but Yanagi denies it and says that he is just a bit not interested. Yanagi tries to calm himself down that this is a small thing. He assumes that Fujimoto and the other senpais are around but then, he’ll be the only one not invited, no, no, it is fine with him, for club members can occasionally bump into each other at the temple fair then wander around together. He thinks that it is something normal, and he isn’t a guy who’ll lose his cool even if he is in disarray over this. Yanagi goes into shock when Souma wipes something on Kujou’s face. Kujou wipes her face and thanks him. Agitated to the max, Yanagi snaps the cotton candy stick since Kujou’s cheek is reddish. His friend starts to wonder what’s up with Yanagi and what he is looking at. Yanagi continues to wonder what’s going on for not long ago, Kujou is always thinking of him so what’s up with that, as well as this subtle nervousness she has with Souma. He wonders what’s with that mood and even if he doesn’t want to say it, in this situation, it simply is..
His friend laughs asks if Yanagi is looking at those two shy lovers who just started going steady. He nervously asks what’s up with Yanagi’s hellish expression. This made Yanagi more determined to become a stalker and no longer care about his image. Unfortunately, a boy bumps into him and starts calling out to his mother. While the boy holds on to Yanagi’s shirt, his friend says that the boy must be lost. Yanagi couldn’t believe the timing. He looks at the side and the couple is already gone. Depressed Yanagi decides to buy some food for the boy to make him stop crying first. Meanwhile, Souma and Kujou found some stairs that is used during worship. Since no one used it, they decided to sit there for a while. While Kujou is eating what seems to be kakigori, Souma says that she hasn’t been talking in a while. Kujou timidly says that it is because she doesn’t know how she should treat him. Thinking that is fresh[/new], Souma sits down and says that the worst plan in his heart is to let things pass while she isn’t aware that he’s confessing. Right now, at least this is stronger than he originally thought. Kujou says that she doesn’t think that she’s slow-witted up to that extent. While Souma couldn’t believe her nerve to say that, Kujou says that she has seen things with Fujimoto, Yanagi and the others so about love, boy-girlfriend type of incident, there is an impression in her heart but she just always think that it has nothing to do with her for it is too abstract [way over her imagination], and she couldn’t think of a concrete plan and countermeasure.. Souma wonders if she is in an exam. She asks him what should she do and what does he want her to do. Souma says, “I..I hope that you can like me..” Then he covers his face over why he tends to say such embarrassing words to Kujou that he wants to die. Feeling awkward, Kujou says that even if she likes him but it seems that it isn’t quite the same. Still blushing Souma says ya. Kujou asks what part isn’t the same and how does he like her. Souma couldn’t believe that she’s asking him to teach her. Feeling his strength drained, Souma composes himself. He seriously looks at her. While touching her finger, he says that it is like right now, when he is with her, his heart would keep on beating [fast] and he would want to spend more time with her. Holding her hand up, he says, “I wish that you’ll only attentively watch[/gaze] upon me, just me. This is what I think.” Then, Kujou is startled when Souma starts screaming that is enough, he got caught into that kind of conversation again. Kujou felt like apologizing to him. She is a bit startled for she felt that he isn’t the usual Souma.
Standing up, Souma asks if she somewhat knows this now and she doesn’t see him that way, right? Kujou says ya. He tells her that even if it is like that, try to think of[/look at] him that way then, when she found the answer, tell it to him and he’ll be waiting. Kujou looks surprised that she asks if he changed. Looking away, Souma says ya, it is because the knot in his heart has totally unraveled. Souma ends the conversation and says that they’ll go back to the fair. He smiles at her and asks if there is something that she wants to eat. Kujou thinks that she noticed that he is truly like a changed person that she couldn’t calm down. She wonders what is like[/love] and how should she answer. She recalls his answer on how it is to be in love and she immediately remembers Yanagi touching her hair. She snaps out of it and wonders why she thought of Yanagi and it is Yanagi’s fault for doing that kind of thing because Yanagi, after all, is her friend. Back at the fair, Yanagi is carrying the lost boy on his shoulders. The boy is carrying some fish, caramel apple, cotton candy and balloon [that Yanagi most probably bought for him]. While Yanagi fixes the boy’s mask, he asks if he saw his mother. The boy says no. When they went to the center for help regarding the lost boy, the boy calls out to his mother. The boy is reunited with his mother who apologizes and thanks Yanagi. Yanagi’s friend is glad over the turn of events while Yanagi says that his wallet is lighter thanks to that kid. His friend decides to go home and Yanagi wants to stroll for another around. Thinking that it is now a bit crowded, Yanagi doesn’t think he can still find the two and he has to go home to study. And, his luck turned since he sees the two in front of him. Back in stalker mode, Yanagi quickly hides behind the bushes. Souma wants to bring Kujou home but she declines for she is going to the supermarket. Souma stares at Kujou then tells her that despite acting superior, he is only being dizzy[/hot headed] all by himself  and there’s no need for her to mind him and it is okay even if she shows her airs[/arrogance? He’s probably telling her to be like before]. This made Kujou blush. She smiles and says okay. Unable to hear what they are talking about, Yanagi is aghast over the mood between the two. As the two separate and leave, Yanagi wonders what is truly happening for it isn’t like they coincidentally met but rather, got specially invited, so who invited who. No, it is impossible for Kujou to go and invite someone so it seems that Souma did but that would be, Souma invited her out without him [Yanagi] knowing it so that he won’t cause trouble, so what is Souma’s plan. Yanagi notices that Souma turns around to look at Kujou and he gently smiles. Yanagi is surprised by this. Just when Souma turns around again, he sees Yanagi standing by the tree and looking at him. Surprised Souma mutters, “—Yanagi-senpai..” Posing Yanagi says, “Yo.”
Comment: And, that is how to try to become the male lead. =P It might not last long though, now that Yanagi knows that Souma is still after Kujou so he won’t be complacent anymore. Based on Souma’s expression, Yanagi pretty much realized that it isn’t some accidental encounter but rather a date so no more hiding and..time to fight back? From the blurb for the next chapter, it seems to be a talk between the two guys. I’m not sure what they are going to talk about..I mean, Yanagi cannot exactly tell him to back off since he isn’t going steady with Kujou...nor even confessed. I’m curious though what Yanagi would do if he learned of the confession. Would he also confess too or use a different method than directly confessing? In a way, Souma is doing him a favor in explaining to Kujou what it is to be in love and Kujou is connecting that to Yanagi. But her ‘he’s my friend’ way of thinking is also hindering things. Souma does seem to have changed for he is being more vocal about what he wants and showing that he’s really in love. Also, he’s taking this risk even if well..it might be futile. In a way, it seems that he is wavering a bit on that one because like before, things are already in that mood between them when he suddenly backs out or cut things short. ^^;; So for now, this has turned into a love triangle. =P Scans by 红莲汉

Quote of the day:
Not only strike while the iron is hot, but make it hot by striking. ~ Oliver Cromwell

31 comments:

  1. I do see too the confrontation of the two next chapter. I'm not really sure if Yanagi will confess to Kujou. It's known that Yanagi is a proud man. His ego won't allow it. Also, he's too afraid of her answer. But I wish that he'll put everything aside for her. I see that Yanagi is really possessive of her even though they're not a couple. Waaahhh~! I also hope Kujou will soon realize what her heart tells her.

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    1. Yup so I'm thinking Yanagi might have to do it in a different way. Of course, he might just throw away all that, as you've mentioned, and just confess-whatever. Though I get the feeling that when they end up together, that is 'the end' so that would also be the reason why Kujou won't realize it soon.

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    2. Well I don't think Yanagi is..erm...that proud of a man when it comes to Kujou :P Like, he's given up on the idea n' his way of dating other much more flashy girls in order to forget her haha. And everybody in the club can obviously see that he likes her (quite vainly). I guess he's scared if she rejects his confession he would be like, lost? Like he wonders if he still has the bravado to continue chasing her or they can stil progress? I mean for many people when they're rejected by close friends and such, they start to avoid each other; perhaps Yanagi? Though it must be different for someone like Kujou...
      I would love to see Yanagi tells directly Kujou that she likes him :)) That would solve that 'friend' hindrance in Kujou's mind. (In the least Kujou would try to confirm the feelings once the point is made clearly to her, esp by Yanagi.) Normal confession doesn't seem to work out in my opnion. Yanagi is already one step behind haha. If he just repeats what Souma did, the matter would heavily depend on Kujou to realize and weigh between the two on her own. We can all see that apparently wouldn't work considering what happened in 10 years and 30 chapters :)) Yanagi just has to go for sth new!

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    3. Hm..true, in a way, since he does seem to be scared of being rejected. And, things are usually different after the confession if it is unrequited.

      True..in a way, I do want for him to do something different especially since Souma beat him to it. Also, the title is 'last game' and given the premise, I think Yanagi is kind of hoping Kujou do the confession first than him so that he can 'win'. I'm not too sure if he would keep having that way of thinking now that things had reached to this point.

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  2. whoooaaaaa!! thank you for the translation!

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  3. I have actually stopped reading this a long time ago. I understand the main guy's pure, but suffering love for the main girl, but I cannot imagine this so- called " romance " going on for so many years. It annoys the heck out of me. It gives me the same feeling as Tonari no Kaibitsu kun ( sorry if the title is wrong ) that ended on a sour note, in my opinion. The women protagonisats are unfeeling and totally without passion.

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    1. Actually that's where you are completely and utterly wrong. Do you analyze the anime you read to a larger extent? Or the meaning of an unrequited love? Apparently not. Kujous character has plenty of passion. Her character is also really easy to understand. Kujous father died when she was young and her mother was the only one there for her. Wanting to take care of her mother, Kujou completely dedicates her life to taking care of her mom. This unbreakable focus is what makes her so dense and unexposed to the joys of a common youthful life. Kujou was never exposed to any close friend for 10 years till she met Fujimoto and was hell bent on paying back her mother. Her family also isn't super rich and her lack of exposure to any friend except Yanagi for that period of time is what makes this story so interesting. I suggest you analyze the plot a lot more and be more open to possibilities or you really shouldn't read any love focused manga.

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    2. Is that so, megaworthit. I also stopped reading this earlier on when I realized that romantic things aren't going to happen any time soon. I changed my perspective and it makes the series more readable.

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    3. @Ivan morales.... I think it';s inappropriate to suggest to a reader that he/she " shouldn;'t read love focused mangas " just because you disagree with her/his opinion. You could have explained why there was no love for 10 years , which you did, but should have stopped there, and not add something personal that said reader, meaning me, might think offensive. Each person has his/her take on " romance" , and there's no wrong or right about it. You asked if I knew the meaning of unrequited love, and you judged that I didn't know. How did you know ? You don't know me. You don't know what I know or don't know.

      Sorry, Kat, but I couldn't let this slide. You can delete this and I'd understand.

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    4. I agree with Ivan morales

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    5. I have the same sortof disappointment as you megaworthit. I mean, I like shoujo female leads who are independent and focused (eg Hori of Horimiya) but Kujou's slow response to romantic instances is just frustrating. It's Kimi ni Todoke all over again. But you know, I totally understand if her unfeeling personality was influenced by assuming the role of breadwinner. I just find it rather ridiculous that she is that pure about love. She doesn't welcome the feelings of love at all - she blocks it by rationalizing repeatedly that Yanagi is a friend :( Poor guy :( But I guess it's his ego's fault. If he had only confessed earlier on, Kujou might have figured out her own feelings much earlier.

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  4. Can't wait for the next chapter...now that he realize that souma like kujou

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  5. Well we all saw this coming, the writer seems to really really really love Soama. This is why unlike other side characters he really has a shot at her in the end. Why? Because it would be a sunrise for most shoujo readers and be a lesson as well, allso if Yanagi ends up with momoka it will really be something, because this is supposed to be a twisted pure love story. So the second guy wining could be the big twist. That or the writer will have her go out with Soama first, an have her lose Yanagi as a result leading to her thinking of him leading to a Saoma break up on count of realizing he doesn't have her heart. But I will say that the reason that most of us are reading this manga is because none of us want to read about all that drama, which was what was fun about this one in the first place when it started.

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    1. Actually, Souma has no chance with Kujou at all. This is horribly obvious as all the events leading up to now is her thinking about Yanagi and wanting Yanagi to like her. Yanagi has also stated what he wants and has close to zero interest in momoko at all. In fact, what dragged Momoka down the most was her attitude at the first few chapters of her meeting Yanagi. Not the mention Kujou is still oblivious about love and has had NO romantic thoughts or feelings towards Souma at all. There has been no evidence of her having feelings around Souma or wanting to be with him. Twisted in this story isn't what you perceive it to be. It's simply the struggle between the two MAIN lovers. If there were event where Kujou thought of wanting to be with Souma then the hypothesis you predicted may be true. But, the outcome you desire is really unlikely. 5 Chapters of Souma confessing doesn't mean the author likes him.

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    2. Is that so ^^ I think it is kind of a lesson like don't be complacent or else, someone else might take away the one you like while you are waiting for the other party to develop/realize his/her feelings for you. It is the common mistake of manga characters who has an unrequited love for their childhood friends. =P So, I think that is what the mangaka is driving at since I believe that this series is a 'fixed couple' series based on their couple cover pages.

      Whether Souma is a favorite character, I'm not too sure yet. I'm assuming that the mangaka is dragging things = love story of the two, by developing him more and letting him make this move. If there is no equal development for Tachibana whom the mangaka bothered to write a back story, then, the mangaka probably like Souma. Haha, but then, a lot of people dislike Tachibana so.. =P

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  6. Thank you for the translation!
    Also can't wait for the next chapter. Go Yanagi. Fight! ^^

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  7. i dont know why i hate souma,,but right now souma seems started to love kujou,,,yanagi right now you should to take action,,
    thank you for tranlating kat ^-^ ,,,

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  8. ouww, big thanks to you, Kat... Now I understand the story, before read this post, I watched the raw and understand nothing -_- Thank You Thank You So Much

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  9. aww..man i really wish she wud realize her feelings soon. allso i dont think he'd confess. i mean he did say tht he'd make her realize her feelings nd confess to him first. btw wen is the next chapter coming out?

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    1. Ya..Vama. True, I don't think he would since this is his 'last game'.

      The new chapter is already out in Japan. Still waiting for the Chinese scanlation for the summary.

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    2. Vama, it's already out and summary is done ^^

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  10. really!!!! i love this manga... hope Yanagi has a courage to tell his feeling for Kujuo.

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    1. Hehe, Gmar, it seems that isn't the problem but rather, Kujou's cluelessness about love..well, in chapter 32 ^^

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  11. I know I'm supposed to ship Yanagi and Kujou, but I'm in total love with Souma and Kujou :(. Oh well, they're both cute! Thanks for translating!

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