Editor's comments and actions are denoted by [brackets]. Sound effects are written {like this}. (Parenthesis) indicate side notes in the dialogue bubble or the mangaka's note. And finally, italics are thoughts.

On the streets of Kyoto, Tatsumi and Muraki face off.

{sound f/x go: menacing atmosphere}

Tsuzuki: ......... Tatsumi......? You came... for me.........

Tatsumi: Are you all right, Tsuzuki-san!?

{sound f/x za: Tatsumi quickly kneeling in front of Tsuzuki}

Tsuzuki: ...Sorry. I screwed up again...

Tatsumi: That's fine... You please just protect that girl. I'll keep that doctor company.

Tsuzuki: Um... I'm sorry... Tatsumi. I'm really sorry...... [soft sigh]

Muraki: Hou. Are you that renowned Mr. Secretary of Enma-chou? I'm so pleased to be able to meet you... Tatsumi-san.

Tatsumi: Likewise. Being able to meet the notorious Doctor Muraki is certainly quite an honor——. [I just wanted to point out that Tatsumi and Muraki are hysterically over polite to each other in this scene.]

Muraki: Fufu...... As the rumors have said, you are quite a severe person.

Tatsumi: ———... My severity... is not only in my words!!!

{sound f/x gi: Tatsumi's glare}

{sound f/x dan: Tatsumi stepping forward}

As Tatsumi braces himself, the shadows created by his own body burst forth

{sound f/x bua: shadows rushing forth}

{sound f/x go: menacing atmosphere}

Muraki: !?

{sound f/x dosu: shadows spurting at Muraki}

Muraki: Gu...~

{sound f/x bihyun: high pitched whoosh of the shadows retracting}

Tatsumi: You see I...am the type to meticulously assault people I don't like.

Muraki: ...... Amazing. Are you a "Shadow User"? Once in Juuou-chou only two people existed who knew the phantom arts——

Tatsumi: ...You know quite a bit. The other is my teacher. My goodness, I admire your information network.

Muraki: (Hmph) I accept your praise but still, I will not reveal my news sources.........

Tatsumi: That is enough chatter, is it not? Things such as feeding innocent children to beasts are actions unbecoming of a doctor.

In Tsuzuki's arms, Mariko comes to and is witness to the rest of the fighting.

Mariko: What... This person... he's wearing black clothes and doesn't seem like a good guy... .........

Tatsumi: On top of that, to get a member of our staff involved...! I will absolutely never forgive you!!!

{sound f/x go: ominous atmosphere}

Muraki: [chuckling] But it seems like a good bit of personal feelings are entering into this?

Tatsumi: Be quiet!!

Muraki: It's too bad about the girl who saw you Shinigami. A person who sees Shinigami always dies within a number of days!!!

Mariko: Shinigami...!?

White feathers begin to float down around Muraki.

{sound f/x fuwari: gentle floating of a feather}

Muraki: My clothes have become all dirty. If you will please excuse me now.

{sound f/x saaa: lightly rustling wind}

{sound f/x shun: Muraki disappearing in a soft mist}

Tatsumi: (—— Hm~... Damn pervert)

Mariko: Shinigami———...

{sound f/x gu: Mariko making a fist in anger}

Mariko: It's their fault that Maki is... Maki is...~!!!

Hotel Granvia, Kyoto

Tatsumi: Did you wake up, Tsuzuki-san?

([point to Tatsumi] Arrived earlier.)

Tsuzuki: Tatsumi...? Where...is this...?

Tatsumi: A hotel room. The building from before is probably... It's probably being held by Muraki. He is always around in order to haunt you two. These countermeasures are a bit strict, but for a little while, we shall be living in this hotel. But of course, only doing this sort of petty trick feels a bit useless at that. I feel some sort of extraordinary sense in him... It's something I can't explain with logic——...

Tsuzuki: And that girl?

Tatsumi: [chuckling] We saw her back to her house. And worries about money are useless. We're paying with my card. (One Axxrican Express per household.) [In most manga, brand names are censored just like Axxrican Express, so I left it as is.]

{sound f/x pishi: Tatsumi whipping out the plastic}

(He usually saves for times like this.)

Tatsumi: ......Tsuzuki-san?

{sound f/x ba: Tsuzuki suddenly flinging himself forward}

{sound f/x gyuu: Tsuzuki squeezing Tatsumi tightly}

Tatsumi can only blush in shock as Tsuzuki hugs him tightly.

Tatsumi: What... exactly...

{sound f/x wata: Tatsumi's flustered shock}

Tatsumi: ...happened? Tsuzuki-san!?

Tsuzuki: ———... Another person died......... It's my fault... That girl became involved with me so Muraki...~...

Tatsumi: ——— Please stop speaking like that... You didn't do anything wrong.

{sound f/x egu: Tsuzuki sniffling}

{sound f/x hiku: Tsuzuki's broken hiccup}

Tsuzuki: But... But I...~...

Tatsumi slowly hugs Tsuzuki back.

{sound f/x su: the slow movement of Tatsumi's arms}

Tatsumi: His shirt's cold. Once again, have I made him cry... Tsuzuki-san... Don't cry. You're a man, right?

{sound f/x hiku: hiccup}

Tsuzuki: ...Sorr...~.........

{sound f/x egu: sniffle}

Tsuzuki: But...~

Tatsumi smiles gently and tucks Tsuzuki back into bed.

Tatsumi: You have nothing to worry about so please sleep a bit. That's another two times he's cried and that time, I vowed...

{sound f/x pofu: Tatsumi softly patting the covers down}

Tsuzuki: Tatsumi...

Tatsumi: It's all right... [small laugh] For those crimes that have wounded you two—— Muraki Kazutaka... Let's pay him back ourselves. I'll never forgive you!!!

In another room, Hisoka awaits news on Tsuzuki.

Hisoka: What happened? How's Tsuzuki doing?

Tatsumi: Well... he's a little shaken but... If he sleeps he should calm down. Now then. If he wakes up, don't let him eat anything... (Hotel food isn't very good for humans in convalescence.)

Hisoka: Ah, then I'll go out and buy something.

Tatsumi: Is that right? Well then, please wait a bit while I write a memo.

Hisoka: Tatsumi-san... Tomorrow, I'm going to Shion one more time. Watari-san and I...

Tatsumi: Huh~?

Hisoka: So Tatsumi-san, please stay close to him. I... it's the first time I've seen Tsuzuki like... that... He needs someone to comfort him or cheer him up. I've never even done that once for him—— I don't know how to connect to him, but... And probably he'll talk to you about the things that've hurt him again... And since you've known him for such a long time, Tatsumi-san, you're probably worried about him, too...

Tatsumi: (......) ...although I am... someone who couldn't hold on to him for even three months...? I think I understand your feelings quite well.

Hisoka: But...

Tatsumi: Kurosaki-kun. The time you have with a precious thing isn't long. We hurt each other and broke each other——... But you're different. At least when you meet him, your sympathetic heart can learn about him. Well, this time for the sake of your face, I'll take over for you. But next time, you'll do it on your own? That way, he'll be happy, too. (Right~)

{sound f/x pon: Tatsumi softly patting Hisoka on the shoulder}

Hisoka: (.....)

Tatsumi: It's all right. If you two...

Hisoka: ...... All right.

The next day———

Tatsumi: Aah, this is it. The famous Yoojiya brand of aburatori paper.

{sound f/x kya: girls shrieking}

Tsuzuki: ............ Hey, Tatsumi...

{sound f/x kya: more shopping girls shrieking}

Tsuzuki: (I've got a question.) Why are we in a place like this?

Tatsumi: (They have the hard backed case, too.) Can't you tell by looking, Tsuzuki-san? We're shopping. SH-OP-PI-NG.

(Incredibly bad composition.)

Shinkyougoku—Yoojiya Book Store

Tatsumi: When I said I was going to Kyoto instead of the Gushoushin, I was asked to pick up souvenirs from here and there. (My goodness, where did they all hear of this, anyway.)

Tsuzuki: (Yuck...) Those suits really like shopping together... How nauseating...

Tatsumi: [picking up a package] (Incidentally, this is the female staff's request.)

{sound f/x bu: Tsuzuki sticking out his tongue in disgust}

Tsuzuki: (These times are funny that way. Really...)

Tatsumi: These goods here are also favorites of mine. A glasses wipe would be perfect.

{sound f/x gashakon: cha-ching of the cash register}

Salesclerk: (That comes to 5760 yen (without tax).)

{sound f/x ka: Tsuzuki stepping outside of the store}

Tsuzuki: Tatsumii, I'm good here, right? I need to get back to work. (I don't want to tire Hisoka out again.)

Tatsumi: Sorry, Tsuzuki-san. Today, you're going to spend the whole day with me.

Tsuzuki: (huh...?) Why?

Tatsumi: We still haven't finished shopping yet. And as it took me great pains to get here, I want to do some sightseeing, too.

Tsuzuki: (Ah—?) We aren't kids so you're fine by yourself, right? If you want to sightsee, we've already seen various places. (We went with Guide Watari-san.)

Tatsumi: EVEN IF YOU'VE SEEN THINGS, I HAVEN'T YET!!!

{sound f/x guoo: great menacing atmosphere coming from the fuming Tatsumi}

Tatsumi: PLEASE DON'T RAISE OBJECTIONS TO SPENDING TIME WITH ME~~~~~!!!!

Tsuzuki: Ye~! Yess!!!

{sound f/x hi: Tsuzuki shrieking}

Tatsumi: [back to SD genkiness] Oka—y! Well then, next's let's go and buy the Kitayama Kugeimohonpo and the Daitou Senmaizuke that the Chief asked for. [Kugeimohonpo has something to do with potatoes, but I have no idea other than that. Senmaizuke is a type of stationary with holes poked into it.]

{sound f/x ukiuki: Tatsumi making his plans cheerfully}

Tatsumi: After that, let's visit Kinkakuji... ah! Let's also pray at Fushimiinari. [Kinkakuji is a famous temple in Kyoto, famous because it's completely covered in gold leaf. It's really beautiful and the gardens are lovely, too. Not to be confused with Ginkakuji, another famous temple. I don't know about Fushimiinari, but it must be a shrine as Inari is the fox god of the harvest.]

Tsuzuki: ...You don't care about all of that money... (Is it okay being separated from your precious boat?)

{sound f/x koso: Tsuzuki subtly voicing his doubts}

SD Tatsumi suddenly pinches SD puppy Tsuzuki's face tight.

{sound f/x gyuu: Tatsumi grabbing Tsuzuki's face}

Tatsumi: (U-hu-hu... What did you say just now? Tsuzuki-san~)

Tsuzuki: (No...Nothing. [tears])

{sound f/x egu: sniffling}

([pointing to Tsuzuki] He's getting pinched.)

Tatsumi: After we've finished business, let's have lunch at Chion'in's Imobou. I've already made reservations for tonight.

Tsuzuki: (Huh~!?) Really?

Tatsumi: At night we shall admire the fall leaves at Koudaiji... (Yes. It's a perfect plan.) And we shall enjoy our fill of Shimokamo Tea House cooking.

Tsuzuki: Shimokamo Tea House!?

{sound f/x pa: Tsuzuki glowing with the merry food possibilities}

Tsuzuki: Then, it's okay if I eat kyouyuba pudding!!? [I'm assuming kyouyuba stands for Kyoto Yuba. Yuba is basically the skimmings of tofu. Think of it as cream is to milk or whatever. Yuba is just like tofu, only thinner, tougher, and with less taste. Mmmm, I looooove yuba.]

(Shimokamo Tea House=In any case, it's really expensive.)

Tatsumi: Yes, have what you want.

{sound f/x uwa: Tsuzuki crying out for joy}

{sound f/x gyu: Tsuzuki glomping onto Tatsumi's arm}

Tsuzuki: Thank you, Tatsumi~!! I LO~~VE YOU~!!

{sound f/x kusu: Tatsumi's small chuckle}

Tatsumi and Tsuzuki make their grand tour of Kyoto. Tsuzuki's looking very energized and back to normal. At the end of the day, they end up sitting down for a snack at Tsujiura's tea house. [Back at the end of volume 5, Tsuzuki says that his favorite tea is green tea from the Kyoto shop, Tsujiura.]

Tatsumi: Are you tired, Tsuzuki-san?

Tsuzuki: Yeah, a little...

Tatsumi: We still have time before our Shimogamo reservations. If you order something sweet, it will cure your fatigue a little bit.

Tsuzuki: (okay...) Then I'll... have the Green Tea Castella Parfait. [Castella is a type of sponge cake.]

Tatsumi: Well then, I'll have... this Green Tea set.

Waiter: (Right away, sirs.)

Tsuzuki: Tatsumi... Thank you for today. I almost forgot about work and I had fun...

Tatsumi: ...Did I cheer you up a little bit?

Tsuzuki: Long ago, when you and I were together——— we had tea here together once... It's really changed since that time. This town, too.

Tatsumi: ...yes... And our relationship, too.........

Tatsumi watches Tsuzuki with soft eyes. Tsuzuki buries his head in his hands and begins to fall into the past.

Tsuzuki: That time I... the work and I robbed a small kid of his life... I thought I was completely foul, and the tears couldn't stop... and I got really depressed... Does this kind... of suicidal guy have the right to reap lives that have decided to try as hard as they can to live... I feel like tears can almost purify my body... I... I...~...

Tatsumi: Let's stop this already... ——— Talking about the past...

Tsuzuki pulls himself from his tears and looks at Tatsumi with determination.

Tsuzuki: Tatsumi... I... want to protect that girl...

Tatsumi: (......)

Tsuzuki: Now that she's seen our faces, Muraki will definitely target her. ——From now on... I don't want to make sad memories in this town.

Muraki: You have no right to speak ill of me!!

Tsuzuki: ——I won't let you kill anyone else.

{sound f/x gyu: Tsuzuki making a fist on the table}

Tsuzuki: I'll definitely protect them...!!! So Tatsumi... please lend me power!!

Tatsumi: At that time... you had always only waited for my consolation with frightened eyes, but for the first time—— you wanted me? [small laugh] Tsuzuki-san. If that is what you wish, I'd be delighted...... With everything I have—— let's make it become your power...

Back at the high school, Mariko walks slowly towards her building as students watch her out the window.

Student: It's Mariko! Mariko came!

Student: They say she saw Maki's murder.

Student: I hear that until now she's been investigated by the police...

Student: Huh...~? What's this?

Student: (who knows) Don't the police think that Mariko's the criminal.

Student: She killed her friend? What a horrible girl...

Mariko: ........ Why does no one believe me? Maki was killed by that guy!! That devil with pure white, silver haired——!!! I told the police everything... But that guy... (His name was Muraki I think) The detective said that doctor has a perfect alibi... But didn't I see it!? That guy killing Maki!!! It wasn't me! I didn't do anything!! Why, was he looking at me? No...... don't look at me...! Noo...~ Someone believe me———!!!

Tsuzuki: But if you're right in front of me, even if you say no, I can see you...

{sound f/x ha: Mariko's shocked gasp}

Tsuzuki: Yo. Nice to see you again, Ikaruga Mariko-san.

Mariko: ———!! Th~... This guy...!!?

In the university, a labbie bursts into an office.

Male labbie: PROFESSOOR!! [gasping] The experiment cloning Mickey Mouse-kun was a successs~!!!

{sound f/x ban: the door slamming open}

A female labbie stops the two with a large book entitled, "Human Cloning Techniques."

(Mickey-kun #2.)

{sound f/x bere: the male labbie squishing to a stop}

Female labbie: YOU IDIOT!! Even if you leave a mouse alone, it'll multiply! DORK!!! (This scum) By the way Mori-kun, do you know where the Professor went?

Mori: Huh? Didn't he have a lecture?

Female labbie: He's been out since morning.

Mori: Then he's probably in the underground lab.

{sound f/x waaa: girl shrieking}

Mori: (ehehe) The professor loves it there.

Female labbie: ...... Mori-kun... Lately... Don't you think Professor Satomi's been a little strange? It's because that Doctor Muraki comes, so what in the world is he doing when he shuts himself up in the basement...

{sound f/x waaa: more girls shrieking}

Mori: Is that right?

Female labbie: That's definitely right!! Don't you notice his habits as an assistant!? All the time you... ...

{sound f/x waaa: incredibly loud noise of girls shrieking}

Female labbie: ...~man. It's been so noisy outside~!!

Mickey-kun #2: (Chu)

Mori: Aah... today next door four stand-out brothers came in. The eldest three are teachers and the youngest is a 2^nd year student.

Female labbie: He——h... It's the first time there have been vacancies for three people to be hired as teachers.

Mori: Well it sounds like suddenly three teachers were hospitalized.

Female labbie: .........

In the high school, students gather in classroom 2-4 to meet their new arrivals.

Voice: And——— the reason we're here. The substitute teachers and transfer student who are starting today for a while——

Tatsumi: (Asato-san, tie your necktie properly.)

Tsuzuki: (Yeah...)

Voice: will introduce themselves.

(Wow... really awkward...)

Tatsumi: I am the eldest son, Tatsumi Seiichirou. I am in charge of mathematics.

Tsuzuki: I'm the next son, Asato—~! I'll teach you current events.

Watari: In charge of science, the 3^rd son Yutaka. Nice to meet you~!!

{sound f/x bishi: Watari flashing a peace sign}

Hisoka: I'm the fourth son, Hisoka...

(Sleepy.)

Mariko: No way...Why? (...)

{sound f/x kyaaa: schoolgirls screaming in glee}

Girls: (They're cool guys~~~ They're handsome~~~)

Mariko: Why are they here!? Why...

{sound f/x bachin: a glowing Tsuzuki winking at Mariko}

Mariko: [shrieking] Are they perhaps... following me?

{sound f/x gata: Mariko shaking the desk with her trembling}

Mariko: Wh...~...what should I do... ............ At this rate they'll kill me...!! The Shinigami'll kill me!!!

Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22

Manga belongs to Matsushita Youko, Hana to Yume, and Hakusensha, taken from the Yami no Matsuei, Volume 7 manga, ISBN4-592-17407-0. Not like the story makes sense if you haven't read the manga anyway. Romanized and translated into English very badly by Mina-P, with desperately needed help, as always, by Mako-chan. Any comments or corrections can be mailed to Mina-P at Minako@senshigakuen.com.

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