Japan Ghost Pilgrimage Group
Original short story by CLAMP
Version 1.0 – 2009.05.15
Translated by Jeldi (sumeragi_san@hotmail.com)
This translation has been done with the best of knowledge of the translator, but this does not necessarily mean that it is free of error. This text is a fan translation, made by a fan for the fans and is freely distributed, no charge. It is, however, the copyrighted intellectual property of the translator and plagiarism is considered a serious offense. Please do not use this in whole or any part in an unauthorized manner or for profit.
A note on Japanese novels: Japanese prose is structurally written much differently than English. Often Japanese dialogue does not notate the speaker’s name, though English almost always has this delineation. Japanese uses inflection, syntax and honorific levels in order to distinguish the different “voices” in the conversation. In this translation, I have added the name notations into the prose in order to make it easier for English readers to follow.
Please do not redistribute this translation without consent of the translator or archive this translation on any other sites. The home of this translation is at http://www.sakanagi.net/ and updates to the translation, should they appear, will be posted to that site. Thank you.
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Introduction
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Babylon
An ancient city of Mesopotamia. Babylonia's ruler Hammurabi established the capital there in 18 century BC, and it prospered as the center of politics and culture in the Orient.
However, with luxury of that prosperity, so that man could become gods, they built a tower called "Babel" that reached toward the heavens.
People consistently do the same thing again and again, and is proof of humanity's previous follies.
Babylon, alas, befell calamity.
The city caved in by the anger of the gods.
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Title Page
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Japan Ghost Pilgrimage Group
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Scene I
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That boy was running with all of his might. Really running with all of his might. He was dashing with extreme utmost effort on the Ikebukuro Station platform as the morning rush ended. In a black coat with a black hat and black gloves, with that alone the boy's conspicuous figure was a perfect object of attention on the un-crowded station platform.
There were mostly loitering people on the parallel platforms, but I saw the boy. He was running with all his might like it didn't matter. And then...
He fell on his face.
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Scene II
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"Seishirou."
I wonder what kind of person he was.
"Seishirou."
I wonder, did he not hit his face?
"Seishirou."
No, he must have hit, because even though I was on the next platform, there was an earth-shattering sound.
“Seishirou.”
I wanted to go and help but, regretfully I can’t just jump over the tracks...
“Seishirou.”
However, I’d be a bit of a dunce, since his is someone from somewhere I don’t know.
“Seishirou.”
Since long ago I was stupid, but it was good that it did not come out that time.
“Seishirou.”
But really, who is he and where is he from? ...At least, at least if a single hair had been left behind...
“This son of mine!”
“Ah, mother. You came in?” (Seishirou)
“That’s a classic joke, Seishirou.” (Mother)
“If you had given me a shout, I would have prepared tea...” (Seishirou)
“I have been here for an hour.” (Mother)
“Oh, is that so? That was rather thoughtless. Ahahahahaha!” (Seishirou)
“Ahahahahaha, it is NOT!” (Mother)
“Mother. Hitting a person on the back of the head is a reasonable hazard.” 1 (Seishirou)
“Really. Why and for what reason was an easy-go-lucky man like you regretfully born into the Sakurazuka family? I think your grandfather in Heaven must also be lamenting.”
Here is the “Sakurazuka Animal Hospital”.
On a lot in the global vanguard that is Shinjuku-ku Kabuki-cho in Tokyo, a tight space was disturbed and built on for that happiness, a small hospital in a two story building.
That is this “Sakurazuka Animal Hospital”.
To suddenly have an "animal hospital" built next door, for city apartments built in Kabuki-cho, even the residents of the "Izeruroon Kabuki-cho" who offer up that this is also just like an unsought aspect of "Shinjuku, Kabuki-cho", all the same were surprised.
The "doctor" of that animal hospital is a young man who is currently bickering with (the woman who he thinks of as his) mother.
His name is Sakurazuka Seishirou.
This year, he is 25 years old.
Height is 183cm. Weight is 80kg.
Eyesight, right .01, left .01. Astigmatism.
After graduating from CLAMP Campus Department of Agriculture, he opened up his practice.
Presently in Shinjuku Kabuki-cho, it is called the Sakurazuka Animal Hospital.
His appearance is personable when people see him.
A deceptive, gentle smiling face.
Adding the silver-rimmed glasses, even more transforms his appearance into “happy go lucky”. 2
Seishirou loved animals.
He coveted goggle-eyed Goby-san and did not miss sitting Japanese style in front of the television watching "Wild Kingdom", so he was hardcore animal lover.
When he was little and his mother asked, "Seishirou, what do you want to be when you grow up?" he answered, "An animal", so he most definitely loves animals.
His mother hit him with the fact that he won’t become an animal, and a finally-understanding Seishirou was taken to the circus by his grandfather; he was exceedingly impressed so then he was determined to become a wild animal tamer in a circus.
However, following the road of "performance" was unfortunately too strict for the comical Seishirou. So the only path left for Seishirou was to become an "animal doctor". This was something the entire family opposed extremely.
Seishirou is an only child. In other words, the only one to succeed as heir of the Sakurazuka family is Seishirou. To make matters worse, what is referred to as his "family's occupation", is also an obligation.
Within Japan, a "profession" called "onmyouji" has existed since ancient times. Now-a-days, there are a lot of people who know about it because there is a lot of gossip [about it] in things like TV and magazines. That representation is by the likes of "Kujaku-ou" and "Tales of the Imperial Capital". Onmyouji excel at astronomy and the study of the calendar, they use action of old magic, and existed as an "advisor" to the powers that be.
However, of course the onmyouji that everyone knows about is one who manipulates "shikigami" and fights with telepathic powers. The likes of Abe[no] Seimei and Ashiya Douman are infamous, but surely [they are] more well acquainted with Kujaku, Katou and Tsukemo Ranzou? 3
For the onmyouji several “schools” exist. To use an extreme example, it is how the public reputation of the shoka style and the misho class in flower arranging differs.
That, an onmyouji, is Sakurazuka Seishirou's family occupation.
And besides that, he is not just any onmyouji, but has further obligations.
"Enough of this, close the pet hospital and come home, Seishirou." (Mother)
“I’m watching over all of the cats and dogs closely.” (Seishirou)
“You, don't purposely dodge the point of this conversation.” (Mother)
"I like it here." Seishirou was smiling brightly the whole time. To his mother, Seishirou is “Mr. Cheerful” with that absurd smiling face which doesn’t reveal his thoughts.
Needless to say, [she was] on the verge of tears. He had never seen her angry...no, not even nearly peevish.
So that there is no misunderstanding, it doesn’t mean that [he] keeps smiling like a “smiley face” as though it is nothing.
The fact is that he can not affect an appearance of a shift in emotions.
Seishirou’s grandfather possessed this nature, and it is appropriate for succeeding the Sakurazuka, but [Seishirou] only appears as a mere dunce.
However, this woman has no children beyond Seishirou.
Besides which...
Seishirou is, without his indecision, the possessor of talent to succeed the family occupation.
“Seishirou, do you remember the promise you made with me?” (Mother)
“Yes, of course.” (Seishirou)
“Surely, it was said during the time when this veterinary hospital was constructed.” (Mother)
“I examine elephants. And hippopotami.” (Seishirou)
“Silence, foolish son.”
“But I’ve even examined a penguin...” (Seishirou)
“I told you to be quiet!” she shouted as she slammed the desk.
Seishirou was not overpowered by that authority, and as usual smiled brightly.
“I’m sure you promised me. That was “Succeed the Sakurazuka. Otherwise get a girl pregnant somewhere and hand over an heir.” (Mother)
“I remember. Because you were seriously angry that time, mother.” (Seishirou)
“I’m always serious!” (Mother)
“Mother, let me make some tea. I received some delicious green tea from Kouda-san from the apartments next door.” (Seishirou)
“Don’t change the subject. (Mother)
“No way. I’m not trying to change the subject. You like tea, didn’t you mother?” (Seishirou)
“This is different. It’s not hot water in a pot, I told you how to properly boil hot water.” (Mother)
“Oh, I didn’t realize that.” (Seishirou)
“Seishirou. The man who broke his word on a promise, you knew what kind of reaction your mother would come to face you with.” (Mother)
“Tearing me limb from limb?” (Seishirou)
“So...” (mother)
“What?” (Seishirou)
“Come home.” (mother)
“Nope.” (Seishirou)
Then, are you saying there is a girl pregnant somewhere?” (Mother)
“Not yet.” (Seishirou)
“Not yet? The way you say it is like there is a probable possibility.” (Mother)
“The person I like certainly exists.” (Seishirou)
“God bless for that! So, where is this partner?” 4 (Mother)
“I don’t know that person yet.” (Seishirou)
“What are you doing, saying something so childish? But when I think about it, I’m used to the fact that you only ever made imaginary friends. Leave it to me. I’ll order the Sakurazuka Intelligence Network to search for that stranger. So, what kind of girl is she?” (Mother)
“We only met once at Ikebukurou.” (Seishirou)
“Ikebukurou? At the JR station?” (Mother)
“Yep. Has short hair, a black coat and black hat, and besides that black gloves to complete the black ensemble.” (Seishirou)
“Recently, there have been a lot of youths wearing black gloves, haven’t there been?” (Mother)
“Was a cute kid. Pretty eyes...” (Seishirou)
“Are you only attracted only by looks?” (Mother)
“Height was about 163 cm, slight, I think most likely a high school student.” (Seishirou)
“Are you a pedophile?” (Mother)
“But kids nowadays grow up fast, so perhaps a middle school student.” (Seishirou)
“Hmmmm, but when they turn 16, legal marriage is... however that trait is a disadvantage. There are plenty of cute girls, you know.” (Mother)
Ah, if that’s the case it’s fine.” (Seishirou)
“Why is that?” (Mother)
“Because that [trait] is also rare in young men.” (Seishirou)
“...” (Mother)
“Mother, I’m going to go make [more] tea.” (Seishirou)
“...” (Mother)
“Ah, is today’s tea pastry “moon clover” all right? I also have your favorite Baumkuchen.” 5 (Seishirou)
“...” (Mother)
“I received this from Krishna-san from the apartments next door. He’s Indian however his Japanese is very good...” (Seishirou)
“...” (Mother)
“Mother?” (Seishirou)
“...Seishirou.” (Mother)
“Yes?” (Seishirou)
“When did you become a pervert?” (Mother)
“By ‘pervert’ you mean a person with abnormal sexuality...” (Seishirou)
“I’m talking about you!” (Mother)
“I’m not a pervert.” (Seishirou)
“A man chasing around after a middle school-ish boy is called a pervert in society!” (Mother)
“I haven’t been chasing him around or anything; I don’t know his address or phone number.” (Seishirou)
“It’s good that you don’t!” (Mother)
“He was really cute. Just like a cute puppy.” (Seishirou)
“A...puppy...” (Mother)
“But he really was a cute boy. Looked like a Japanese dog...he was in all black, so perhaps a Kai. 6 (Seishirou)
“Th...this…” (Mother)
“What is it, mother?” (Seishirou)
“This...” (Mother)
“Mother?” (Seishirou)
“This perverted son!!!!” (Mother)
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Scene III
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There is something that is on my mind.
It’s about when I fell full force at Ikebukurou Station earlier.
I was really in a hurry at that time.
I had no time or margin [for error].
Actually, chasing a shikigami I cast, I had to stop the origin of malice no matter what.
I ran with utmost effort.
Really, I ran with all my might.
And so, the shikigami entered Ikebukurou Station and continued flying along that platform.
I chased after it.
And fell on my face.
That by itself was not a big deal.
Well, I was embarrassed.
Perhaps most people would be dumbfounded, but I was surprised since there was only one person.
At the moment I raised my face when I got up, the only person who I met eyes with.
He was smiling.
* * *
His name is Sumeragi Subaru.
This year he is sixteen years old.
Height of 163 cm. He has an older twin sister.
He is a tenant of a mansion apartment called the Hainesen Kabukicho in Shinjuku Kabukicho, and lives by himself. 7
He just moved in three days ago.
He transferred schools to CLAMP Campus as a freshman. 8
He’s an onmyouji.
Concerning onmyouji, I’d like you to refer to Seishirou-kun’s explanation earlier.
As I mentioned before, there are several “schools” for onmyouji.
Among the number of those family heritages, the one said to have the best lineage is this Sumeragi clan. The Sumeragi family has protected the emperor for generations. Proud of the immense power as advisors to the powers that be, the Sumeragi clan reigns even now in the role as prominent onmyouji.
Subaru is their 13th head of the family.
And yet, he is only a high school freshman.
He holds extraordinary ability and although he is rumored to be an unparalleled onmyouji, he is also a kid.
And on top of that, he’s dense. 9
As for things like an onmyouji's techniques, there is no worry since they are complete to a great extent.
However, it is regretful.
He really is dense.
The previous head of the Sumeragi family who passed the title to Subaru, his grandmother, now-a-days smiles due to his childish charm, somehow for a different reason.
It's is only this succeeding son's obliviousness, but that is the cause of a headache for the current Sumeragi family.
* * *
Subaru thought about what it was that caused this “anxiousness”. That kind looking man who was standing on the next platform over.
“That’s love, isn’t it.” (Hokuto)
“Ahh!!” (Subaru)
Eyes materialized peering in suddenly and Subaru was horrified. “I said, that is love.” (Hokuto)
“Ho-Hokuto-chan. Would you not surprise me?” (Subaru)
“It’s your fault for being absent-minded.” (Hokuto)
“But, I’m sure locked [the door].” (Subaru)
“I have a duplicate key.” (Hokuto)
“Huh?! Besides that, the wards...” (Subaru)
“That was powerless before my charms,” the girl named Hokuto laughed loudly. 10
[She has] a face entirely the same as Subaru. It’s impossible for her to be a boy’s identical twin, but it must have been a near miracle for this older sister and younger brother to be almost spitting images. Even their height is the same. But the difference is in their voices.
“But Subaru, that is love, isn’t it.” 11 (Hokuto)
“L-love?” (Subaru)
“You’ve fallen in love.” (Hokuto)
“Wwwwwwwhy do you think I...” (Subaru)
“It was love at first sight, huh?” (Hokuto)
“Whhhhh—” (Subaru)
“You want to eat a peanut.” 12A (Hokuto)
“That’s not it!” (Subaru)
“Nankai Hawks! Wait, or is it the Daiei Hawks?” 12B (Hokuto)
“Why do you think I’ve fallen in love or something like that?!” (Subaru)
“But, I can’t help the fact that the person that you met on the station platform has been on your mind, can I?” (Hokuto)
“Th-that’s true, but...” (Subaru)
“Besides that, your blood pressure is high and your pulse is fast.” (Hokuto)
“It’s because I’ve been shouting.” (Subaru)
“Even with all these conditions together, you’re still saying it’s not love?!” (Hokuto)
“But that person is a man. Charismatic, with silver rimmed glasses...” (Subaru)
“It doesn’t mean that you have fallen into a “special” love. Love is what humans try to do.” (Hokuto)
“You know, Hokuto-chan...” (Subaru)
“Or is it that that you hate that person? You don’t want to meet him again?!” (Hokuto)
“That’s not what I meant...” (Subaru)
“Then it’s surely love at first site.” (Hokuto)
“Um, you know...” (Subaru)
Since long ago, this older twin sister named Hokuto has been a tyrant. Even though they have the entirely same face, suffice to say that their personalities are polar opposite.
And besides that, her fashion sense seems to deviate slightly from the social norm, (at least Subaru thinks so). The nice clothing that he wears is also a hobby of Hokuto’s. The gloves are all right, yet to say that the fluttery long coat and that hat are due to Hokuto’s pushy “encouragement”, it is due to her excessively overbearing recommendation.
That person probably thought I’m a weird guy, Subaru thought.
But strangers don’t understand things like that, so I hope he was a bit dense. (Subaru)
Surely dense.
But, but...in that case, it was also strange [for him] to suddenly try to get my address and full name. (Subaru)
After he fell on his face, Subaru wasn’t skilled at getting introduction profile information from the man.
It would be nice if I could meet one more time. Then at least I could get his name... (Subaru)
That’s as far as he thought.
Subaru finally realized it.
This is really “love at first sight”.
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Scene IV
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“You’re…” (Subaru)
“You are…” (Seishirou)
He was really surprised. At a veterinary hospital he entered by chance, he ran into “him”.
His shikigami’s condition was bad since that morning. I though there were a lot of people who knew this, but onmyouji practitioners use shikigami. Subaru also uses shikigami without disclosing it publicly, (Its name is Leone. Of course, Hokuto-chan named it.), however it was in really bad condition since that morning. It wasn’t energetic.
On top of having the form of a penguin, facial expressions are almost incomprehensible with those tiny black eyes, but Subaru understands them. And though Leone is a shikigami, he got sick. However, when a shikigami gets sick there’s no way it can be examined by a normal veterinarian. Now, people that can recognize its form are rare.
At any rate, he dashed down to a nearby veterinary hospital. And so Subaru thought that, if he took Leone there and they didn’t see anything he would look for another. Even though there was no way a doctor existed that could examine shikigami, but just in case it was worth it that he try to look [for one], that is enough of a reason for him.
The closest veterinarian was this Sakurazuka Animal Hospital. And so...
By complete coincidence he was able to meet him [again].
“You’re the one from Ikebukurou...” Instantly, he refrained from [mentioning] that embarrassing scene. He was anticipating explosive laughter next, but exceptional words were given [instead]. (Subaru)
“I’ve been searching for you.” (Seishirou)
* * *
“I’ve was always looking for you. I wanted to meet once more.” Really among peoples’ handsome smiles, he was smiling delicately. (Seishirou)
“I tried various possible means, but of course there were almost no clues.” His way of speaking gently from silver rimmed glasses, he is really a kind looking person. (Seishirou)
“But I was surely searching very hard, so I think the gods pitied me.” (Seishirou)
He wanted to say ‘I wanted to meet too’, but Subaru stopped himself.
He is terrible at interrupting peoples’ conversions.
“Oh yeah. Since you’ve come here, surely you have an animal that is sick or something like that, right? So what is it? Is the health of the dog or cat you’re raising bad?” (Seishirou)
“Umm...” (Subaru)
“What wrong?” (Seishirou)
“It’s actually a penguin...” If he is able, beyond this, he did not want to appear a “strange kid”. At Ikebukurou he was sliding on his face, and then besides that, he is requesting medical attention for a penguin this time. (Subaru)
But if he can give the medical attention, it doesn’t matter.
In his experience, [people] can’t see things like shikigami. Rather...Most people can’t see them. Surely, he appears to be a “weird kid”. He thinks that’s normal. 13
But it’s for the sake of a cute shikigami. It was a shikigami he created, but Subaru didn’t have the thought that he could give it treatment himself.
However, what the doctor of the Sakurazuka Veterinary Hospital replied, was not at all what Subaru expected. “He’s a cute penguin. What is his name?” As per usual he is smiling. (Seishirou)
“Leone.” (Subaru)
“That’s cute. It’s all right, I’ll do an examination, so would you prefer to wait in the waiting room? (Seishirou)
“S-Sure...” (Subaru)
This person could see Leone’s form.
Are all veterinarians like this?
Or, is this person special?
Within the span of five minutes, Seishirou returned with Leone into the waiting room.
“Here. He’s all right now. It looks like he ate a little too much.” (Seishirou)
“Ummm, uhh...” (Subaru)
“If it’s all right with you, do you mind if I ask a few questions? (Seishirou)
“O-okay” (Subaru)
“What is your name?” (Seishirou)
“S-Subaru. Sumeragi Subaru.” (Subaru)
“Sumeragi?” For a moment, Seishirou’s brow furrowed almost unnoticeably. (Seishirou)
“Subaru-san. That’s a nice name.” (Seishirou)
He was smiling extremely, so Subaru was unconsciously lured into smiling.
“I’ve been searching for none other than you.” (Seishirou)
“H-huh?” (Subaru)
“Actually, I fell for you at first sight”, so the veterinarian said, and laughed refreshingly.
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Scene 5
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“What?! You fell for someone at first sight?” (Hokuto)
“Ho-Hokuto-san, your voice is loud...” (Subaru)
“Silly! No matter how much I yell in this apartment, there is no reason that the neighbors would be able to hear.” (Hokuto)
“B-but, if you are noisy it will be a nuisance to the neighborhood.” (Subaru)
“That shouldn’t be a problem in the middle of the day. So, who is it you fell for at first sight?” (Hokuto)
“The one I mentioned before...” (Subaru)
“From the station?” (Hokuto)
“Y-yeah.” (Subaru)
“How did you meet him? You told me it was someone you didn’t know.” (Hokuto)
“Leone wasn’t feeling very well, so I took him to a veterinarian and he was that doctor.” (Subaru)
“He just ate too much didn’t he?” (Hokuto)
“How did you know that?” (Subaru)
“But, it’s because he ate sukiyaki with me until the point of death. So he got a stomach ache.” (Hokuto)
“…Hokuto-chan, why are you so cheerful?” (Subaru)
“Things like stomach aches are powerless before my charm,” Hokuto laughed loudly again.
“But it’s too good to be true to just coincidentally meet that veterinarian.” (Hokuto)
“I think so too...” (Subaru)
“So, what’s his name? Age? Annual salary? Surely that’s what you men say to show off to another person as much as possible.” (Hokuto)
“I only know his name. Really, I just met him...”
“Idiot! Well, in passing each other, couldn’t you at least have asked for his bank book number?” (Hokuto)
“I don’t think that is normal to ask...” (Subaru)
“What’s his name? Surely you asked at least that, right?” (Hokuto)
“Well, his name is...” (Subaru)
“What is his name?” (Hokuto)
“Sakurazuka Seishirou-san.” (Subaru)
“Sa-Sakurazuka? (Hokuto)
“That’s somewhat troublesome,” Hokuto immediately went pale.
Subaru drank his orange pekoe [tea] in one gulp.
“You’re sure he said ‘Sakurazuka’, right?” (Hokuto)
“Y-yeah.”
“...Subaru. Does that not ring a bell?” (Hokuto)
“Not really.” (Subaru)
“Really! Out of all of the Sumeragi clan practitioners, you really can’t think, can you? You’ve heard of the Sakurazukamori, doesn’t that ring a bell?” (Hokuto)
“Sakurazuka...mori?” Crouching on the sofa in his own room, Subaru tilted his head. (Subaru)
Sakurazukamori. I’ve heard of it, but...that was certainly a long time ago from grandmother.
“AH!” (Subaru)
“Looks like you finally remembered.” (Hokuto)
“I wonder, is this Sakurazuka, that Sakurazuka.” (Subaru)
“In Japan, those who call themselves Sakurazuka, are with the ‘Sakurazukamori’.” (Hokuto)
Sakurazukamori, an onmyouji clan who rivals the Sumeragi.
However, they by no means appear on the surface. Since ancient times, if the Sumeragi are the front, the Sakurazuka are the reverse.
They are onmyouji who take it as their profession to obliterate disturbing elements, in order to appraise the suppression of its use.
That is the Sakurazuka.
“Sumeragi” are the front, “Sakurazuka” are the reverse.
And so it would be acceptable to say they are pretty much mutual enemies, and on bad terms.
“I-is that so? It's no wonder, I thought I had heard the name somewhere...” (Subaru)
“...Subaru, you really are a silly boy.” (Hokuto)
“But if Sakurazuka-san is an onmyouji, then I wonder why is he is working as a veterinarian?” (Subaru)
“Perhaps it’s a hobby? Or maybe a “job”...” (Hokuto)
“That wasn’t my feeling...Really, [he’s] kind...personable...” (Subaru)
“When you look at it, you couldn't to do something like assassination if you acted in a heinous manner. I’ve thought this for a long time. Golgo 13’s appearance is to the degree of “I’m a suspicious person” and yet he skillfully doesn’t get caught. If it was me, and that person was walking down the street, I would report him without hesitation.” 14 (Hokuto)
“But Sakurazuka-san is really a good person. He also examined Leone’s sickliness.” (Subaru)
“...There’s no reason a normal person can cure a sick shikigami, isn’t there?” (Hokuto)
“Hmm. Now that you mention it...” (Subaru)
“Subaru, you are a genuine idiot, aren’t you.” (Hokuto)
“B-but, despite that he’s a good person! I think that doesn’t matter.” 15 (Subaru)
“It might not be an issue for you, but it is for the Sumeragi family. A Sakurazuka is still a Sakurazuka. When you say ‘Sumeragi’, we’ll know soon enough.” (Hokuto)
“Now that you mention it...when I said my name, he made a face of slight surprise and concern.” (Subaru)
“Well, and beyond that he doesn’t know that you are the 13th head of the Sumeragi. So it’s like “Romeo and Juliet”! Delightful! This is too delightful!” (Hokuto)
“Hokuto-chan, if you suddenly raise a strange voice you’ll bother the neighbors.” (Subaru)
“Subaru! I’ll grant you my support! Try your best!” (Hokuto)
“Wh-what am I trying my best at...” (Subaru)
“For the son heir of the Sumeragi to “Fall in Love” with a man from the Sakurazuka, it’s like an unlikely development in a recent drama.” (Hokuto)
“F-fall in?” (Subaru)
“Surely, mother and grandmother will split it up with their full powers.” (Hokuto)
“Ummm, Hokuto-chan...” (Subaru)
“It’s fine! No matter what it takes, I’ll let you escape! The old ladies’ shikigami will somehow do that for them.” (Hokuto)
Umm, Hokuto-chan.” (Subaru)
“Be quiet! Right now, we need an escape route...” (Hokuto)
“But today, I’m going to an amusement park with Sakurazuka-san.” (Subaru)
“An amusement park, you said?” (Hokuto)
“Ahhh. Hokuto-chan, calm down!” (Subaru)
“That is relatively stupid to do, isn’t it! So, which amusement park is it? Disneyland, Korakuen Amusement Park?” 16 (Hokuto)
“Asakusa, Hanayashiki...” 17 (Subaru)
“What’s that about?” (Hokuto)
“Well, I’ve wanted to go and try it once, and Sakurazuka-san said that he also likes them and I said that any one was all right...Ummm...so that’s...” (Subaru)
“...Subaru.” (Hokuto)
“Y-yeah?” (Subaru)
This is how you’re informing [me] of your first date!? You fool...!” (Hokuto)
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Scene VI
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“Hello.” (Seishirou)
“So, you’re Sakurazuka Seishirou-san, huh?” (Hokuto)
“Huh? There’s someone who looks just like Subaru-kun...” (Seishirou)
“His elder twin sister.” (Hokuto)
“An older sister? Nice to meet you.” (Seishirou)
“He-hello, Sakurazuka-san” (Subaru)
“Ah, hello Subaru-kun. How is Leone-kun doing?” (Seishirou)
“Eh, ummm. Alright. I-I’m sorry. Hokuto-chan came along without asking...” (Subaru)
“It’s more fun to play all together. So you are Hokuto-san? If you would like we could go together.” (Seishirou)
“Hold on a second. There is something I want to ask you.” (Hokuto)
“What is it?” (Seishirou)
“I have a feeling that you are going to take my Subaru [away].” (Hokuto)
“If he accepts it, it [could] even be right now.” (Seishirou)
“Wha~what sort of conversation are you having?!” (Subaru)
“Subaru, just be quiet! I like you. You’re a ‘Sakurazuka’, right?” (Hokuto)
“I am Sakurazuka Seishirou.” (Seishirou)
“So, you know about the fated relation between the Sumeragi and Sakurazuka, right?” (Hokuto)
“Well, more or less.” (Seishirou)
“Despite that, you want Subaru?” (Hokuto)
“Of course.” (Seishirou)
“Like I said, what are you talking about!” (Subaru)
“I like you.” (Hokuto)
There was already a crowd in front of Hanayashiki. A girl who has a deviant appearance with wings on her back, an attractive young man in business suit attire holding an armful of pink roses, and a boy in red gloves, a red hat and a red short jacket. On top of that, the comical dialogue of their circle of three could be overheard so normal people looked as they passed.
“Ho-Hokuto-chan, if we don’t get closer we’ll be an annoyance for everyone in general...” (Subaru)
“Seishirou-san, I give Subaru to you.” (Hokuto)
“I gratefully accept.” 18 (Seishirou)
“Wai...wait a minute!” (Subaru)
“Harassment from the Sumeragi family will increase.” (Hokuto)
“That’s all right, since it was love at first sight.” 19 (Seishirou)
“Subaru, that’s good for you!” (Hokuto)
“Wa-Wait!” (Subaru)
“Is that a bother?” (Seishirou)
“No, that’s not it!” (Subaru)
“Relax. Subaru will also “Fall in Love” with you.” (Hokuto)
“Well then I’m a lucky man. Well then, shall we all ride the Jet Coaster at Hanayashiki soon?” (Seishirou)
“Sure!” (Hokuto)
“Errr, hey!!” (Subaru)
* * *
So it seems that the situation is that they ignored Sumeragi Subaru and started to run.
Good luck, Subaru-kun!
Seishirou-san is attached to you.
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Translator’s Notes
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Since this is at the beginning or their acquaintance, their way of addressing each other is a bit more formal. Subaru refers to Seishirou as Sakurazuka-san and Hokuto uses Seishirou-san. Since Seishirou is older, he still refers to Subaru as Subaru-kun, but uses Hokuto-san since he just met her.
1 – Yes, that is what was written. Maybe his mother hit him for being unobservant.
2 – It actually states that it makes him for “pinponpan” which really doesn’t have a translation or even a meaning. The only reference I’ve found that might explain it is a show from the 70-80s called “Mama to Asobou! Pinponpan”, which is a children’s show with a very happy go lucky feel.
3 – Kujaku is from Kujaku-oh, Katou is from Doomed Megalopolis. I have not connected where Tsukumo Ranzou is from, but Mick Nekoi has named him in a self profile and that is the ONLY reference I’ve found.
4 – Seishirou’s mother actually says “Where is the stomach/womb of this companion?” which to me says she doesn’t care about the girl, just whether or not there is an heir coming.
5 – A Japanese dog breed
6 – Kashou Sanzen is the company that makes the “moon clover” or “hage no tsuki” pastries. The Baumkuchen or “tree cake” is a European cake (I’m assume originally a German cake), that is a layered cake which has a distinctive baking process that makes it resemble tree rings when cut open.
7 – A mansion apartment complex boasts larger apartment than normal. They tend to be expensive since space is such a premium in Japan.
8 – Subaru is a first year student at CLAMP Campus, but Japanese high school only has three grades, so he is actually a sophomore by American standards.
9 – It actually translates as stupid or slow, but I think from the context it was better to use dense. Afterall, he is going to CLAMP Campus, which boasts of brilliant students. It just didn’t seem to fit to use stupid.
10 – She is talking about glamour and attractiveness, not the talisman charms that onmyouji use. Since is also an onmyouji in the short stories, I wanted to be sure it isn’t confused.
11 – Hokuto used a specific word as an awkward segue to bring it back to their original subject.
12A & 12B – Hokuto is teasing him since he is stuttering on “nani”. Her next two comments sound weird, but she is starting phrases that, in Japanese, start with “na”. It’s like she’s being a brat and intentionally playing a bad game of guessing what he’s trying to say. In 12B, she is gets lost in a side thought about the Nankai Hawks, which is a Japanese baseball team that changed name to the Daiei Hawks in 1988. They are now called the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks.
13 – To clarify, Subaru is meaning that the “strange kid” is the normal thought he expects.
14 – Hokuto is referring to a seinen manga series called Golgo 13 by Saito Takeo and is currently at 151 volumes and running. The main character is considered the world’s greatest professional assassin who goes by the name Golgo 13 and no one knows anything about him other than that. He never fails a job and no one ever sees him again.
15 – The implication I get is that Subaru is referring to Seishirou as a Sakurazuka, not just the part about a normal person not being able to cure a shikigami.
16 – Korakuen Amusement Park is located at the Tokyo Dome (Big Egg). Here is the official page from the Tokyo Dome site in English, http://www.tokyo-dome.co.jp/e/park/, but I actually found this site, http://www.tokyowithkids.com/entertainment/korakuen_amusementpark.html, to have better information.
17 – Hanayashiki is an amusement park in Asakusa which is one of Japan’s oldest, opened in 1853. http://www.hanayashiki.net/e/index.html
18 – Seishirou uses a humble expression in response to Hokuto, which I take as being an over-exaggeration since he’s been depicted as rather goofy. It loses a bit of that in the translation.
19 – The phrase Seishirou used was “hitomebore” which had a similar meaning to “love at first sight” but is not quite as strong. It’s more like “taken [with someone] at first sight”, but we don’t have an English equivalent.