AT LAST! One of my favorite chapters....Can you guess why? :-D
Chapter 35
Caption: Fukui Prefecture, Fukui City. Katsugi Bookstore
Arata rings up a customer. "For a total of 3 books, that will ¥1520."
"No, I don't need a bag," says the customer.
"Oh, I apologize," says Arata politely.
"Thank you for your patronage," he says to another customer with a bow.
"Please, don't mention it," says the old man as he leaves. (TN: My goodness, this boy is formal...must be the effect of being raised by his grandfather?)
His manager stares at him in dismay.
"How BORING!" he cries out when all the customers have left. He's apparently reading another porn mag. "Not seductive enough!" (TN: in Chinese, the word used means "demon/elf energy" which also means "charming.")
He looks to Arata. "Just like you, you well-praised Awara City hick. Like an old fuddy-duddy. (TN: this was too hard to translate, and it was a little derogatory, so I improvised). I eagerly await the time you turn into a man of the world!"
"You using your one-sided, limited, sleazy magazine standards to put pressure on me is a form of harassment," Arata responds. (TN: he uses big words...I had to look up every one of them... -_-)
Just then, another customer waves Arata aside. She is apparently looking for a novel her daughter needs as standard reading in her high school. She apparently forgot the title even though her daughter just asked her this morning. The title apparently has to do with animals.
Arata uses his photographic memory like a computer storage database and searches every single title in the store through his memory (TN: OMG...). He responds that of the books in the store, there are 12 books that have to do with animals in their title. Of those, 8 are ear marked for standard reading in school. Of those 8, only one is suitable for high school reading levels. It's called "Ape's Fantastic Journey." The customer immediately recognizes the title, and Arata tells his manager to go to the back, middle shelf, 3rd row from the top, 5th book from the right. (TN: O_O)
Sure enough, the book is there, to the manager's astonishment. The customer says that Arata is the only one she can count on at the store, and tells him not to find a job anywhere else.
"I thank you for your kind sentiment," Arata responds. At that point, when the customer leaves, the manager grabs Arata to the porn section and forces him to look. Arata turns beet red (TN: kyaaa~!) The manager says that if a customer wants to find a certain porn mag, Arata should memorize this section as well. Arata insists that a customer wanting to buy that sort of thing wouldn't bother asking the attendant for help. (He's still bright red and refusing to look)
The manager tells him that people are always asking him (the manager) for help in the porn section, to which Arata responds, "That's their problem."
Arata notices a picture of Ayase Chitose on the cover of a swimsuit magazine. He recognizes her immediately and takes the magazine from the shelf. The manager apparently knows who she is but says she isn't voluptuous enough for his tastes. Arata ignores him and thinks that the Ayase sisters really look similar. In fact, if you take away the hair and make-up...and....TA-DA!!
Arata superimposes Chihaya's face onto her sister's swimsuit body and...overheats. He drops the magazine and coughs for air.
How interesting, his manager thinks. Because of this, I will continue my "Adventures in Getting Arata to Read Porn" project! (-_-;)
Just then, Mrs. Wataya comes looking for Arata.
"Mom!" Arata says from behind the bookshelf.
"Mom?" says the manager.
"I finished the errand you asked me to do for you," she says. (What are you two doing back there?)
Apparently he wanted his mom to get him a cell phone. His manager can't believe in this day and age there's still someone who doesn't have one. Unfortunately, the one she chose is bright pink. He asks her why this color, and she said "because it's cute." In reality, she confesses she really wanted a daughter.
His mom turns to him and asks him to repay her. In turn, Arata turns to the manager and says "pay up." (Today is payday)
"Well then, I'm off," he says to his mom, thanking her. He rides off on his bike.
"Be careful!" his mom waves.
She turns to the manager and asks if he thinks Arata has changed. The manager says, "Auntie, there's nothing you need to worry about, although he did ask if he could cut his part-time hours. It's so frustrating!" His mom says that Arata is practicing competitive karuta again, with a smile.
Cut scene: the subway/train platform
Arata sees Mr. Murao buying a ticket. He notices the ticket is for a train leaving shortly. He asks Mr. Murao where he is going. Mr. Murao responds that he has "something" he needs to do and can't practice today. Arata reminds him that the Western Conference is coming up.
Mr. Murao snaps at him, saying, "Listen! As long as you are going to do your best, that's enough. I'm...a little tired (of karuta)."
Arata rides the train alone and arrives at the Fukui karuta club alone. He starts stretching when he notices Taichi's name on the wall and then picks up some practice cards. On the tatami mat, he bows to the cards and a picture of his grandfather with the karuta group hanging on the wall. (TN: as if he was starting his practice in a dojo).
Are you gonna laugh at me and tell me it's too early for me to be competing?
But my friend is giving it his all in a place far away...
I want to make winning the Western Conference my goal!
Cut scene: Back at Mizusawa High Karuta Club
The group is just wrapping up their first after school practice round (they are wearing their team shirts) as they bow and thank one another after their respective matches. Taichi comments they can rest for 15 minutes before going into the second round.
Kana-chan tells Chihaya that they're going to the (Fukuri) store so if there's anything she wants to buy there... but Chihaya is lost in her own world, staring at the cards on the tatami. Kana smiles and leaves her be.
While playing Kana-chan, I can scoot back 7 rows from the starting point (rows of weave on the tatami), and that's the same with Desktomu-kun.
Meat bun-kun and Taichi have both become stronger, but I can't rush things. Let's make it three rows or so, then.
3 word inhale...4 word exhale....
Chihaya starts practicing on her own and starts reciting the first syllables of the poems, matching her arm movements and timing accordingly. In her mind, the Queen's shadow appears and strikes a card before she can. Chihaya pauses.
I know that taking breaths is important...I also know that if I don't have enough caution, I'm doomed...
But...
The image of the Queen looms in front of her. a dark hand reaching out at her.
That left hand...how do I make it disappear...?
Aside from just relying on speed...what can I use?
Her teammates, back from their break watch her as she practices alone.
"If she used that energy and determination and put one tenths of it into studying...she wouldn't be fifth from the bottom in rank..." Desktomu-kun comments. The others have no comment and Kana hides her face in her hands in shame.
Cut scene: Chiyaha is being lectured by Ms. Miyauchi
Chihaya is forbidden to attend the competition next week in Kawaguchi City. Shocked, Chihaya demands to know why, since the (Furuno) tournament is a competition among skilled and ranked (pro-level) players. Its' the last chance for them to hone their skills before the Western Conference.
Ms. Miyauchi asks her what the day after next Sunday is, to which Chihaya responds "seaside school day?" Ms. Miyauchi reminds her, "It's the first day of FINALS! At this rate, Ayase, you're going to held back a year!"
"It's really that dangerous?" asks Chihaya.
"It's really that dangerous!" Ms. Miyauchi pounds on the table. "I realize that you put your all into playing karuta but you haven't even turned in your form for your choices in college/university have you? I think it's time you considered your future."
Chihaya looks at her in shock. In her mind, aside from "becoming Queen" and the "Western Conference" and the competition at Furuno, far, far in the distance are thoughts about her "future"... -_-;
So, Ms. Miyauchi appoints her new tutor, Desktomu-kun, to teach her everything that's going to be on the final exams.
Cut scene: back at the clubhouse...
"I don't want to, Desktomu-kun!" Chihaya yells, pounding her head and fists onto the table.
"Please call me Tsutomu-sensei," he responds.
"Um, Tsutomu-sensei..." says Meat bun-kun. "Can you teach me the Math and English problems as well? In those areas, I'm a little bit...red." (Meaning his quiz sheets are bleeding red with check marks...)
Kana-chan asks about what they're going to do about the Furuno tournament. Taichi says that since the Furuno tournament is only reserved for A and B ranked players, he'll go by himself. If they're going to study then he's off to the Shiranami Society to practice. Meat bun-kun stops him and says that if he goes and wins second place at the Furuno tournament, which would make him 2nd in two major competitions, to ask Harada-sensei if he could raise his ranking to A rank in that way. Taichi says he's already looked into it, each tournament's ranking qualifications are different, and the only way for him to raise his rank this time is to win at Furuno.
But Meat bun-kun is dissatisfied that Taichi is going alone. At the last tournament everyone tried their best together. He explains that when he told his master that he had finally become an A rank and said it was due to his master's teaching, his sensei smacked him over the head and told him not to say such rubbish. Starting from when he was very little, it was because of that annoying part of him that hated losing, that made him come back. It was because he entrusted his fate to his friends that he was able to accomplish it.
Taichi says, "The only way to accomplish it is to win at Furuno." And he walks off by himself. His teammates know that this is his last chance to become an A rank before the Western Conference.
Cut scene: Taichi playing at the Furno competition
Cut scene: His teammates studying in the club room. Chihaya looks up as if she's had a revelation.
"At this point, we cannot change the way your brain works," Desktomu-kun says. "Most importantly, memorize, memorize, memorize, memorize!! Think of it as a competition, remember that!"
Chihaya's Daddy Bear timer ticks away as she fills in her mock exam answer sheet.
Cut scene: At the Furuno competition
Taichi finishes his second match with good results. Harada-sensei comes over.
"Eyebrows-kun! You're making win after win!"
"What's up, Harada-sensei?" Taichi asks.
"Of course you're winning, you're giving it your all. The Furuno competition is really a big deal with many competitors and skilled A ranks giving their all to be the champion. People as far away as (Kanishi) will be here. It will be a prime opportunity to test your mettle."
I'm watching all the A ranked players shuffle through...
I also...
"I trust you've already seen?"
"Seen what?" asks Taichi. From behind Harada-sensei he catches a glimpse of Arata with his teacher. Taichi and Arata make eye contact. (TN: Bishie alert...! Two cute guys on the same page, try not to overheat....)
Cut scene: Back at the clubhouse
Meat bun is writing away frantically while Desktomu-kun oversees.
"Ayase-san sure is slow to come back from her bathroom break." Just then he gets an incoming message on his cell.
It reads: "Sorry Tsutomu-sensei! I have to go cheer Taichi on!"
----End Chapter----
Showing posts with label volume 6. Show all posts
Showing posts with label volume 6. Show all posts
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Chihayafuru Manga Synopsis: Vol. 6.5 (Chapter 34)
Chapter 34
Caption: In this championship, the A rank, C rank and D rank tournaments have already ended. The only one left is the B rank duel.
Meat bun-kun thinks that a duel of Fates is simply a sudden death match, but even so, Taichi went on the offensive. Meat bun-kun knows that he cannot be careless. Aside from the "ashi" card next to his hand, he wonders if there are any "a" cards left. He concludes that there must still be. At this point, Taichi will still attack. If they rely on Fate alone, they each have a 50/50 chance of winning. But Taichi wants more of a chance than that. Taichi is also employing a strategy.
Two more "empty cards" are read and even the audience is on edge. They each move their hands strategically before moving back to a defensive position. Hyoro-kun likens the contestants to sumo-wrestlers staring each other down before they move, flexing and loosening their stances in a threatening manner. All he knows is that he hates "empty cards." The sooner one of their cards is read the better. He looks over to Chihaya who is watching the match intently.
I can't decide...
It's not like it doesn't matter which side it is...
Because I also want to win...
"Ashima--"
The next card is an "empty card" but also an "a" card. As he thought, Taichi goes on the offensive but withdraws when he realizes it isn't the correct card. Meat bun-kun realizes that he was right to think there were other "a" cards left. But after this one, he is almost certain there are none left but the one under his hand. Now starts the real "sudden death" match.
When he looks at Taichi's determination, he isn't quite so sure.
Chihaya... If it were you, you'd know wouldn't you? You'd be able to distinguish the "a" from the "se" syllable in less than a heartbeat....
If it were you...Chihaya...
Sure enough, Meat bun-kun's "ashi" card is next, and he simply covers it with his hand. Taichi has lost. They bow and mutually exchange thanks. But it isn't a comfortable victory for any of them.
Back in the changing room, as Taichi and the others are getting back into their street clothes, Meat bun asks if there were only the "ashi" and the "se" cards left. Desktomu-kun corrects him and says the "kiri" card was also left. Meat bun-kun didn't know that. Taichi cooly congratulates Meat bun on his "luck," but regrets his words almost as soon as he utters them. Sitting outside by himself he knows that had he been more skillful, it wouldn't have had to come to a 50/50 sudden death match. He kicks himself thinking about all the prior cards he could have taken but didn't and how far he has yet to go.
He feels the strain of "staking it all" in a game. It can't be explained with mere logic...
Meat bun-kun plops down next to him. After some moments of silence, Taichi apologizes. Chihaya wants to approach them but stops short.
Meat bun-kun tells Taichi that he is glad that he is their president. Taichi tells him he's giving him the creeps. But Meat bun explains he is glad because it's him, instead of Chihaya, that "shameless, nickname calling, unforgivable, hare-brained IDIOT." Compared with her, Taichi is much, much better.
Chihaya is speechless after hearing such a tirade...
"The only one who calls me 'Nishida' is you, Mashima. I will continue to give it my all with you."
(In the background, Chihaya is slumped to the ground in depression.)
Taichi is speechless.
(Chihaya is found by Kana-chan)
"Okay."
(Kana-chan helps Chihaya up, wondering what's wrong with her)
Cut scene: on the road
The team packs into the Oe store van on their way back. Mrs. Oe comments how incredible their group is. Of the 5 who started out today, 4 people won awards (Nishida, Mashima, Oe, Komano), 3 have raised their ranks (Nishida, Oe, Komano). (TN: what the hell, Chihaya...?)
Chihaya notes that in the D ranks, first place, second place and 3rd runner up are lifted to a C rank status. She even starts haphazardly calling her teammates by their real names...they start to wonder about that.
She tells them she was really surprised today. While watching Kana and Tsutomu play, she noticed how smoothly, soundlessly and exact Kana's karuta style could be at times, she wanted to learn to play just like that.
Kana-chan says she's already at that level. Back when she played Sudo last summer, the last card she took was just like that. It was unforgettable. Chihaya says she doesn't remember and her teammates are incredulous.
Kana remarks that she gave 120% at the tournament today because Tsutomu was her adversary. Attacking strategies aside, she just wanted to be rid of all her cards because she didn't have the mindset to attack in the first place.
The mindset to attack...
Chihaya notices Taichi is asleep against the window, and she brings his head towards her and rests it on her shoulder.
The mindset to attack...
"I really want to compete as a team," she says out loud. Everyone is touched. Desktomu-kun says that as a team, they are really strong, with 2 C-ranked members, 2 A-ranked members and a B-ranked member. Chihaya comments that at the next A rank tournament, she and Nishida might go all out against one another.
Nishida tells her to just keep calling him "Meat bun-kun" and to not mind what he said back there to Taichi in order to make him feel better. He tells her he doesn't mind if she continues being an idiot. -_-;
My most precious team of five...
Cut scene: Arata playing karuta (TN: kyaaaa~)
He's apparently won a game against a Mr. Murao. Mr. Kuriyama and the others are quite impressed that he's beaten their best player.
This kid's karuta is...
Mr. Kuriyama starts thinking aloud that Arata might be placed against their best titled players and still win. He's also thinking of placing Arata in the next championships but stops short when his assistant tells him to stop thinking aloud.
Arata laughs but then notices a posting on the wall. He asks what it is and Mr. Kuriyama responds that it's the results of the Saitama Championship just held recently. Mr. Murao also participated in the A rank tournament and placed 3rd. He notes that the Kanto region's players are pretty strong.
Mr. Kuriyama says that even though Arata doesn't have any plans to enroll in any competitions, he asks if that's a definite thing. The next championship, the Western Conference is fast approaching.
"I want to participate," Arata announces. His finger falls next to Taichi's name. "I want to aim to win the Western Conference."
"It's not that simple," says Mr. Kuriyama, smiling.
-----Chapter End------
TN: Gah, finally... Arata...
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Chihayafuru Manga Synopsis: Vol. 6.4 (Chapter 33)
Well, here's a bit of Taichi time, since she pretty much ignored him most of the prior chapters.
Chapter 33
Chihaya and Hyoro-kun are watching Kana and Desktomu-kun's match closely.
If there is something I can glean from watching them, I will certainly steal it.
Chihaya notices that the pair are slowly pulling apart in points. Desktomu-kun made two mistakes and Kana-chan none. She realizes that by making mistakes you help your opponent lead by two more cards. All this time she thought she could simply correct her mistakes by taking two subsequent cards. But when facing a player who makes no mistakes, like Ms. Kanai making mistakes is dangerous. But the scary thing isn't just the number of cards you're losing by. It's the frantic turmoil you give yourself that gives your opponent even more opportunities.
This isn't just a matter of being behind by two cards.
Desktomu-kun is able to take the next card, thinking that now is the time to counter-attack. But as a "penalty" he gives her the wrong card. He gives her an easy single syllable card. By the time he realizes his mistake it's too late, and he realizes that not only is he battling Kana, he's also battling himself. Now he's down by 8 cards.
This is it, Desktomu-kun (for this championship). It's not like when we're practicing, and you can tell yourself you'll "do better next time." There isn't a "do-over" in this case.
Desktomu-kun notices that Kana-chan is at her limit. She's exhausted. Behind Kana-chan he can see Taichi and Meat-bun kun tired but still battling. They all remember what Taichi once told them.
"You have to build your endurance to last at least 10 hours."
After all, that's what they've been training for.
Desktomu pauses the game to rearrange his cards. Arranging them closer together, since he has ten cards left and Kana only 4, the chances of one of his cards being read is higher. So, when the time comes, he can hazard to strike all his cards at once, and not letting his opponent take any. (TN: isn't that kind of cheating...?) Even the crowd is starting to root for Kana.
Kana thinks if he can do it, then so can she. But the contest get closer as Desktomu-kun strikes a single syllable card on Kana's side, one he just gave her as a "penalty" and so he is still in control of the playing field. Having struck a card behind Kana's defenses, he feels that he should not lose to Kana, nor should he lose to himself.
Kana notes there are only five cards difference between them now. Even though Desktomu-kun is using this kind of tactic, she knows she still has a chance.
Completely straight....incredibly swift.... Kana thinks of the way Chihaya and the Queen play karuta...going all out!
Even though she thinks that, Desktomu-kun takes the next card as well.
I can't do that! It's impossible for me!
"Chihayafuru--"
Without even thinking, Kana takes the card. Everyone is shocked. Desktomu-kun was reaching for another "chi" card. But, just like Desktomu took the "surpassing the great mountain" card, before she knew it, her friend's "namesake" card has become a card of personal significance for Kana as well.
There is only one card left.
I don't want to lose! thinks Desktomu-kun.
Even so, Kana takes the last card and wins the match. Desktomu is shocked. They bow and mutually exchange thanks, but Kana doesn't raise her head as if bowing in apology to him.
Desktomu-kun congratulates her. They both had practiced hard together to get to this point. Kana breaks down in tears, as does Chihaya. Her two friends have placed first and second in the D rank tournament. Just as she is blowing her nose (and is pulling a trail of snot with her tissue -_-;) someone yells, "GOOD!"
She turns and realizes that Taichi and Meat bun-kun's match is still ongoing. SHE COMPLETELY FORGOT ABOUT THEM....
Chihaya begs Hyoro-kun to tell her what's happened. He tells her they each have one card left. It's a duel of Fates! Whomever is lucky enough to have the card he's guarding read next is the winner.
You've already come this far and now you have to leave it up to Fate? Hyoro-kun thinks.
Meat-bun kun has the "ashi" card. Taichi has the "se" card, and calculates that there should be 6 "empty" cards left. The only cards that have yet to be read are the "a" cards, and thus it has become a one syllable sudden death match.
The next card read is an "empty" card, and Taichi quickly attacks and withdraw without gaining or losing a point. Everyone is shocked that even at this juncture, Taichi is willing to go on the offensive.
Chihaya wonders why she wasn't able to watch both matches instead and is kicking herself for ignoring this important match. Meat bun-kun wonders why Taichi wants to take his card, but he can't remember how many "a" cards there are left (since there are 16 total).
Duel of the Fates? Don't make me laugh, Taichi thinks. How can I just leave it up to Fate?!
----End Chapter----
Chapter 33
Chihaya and Hyoro-kun are watching Kana and Desktomu-kun's match closely.
If there is something I can glean from watching them, I will certainly steal it.
Chihaya notices that the pair are slowly pulling apart in points. Desktomu-kun made two mistakes and Kana-chan none. She realizes that by making mistakes you help your opponent lead by two more cards. All this time she thought she could simply correct her mistakes by taking two subsequent cards. But when facing a player who makes no mistakes, like Ms. Kanai making mistakes is dangerous. But the scary thing isn't just the number of cards you're losing by. It's the frantic turmoil you give yourself that gives your opponent even more opportunities.
This isn't just a matter of being behind by two cards.
Desktomu-kun is able to take the next card, thinking that now is the time to counter-attack. But as a "penalty" he gives her the wrong card. He gives her an easy single syllable card. By the time he realizes his mistake it's too late, and he realizes that not only is he battling Kana, he's also battling himself. Now he's down by 8 cards.
This is it, Desktomu-kun (for this championship). It's not like when we're practicing, and you can tell yourself you'll "do better next time." There isn't a "do-over" in this case.
Desktomu-kun notices that Kana-chan is at her limit. She's exhausted. Behind Kana-chan he can see Taichi and Meat-bun kun tired but still battling. They all remember what Taichi once told them.
"You have to build your endurance to last at least 10 hours."
After all, that's what they've been training for.
Desktomu pauses the game to rearrange his cards. Arranging them closer together, since he has ten cards left and Kana only 4, the chances of one of his cards being read is higher. So, when the time comes, he can hazard to strike all his cards at once, and not letting his opponent take any. (TN: isn't that kind of cheating...?) Even the crowd is starting to root for Kana.
Kana thinks if he can do it, then so can she. But the contest get closer as Desktomu-kun strikes a single syllable card on Kana's side, one he just gave her as a "penalty" and so he is still in control of the playing field. Having struck a card behind Kana's defenses, he feels that he should not lose to Kana, nor should he lose to himself.
Kana notes there are only five cards difference between them now. Even though Desktomu-kun is using this kind of tactic, she knows she still has a chance.
Completely straight....incredibly swift.... Kana thinks of the way Chihaya and the Queen play karuta...going all out!
Even though she thinks that, Desktomu-kun takes the next card as well.
I can't do that! It's impossible for me!
"Chihayafuru--"
Without even thinking, Kana takes the card. Everyone is shocked. Desktomu-kun was reaching for another "chi" card. But, just like Desktomu took the "surpassing the great mountain" card, before she knew it, her friend's "namesake" card has become a card of personal significance for Kana as well.
There is only one card left.
I don't want to lose! thinks Desktomu-kun.
Even so, Kana takes the last card and wins the match. Desktomu is shocked. They bow and mutually exchange thanks, but Kana doesn't raise her head as if bowing in apology to him.
Desktomu-kun congratulates her. They both had practiced hard together to get to this point. Kana breaks down in tears, as does Chihaya. Her two friends have placed first and second in the D rank tournament. Just as she is blowing her nose (and is pulling a trail of snot with her tissue -_-;) someone yells, "GOOD!"
She turns and realizes that Taichi and Meat bun-kun's match is still ongoing. SHE COMPLETELY FORGOT ABOUT THEM....
Chihaya begs Hyoro-kun to tell her what's happened. He tells her they each have one card left. It's a duel of Fates! Whomever is lucky enough to have the card he's guarding read next is the winner.
You've already come this far and now you have to leave it up to Fate? Hyoro-kun thinks.
Meat-bun kun has the "ashi" card. Taichi has the "se" card, and calculates that there should be 6 "empty" cards left. The only cards that have yet to be read are the "a" cards, and thus it has become a one syllable sudden death match.
The next card read is an "empty" card, and Taichi quickly attacks and withdraw without gaining or losing a point. Everyone is shocked that even at this juncture, Taichi is willing to go on the offensive.
Chihaya wonders why she wasn't able to watch both matches instead and is kicking herself for ignoring this important match. Meat bun-kun wonders why Taichi wants to take his card, but he can't remember how many "a" cards there are left (since there are 16 total).
Duel of the Fates? Don't make me laugh, Taichi thinks. How can I just leave it up to Fate?!
----End Chapter----
Chihayafuru Manga Synopsis: Vol. 6.3 (Chapter 32)
Ah man, I've got to work this weekend, but before I do, let's get this chapter over with, shall we? The intro illustration is so cute.
This chapter was super challenging with its strategies, but I think I got it right and hope nothing was lost in translation.
Chapter 32
Caption: The Mizusawa High School Karuta Club caption is in a bit of a conundrum...her four team members are battling each other!
A very confused and agitated Chihaya sits next to Hyoro-kun (who lost the B rank competition) who is watching intently as Taichi and Meat bun-kun play.
I never thought this would happen...! Which side should I root for? As team captain, what should I do?
Just as Chihaya is about to step out for some fresh air and relieve some of her inner conflict, she notices Hyoro-kun's intense expression and shaking form. (TN: apparently she didn't notice him before...) She asks if Nayuta and his other teammates of Hokuo High's team were also playing in this tournament.
He blurts out painfully (TN: even though they're supposed to be quiet during the tournament?? Maybe they are still in the memorization stage...) that he lost to Taichi in the first round by three cards. Even though the tide of the game was in his favor... The other Hokuo Academy players left when they lost, but he tells Chihaya he wanted to stay to watch and steal some techniques of the guy who beat him.
As Taichi memorizes the cards he thinks that because the Eastern Karuta Conference is next month, this is perhaps his last chance to raise his level to A rank before then, so he must take this championship title. Meat bun-kun knows exactly what Taichi's thinking, but even though losing to a titled champion is not really a big thing for him, he is definitely determined not to let Taichi surpass him.
Meanwhile, Desktomu-kun is thinking that he really admires Kana-chan. Her karuta form is delicate and obstinately strong. But he knows he's going to have a hard time trying to attack the adorable Kana-chan. He understands Kana, which is why he knows he can win.
Chihaya knows that when it comes to the issue of moving up the next rank, this is a rare occurrence for her team to have to fight one another, possibly the only time they will test their mettle against one another. She is determined to watch it all closely.
The opening poem is read...
Even though she says that, Chihaya cannot watch both matches at once and understand who is winning/losing. She really wants to watch Kana play but asks Hyoro-kun what just happened in Taichi's match. Hyoro-kun tells her to just watch quietly. Her attention is drawn to Kana-chan, as she realizes Kana's hips are above the ground. She concludes it's not a result of the training but a result of Kana wearing a hakama (so she doesn't wrinkle it). She notices Kana-chan's movements are entirely changed when she's wearing cultural clothing. Even as Kana takes a card, she gets up gracefully and moves to retrieve the card almost ritualistically. She apologizes the the audience member who was closest to the card as she picks it up and everyone is awed with her polite manner of speech and her graceful movements.
Chihaya, slumped lazily where she sits, straightens up right away in a more dignified manner. She realizes this is the first time she's watched Kana-chan play while in costume. Chihaya is completely in awe of her. When she thinks about how she acts while dressed in traditional clothing, she flushes in embarrassment. She notices Mrs. Oe, standing in the room in her kimono. Wearing an obi definitely makes one stand up straighter.
Kana-chan's hand falls on her waist belt.
Like putting a board along your abdomen...
She thinks back at the times others told her traditional clothing was such a pain to put on, and the obi was too tight. Kana-chan doesn't understand why people dislike it so.
She takes another card from Desktomu-kun. She's decided to attack...!
Kana thinks, Obi, support me. Let my straightened form become strong!
"After the Autumn wind blows..."
Taichi takes a card from Meat bun-kun, finally taking the offense, thinking he was finally able to take a card smoothly and faster than his opponent. But still, not as well as Chihaya. To his dismay, he notes that Chihaya isn't even watching his match! (T_T)
Hyoro-kun mistakes Taichi's glance in his direction as a form of communication to him, thinking Taichi's telling him that he's gonna win this match, and that all this time, he's considered Hyoro-kun to only be second best. (TN: Hyoro-kun is misunderstanding something here... -__-;) Hyoro-kun waves his arms wildly at Taichi, thinking, Don't be so cheeky! If anything, I should be ranked as champion! (TN: still sore over his first round loss...)
Meanwhile....
Chihaya watches Kana's delicate form in awe. Even the audience members are thinking maybe traditional clothing can make them look just as good and how wonderful traditional clothing is after all.
Ms. Oe watches her daughter with pride. Even though Chihaya is admittedly the prettiest, and she'd look good in anything; Kana may not be pretty per se but she knows how to wear traditional clothing and use it to her advantage. She is the ultimate advertisement for the Oe's business!
"As a woman, you must show you have beautiful posture and grace with each movement. Even when you're doing battle!" Kana once said.
Both Chihaya and Desktomu-kun notice how graceful her movements are, even when she's arranging her cards. He makes a mental note that when she's in full costume her battle strength increases by 100%.
He thinks it's really great that even though they practice together every day at the club he is still able to see another strength of his teammates during competition against them. Ordinarily, Kana-chan must have been holding back. Even so, Desktomu-kun is determined that there are certain cards he must take from her.
"Overtaking Mt. Oe..."
Destomu-kun is able to attack and take this card. Everyone is shocked. He knows there isn't any logic in it, but just as Chihaya has taken a personal affinity towards the "chihayafuru" card, Kana has an affinity for this card. So, for him to take was certainly a crushing blow to Kana. More importantly, he knows that after the "Oe-san" card is taken, out of habit Kana-chan quickly investigates the whereabouts of another poem written by the prior poet's daughter as she associates the two cards with one another. This distracts her from taking the next card.
Chihaya thinks how very calmly Desktomu-kun broke up Kana's beautiful momentum.
Desktomu-kun knows the way that Kana-chan recognizes poems is different that the way the others do it when listening to the syllables. She recognizes them by author. (TN: Wow.) She associates the cards with one another based on who wrote them and memorizes their positions; brothers, father-daughter, mortal enemies. But the true way to play karuta is to recognize the cards by syllables. Everyone is listening to the syllables and nothing else, which is why no noise is permitted while a game is ongoing.
Unfortunately, by listening to the syllables, he is unable to differentiate between the "kono" card and the "konu" card, and takes the wrong one. He laments that his ears aren't be as sharp as Chihaya's.
Kana-chan gives him the "tago" card as his "penalty." Chihaya once asked Kana why she always chose this card to send before the "tachi" card which is easier to differentiate. Kana responded that because she doesn't have Chihaya's ears, all of the "ta" cards are the same to her. But there are some cards that draw her in.
Out by boat past fields along the shore, a glimpse of a silver world I see; snow atop the limitlessly high mountain. (the "tago" card)
"The strength of the limitless mountain draws me in..." Kana takes this as her next card.
Chihaya thinks Kana's movements perfect, soundless, without excess movement and ramrod straight. She thinks back at what Hyoro-kun told her at the beginning of the match.
Not rooting for anyone....Not acting as their Captain....
"I want to stay to watch and steal the techniques if I can..."
I'm the same.
Caption: On the other side, an intense battle is waging. Even though Hyoro-kun is just watching, it's as if it was a battle between three people.
----End Chapter----
TN: So what's happing in this chapter except Chihaya continuing to learn how to be a really skilled karuta player, who plays from all angles, moves with grace and not a single wasted action, and whose hand is automatically drawn to the cards not just because of their syllables, but also their meanings...a Queen!
This chapter was super challenging with its strategies, but I think I got it right and hope nothing was lost in translation.
Chapter 32
Caption: The Mizusawa High School Karuta Club caption is in a bit of a conundrum...her four team members are battling each other!
A very confused and agitated Chihaya sits next to Hyoro-kun (who lost the B rank competition) who is watching intently as Taichi and Meat bun-kun play.
I never thought this would happen...! Which side should I root for? As team captain, what should I do?
Just as Chihaya is about to step out for some fresh air and relieve some of her inner conflict, she notices Hyoro-kun's intense expression and shaking form. (TN: apparently she didn't notice him before...) She asks if Nayuta and his other teammates of Hokuo High's team were also playing in this tournament.
He blurts out painfully (TN: even though they're supposed to be quiet during the tournament?? Maybe they are still in the memorization stage...) that he lost to Taichi in the first round by three cards. Even though the tide of the game was in his favor... The other Hokuo Academy players left when they lost, but he tells Chihaya he wanted to stay to watch and steal some techniques of the guy who beat him.
As Taichi memorizes the cards he thinks that because the Eastern Karuta Conference is next month, this is perhaps his last chance to raise his level to A rank before then, so he must take this championship title. Meat bun-kun knows exactly what Taichi's thinking, but even though losing to a titled champion is not really a big thing for him, he is definitely determined not to let Taichi surpass him.
Meanwhile, Desktomu-kun is thinking that he really admires Kana-chan. Her karuta form is delicate and obstinately strong. But he knows he's going to have a hard time trying to attack the adorable Kana-chan. He understands Kana, which is why he knows he can win.
Chihaya knows that when it comes to the issue of moving up the next rank, this is a rare occurrence for her team to have to fight one another, possibly the only time they will test their mettle against one another. She is determined to watch it all closely.
The opening poem is read...
Even though she says that, Chihaya cannot watch both matches at once and understand who is winning/losing. She really wants to watch Kana play but asks Hyoro-kun what just happened in Taichi's match. Hyoro-kun tells her to just watch quietly. Her attention is drawn to Kana-chan, as she realizes Kana's hips are above the ground. She concludes it's not a result of the training but a result of Kana wearing a hakama (so she doesn't wrinkle it). She notices Kana-chan's movements are entirely changed when she's wearing cultural clothing. Even as Kana takes a card, she gets up gracefully and moves to retrieve the card almost ritualistically. She apologizes the the audience member who was closest to the card as she picks it up and everyone is awed with her polite manner of speech and her graceful movements.
Chihaya, slumped lazily where she sits, straightens up right away in a more dignified manner. She realizes this is the first time she's watched Kana-chan play while in costume. Chihaya is completely in awe of her. When she thinks about how she acts while dressed in traditional clothing, she flushes in embarrassment. She notices Mrs. Oe, standing in the room in her kimono. Wearing an obi definitely makes one stand up straighter.
Kana-chan's hand falls on her waist belt.
Like putting a board along your abdomen...
She thinks back at the times others told her traditional clothing was such a pain to put on, and the obi was too tight. Kana-chan doesn't understand why people dislike it so.
She takes another card from Desktomu-kun. She's decided to attack...!
Kana thinks, Obi, support me. Let my straightened form become strong!
"After the Autumn wind blows..."
Taichi takes a card from Meat bun-kun, finally taking the offense, thinking he was finally able to take a card smoothly and faster than his opponent. But still, not as well as Chihaya. To his dismay, he notes that Chihaya isn't even watching his match! (T_T)
Hyoro-kun mistakes Taichi's glance in his direction as a form of communication to him, thinking Taichi's telling him that he's gonna win this match, and that all this time, he's considered Hyoro-kun to only be second best. (TN: Hyoro-kun is misunderstanding something here... -__-;) Hyoro-kun waves his arms wildly at Taichi, thinking, Don't be so cheeky! If anything, I should be ranked as champion! (TN: still sore over his first round loss...)
Meanwhile....
Chihaya watches Kana's delicate form in awe. Even the audience members are thinking maybe traditional clothing can make them look just as good and how wonderful traditional clothing is after all.
Ms. Oe watches her daughter with pride. Even though Chihaya is admittedly the prettiest, and she'd look good in anything; Kana may not be pretty per se but she knows how to wear traditional clothing and use it to her advantage. She is the ultimate advertisement for the Oe's business!
"As a woman, you must show you have beautiful posture and grace with each movement. Even when you're doing battle!" Kana once said.
Both Chihaya and Desktomu-kun notice how graceful her movements are, even when she's arranging her cards. He makes a mental note that when she's in full costume her battle strength increases by 100%.
He thinks it's really great that even though they practice together every day at the club he is still able to see another strength of his teammates during competition against them. Ordinarily, Kana-chan must have been holding back. Even so, Desktomu-kun is determined that there are certain cards he must take from her.
"Overtaking Mt. Oe..."
Destomu-kun is able to attack and take this card. Everyone is shocked. He knows there isn't any logic in it, but just as Chihaya has taken a personal affinity towards the "chihayafuru" card, Kana has an affinity for this card. So, for him to take was certainly a crushing blow to Kana. More importantly, he knows that after the "Oe-san" card is taken, out of habit Kana-chan quickly investigates the whereabouts of another poem written by the prior poet's daughter as she associates the two cards with one another. This distracts her from taking the next card.
Chihaya thinks how very calmly Desktomu-kun broke up Kana's beautiful momentum.
Desktomu-kun knows the way that Kana-chan recognizes poems is different that the way the others do it when listening to the syllables. She recognizes them by author. (TN: Wow.) She associates the cards with one another based on who wrote them and memorizes their positions; brothers, father-daughter, mortal enemies. But the true way to play karuta is to recognize the cards by syllables. Everyone is listening to the syllables and nothing else, which is why no noise is permitted while a game is ongoing.
Unfortunately, by listening to the syllables, he is unable to differentiate between the "kono" card and the "konu" card, and takes the wrong one. He laments that his ears aren't be as sharp as Chihaya's.
Kana-chan gives him the "tago" card as his "penalty." Chihaya once asked Kana why she always chose this card to send before the "tachi" card which is easier to differentiate. Kana responded that because she doesn't have Chihaya's ears, all of the "ta" cards are the same to her. But there are some cards that draw her in.
Out by boat past fields along the shore, a glimpse of a silver world I see; snow atop the limitlessly high mountain. (the "tago" card)
"The strength of the limitless mountain draws me in..." Kana takes this as her next card.
Chihaya thinks Kana's movements perfect, soundless, without excess movement and ramrod straight. She thinks back at what Hyoro-kun told her at the beginning of the match.
Not rooting for anyone....Not acting as their Captain....
"I want to stay to watch and steal the techniques if I can..."
I'm the same.
Caption: On the other side, an intense battle is waging. Even though Hyoro-kun is just watching, it's as if it was a battle between three people.
----End Chapter----
TN: So what's happing in this chapter except Chihaya continuing to learn how to be a really skilled karuta player, who plays from all angles, moves with grace and not a single wasted action, and whose hand is automatically drawn to the cards not just because of their syllables, but also their meanings...a Queen!
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Chihayafuru Manga Synopsis: Vol. 6.2 (Chapter 31)
This chapter was a bit confusing, but the quicker I get through it, the quicker I get to Arata! :-D
Chapter 31
"I'm so lucky to be set against a child who only knows how to play quickly..."
Chihaya is frustrated with herself. Her main goal was to practice NOT to rely only on speed to take karuta cards, but thus far she hasn't been successful.
How did it get to this critical juncture?
The next string of cards are "empty cards" making not only Chihaya but all the other players edgy. (TN: understand that there are 100 poems in the hyakunin isshu but each player only gets 25 each, so there are 50 "active cards" in play. The reader, however, will choose from the entire collection and some of the poems read will not be the ones in play. If the player takes an incorrect card, I'd imagine that would be a point against him)
Six "empty cards" later the players start grumbling amongst themselves.
The next one has to be... The next one has to be...!!
I really want to move!!!
At the next card, Chihaya moves, but alas, it's another "empty card." She slumps over in embarrassment at her inability to restrain herself.
"You mean you can't differentiate between the 'empty cards' and the real ones? How lucky for me," says Ms. Kanai. She carefully selects Chihaya's "penalty" card. It turns out to be "chihayafuru." Chihaya stares at it in dismay.
It's finally come to this...
I want to take...! I want to take...! I want to take...! she thinks impatiently. Even though she was faster at moving, she still couldn't distinguish between the "ooke" and "ooe" cards until Ms. Kanai already took it from her.
I have to calm down. This is my first match of the A rank tournament. I can't lose here!
If I don't become the champion of this A rank competition, then I can never a contestant in the title for Queen....
Then I won't be able to oppose Shinobu....
"How uninteresting," comments Ms. Kanai. "Ayase-san, it's as if you're doing battle with the cards themselves." She hands Chihaya another "penalty" card.
What? She's keeping the "shi" card and giving me the "shira" card? Why is she only giving me the annoying cards?
At this rate, Chihaya notes it will be difficult to apply any strategy. But she realizes that Ms. Kanai is purposefully arranging the playing field to that effect. (TN: Duh...) At this point, Chihaya must take a card from within her opponent's defenses in order to change the rhythm of the game. But she cannot simply rely on speed alone to do it.
She recalls the words Ms. Kanai told her a short while ago: How boring....It's like you're battling with the cards themselves.
Chihaya excuses herself and gets up to arranged her hakama skirt and when she gets down again, Ms. Kanai notices she is now further back from the cards. She tries to measure the distance between her and the cards. She wonders if her hand will be able to reach that far, or if it would be a rather unsightly way of taking cards in karuta. But she decides it's best this way, since she's so reactive. The longer it takes for her to get to the cards, the more time she will have to decide which card to take.
Ms. Kanai thinks that Chihaya is thinking a lot, but that's the beauty of being young. O_o;
Another card is read and Chihaya's hand automatically lashes out, but it's an "empty card" and she is able to restrain herself. Ms. Kanai notices how incredibly long her arms are. Chihaya knows she can't keep making mistakes. She decides that in order to take all the cards from all directions, she needs lot's and lot's of space.
Ms. Kanai tries to mix up the cards again, putting the easier card "yo" out of her reach and the more difficult card "yomo" closer hoping this will confuse Chihaya. Ms. Kanai manages to take the next card, and Chihaya realizes she must see Ms. Kanai's cards as Ms. Kanai herself sees them (they are upside-down to Chihaya). She starts to breathe in synch with her opponent and this time, she reaches the card at the same time as Ms. Kanai. Since they reached it at the same time, but the card was on Ms. Kanai's side, it's Chihaya's loss.
Ms. Kanai comments that they were able to synchronize and connect to the card within three words. (TN: I'm not really sure what that means, and I'm not really sure who won by this picture alone, but I'm guessing Ms. Kanai?)
Later in the lobby, Chihaya calls out Ms. Kanai's name as she is meeting up with her family. (TN: They are all dressed alike...) Chihaya comments that her kids are so cute, and Ms. Kanai responds, "I know." But Chihaya thanks her opponent for the opportunity to learn from an experienced A rank. She professes that she wants to be a player who doesn't only rely on speed, but she wants to be the Queen.
Ms. Kanai tells her that this is her dream as well. She's 35 now, but she's been trying to be Queen since she was Chihaya's age. Twenty years prior, she was much cuter, O_o; but she only achieved minor competitions and never reached her goal because she would always be outdone by the younger players no matter how hard she tried. But she still loves karuta.
For a moment, Chihaya pictures Ms. Kanai's younger self, dressed in a hakama, her beauty in bloom. Ms. Kanai tells her that becoming Queen is still her dream.
As she walks away, her children comment that Chihaya wants to be Queen as well, and Ms. Kanai tells them it makes her an enemy of their mom. 0_0; Ms. Kanai turns around with a warm smile and tells Chihaya that they'll meet again at the Eastern Karuta Conference.
Chihaya stands in front of the window with her hands clasped together.
Arata!
The dream we sought together is this-- (TN: There should be another word after "this," but I guess for dramatic effect the author/translator left it out to the reader's imagination)
Caption: At that time, the me who failed in her first A rank competition was unaware...that this day I would endure a kind of personal hardship!
Cut scene/caption: B rank player final --> Meat bun vs. Taichi!
D rank player final --> Desktomu-kun vs. Kana-chan!!
Who the heck am I supposed to root for??
----end chapter----
Notes: Isn't if cute how every time Chihaya has an epiphany, or a moment of realization, she calls out Arata's name? hahahaha! Chiharata FTW!
Chapter 31
"I'm so lucky to be set against a child who only knows how to play quickly..."
Chihaya is frustrated with herself. Her main goal was to practice NOT to rely only on speed to take karuta cards, but thus far she hasn't been successful.
How did it get to this critical juncture?
The next string of cards are "empty cards" making not only Chihaya but all the other players edgy. (TN: understand that there are 100 poems in the hyakunin isshu but each player only gets 25 each, so there are 50 "active cards" in play. The reader, however, will choose from the entire collection and some of the poems read will not be the ones in play. If the player takes an incorrect card, I'd imagine that would be a point against him)
Six "empty cards" later the players start grumbling amongst themselves.
The next one has to be... The next one has to be...!!
I really want to move!!!
At the next card, Chihaya moves, but alas, it's another "empty card." She slumps over in embarrassment at her inability to restrain herself.
"You mean you can't differentiate between the 'empty cards' and the real ones? How lucky for me," says Ms. Kanai. She carefully selects Chihaya's "penalty" card. It turns out to be "chihayafuru." Chihaya stares at it in dismay.
It's finally come to this...
I want to take...! I want to take...! I want to take...! she thinks impatiently. Even though she was faster at moving, she still couldn't distinguish between the "ooke" and "ooe" cards until Ms. Kanai already took it from her.
I have to calm down. This is my first match of the A rank tournament. I can't lose here!
If I don't become the champion of this A rank competition, then I can never a contestant in the title for Queen....
Then I won't be able to oppose Shinobu....
"How uninteresting," comments Ms. Kanai. "Ayase-san, it's as if you're doing battle with the cards themselves." She hands Chihaya another "penalty" card.
What? She's keeping the "shi" card and giving me the "shira" card? Why is she only giving me the annoying cards?
At this rate, Chihaya notes it will be difficult to apply any strategy. But she realizes that Ms. Kanai is purposefully arranging the playing field to that effect. (TN: Duh...) At this point, Chihaya must take a card from within her opponent's defenses in order to change the rhythm of the game. But she cannot simply rely on speed alone to do it.
She recalls the words Ms. Kanai told her a short while ago: How boring....It's like you're battling with the cards themselves.
Chihaya excuses herself and gets up to arranged her hakama skirt and when she gets down again, Ms. Kanai notices she is now further back from the cards. She tries to measure the distance between her and the cards. She wonders if her hand will be able to reach that far, or if it would be a rather unsightly way of taking cards in karuta. But she decides it's best this way, since she's so reactive. The longer it takes for her to get to the cards, the more time she will have to decide which card to take.
Ms. Kanai thinks that Chihaya is thinking a lot, but that's the beauty of being young. O_o;
Another card is read and Chihaya's hand automatically lashes out, but it's an "empty card" and she is able to restrain herself. Ms. Kanai notices how incredibly long her arms are. Chihaya knows she can't keep making mistakes. She decides that in order to take all the cards from all directions, she needs lot's and lot's of space.
Ms. Kanai tries to mix up the cards again, putting the easier card "yo" out of her reach and the more difficult card "yomo" closer hoping this will confuse Chihaya. Ms. Kanai manages to take the next card, and Chihaya realizes she must see Ms. Kanai's cards as Ms. Kanai herself sees them (they are upside-down to Chihaya). She starts to breathe in synch with her opponent and this time, she reaches the card at the same time as Ms. Kanai. Since they reached it at the same time, but the card was on Ms. Kanai's side, it's Chihaya's loss.
Ms. Kanai comments that they were able to synchronize and connect to the card within three words. (TN: I'm not really sure what that means, and I'm not really sure who won by this picture alone, but I'm guessing Ms. Kanai?)
Later in the lobby, Chihaya calls out Ms. Kanai's name as she is meeting up with her family. (TN: They are all dressed alike...) Chihaya comments that her kids are so cute, and Ms. Kanai responds, "I know." But Chihaya thanks her opponent for the opportunity to learn from an experienced A rank. She professes that she wants to be a player who doesn't only rely on speed, but she wants to be the Queen.
Ms. Kanai tells her that this is her dream as well. She's 35 now, but she's been trying to be Queen since she was Chihaya's age. Twenty years prior, she was much cuter, O_o; but she only achieved minor competitions and never reached her goal because she would always be outdone by the younger players no matter how hard she tried. But she still loves karuta.
For a moment, Chihaya pictures Ms. Kanai's younger self, dressed in a hakama, her beauty in bloom. Ms. Kanai tells her that becoming Queen is still her dream.
As she walks away, her children comment that Chihaya wants to be Queen as well, and Ms. Kanai tells them it makes her an enemy of their mom. 0_0; Ms. Kanai turns around with a warm smile and tells Chihaya that they'll meet again at the Eastern Karuta Conference.
Chihaya stands in front of the window with her hands clasped together.
Arata!
The dream we sought together is this-- (TN: There should be another word after "this," but I guess for dramatic effect the author/translator left it out to the reader's imagination)
Caption: At that time, the me who failed in her first A rank competition was unaware...that this day I would endure a kind of personal hardship!
Cut scene/caption: B rank player final --> Meat bun vs. Taichi!
D rank player final --> Desktomu-kun vs. Kana-chan!!
Who the heck am I supposed to root for??
----end chapter----
Notes: Isn't if cute how every time Chihaya has an epiphany, or a moment of realization, she calls out Arata's name? hahahaha! Chiharata FTW!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Chihayafuru Manga Synopsis: Vol. 6.1 (Chapter 30)
Chapter 30
Scene: Chihaya staring wide eyed at Harada Sensei
Don't aim to be faster than the Queen.
"What?...Harada-sensei..." Everyone else in the room is staring at them.
"What are you talking about, sensei? If I don't try to surpass her speed, I'm not ever going to be able to win, right?"
Harada-sensei asks her what playing against the Queen was like. Chihaya animately describes it as "super-fast, fast enough to give you a heart attack." She also describes it as "exact" because the Queen knew exactly where on the card she needed to touch when attacking. But above all, the speed was amazing.
Harada-sense says that it doesn't matter if she's faster than the Queen. Even if she is faster in taking some cards from her, if the Queen takes the remaining cards Chihaya still loses the karuta game.
"Give up trying to be faster."
He's serious... He's telling me that in order to become Queen, I've got to learn a different skill...
Cut scene: In homeroom, Chihaya, dazed, stares at a "future aspirations" form sitting on her desk blankly
Apparently, she is supposed to fill in her 1st, 2nd and 3rd choices for college/technical school. She absently writes "Queen" in her number one choice and as she passes by Chihaya's desk, Ms. Miyauchi smacks Chihaya over the head. Chihaya looks at her in shock but Ms. Miyauchi ignores her. She tells the class the forms are due back on Thursday. There are obviously a lot of choices in schools, so Ms. Miyauchi tells them to consider their choices carefully. Since it concerns their future paths, they should take it seriously.
Cut scene: Back in the Karuta Club meeting room
Kana tells them that her class also had to fill out those forms. She's already decided her major but cant decide what college she wants to go to. Desktomu-kun asks if she will be going somewhere she can major in classical literature. They look at Chihaya, who is sitting crumpled and listless on one side of the tatami mats, and wonder if she's depressed because she doesn't know what to put on the form.
Kana-chan then asks about the two gloomy guys sitting in the corner. Taiki and Meat bun-kun are sitting at a table, completely immersed in a dark, gloomy aura.
Meat bun keeps muttering "It wasn't easy at all!" Apparently, trying to become an A rank is not easy (they both lost). He demands a match with Chihaya to improved his skills. Taichi accuses him of being sneaky again but Meat bun-kun says he won't improve unless he plays high level players.
But while they play, Chihaya's heart isn't in it. She keeps mulling over what Harada-sensei told her. Meat bun-kun notices as he takes card after card from her. Finally, Chihaya slumps face down into the tatami. Meat bun-kun laments that he can't play like this. The others ask what's wrong and Chihaya tells them.They try to figure out the answer with her but she is noticeably bothered. Taichi notes that Chihaya is the type to have no patience for problem solving and she usually goes straight to the answer sheets after 10 seconds of trying to figure it out on her own... -_-;
In her own corner, Chihaya sulks that she has no idea what Harada-sensei meant. Desktomu-kun tells them to go into formation again and this time he plays Chihaya. The first card is "chiyahafuru" and Chihaya naturally takes the card from him. The others marvel at how quickly and smoothly, almost instinctually, she took the card.
In the end, Desktomu-kun lost and Chihaya haughtily remarks she isn't in such a slump that she'd lose to him. Desktomu-kun helps her out by showing her the data he collected while they were playing... O_O;
He draws the playing field into 4 quadrants and tells her there are certain cards she is almost certain to take, but those only amount to the B and C quadrant (the quadrants to her immediate left and the quadrant to her opponent's left). She scored 67% and 32% of the time in those quadrants. In her own right and her opponent's right quadrant she was barely able to take any cards. Chihaya surmises that if she increases her taking rate by 100% in both her strong quadrants, she should win. But Desktomu-kun tells her that if that's the case, even he is sure to score big in the A and D quadrants against her.
Desktomu-kun explains that her strength lies in the "single syllable" cards that her natural ability allows her to take. But getting into the "two syllable" and higher cards, she tends to make mistakes. If her opponent catches on, then all they have to do is start switching the harder cards into her stronger quadrants and then put Chihaya at a disadvantage in both ways (TN: I think that's what he said).
Chihaya recalls what Harada-sensei said.
Even if you are speedily efficient in taking some of the cards, if your opponent is able to take every single card remaining from you, you will always lose....
Kana-chan notices that Chihaya makes a lot of mistakes as well. Because she's impatient, she will sometimes take a card, regardless of what number of syllables it is because she wants to be the first to take it. For example, the "naniwae" and the "naniwaga" cards. Chihaya interrupts and says there are many people who have trouble differentiating those cards. Kana-chan shoots her down and tells her one is poem number 19 and the other 88, if you consider them by age, they are 200 years apart. Everyone's jaws dropped as they are shocked that she knows this.
Kana reminds Chihaya about the "chihayafuru" card, and how that card was a bright red color to her now. The "naniwaga" card was written in the 10th century, and Kana describes it as a pale, winter color. The "naniwae" card was written in the 12th century, and she describes its essence as a spring green. It mentions the Nanba River region and at the time, it was known that many beautiful women lived there. So its color is a delicate green. (TN: I'm pretty sure that's what she said...)
Chihaya is speechless. Then she remarks that Kana must really love ancient poetry. Kana-chan smiles and says, karuta has a very deep significance for her.
Chihaya feels really pathetic. Up 'til now, she still just saw karuta as a fast sport.
Cut scene: After school, back at the halls in Mizusawa High
Ms. Miyauchi walks down the hall as other students bow in greeting. She passes the library and to her shock sees Chihaya there reading something intently. She calls out to tell her to go home. At first she thinks the library must be stocked with comics, but realizing that's impossible, she notices that Chihaya is reading a book about the Hyakunin Isshu (karuta poetry).
I need to take Desktomu-kun and Kana-chan's strengths...(and make them my own)
Cut scene: The team's next match in their first local karuta tournament of the season. Mrs. Oe is dressing the guys in their hakama.
She's especially enjoying dressing Taichi... -_-; Meat bun-kun asks if they must wear hakama every time they compete in a major tournament and Kana insists. Desktomu-kun comments that he might want to learn how to put on of these on himself, and Kana (and her mom) remark that their shop has guides and classes on how to care for and wear traditional clothing. (There's also brand new inventory apparently ideal for karuta playing....?)
Taichi revs them up with a team president speech, but Chihaya is barely listening. She's thinking how this tournament is full of A ranked people, and not all of them are high schoolers. Kana asks what's wrong, and Chihaya makes a baseball comparison, like she's a noob going into the major leagues. *i.e. these are professionals. Even the way the more experienced A ranked players carry themselves is different.
The A Ranked competition that I've yearned for....
Chiyaha hears someone commenting on how pretty her hakama is. Chihaya sees an older woman in a polka-dot dress with frills and bows . o_O She is Chihaya's first opponent Ms. (Kanai) Sakura. Ms. Kanai says that if she were younger, she would love to wear something like that (obsessed with age). Chihaya thinks her outfit is very cute, (TN: does this girl have any fashion sense??) to which Ms. Kanai says, "Of course."
Chihaya unwittingly underestimates Ms. Kanai. Even though Chihaya was able to take the first card swiftly, Ms. Kanai sees right through her. She comments, "it must be good to be SO young." Chihaya on the other hand, is trying to "untrain" herself and her urge to take first and check later. Speed, after all, isn't everything. Ms. Kanai knows she cannot keep up with Chihaya but it doesn't matter if she isn't as fast. Strategically, not only is Ms. Kanai familiar with all the more difficult cards, she notices that Chihaya has problems with them. With every card she takes, Ms. Kanai says "Lucky!" (TN: so much that I want to reach through the pages and slap her....)
Chihaya realizes it is very difficult to attack Ms. Kanai as her opponent has already strategically placed her cards to Chihaya's disadvantage. The entire playing field looks different and foreign to her now. Ms. Kanai says she is very lucky to have been pitted against such a "young person." (Read: naive idiot)
A-ranked players...really are...
-----Chapter end----
Scene: Chihaya staring wide eyed at Harada Sensei
Don't aim to be faster than the Queen.
"What?...Harada-sensei..." Everyone else in the room is staring at them.
"What are you talking about, sensei? If I don't try to surpass her speed, I'm not ever going to be able to win, right?"
Harada-sensei asks her what playing against the Queen was like. Chihaya animately describes it as "super-fast, fast enough to give you a heart attack." She also describes it as "exact" because the Queen knew exactly where on the card she needed to touch when attacking. But above all, the speed was amazing.
Harada-sense says that it doesn't matter if she's faster than the Queen. Even if she is faster in taking some cards from her, if the Queen takes the remaining cards Chihaya still loses the karuta game.
"Give up trying to be faster."
He's serious... He's telling me that in order to become Queen, I've got to learn a different skill...
Cut scene: In homeroom, Chihaya, dazed, stares at a "future aspirations" form sitting on her desk blankly
Apparently, she is supposed to fill in her 1st, 2nd and 3rd choices for college/technical school. She absently writes "Queen" in her number one choice and as she passes by Chihaya's desk, Ms. Miyauchi smacks Chihaya over the head. Chihaya looks at her in shock but Ms. Miyauchi ignores her. She tells the class the forms are due back on Thursday. There are obviously a lot of choices in schools, so Ms. Miyauchi tells them to consider their choices carefully. Since it concerns their future paths, they should take it seriously.
Cut scene: Back in the Karuta Club meeting room
Kana tells them that her class also had to fill out those forms. She's already decided her major but cant decide what college she wants to go to. Desktomu-kun asks if she will be going somewhere she can major in classical literature. They look at Chihaya, who is sitting crumpled and listless on one side of the tatami mats, and wonder if she's depressed because she doesn't know what to put on the form.
Kana-chan then asks about the two gloomy guys sitting in the corner. Taiki and Meat bun-kun are sitting at a table, completely immersed in a dark, gloomy aura.
Meat bun keeps muttering "It wasn't easy at all!" Apparently, trying to become an A rank is not easy (they both lost). He demands a match with Chihaya to improved his skills. Taichi accuses him of being sneaky again but Meat bun-kun says he won't improve unless he plays high level players.
But while they play, Chihaya's heart isn't in it. She keeps mulling over what Harada-sensei told her. Meat bun-kun notices as he takes card after card from her. Finally, Chihaya slumps face down into the tatami. Meat bun-kun laments that he can't play like this. The others ask what's wrong and Chihaya tells them.They try to figure out the answer with her but she is noticeably bothered. Taichi notes that Chihaya is the type to have no patience for problem solving and she usually goes straight to the answer sheets after 10 seconds of trying to figure it out on her own... -_-;
In her own corner, Chihaya sulks that she has no idea what Harada-sensei meant. Desktomu-kun tells them to go into formation again and this time he plays Chihaya. The first card is "chiyahafuru" and Chihaya naturally takes the card from him. The others marvel at how quickly and smoothly, almost instinctually, she took the card.
In the end, Desktomu-kun lost and Chihaya haughtily remarks she isn't in such a slump that she'd lose to him. Desktomu-kun helps her out by showing her the data he collected while they were playing... O_O;
He draws the playing field into 4 quadrants and tells her there are certain cards she is almost certain to take, but those only amount to the B and C quadrant (the quadrants to her immediate left and the quadrant to her opponent's left). She scored 67% and 32% of the time in those quadrants. In her own right and her opponent's right quadrant she was barely able to take any cards. Chihaya surmises that if she increases her taking rate by 100% in both her strong quadrants, she should win. But Desktomu-kun tells her that if that's the case, even he is sure to score big in the A and D quadrants against her.
Desktomu-kun explains that her strength lies in the "single syllable" cards that her natural ability allows her to take. But getting into the "two syllable" and higher cards, she tends to make mistakes. If her opponent catches on, then all they have to do is start switching the harder cards into her stronger quadrants and then put Chihaya at a disadvantage in both ways (TN: I think that's what he said).
Chihaya recalls what Harada-sensei said.
Even if you are speedily efficient in taking some of the cards, if your opponent is able to take every single card remaining from you, you will always lose....
Kana-chan notices that Chihaya makes a lot of mistakes as well. Because she's impatient, she will sometimes take a card, regardless of what number of syllables it is because she wants to be the first to take it. For example, the "naniwae" and the "naniwaga" cards. Chihaya interrupts and says there are many people who have trouble differentiating those cards. Kana-chan shoots her down and tells her one is poem number 19 and the other 88, if you consider them by age, they are 200 years apart. Everyone's jaws dropped as they are shocked that she knows this.
Kana reminds Chihaya about the "chihayafuru" card, and how that card was a bright red color to her now. The "naniwaga" card was written in the 10th century, and Kana describes it as a pale, winter color. The "naniwae" card was written in the 12th century, and she describes its essence as a spring green. It mentions the Nanba River region and at the time, it was known that many beautiful women lived there. So its color is a delicate green. (TN: I'm pretty sure that's what she said...)
Chihaya is speechless. Then she remarks that Kana must really love ancient poetry. Kana-chan smiles and says, karuta has a very deep significance for her.
Chihaya feels really pathetic. Up 'til now, she still just saw karuta as a fast sport.
Cut scene: After school, back at the halls in Mizusawa High
Ms. Miyauchi walks down the hall as other students bow in greeting. She passes the library and to her shock sees Chihaya there reading something intently. She calls out to tell her to go home. At first she thinks the library must be stocked with comics, but realizing that's impossible, she notices that Chihaya is reading a book about the Hyakunin Isshu (karuta poetry).
I need to take Desktomu-kun and Kana-chan's strengths...(and make them my own)
Cut scene: The team's next match in their first local karuta tournament of the season. Mrs. Oe is dressing the guys in their hakama.
She's especially enjoying dressing Taichi... -_-; Meat bun-kun asks if they must wear hakama every time they compete in a major tournament and Kana insists. Desktomu-kun comments that he might want to learn how to put on of these on himself, and Kana (and her mom) remark that their shop has guides and classes on how to care for and wear traditional clothing. (There's also brand new inventory apparently ideal for karuta playing....?)
Taichi revs them up with a team president speech, but Chihaya is barely listening. She's thinking how this tournament is full of A ranked people, and not all of them are high schoolers. Kana asks what's wrong, and Chihaya makes a baseball comparison, like she's a noob going into the major leagues. *i.e. these are professionals. Even the way the more experienced A ranked players carry themselves is different.
The A Ranked competition that I've yearned for....
Chiyaha hears someone commenting on how pretty her hakama is. Chihaya sees an older woman in a polka-dot dress with frills and bows . o_O She is Chihaya's first opponent Ms. (Kanai) Sakura. Ms. Kanai says that if she were younger, she would love to wear something like that (obsessed with age). Chihaya thinks her outfit is very cute, (TN: does this girl have any fashion sense??) to which Ms. Kanai says, "Of course."
Chihaya unwittingly underestimates Ms. Kanai. Even though Chihaya was able to take the first card swiftly, Ms. Kanai sees right through her. She comments, "it must be good to be SO young." Chihaya on the other hand, is trying to "untrain" herself and her urge to take first and check later. Speed, after all, isn't everything. Ms. Kanai knows she cannot keep up with Chihaya but it doesn't matter if she isn't as fast. Strategically, not only is Ms. Kanai familiar with all the more difficult cards, she notices that Chihaya has problems with them. With every card she takes, Ms. Kanai says "Lucky!" (TN: so much that I want to reach through the pages and slap her....)
Chihaya realizes it is very difficult to attack Ms. Kanai as her opponent has already strategically placed her cards to Chihaya's disadvantage. The entire playing field looks different and foreign to her now. Ms. Kanai says she is very lucky to have been pitted against such a "young person." (Read: naive idiot)
A-ranked players...really are...
-----Chapter end----
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