Sakura no hanano sakukoro The Time of the Cherry Blossoms. Translated by Hans Ter Horst Brought to you by Jim Zubkavich and The Under The Dapple Shade Webpage Short synopsis Before Tsukasa Hojo-sensei started his Komorebi no moto de... ('Under The Dapple Shade') manga series, he first wrote a short story about Sarah in a bundle published by SHUEISHA in 1993 called 'Sakura no hanano sakukoro'. The story is set 10 years before the story line of «Komorebi no moto de...» and starts with young Sakurai Masaki being all excited because the beautiful Nishikujo Sarah and her father having just set up their mobile flower shop next door. In his garden there is an old cherry tree that doesn't flower anymore. His mother wants to cut it down, but his father and Masaki believe the tree will flower again. Sarah and her father are called in to diagnose the tree and the only thing that can save the tree is Masaki's heart filled with love for the tree. When a little later a storm breaks off a branch of the old tree, his mother is certain that the tree has to go. Masaki is very upset and runs away. When he gets into trouble in a flash flood, Sarah asks the tree and knows where to find Masaki. After Masaki is saved and returns home from the hospital, the tree is full of flowers. When he wants to thank Sarah, he discovers that she and her father have gone. If you pay really good attention you will recognize the adult Masaki meeting Sarah again in Scene 11 of 'Komorebi no moto de'.... Page 5 -------------------- Narration Did you know that plants like human beings have a soul? A generous and kind soul that allows them to understand and to approach the heart of men... These men however, regrettably, sometimes have the tendency forgetting to love them... Page 6 -------------------- Masaki It has been two weeks since a new florist girl moved in next to us. A florist like we have never seen in our small town. Masaki That field that was nothing special has suddenly been covered with flowers. Masaki And amidst those flowers, thrones a gigantic mobile home!! An impressing shop of this mobile flower shop girl!! Page 7 -------------------- Sarah Bye daddy! Masaki Nishikujo Sarah, it has been two weeks since she started at my school!! I have no idea why, but I am the only one in the class whom she has not talked too yet. Masaki But today.... Masaki All right... I'm going for it!! Mother Now what, Masakiii!!! Page 8 -------------------- Masaki Ah ah ah ah Masaki Wow... Masaki Waahhh Mother Fool, how many times didn't I tell you not to climb the cherry tree?! Masaki Ouch... Mother You just do always as it pleases you... He, wait!! Masaki Goodbye Mother. Masaki Oops. Masaki Well, I have to go! Make us some beautiful flowers this year!! Mother Don't lose your time saying goodbye to a tree!! You'll be late!! Page 9 -------------------- Masaki Today it has been decided!! Sarah will talk to me. Mother Pff, what an impossible brat... Father ... I ask myself.. ... whether that tree is dying... Mother It's true... It has suffered in the storm of two years ago, and last year it didn't bear any flowers. It's branches are fragile and break easily... It is maybe dangerous. We should think about having it torn down! Mother We had the habit of gathering cherries but it is not even capable of bearing cherries anymore... Father But what will we be telling Masaki? Don't forget he thinks of that tree as his 'savior'... Masaki Sa... Sa... Saa... Saraa... Ah!! Page 10 -------------------- Masaki Calm down, calm down!! Masaki he... Hel..lo Masaki H..hel..lo. Calm down, for Pete's sake!! Sarah But what have you done!.. Don't you know that breaking off a branch is hurting the tree?! Masaki Huh...? Masaki To break off a branch...? But no, I... Well that has been a good start! Page 11 -------------------- Masaki Nishikujo Sarah, a girl like every other girl. Not an especially good student, nor a bad one, just average. Masaki Not very good at sports either. Here too just average. Masaki Friends like everybody else. Amusing herself with the normal things. Masaki This excess of mediocrity worries me, it is like she doesn't want herself to be noticed... Masaki And when I see her, her eyes staring into the void, dreaming of I don't know what... I cannot help thinking that she is hiding something... Masaki I have the impression of watching an adult. I'm attracted by her!! Page 12 -------------------- Masaki But... What, am I delirious...? Would I be in love?! Ah ah ah... Masaki Sarah... Hee hee My little Sarah Teacher ... Nishikujo Sarah Both Sarah & Masaki YES! Teacher Sakurai, since when is your first name Sarah? Masaki Uh... I... but... Classmates Fool!! Dope! Teacher What an imbecile! Masaki Ha ha ha. Masaki Hmpf... Page 13 -------------------- Masaki Maybe I am seeing things, but I have the impression that Sarah is trying to avoid me... Classmates Finally it is time. Not too soon. I'm tired. Yeah. Masaki ... Besides that, I am the only one to know the moment when her eyes fill with real pleasure!! Sarah Hello my friends, you seem to be in full spirits!! Sarah Hold on tight, spring is almost here!! You will make us some nice flowers, won't you? Sarah Say? Sarah You are a little impatient one, aren't you? You could not wait for spring to come... Page 14 -------------------- Masaki She seems so radiant... When she talks to the wild flowers... Masaki Now!! This is the moment to talk to her!! Hi, you do love flowers, don't you?! Sarah Pff... Of course I like flowers, I am a florist! Page 15 -------------------- Masaki Don't lose courage!! If I have come this far, I am not going to give up!! Masaki Say, wait, about those flowers, is it really true that they grow better when you talk to them?! Masaki I've read in a book that flowers understand everything you tell them and that they really have a heart... Is that possible? If it is the case, could I communicate with them? You see, the subject interests me, me too I love flowers. Hey, say something!! Sarah Why are you following me? Masaki Well we are going the same way, we are neighbors! Sarah You say that you love flowers, but that is a lie! Sarah Those people don't break off branches of trees!! Masaki Uh... no... I... Sarah Besides, that cherry tree doesn't seem to be the tree of somebody who loves nature!! Page 16 -------------------- Sarah It is so sad that it is dying!! Masaki ...No... Masaki It is going to die? That is what you said, right?! Is there nothing we can do...? Sarah Wha... Masaki I know what we can do, come and have a look at it. It is really important to me!! Sarah Yes... Masaki Good, let's go right away!! Sarah Hey, hey!! Page 17 -------------------- Masaki And? Do you understand why it is not well? Sarah ...Be quiet for a moment... Sarah ... You said that this tree is really important to you but that was another lie!! Masaki Huh? Page 18 -------------------- Sarah That house, you remodeled it a little didn't you? Masaki Yes... We made it larger when I was in my second year in school. So? Sarah At that moment you must have cut a certain number of branches! That is why the tree has given up!! Sarah And then it has started to rot starting from where the branches were cut. It has weakened to the point where it cannot feed itself properly... Let alone flower... Masaki Then... this means that it is dying?! Masaki No, this cannot be possible... Page 19 -------------------- Masaki This tree saved my life once... Masaki Every year we amused ourselves picking cherries. Like it wanted to please us, it bore magnificent fruit. Masaki It is a long time ago, but I do remember it well... I was so occupied picking cherries that I climbed real high up. And then, my foot slipped... Masaki I was going to die... At least that was what I thought Page 20 -------------------- Masaki I had the impression that it carried me tenderly... Like it would like to protect me. Masaki The rays of sunlight came through the foliage... It was a magnificent sight... Really. It seemed to me when the tree know that I was out of danger that it smiled upon me with kindness. Masaki When I do like this, I seem still to be able to feel the sweetness of that emotion. Me, I love this tree!! Masaki I know it since the day I was born!! It has always looked after us... It is part of our family!! That's why I don't want it to die!! Sarah ... It is a very kind tree I think it loves you a lot too. Page 21 -------------------- Masaki I would say that you can understand it, just now, you knew what was wrong by just touching it... Sarah Say... Would you like my father to examine the tree? Papa is a real tree doctor!! Masaki A doctor?? Sarah Yes, he can work miracles! Masaki It's true?! Oh yes, please, let's ask him!! Sarah Daddy, it's me, I'm home!! Page 22 -------------------- Sarah Just wait here, I'll get him! Masaki Okay... Masaki It's weird... It is still winter and all the flowers here are already flowering splendidly... Page 23 -------------------- Masaki HYEEEHH Masaki Waah...Ohh, ex.. excuse me!! I was just admiring the flowers!! What is he going to do to me?! I... Sarah What are you doing, it's my father! Masaki What... well okay.. That's it.. Ah, that's your father?! Are you sure that he's your father? I thought he was a wrestler... Nishikujo-san Hum Mother A tree doctor? Page 24 -------------------- Masaki Yes, and he has accepted to come examine our tree tomorrow Mother By the way, now that we talk about the tree... Darling, isn't there something you would like to tell Masaki? Father ...Uh, I don't know what you are talking about... Masaki, you say that the tree fell ill because we wanted to enlarge the house? Mother Darling... Masaki Hehe... It's great with Sarah, not only have I talked to her, but we have become friends... All thanks to my tree!! Masaki But what an enormous father!! Hehe Nothing compared to the small body of my Sarah!! Nishikujo-san What's wrong Sarah? Sarah ...Ah daddy... Just the person I wanted to talk to... Page 25 -------------------- Sarah You see... regardless the number of times we move and change schools... Sarah It's the same everywhere... There is always a kid more clever than the others, even if I try to show myself as "normal" as possible, there is always one who understands... Sarah That's why I didn't want to talk to Masaki Sakurai, but... Nishikujo-san You think that he has understood? Sarah Yes... Nishikujo-san ... in that case it wouldn't it be better not to interfere? Sarah He has kind feelings for that tree... Sarah When I touched the cherry tree and the hand of that kid, I felt a strong link of affection between them... We can not leave a kid this kind... Sarah And furthermore... whatever the price, we cannot leave that tree in this state, can we... Page 26 -------------------- Father Gasp... Nishikujo-san Well... What did she... Sarah Hello Mother There he is... the tree... doctor, darling... Father Ah, ah, yes, must be the family Baobab without a doubt...! Masaki There is no reason to look like that Masaki Hey, I did like you did!! He puts his hand on the tree, but to do what? Sarah Is it to talk to it?! Sarah Daddy too knows that tree have a heart, that's why he said "don't worry, we'll cure the tree." That's the first phase of the treatment by my father. Masaki Say... What is the treatment you talk of? Sarah Oh, that differs! Give it medicine, change the dirt... Nishikujo-san Listen kid! Page 27 -------------------- Nishikujo-san I have just one thing to tell you kid, listen good... Masaki Huh... yes? Nishikujo-san This tree doesn't need medicine, what he needs before all to cure is... Nishikujo-san ... Your heart filled with love for it... Masaki My heart.. filled with love... Page 28 -------------------- Masaki ... Get well soon, I bid you! I need you!! Mother Masaki, you're still here? You want to come too late?! Masaki I'm going. Masaki Bye, take care!! Mother I've had it!! You too should say something. He's been late everyday!! It's been a week that he does those bizarre things like he believes those silly things the florist said!! Father Silly things...? Mother Those silly things!! Father Keep your chin up and get well soon! Mother Oh, it's not true?! You too?! Father To tell you the truth, I have done it every day! See you tonight! Page 29 -------------------- Father Hm? I don't like the look of those clouds... And I would say that there's more wind... Father I think we'll have a nice storm tonight! ...A spring storm... Masaki Wow... It's great!! Masaki The flowers have never grown so quickly here, and they are so beautiful!! It is to honor you, Sarah!! Sarah No, not at all!... Sarah How is the cherry tree doing? Masaki Well, it seems like nothing has changed...! Masaki I would like to have the power to communicate with it too... Like you do with the flowers... Page 30 -------------------- Sarah Say... did you know that the more a person uses his love to let a plant grow, the more powerful the link between them becomes? Sarah This link is sometimes so powerful that regardless of the distance they may separate them, the plant is able to capture the feelings of this person by means of a telepathic link. Masaki I see. Sarah For example, if an accident or something good happens to this person, the plant will be sad or happy!! Sarah I'm sure this kind of link unites you, so don't worry, he understands you, be sure of it!! Masaki It's bizarre... it s just like you understand the flowers...? It seems weird. Sarah Not at all... It's nothing like that, it is just something my father told me!... Nothing else!! Masaki But what you said works both ways... People are happy too when they see their plants in good health!! Masaki If I could talk to the cherry tree, I would like to thank it for giving me the possibility to become your friend. Huh? Masaki Hehehehe... Page 31 -------------------- Masaki But... And if it was true.. Masaki No, it can't be... TV It rained and rained, beating the record of 150mm* in an hour. We just learned that the local river is close to flooding. *6" for you metric system impaired. TV The wind speed is already 70km/h and we fear a large storm. Page 32 -------------------- Masaki I wonder is everything will be okay... for the cherry tree... Page 33 Neighbor Why do you keep that dead tree?! What are you trying to do?! Neighbor Thanks to you my windows is in pieces!! It's enough now, if you don't want to cut it down, find another way!! Father Yes.. We'll.. take... care of it... Sarah Masaki... Masaki No, it's out of the question!! Page 34 -------------------- Mother It is not your decision!! Let the flowershop people talk all they can, but the sooner that tree gets cut down the better! Masaki Don't do that!! I told you that it is still alive!! Mother No Masaki, it is dying!! And thanks to it we have problems with the neighbor... Masaki Papa, say something!! Father You did... everything you could do! But now we have to see the facts!... Father We don't have another choice... Masaki Pa..pa.. Father To me too that tree is important Masaki, it is linked to all my childhood memories, but... Father Masaki!! Mother Wait Masaki!! Masaki I don't want it happening!! Page 35 -------------------- Sarah Masaki?! Sarah Masaki... Page 36 -------------------- Masaki Shit... Papa, mama... Why... Masaki Pff, pff, pff Masaki ...Shit... Masaki Oh...Oh!! Sarah's flowers! Page 37 -------------------- Page 38 -------------------- Mother Excuse us for disturbing you at this hour, but is our son Masaki here? Nishikujo-san What's going on? Mother Uh... It is not his habit to stay out this late, we are afraid that something might have happened to him! Nishikujo-san Very well, I'll help you to find him!! Nishikujo-san Sarah, you stay home!! Page 39 -------------------- Sarah Daddy, wait!! Sarah The tree... the tree is worried!! Masaki is in danger!! Page 40 -------------------- Nishikujo-san Sarah...!! Sarah No choice... Dad... Mother How can you say that Masaki is in danger? How could you know?! This is not the moment to be delirious!! We have to.. Father Calm yourself... Page 41 -------------------- Sarah ... Tell me... Why are you so excited? What is happening to Masaki...? Page 42 -------------------- Page 43 -------------------- Father ... The tree... You would say that's some kind of resonance between them...?! Sarah You too would like to save him, wouldn't you? So, tell me, where is he? What happened to him? Page 44 -------------------- Sarah I see... I thank.. you... Nishikujo-san Sarah... Sarah I'm alright... I'm just a bit tired... Sarah The river... He fell in... Downstream, he's under a bridge... a metal bridge... He has lost consciousness... Nishikujo-san The river?! Oh no, with the storm of last night, it must be wild, we don't have a moment to lose!! Page 45 -------------------- Father Ho..How has she done this..? Who are you people? Nishikujo-san We must absolutely check under that bridge!! Are you going to call the police, yes or no?!! Rescue-workers Well, did you find him?! Not yet, and you over there?! What? Nobody saw the kid fall in? Then why this large mobilization?! Page 46 -------------------- Rescue-workers Well, it is a weird story...! It's this kid who has alarmed everybody. So it's she who is the reason for these rumors? Rescue-workers What? You're joking? She knew this by talking to a tree? All the neighborhood has seen is that a blue halo had covered them both!! She must be some kind of a witch! I don't want to change into an armchair ninja. Maybe she can read our minds, I don't want any trouble with my wife! Rescue-worker Hey Wait a second, what's that down there?! Page 47 -------------------- Rescue-workers There is something next to that ladder!! Point your flashlights down here, quickly!! Rescue-worker It's... it's him! It's the boy!! He's down there!! Parents Masakiii!! Masaki I was taken to the hospital, without being conscious... At that moment I didn't know anything about the excitement caused by Sarah's powers which she had used to find me... Masaki I was not hurt but I had stayed a long time in the cold water. I had pneumonia. Page 48 -------------------- Masaki The fever made me delirious... Sarah Masaki... Masaki I had a strange dream... Sarah Masaki Take all your forces!! Sarah This time it's your turn to save the cherry tree!! Think deeply of it, form its image in your mind!! Sarah And with your heart filled with love for it... Give it back it's life.. Masaki Sarah... Page 49 -------------------- Masaki A couple of days later I left the hospital Father What's wrong Masaki... You are lost in thoughts... Masaki the cherry tree... You cut it down, didn't you?... Father ...Ah well... It is better if you see for yourself. Page 50 -------------------- Page 51 -------------------- Father It has suddenly flowered yesterday, like it had understood that you came back and it wanted to show you his pleasure!! Look, you would say it is glad to see you again!! Masaki ... My dream. That... wasn't a... dream...!! Masaki Sarah!! Masaki It's you, wasn't it!! It was you who... Page 52 -------------------- Masaki Sarah... Masaki ...I shouldn't have... ...any doubt... Page 53 -------------------- Masaki It is always like this, isn't it... You always have to leave, without ever coming back. Always... Sarah Excuse me... dad I created a lot of panic again... Nishikujo-san Like always... But it is maybe a bit more painful for you this time. Page 54 -------------------- Sarah Where are we going dad? Nishikujo-san We have a lot of time to think about that! Mother It is really crazy that what happened... Father I have seen it happen but still I find it difficult to believe!! Father ... I think we can forget about cutting it down, right... Mother To cut it down? I would like to see that, the tree that saved Masaki...!! Father Ah ah ah Masaki You left with out saying a word... But you will always be amidst us! Page 55 -------------------- Masaki Later, I will have children... And when they are old enough to climb this cherry tree to pick its cherries, I will tell them this story... The story of the cherry tree and a strange girl called Sarah... And when they will grow up, they will tell it to their children the story of the cherry tree that grows in our family for generations... *THE END*