Flame of Recca Volume 17 Let me catch you up to speed. After the tournament, unlike the show, Kurei is stumbling out on the edge of a mountain, when Mori shows up with five goons who cut him up pretty bad (remember, he's pretty pooped out). Neon, who comes gunning it out of nowhere, grabs on to Kurei as the goons push him off of the cliff. That's about Translation: Pan Editing and Tweeking: Tatarigami Volume 17, Chapter 1: School Life [- After the ending of the Ura Buto Satsujin - ] [Surpassing the battles that seem never-ending, the Hokage obtain their final victory.] [But... the story has not ended...] [... as they get drawn into yet another battle --] [The new story begins!] (The alarm clock rings. Rekka whacks it.) Rekka: *Five more... minutes...* Kaoru: Phoenix Tornado Kick... !! Kaoru: Hi! It's dawn, Rekka-niichan! Rekka: Ya... I know, Koganei... (tucks in his pants) ... so, which team are we fighting today? Kaoru: He's so sleepy! He's so sleepy! Kage Houshi: Hey Rekka! Time to get up! Kaoru's going to have a great time teasing you! Rekka: Yes mom... Hm? Where's Mikagami, Domon and Fuuko? Are they still asleep? Can't stand them... Kaoru: He's so sleepy! He's so sleepy! (Breakfast is laid.) Rekka: Oh really? I must have forgotten. Koganei's temporarily staying with us. His dad: He's a lot more obedient than you ever were! Rekka: In that case... (Koganei appears in a small tuxedo suit.) Rekka: You look good in that, Kaoru!! (Not the season for winter uniforms now) Kaoru: You're terrible!! Mom: That's Fuuko's elder brother's uniform. I got it from him. Kaoru will be going to middle school from today onwards. Rekka: Eh? Not elementary? Kaoru: Your Terrible!! Dad: Shut up! Both of you go to school now!! [At School] [Class 1-A] (Rekka barges in.) Girls: Rekka - ! You're not dead, you idiot? Crying girl: I was so lonely, Hanabishi! You didn't even call me - ! Bandanna girl: Hey!! We lost the ball game the last time... that was the only time you could have come in handy! Gangsters: Without you around, we've attracted more attention from teachers than ever before... (While students rumble mumble, a person with 'Shooting Star' on his shirt walks into the class.) Coach: Aa! Hanabishi! (A single spotlight falls on Rekka.) Coach: What're you doing? (An overview of the school.) *What's wrong...* *A weird feeling...* (Overlooking The Ura Buto Satsujin coliseum) *I was still in the tournament grounds yesterday...* *Battling like crazy... but now... it felt like it was nothing more than a dream...* *School.* *Classes.* *Students.* Teacher: I don't care who does it! Rekka: *It's so peaceful...* Teacher: Go wake that idiot up!! (The scene shifts.) Yanagi: Then, let's begin! "Rekka and friends finally fight the emperor of darkness! He cannot lose! He will fight till he wins!" There are sound effects, then Rekka releases six of the Fire Dragons. Yanagi: Right, to be continued next week! Rose Yanagi's 'Fire Burn!' from 'Rekka and friends part 5'. (Domon and Fuuko sit, dazed.) Yanagi: Heeeeeey, you guys are horible!! Are my comics really that unreadable? Fuuko: Ah! It's very interesting! Domon: Ah! It got interesting all of a sudden! Fuuko: Oh well ~~~ my brain’s a little in a mess. Domon: Mine too. Not used to normal life all of a sudden. That was... really a tough work-out! Fuuko: I didn't even have enough sleep! Ganko was pestering me all night since I got home. I tried to sleep at school, but my classmates were all cramming in on me... Domon: Listen to me... my mom socked me the moment I got home... and I tell you, she's even more formidable Noroi! Once I got to school, nobody even bothered to say hi! Guess I've been skipping too many classes... (Rekka bursts in.) Rekka: Hi! Princess!! Your ninja has bought you some bread! (Yanagi blushes in joy.) Rekka: And! There're sandwiches, coffee bread... Yanagi: Rekka -kun can have the turkey bread! Domon: Mm... he's a student in a split second... (how amazingly adaptable...) Yanagi: *I feel happy... really happy! I've always... been looking forward to days like these...* *God, please let these days continue forever...* Rekka: Hey Frankenstein! Where's Mikagami? Domon: Don't call me that! And, I didn't see him today. He's in year 2. I don't know about him. Fuuko: It's true. He said he was 'going somewhere' yesterday. Could he have gone to 'that' place? (The scene changes to a mountain scene, where Tokiya is standing in front of a dilapidated shack.) Tokiya: *What... happened? Master, Meguri Kyoza... where are you?* Mori Koran: The time is ripe. The peak of all points have been reached... for me. We must complete this plan to be able to reach our motives... First of which, the heavenly hell psychic device hidden in 'that place'. Mori: I will retrieve it together with Renge. Mori: And number 2, to ensure the death of the missing Kurei. Only when I see his body will I be at ease. 3, keep an eye on Hokage and the psychic girl. Heheheh... even if Kurei still lives, he will live alone... for his Uruha is without a companion now... (He calls someone out.) Mori: Rasen of the Juu Shin Shuu shall become the leader of my, Mori Koran’s Ura Uruha. You really are one to choose... hampering on Kurei's business will only cause your death. Keep an eye on Hokage! Do not let them escape, and then... finish them off one by one! Back to the Top Volume 17, Chapter 2: The Night Works of Shinobi [It's been a few days of 'normal life' for them.] [It had been normal and smooth-sailing so far.] (Rekka barges into his home.) Kagehoushi: You're back! I'll lay the table now. Rekka: O - kay! (He arrives at a sign saying "Room of Rekka".) (Slides open the door.) (And gets hit by a small ornamental man of some sort.) Girl 1: Oops. Others: We're sorry, Rekka-niichan. (With saucer-like eyes, Rekka stares back.) Long haired girl: (Is he Kaoru-chan's elder brother?) Short haired girl: (Not that they look anything alike...) (In a split frame second, Rekka grabs Kaoru.) Rekka: Oi. Koganei. Aren't you popular with the girls... Kaoru: Hm? No! It... It's not that! They wanted to come over to play... Rekka: HAHAHAH!! That's proof that you're popular isn't it! Mm - (starts singing) There's a boy in a group of girls. (Before he finishes the song, the girls beat him up.) Rekka: Heeeeeelp!!!! Long haired girl: Whoever dares bully Koganei... Short haired girl: We won't let him off even if he's the elder brother! Rekka: You low-down female brats! Kaoru: I... I'm sorry! (Then he turns serious) Kaoru: Then again, Rekka-niisan... have you felt it too? The air has been weird recently... Rekka: Weird... ? What's that about weird? Kaoru: Mm. It was a feeling that began 2 days ago... "I felt like we were being watched." Rekka: Watched... ? (The scene shifts to 5 people from the 10 previously.) Kirin: Oh! At least we have 5 weirdos here now. Again, Kirin’s Strong Guys are collected, huh? "Soukakusai..." "Kamui... (??)" "Gaou (??)" "And... our leader - Rasen" Caped man: The pot calling the kettle black, Kirin? Gaou: What are the rest of them doing? Ura Uruha is still around isn't it? Kirin: Some are on Kurei’s case, others are busy finding the traitors. Someone: Traitors? Someone: Yes... 3 have ran away... Kamui: It wouldn't matter if we let them go. They are just small fries in us Ura Uruha, though. Not much difference. Mokuren: No point arguing. Your target is Hokage. Stop delaying precious time. You had better start your mission now. Mokuren: Wha... what's wrong? Sunglasses: Keep your tone polite, Mokuren. You don't have to tell us when's the time to begin. (With that, they flit away.) (The scene changes to Fuuko walking home on the streets at night.) (The black capped guy materializes from the concrete ground, silently goes behind Fuuko and... !!!) (At an abandoned construction site...) Doumon: Asking ME for money? I ~~ diots. Remember my face and remember to bow your head low whenever you walk past me! (Applause is heard.) Doumon: What the... so there's someone else... Gaou: (crunches on chocolate and smiles sinisterly) (Koganei sees his female classmates home.) (And senses something.) Kaoru: Run! Quick, three of you, run! Girls: Eh? What? Kaoru: Hurry!! (He whips out Kougon Anki) Kaoru: *No... not enough time... !* (Kamui stands, silhouetted by the moonlight.) (The scene changes.) Yanagi: I'm sorry, Rekka-kun! I was too engrossed in my comics... but I'm really happy that you've come to see me! Rekka: Princess... you get lost very often when it gets dark... Yanagi: You're horrible!! [We were leading peaceful lives...] [Until they... appeared...] Rekka: Who's that? Back to the Top Volume 17, Chapter 3: Rasen and Kirin (Two people slowly approach Rekka and Yanagi.) Yanagi: Um... Rekka: Princess, don’t go any further. "Kaoru: Be careful. I feel like we're being watched." Rekka: Who's that? Yanagi: Mmm... mm - ... Rekka: I have no idea what you're doing in school at this hour, but we were just about to leave. Please make way. Kirin: What a beautiful moonlit night. What a romantic meeting... wouldn't it be a waste if we departed right now? (She takes out some daggers.) Kirin: Shall we chat!? Hanabishi Rekka. (She throws the daggers.) Rekka: Nadare . . . (The daggers fall to the ground, burnt.) Kirin: Ha - that was great! You hit it! (She looks at her bleeding finger.) Kirin: Hadn't forgotten that rush now... AH! NO! I've been defeated! Error in calculation! Rekka: . . . Kirin: (looks back at Rasen) ... ! I know. It’s just . . . I missed a little. (She turns and finds Rekka and Yanagi sneaking away.) Kirin: Don't run! You can't run away. The other Hokage team members are at this time, too, dancing along with our moonlight party. (The scene changes to Domon, who is getting whacked by Gaou.) Gaou: Hey hey... are you Ishijima ... Domon? Interested in showing me your real powers? Domon: *I could even defeat Noroi in the tournament... I'm no pushover!!* Who are you, you jerk!? Gaou: Gaou. Somebody... acquainted with you. (At Kaoru's side...) Kaoru: Uu... Kamui: I'm sorry. I come and go as I please. You gave all in one shot because you were worried of these girls' safety didn't you? I could sense it from that rise in your temperature. What great fighting spirit for a small dwarf... I shall defeat you with a single hand ~~~ *heart* Girls: Let him go! Face us if you want to bully Kaoru-kun! Kamui: No... I prefer... *this* child here. (Switch back to Rekka.) Kirin: We are... the Ura Uraha. Originally shadow assassins of Uruha, we are now Mori Kouran’s assassins! Our days of hiding are over! Rekka: Mori... Koran? That bastard . . . *Aren't they... Kurei's subordinates?* Uruha: Kurei's Uruha has disbanded. Oh yes. Kirin: Kurei - is dead. (Rekka enters shock.) Yanagi: Huh... Kirin: Dead. Ridden with holes; dropped into the sea. But since his body didn't surface, the details are still unclear. But with wounds like that, the pain must have killed him when he dropped into the salty sea! Rekka: *R-Rubbish! That... Kurei... !!* Kirin: Okay... enough chatting for today. And... I wasn't lying! Hyashou! Kirin: (flaps her arms around) UUUUUUUU WRONG AGAIN! I forgot the psychic girl! Yanagi: Run, Rekka-kun! Stand up! Rekka: Y... Yes!! (They start running.) Rekka: *Princess... has grown wiser! That's right! It's too narrow here... Princess'll be sorched by any flames!! The enemy is too unpredictable... for Princess' safety, we'll have to escape!* Kirin: Two cute kids... thinking about each other's safety... Kirin: S-Sorry! I wasn't fooling around! I'm so sorry... don't be angry! I'll do better next time... I won't commit the same wrongs again! (Meanwhile, Rekka finds an exit, but appears to be unable to open it.) Rekka: Darn!! This door's down, too! What should I do? It won't open no matter how hard I kick it! Yanagi: Instead of running further up, why don't we go downstairs and find a window to jump out? Rekka: Princess... you've really become wiser. (Still in a state of shock, Rekka heads the other way.) Rekka: *... I won't believe that Kurei's dead! Even though he's one low-down scumbag unreasonable jerk; he won't die that easily!* "You stubborn guy... didn't I tell you that was the truth? I wouldn't tell lies!" Rekka: Na... ? Rekka: *This jerk ... I thought there was something wrong! Could it be...* Kirin: Bingo... you've got it right. *heart* Back to the Top Volume 17, Chapter 4: A temporary retreat (The dagger hits the floor Rekka was on.) Rekka: Uuu... RUN, PRINCESS! (He grabs her hand.) Yanagi: Yaaa! (They head upstairs.) Kirin: Heheh. (Rekka and Yanagi arrive at the roof.) Rekka: That unreasonable jerk... this is a school for goodness sake! Yanagi: Mm, are they bad guys? Rekka: But of course!! If they were good guys, they wouldn't have started head-hunting us the moment we met! *They said they were from Kurei’s Uruha, and are now Mori’s Ura Uruha... *Their motive: Hokage... *In other words... Fuuko and Domon are...* (He notices Rasen standing before him.) Rekka: (Summoning Saiha) Jerk... did you think I only knew how to run? Don't look down on me, you white-haired freak! Rekka: Say something, freak! "It's no use." "Rasen has, due to some reason, lost his ability of expression and speech..." "But he hasn't become lonesome just because he can't express himself!" Yanagi: What... a voice... a voice in my head... "One person can understand his thoughts and emotions... his representative in speech and heart..." Kirin: Shingan no Kirin. (She holds up a ring.) Kirin: With the help of this psychic device, I am able to perceive the thoughts of others... and pass psychic messages to them. Rekka-kun seems to have noticed that just now. They always say you've got bad brain cells, but I think they're pretty sharp!! Rekka: WHO TOLD YOU THAT!? Rekka: Princess, please retreat. Hey you, Kirin, right? I didn't run up to the roof because I had no other way. But because the most spacious area in school... (He releases a flame from his right hand.) Rekka: ... is here. Only here can we battle properly. Kirin: That was cooooool, Rekka-kun! *heart* Have a taste of my Houkishin now won't you? SHAA! (She shoots the weapon out from her hand again.) (Rekka hacks the weapon apart.) Rekka: Hokage Ninguntoushuu, Hanabishi Rekka... HERE!! (The scene shifts to Kaoru.) Kamui: Mm. *heart* Koganei, let me ask you again. Because I can't bear to kill you ... how about it? Join the Ura Uruha! You were a traitor, anyway. Kaoru: *mumble mumble* team. Kamui: Hm? Say that louder please! *heart* Kaoru: I said, 'I'm from the Hokage team'! Got that, you pervert bastard? Kamui: ... Looks like you still need a lesson. It'll be all right, Koganei. You'll still be as cute as ever without an arm. Girls: No... NOOOOO - !! (A sword comes through him.) Kamui: T... That's right... There's still one more to the Hokage team... and that's... you... (Mikagami appears.) (Meanwhile, Kirin is ducking a blow from Rekka.) Kirin: Uu!! *This man... is really very strong!! But...* That's why it's exciting. I still have lots of Houkishin in stock... OH MY! Rekka: Kokuu. Yanagi: Wait... Aaaaa - Rekka-kun! Are you going to release Kokuu ... That's enough to demolish an entire building... on a girl?! (That's too much!) Rekka: Because I hate. Don't take things too far, jerk!! Get lost now! Here I go! !! (He gets hit by rasen.) Kirin: "Let me introduce myself again, Hanabishi. I’m Ura Uruha’s Rasen." Rekka: *W... When did he appear beside me... ? Couldn't... feel it at all!!* Kirin: "Killing you is as easy as ABC. But that can wait till next time. Although we had an order, we do not wish to attack when the enemy is unprepared. We will have another time together." Rekka: How gentlemanly of you. Time and place? I welcome your challenge as long as it's not in school. Kirin: "You will know, and you will go." ... those were words of wisdom from Rasen, brought to you by Kirin! *heart* (She turns to Rasen.) Kirin: I know. (Back to Kaoru.) Kamui: ... ! Mmm... I understand (turns back) Till we meet again, my two lovelies! Especially you, Kaoru... I love you! *heart* (He disappears, leaving Mikagami's Ensui behind.) Girls: Koganei-kun! Tokiya: *No signs of pain at all... that man... just what is he?* (And at Domon's side...) Gaou: WHAT!? What do you mean, 'retreat', Kirin?! I can finish this guy off immediately! Let me do it! Let me... !! I... I understand... I'll follow orders... you tell that to ????, okay? Ishishima Domon... I'll finish you off next time! "The place you have to go to... let me drop a hint..." : Tendou Jigoku (Heaven Hell)!! Your mother will surely understand! Bye bye! *heart* "See you again - Hokage!" Back to the Top Volume 17, Chapter 5: Two Blacksmiths [At the Hokage Ninja Residence] Fuuko: There-fore-... just WHAT... in the WORLD were those guys!? Rekka: Ura Uruha... didn't I just tell you? Fuuko: And that means they're the enemy, right? ABSURD~~ I am sooo mad! Yesterday night... Yanagi: (She's so scary...) [Flashback] Fuuko: Who goes there? Molesters be warned to get away from me. Soukakusai: My name is Soukakusai - not the renowned Kirisawa Fuuko for nothing; to have noticed me in an instance... I admire you... heheheheheheh... Fuuko: YA!? You idiot... took my ice-cream! CURSE YOU!! Soukakusai: Heheh, that was a transitional kiss! But I want the real thing next time... I assure you... that you'll belong to me the next time we meet. (He disappears into the darkness.) [End Flashback] Fuuko: That's how I met the black guy last night... (just thinking about it gives me the goose bumps!) Rekka: Forget it, it was just a transitional kiss... Fuuko: Say that one more time, you monkey!! (She pounces on the sleeping Tokiya.) Fuuko: I. Am. So. ANGRY - !! Don't you dare sleep, Mikagami!! Kage Houshi: Ya, Fuuko has gone crazy... Fuuko: But of course, Kagero! Perverts who treat girls like fools... Old man: Hi! Hi! Hi! Hi! Long time no see, my fellow friends! Fuuko: Who's saying 'hi' to you, you old bonehead!! Kage Houshi: Try us again next time and you're dead meat. Rekka: Aren't you one of the 8 dragons? How come you can pop out of the seal just like that and go around everyday? Old man: Because I have supernatural powers. Then again, when Rekka summoned me yesterday... that cute little Kirin was really powerful! The other one... Rasen, right? Old man: He - isn't a simple guy. (They all look at him.) Old man: Frankly speaking, I was a little afraid. He's different from Kurei, who is surrounded with a murderous air wherever he walks. In fact, he's exactly the opposite! He doesn't have any murderous intent at all... no motivation... and no anger... not even life do I feel in him... just like a puppet. Yanagi: Kirin mentioned that he lost his expressions and speech due to some reason. Rekka: Uu... and somebody who can see into his heart represents him now. "The place you have to go to... let me drop a hint..." "Heaven Hell." (Kage Houshi seems to know something, as does the old man.) Domon: Is it... fried prawns parlor? (The Japanese transliteration of 'heaven hell' is similar to 'fried prawn parlor'.) Fuuko: Go eat by yourself. Yanagi: Fool. Rekka: Do you know, mom? Kage Houshi: Not the exact details, but... Old man: Heaven Hell. That is... the strongest, and most wicked Madogu. Back then... [flashback] "When the Hokage was just established - there were two genius blacksmiths in the village." "They created all kinds of weapons... the Hokage Madogu!" "They had a competition with one goal. That is... to be termed the 'Greatest Madogu-smith Ever'. What was different was how they started off." "One of them feels that - 'A weapon wasn't created to kill, but to protect and save people." "The other - "MASSACRE!" - he feels that there can be no honey coating in his words... that 'I create weapons to kill and to massacre!!'." "One forged the Madogu of paper, the other of hair - one forged metal, the other opposed with rock." "Perhaps it was chance, that they lived in the same era... competing, one after another, to see who created the greatest Madogu - and thus they both became familiar in the art of Madogu." [end flashback] Domon: I see! So competition brings out the best in each other? Fuuko: That's why there are twin-like Madogu. Like the water and the ice devices. Old man: Mm. Based on the basic weapons specs - a device like Ensui, which doesn't bear any antagonistic behaviors, was created by the former. Whereas the ice Madogu, with it's powers of destruction, was definitely created by the latter! And the latter’s final piece of device... was 'heaven hell'! Kage Houshi: Amongst the Madogu the Hokage protect from generation to generation, only 'heaven hell' is considered the most dangerous! Legend has it that it has been sealed... somewhere in this country, where nobody has access to... Rekka: Where... where's it, old man? Old man: I don't know! HAHAHAH! (Tokiya, who has been quiet all this time, speaks up.) Tokiya: ... Rekka. Do you know why Rasen and Kirin's target no longer was Yanagi when they appeared in front of you again? Although it is hard to imagine... they mentioned that Kurei has been killed by Mori. Do you know why... Kurei was no longer of use to Mori? "It isn't hard to realize that he has found a greater source of power." "And the conclusion is..." Tokiya: Mori wishes to have 'heaven hell'. And I'm afraid, he could have already found out the place it has been sealed in! (We cut to a frame of a very ugly looking Mori, not that he wasn't already, anyway.) Rekka: ... !! Don't utter nonsense! I can't even THINK of what'll happen if that guy lays his hands on that device! Tokiya: There's something else. I can see that you know where the device is hidden. You may try to hide your agitated features, but it all written on your face. Old man: No... you can't go there!! It's too dangerous... !! I won't tell you! Rekka: So you *do* know! Where is it!? Old man: NO!! Domon: Think about it yourself! There can be nothing more dangerous than Mori getting his hands on 'heaven hell'. Domon: ! Fuuko: Who's that? Domon: That Kansai Accent, just now?! (The doors slide open.) Guy: Let me - introduce myself! Back to the Top Volume 17, Chapter 6: Returning to the arena! Suprise!!: Hi everybody! Great to see you guys so spirited!! It was hard trying to locate you guys!! (Rekka stares at the newcomer.) (In fact, everybody does.) Tokiya: *That fellow...* Rekka: Who're you? Part of Rasen's group? Suprise!!: Who... who? Have you forgotten? Watch closely! It's me, Joker!! (Tatarigami’s Note: Look on the bottom of the page for an explanation of Kansai; it’s the accent in which Joker speaks.) [Deep in thought] Rekka: Jo- Joker- ? Joker: Aaaa, look at that suspicious look on your face... don't you believe me? (He slips out.) Joker: Hang on! (And slips back.) Joker: (with his helmet) How about now? Fuuko: Okay, we're sure your Joker now. But... Domon: WHAT'RE YOU DOING HERE FOR? Joker: What? *scratch head* Didn't I tell you just now? I'm here to tell you where Madogu 'Tendou Jigoku' is. Kokuu: ! How did you know it's hiding place? Joker: Aa! The uncle in the collosium is here too? *turns to Kage Houshi* Hey there Lady Boss! You can drink booze in the afternoon! Kage Houshi: That's plain water. Joker: *takes a sip* Mori has been acting weird lately, so I kept a tab on his movements. I saw him bring a girl I've never seen before... into a certain area. If I'm not wrong that's where they hid the Madogu "Tendou Jigoku'... Rekka: I don't believe you!! Aren't you supposed to be our enemy? You must have something else up your sleeve! Fuuko: I believe so too. Domon: This guy can disguise himself OUT of the Uruha anytime! Joker: ... It doesn't matter, whether you believe me or not. I certainly didn't ask for the benefit of your doubt. I thought you guys were interesting, and this matter looks interesting, so I wanted help you guys. Like they always say... 'A friend in need is a friend indeed'! Rekka: Uu... UuUU... Kaoru: Joker!! Joker: ! Kaoru: I... believe you!! Joker: Koganei... Kaoru: Though Joker is from Uruha, and not exactly a good guy... I don't believe you are a bad guy either! I've always felt like that ever since I fought with him before. (Points at his weapon.) Kaoru: If you dare lie to me, I'll make sure you have another taste of my Six Forms! *heart* Joker: Don't mention that... Sorry . . . *sweatdrop* (Rekka slowly calms down.) Rekka: Old guy! I'm going to where this 'heaven hell' is. To think that an aloof guy like you would try to stop us from going with a serious face is fact enough that it's no ordinary danger we're facing here! But - (And we are presented with another face of Mori.) Rekka: If a rotten egg like HIM gets the Madogu - Princess... and all of us! We'll be in even greater danger!! Fuuko: We must get the Madogu before Mori does... and destroy it! Domon: Now it's starting to look like a competition! Kokuu: ... OH JUST DO AS YOU WISH! I DON'T CARE ANYMORE!! It wasn't easy for me to live a quiet life like now AND THIS is how you treat me! Kage Houshi: AIYEE!! Kokuu: Be careful. *morphs into Kokuu* Even descendants of the Hokage have not dared venture there... "Your enemies... are not merely the Ura Uruha!" (He disappears back into Rekka.) Joker: So, shall we move? Have you decided? Rekka: Before that, Joker, I want to know something if you know. Kurei... Is he really dead? (Joker adjusts his cap.) "I guess... the original Uruha revolving around Kurei-sama... has been separated." "In the tournament, Kai, Genjuurou, Jishou, Noroi. Four of the Juu Shin (The Shuu is omited) died." "Raiha disappeared halfway through the tournament - " " - while Neon fell into the sea due to her trying to rescue Kurei-sama." "Mokuren's army has also defected to the Ura Uruha. And the worst of all is that..." "One of the Ten who have never revealed their faces have ascended to the bosom position in the Uruha." "That man's name is Rasen!!" Rekka: *That fellow... was part of the Ten!?* Joker: I don't know much about Rasen, since he's a mysterious man... but even having lost his Uruha, that man . . . Joker: ... HAS NOT LOST HIS LIFE!! HE WON'T DIE SO EASILY!! (Domon stares at him.) Joker: *turns around* How did I get so serious while jabbering... Mm... Oh well, I'll find out one day whether he's really dead or alive. Rekka: *That's right... that idiot's got quite a tough body.* Fuuko: Hey! Are you excited? We all seem to love an adventure or two. Domon: A peaceful, normal life... that'll have to go for a while! Kaoru: I like this fellow here (referring to his weapon) more than I like wielding a pen on paper anyway. Fuuko: Tokiya-chan's coming along!? Tokiya: I never said I wasn't... *Why are you always hampering on me?* Ganko: No no not again! I have to await for Fuuko's return in loneliness again?? Rekka: Oooookay! Let's go, Hokage!! [And once again, the Hokage Team steps on the road of battling.] [Their motive - ] [To destroy 'Heaven Hell'!] Back to the Top Volume 17, Chapter 7: The Return of Kurei Part 1 of 2 [Rekka's 'Hokage' have embarked on a new journey to destroy the Madogu 'Heaven Hell'... while on the other hand...] Voice: Kurei... Kurei... Kurei... Brother... Brother... Brother... (Endearing Form) Mori: I have taken away EVERYTHING you have! *Created out of merging fresh blood cells...* *Renge* *That is your alias: Heaven Hell* *'Burnt Red' shall be reduced to a pile of flesh!* *Brother... BROTHER* *ASSASINATE KUREI* Kurei: WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!! (He sits up on a bed.) Kurei: *huff* *puff* Neon: ... Kurei-sama... Kurei: *as Neon rushes forward to embrace him* Neon... ? Neon: Thank goodness... oh thank goodness... You've finally... awakened... Kurei: ... where is this place... ? Neon: *as she helps him with the bandages* This is an abandoned construction yard. Ever since that time... we were washed to a strange shore by the sea. You've been unconscious for ten whole days. I thought of sending you to the hospital, but was afraid that Mori would be up to something. I couldn't find anything to cure you in this simple place... please forgive me... Kurei: Neon... I think you must tired. You look terrible. (Neon smiles at Kurei.) Neon: Please don't use such a gentle tone on me... I... I'm satisfied enough to be able to take care of you! (The moon rises.) Big Fat Oaf: This smell... This smell~~ It smells of... KUREI... *heart* Neon: Water - and food. Kurei: I don't need it. You eat. You're not taking anything. Neon: You must take care of yourself!! ~I’m on a diet~! You can’t eat what you like! (She giggles.) Kurei: What's wrong? Neon: I... was thinking of the good old days just now. When I was still your maid... still serving Kurei-sama. I was so happy, every single day. (She takes a spoon and feeds Kurei.) Neon: And Kurei-sama always made my job difficult, back then! Kurei: Is... that so? I must have caused you alot of trouble... Kurei: Gwaoh... Neon: Kurei-sama!! Kurei: No... NOOO!! *cough* *hack* Neon: Kurei-sama! *holds his head* Don't be scared... doesn't matter... there's nothing to be afraid of here... Kurei: I don't... I don't want to fight anymore... Everyone’s disappeared... Everyone’s lost! Neon: ... Then don't! You've had enough of it. Too many painful memories embedded in the battles... That's enough for you. Let's lead a normal, peaceful life from now on. With nobody to shadow over you... (She pats on his shoulder.) Neon: I am willing to accompany you wherever you go. Let’s the two of us run away to where no one knows . . . Kurei: Everything... has disappeared... disappeared... Neon: (as she holds Kurei's face in her hands) *... Don't be afraid... I... I won't disappear...* *Always by your side... Kurei-sama...* (They kiss!!! AHH!) (Later, outside the house, Kurei stares at the moonlight.) "Let's lead a normal, peaceful life from now on..." "Let’s the two of us run away to where no one knows . . . " Kurei: *Sounds... interesting...* !! Fat Oaf: Heheheh. Ura Uruha "Masakari" Masakari: Found ya! Found ya! Kurei... Found ya~~ *heart* I've accomplished something BIIIIIIIIIIG~~ *heart* [In the house.] Neon: I like... Kurei-sama... ! (Outside, Kurei is being hit.) Kurei: Uruha... Mori's subordinates... ? Masakari: And so what if I am, you useless piece of trash? As long as I kill you, I'll be rich! We have a deal that whoever spots you first'll have to inform Kirin, but look at you! I can take you down by myself! The heck with Kirin! I'll take all the credit myself! Neon: Kurei-sama! Masakari: ! Kurei: NO! Don't come! NEON!! (Masakari whacks Neon, Kurei receives another flashback.) Mori: "I've taken away... everything you have!!" *Taken away... Taken away! TAKEN AWAY!!* Kurei: Don't screw with me... Masakari: Who is this girl? Arrogant hag... how dare you face up against ME? DIE!! Kurei: Release that lard filled foot from her you pig... You couldn’t have said you were human . . . Masakari: WHAT!? Rekka: "I fight to protect the one I love!!" Kurei: It doesn't sound right... but I can understand a little of what that guy was talking about. (Kurei threatens Masakari with his flames.) Kurei: Looks like I... won't be able to embrace peacefulness. Back to the Top Volume 17, Chapter 8: Return of Kurei Part 2 of 2 (Kurei sweeps his hands through the air and flames appear.) Masakari: W... What's wrong? You don't have to be 'flaming' with rage. I was only joking... BUT THAT WAS A LIE - !! The truth is... the truth is... I'M ON A MASSACRE CAMPAIGN!! (Immediately after that, he gets hit by flames.) Masakari: YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!! WAAAAH! My... My hand! My leg!? (Kurei comes over and puts his hand on him.) Kurei: You may choose. Masakari: ! Kurei: Half-boiled? Or well done? To what degree would you prefer it to be done? Masakari: You mean beef steak? Well - Anything's fine with me... Though it would be best if it's just right... ... a... don't tell me, you... (And Kurei 'well done’s him.) (He picks Neon up.) Neon: Kurei... Kurei-sama... *If you don't mind, I am willing to accompany you wherever you go, Let’s the two of us run away to a place where no one knows . . . * Kurei: *Please forgive me, Neon.* *I will never forget you... - Goodbye - * (Neon awakens on a bed.) Neon: ... Where is this place? Doctor: Ah! You're awake, Missy! Don't worry, there's nothing to worry about here. You're at a lonely little clinic, which gets occasional visits by uncles and aunties, now and then. It is a pleasure to have a young lady like you visit us. Neon: Kurei-sama... Where is Kurei-sama? Doctor: The gentleman with burnt marks on his face? He has already left. He had such a gentle and beautiful face... especially that aura around him when he looked at you... and left me a message to pass to you. "I only hope you can... lead a happy life..." (Chaos as Neon screams her heart out.) (Meanwhile...) Voice: EMERGENCY!! All soldiers assemble at front!! It's Kurei!! (Kurei arrives in front of the Tsukino Miya mansion, wearing his old mask.) Guard1: He... is still alive? Guard2: Mori-sama had got it right all along! Guard3: If he was still alive, he'd come back for his foster mother! Guard4: Hey... Tsukino-sama... Guard5: Don't say it! Don't worry about anything. We have a strong backing here. (A foot lands on the floor.) Tsukino: Uu, Kurei. *holds up weapon* Your mother's been reduced to a pile of flesh, and it's still around somewhere. Wanna see? (Points at himself.) Makiya: How do you do? My name is Makia from the Ura Uruha. Just look at all those injuries on you! Did you come to die? Are you SURE you have brains? I guess if you knew beforehand I was here, you wouldn't have come for a quick death! (Kurei merely stares at him.) Makia: Let me show you the powers of my Madogu! (Kurei hits him with flames before he even knows it.) Kurei: Where. Is. Mori Kouran? Guard1: ONE STRIKE!? Guard2: He took down Makia in one strike... !! Guard3: WAAAAAH! RUUUUN!! (After that...) [... He took all the lives of all living creatures in the Tsukino Miya - ] [After having left whatever humanity he had in him with one woman he left...] [... And that man once again morphed... into a demon -] [Evil Angel of death... Kurei returns...] Back to the Top Volume 17, Chapter 9: The Underworld (The scene opens in a dark, dark place.) Rekka: Wooooow-... What a big tree!! Domon: But... where're Mori's people? Rekka: Heeeey - , Joker. Is that 'heaven hell' really hidden within this mountain? Joker: Theoretically speaking, not yet. Let's rest for a little while. Rekka: Joker. Yanagi: Hey guys! Look! What a pretty flower! Rekka: It's really beautiful, Princess! Yanagi: Isn't that so! Domon: Seems more like a picnic outing. We're going to enter into the lion's den soon... why did we bring Yanagi along? (Isn't it dangerous?) Tokiya: Don't misunderstand, Gorilla. Have you forgotten that Mori Kouran has always had an interest in Yanagi? Whether 'heaven hell' is retrieved or destroyed, his next step will be to bring in Yanagi. The closer we are to her, the easier for us to protect her, Gorilla. Understand, Gorilla? Domon: Do... you really hate me that much? Fuuko: No need to cry over that... (Joker looks at his watch.) Joker: It's about time. Miss Fuuko! I'll do anything... but please lend me the Madogu 'Claw' for a second. Fuuko: Hm? I'll kill you if you don't return it! (She hands it over.) Joker: Thank you! Rekka: ? (He goes over to the big tree and clamps the Madogu between two claws.) Joker: OPEN UP! "OPEN THE DOOR" !!! (Tatarigami’s note: Joker says here: Opun Ze Doa! I just found it quite comical) (He stays in that position for a while.) Rekka: I see no movement, joker. *steps on his head* Joker: AAAAIII!! How could it be? I... I saw Mori with my own eyes, placing the Madogu 'Claw' into the tree and then opening it up... He was always watching the time... and at around this time, he put it into the tree with a 'click'... and that rock wall split open to reveal a crevice! Yanagi: ? Fuuko: Do we need something else to compromise? Like, say, a key Madogu? Domon: Is that why it didn't go in? (Somebody starts talking to Rekka.) *Oh my oh my, just look at you guys. I didn't want you to go in, that's why I didn't tell you.* *There's nothing wrong. As long as you're able to prove that the Madogu is from Hokage, anything will do.* Rekka: Then WHY hasn't it opened yet, old guy? *You need something else. Light!* Rekka: Yo! Domon! Torchlight please! (Domon holds up a flashlight) *NOT THAT KIND OF LIGHT, AHO (Idiot (Harsh))!* *Await the proper time, and the light from the darkness will shine a path for you.* (As told, the moon starts to shine it's light on the Madogu, causing a huge sound and the eruption of a deep hole within the rock face.) Rekka: Yaaa... it's a hole! A cave was opened up!! Joker: SEE? I wasn't lying, was I!? You stepped on my head for nothing! Kaoru: I'm sorry, Joker! Rekka's always so tempermental! Fuuko: So the moonlight was being blocked by the clouds, that's why the cave couldn't open... Everybody. Are we all prepared? Tokiya: Prepared for what? I'm certainly not prepared to die. (Domon remembers the face of Gaou. He punches his knuckles together.) (Kaoru remembers what his classmates told him.) Girl: "Don't worry about that pervert, Kaoru-kun!" Girl: "Yeah! Don't think too much about it!" Girl: "That's right! Forget about what was unhappy!" "Shall we go to the zoo next monday?" "I'll prepare the food." "Kaoru-kun will be the judge to see who makes the best food!" Kaoru: *That's right! That was my first time making friends with classmates my age.* Of course I'm prepared to come back alive, Fuuko-neesan! (Rekka looks at Yanagi.) Rekka: Don't worry about it! I won't hand you over to anybody. Yanagi: Mm... Rekka: If that's the case... Let's go, people!! AIM FOR SUCCESS! (Inside the cave...) Kamui: ... 1, 2, 3, 4.. 5.. 6 people. I can feel their movement. Kirin: So the Hokage have come, indeed. The more the merrier... Rasen... (And somewhere else...) Rekka: This place is practically an underground world! The further you descend, the wider the roads. I wish my house was so spacious. Fuuko: I for one would not want to have a house as inconvenient as this one. Kirin: But to retrieve the treasure from beneath, one has to overcome obstacles of all sorts... not bad! [The Hokage Team and Princess have successfully entered into the sealed place. 300 meters from the entrance, they have entered into a hard battle with the booby traps.] Back to the Top Volume 17, Chapter 10: The curse of 'Heaven Hell' Rekka: What a trip - Finally cleared up all those booby traps. Is anybody missing? REPORT! ONE! Yanagi: TWO! Domon: THREE, Fuuko: Four! Tokiya: Five... Kaoru: SIX, ~ *song* Rekka: ... Where's Joker... ? Kaoru: Hey... that's right... but I don't think anybody saw him anyway. Domon: Maybe - he never intended to follow in the first place... He's got a kind of 'ME' attitude. He'll come if wants, go if he pleases. Leave him be, leave him be. But, Hanabishi... What kind of a Madogu is 'Heaven Hell'? Rekka: People say it's a really fierce Madogu, but how wicked exactly is it? What kind of powers does it exist? Nobody really knows. I'm not sure myself. And it's just a description, don't be so scared. (A foot steps behind them.) Fuuko: Who's that!? (They turn out to be zombies.) Zombie: Uuuoooh... gaooaooh... "GUYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH" Fuuko: What's with all the zombies? Domon: Monsters who protect the sealed!? Fuuko: You won't be able to stop us!! Zombie: ... ... Fuuko: !? (She stops just in front of them.) Kaoru: ? Rekka: What's wrong, Fuuko? Fuuko: They... are not the enemy. Zombie: Kill us... please... kills us... (After a while.) Zombie: We were originally bandits. We may be horrifying monsters now, but we were previously good men. Domon: You're joking! Rekka: What happened to you? Zombie: Heaven Hell... It was because of the curse of Madogu hidden in the deepest depths of this place, Heaven Hell... that we are now unable to die. Rekka: *Unable... to die?* Zombie: I don't even know how many days have gone by. We cannot even remember the time when we entered... it was so long ago... *During the time when we were still human, there was a clan, known as the Hokage.* *They possessed certain Madogu with special powers.* *That was their downfall. They were later destroyed by Oda Nobunaga...* *And those Madogu were then scattered to different places.* *When we received news that the strongest of all, 'Heaven Hell' was hidden here, 21 of us...* *... arrived to seek it out.* *One...* *... by one...* *We perished.* *To protect the treasures in here, nature's forces have not spared us a single mercy -* *Only we three were left.* *But we finally found, HEAVEN HELL!!* *The moment we touched it, though...* Person: "WAAAH... !?" Person: "Yaaaa... hot! It's hot! I feel like I'm fire!! WAAAH!" *And then a loud voice echoed in our heads.* "Pathetic fools! You have no right to touch me. I still await my rightful master." "Only the chosen one may possess my power." "For people who think too highly of themselves... let them have a taste of hell..." "THIS IS A CURSE..." Zombie: And thus we were deprived of the right to die as time flowed on. Zombie: The tightly sealed entrance deprives us even of light! How envious we are of our companions who have died... Zombie: Many a times we have tried suicide, but it didn't work. No matter how badly we tried to mutilate ourselves, our soul refused to die. The pain remains, though... Dryness... and hunger... Even so... we cannot die... Rekka: All because of Heaven Hell... *Even here...* Kage Houshi: "For four hundred years I have travelled alone... kill me, Rekka..." Rekka: *Even here there are people who suffer hell because they cannot die...* (Yanagi walks up to them and lays her hands on one of the zombies.) Zombie: ! Yanagi: Until now... you must have suffered terribly! But... I... I can do nothing to help... I feel so bad! Zombie: Miss... you dare touch a dry and dirty body like this? And cry... tears because of monsters like us? Zombie: What a warm heart... a warm heart... aaa... it's still best to be living as a human... (He notices something on Fuuko.) Zombie: Are those Madogu you are carrying? I beg of you... Zombie: Use the power of your Madogu to... release us from this pain! Zombie: For immature children like you, I guess it will be difficult... but - let us have the freedom of death! Surely the strength of the Madogu can defeat the strength of another... Zombie: Please! Kill us!! Yanagi: Rekka-kun! Rekka: *I am very much aware of their pain... but... how could I... I... I can't do it... No matter what reason... I cannot kill them! Besides! I am the descendant of those who caused this calamity to be upon them!! Tokiya: Out of the way, Rekka! Rekka: !! NO! Don't! MIKAGAMI!! (Tokiya proceeds to entrap them in a block of ice.) Tokiya: Ice Sword... Absolute 0 degree - let them forget their pain for a while, and go into a long sleep. After we successfully destroy Heaven Hell - the curse they are under will surely be dispelled. Domon: That's right! Meno's father returned to his normal self after the Madogu which cast a spell on him was destroyed. Rekka: *as he lays his hand on the ice* Give me time... just a little more time... I promise... I will give your soul rest... Rekka: After I totally destroy Heaven Hell! Heaven Hell: ... ... I feel it... The chosen one has arrived! The one who will inherit my power... he has come! END OF VOLUME 17 Back to the Top Explanation of Kansai Japanese, like all languages, has many dialects. Mostly, standard can get you around pretty well, but in some places, the accents can be a bit odd . . . Kansai is a good example of this. Forgive me, for i won't pretend to be fluent, but I do know a few things about Kansai. It is the accent that is prevalent in Oosaka. For english speakers, perhaps it could be compared to the accent of the South (For Northerners) or the North (for Southerners). Perhaps even the British accent, if you wanted to take it to that level. Basically, in different accents, there will always be different slang and pronunciations. Take it this way: Kansai is so "thick" that some people can understand it (even some Japanese people ^_^!) Hence, since not many people speak it (And BTW, Joker doesn't speak true, full blown Kansai, but it can get thick at times), Joker is known for his Kansai accent (Or Kansaiben). Basically, this means that he will end people's names in "han" insead of "san" and use statements like "Washi ya" as opposed to "Washi (Usually watashi) da/ja". A side note is that many people who speak this accent are considered the "Jokers" (Ironic desu yo ne!). Ie: that fox that Ganko has or Chou from Kenshin. Rekka no Hono (c) Shonen Shogakukan and Nobuyuki Anzai. Translation script (c) Andrew Bilbrey and Pan Mian