Hello. Eralisse here. On this blog, I plan to upload all the snippets of things that I translate from Japanese; otome games, light novels, etc. Anything I post will be on my own time and of my own choosing.
I'm starting to amass translations, so I'm going to make an index here for all my posts as I make them. I'll try not to re-translate parts that other people have already done, but I can't guarantee that, due to how posts do or don't show up when I search tags.
Brothers Conflict: Passion Pink
A lot of letters about Iori and Kaname's relationship. Lots of spoilers about the game and the novel, if you are not aware (which is very strange in my opinion, the fandom is more than 10 years old..), avoid this post
So. The first thing I want to notice is attitude Kaname towards Iori and his feelings. Now I will not take into account all their background, for now just as a given. His words about Iori's desire to be understood cannot be called love, because it is first of all understanding of another. On the one hand, he is right, Iori focused on himself, on his trauma and has been stewing in this cauldron for a long time. On the other hand, who and what right gave him to decide what can be called love and what cannot.
This is one of those feelings and things, the meaning of which everyone chooses for themselves. If for Iori it has such a meaning, then so it is. He has no right to devalue or deny his ideas.
Let's go further to his work as a monk, "savior of souls." Again, I will exaggerate everything. He interferes in his life too much. No, I'm not talking about how he didn't let Iori die. I'm talking about his "please leave Iori if you don't have deep feelings for him." Does he want to help? Yes, of course. However again, it's not up to him or Iori to decide.
I want to believe that after 3 years (she should have graduated and entered by this point), Ema has become self-sufficient enough. She can stand on her own two feet and make such decisions, be responsible for them. Make her "correct" decision, because her feelings and desires are taken into account. Not Kaname's and not Iori's either.
In general, his support and care seems like hypocrisy to me. He may have good intentions and genuinely want the best for Iori, but his constant interference in his personal life resembles the role of this savior. Which he has been wearing since the very beginning. Most likely, he feels this responsibility for the whole family and his religion somehow influences his actions and decisions, but I still think that he tries to push his worldview too often. A good psychologist, in my opinion, - and this is the role he is trying to play for Iori - should not give advice, say "I will save you no matter what". Iori must first come to this or that option himself. Whether he decides to commit suicide, as he wanted, or to live on, it does not matter, he must do it himself. And Kaname, no matter how hard it is, must leave this right to him and accept any outcome.
In the novel, Iori ultimately decides to live on, and pay attention, he does this before Ema comes running and convinces him otherwise. He came to this himself. If he hadn't done this, and someone else had started pouring out to him about the importance of life, he wouldn't have understood. He would have pretended again, nodded his head to calm the interlocutor down, and would have stuck to his guns. In general, this is exactly what happens until this moment of self-acceptance and forgiveness.
In the game.. the fact that Ema was able to change his mind in the end is a miracle of all miracles, which i don't believe in. No, I do believe it, if we take it as a fact, an axiom, that Iori loved her. And he loved his ex-girlfriend very much too. It was the phrase "Do you want to make me suffer as much as you do" that did the trick. But only on the condition that he loved Ema. If someone else had said it, he wouldn't have batted an eye. Iori had already said before that family means nothing to him.
My opinion is well my opinion. It may be wrong, since I've only read bits and pieces from the novel, short retellings, and free adaptation of the game itself (I read Iori's route with all endings). I'm ready for discussion and "But the author is wrong (insert what exactly), because…"
Ohh.. and I leave there my little overview about Iori after his route. So that people don't think that he is so nice and fluffy.
What can I say about Iori. Overall, nothing special, he looks very normal. He goes to an elite school, is an excellent student, popular with girls his age. He has a part-time job, takes care of the garden. By the way, I am confused why this was not shown. It is only in the anime. Oh well. Athough no, in general, he only talks about flowers twice: when he was choosing a bouquet for the teacher and when Miwa gave hers to Ema.
That's what is surprising for such a type, he is a gentleman 50/50, I can even say that he's a little manipulative. Yes, he is polite, "lady first" and "holding the door" that's all him. But he has a trait when he likes it when the choice between something is given to him. i.e. in the scene when they see a model and Iori deliberately offers Ema to come over, because "this is a rare opportunity". The choice to stay with him blossoms like flowers. He likes it when he is called kind. In general, he seems quiet, speaks in a calm voice, but his phrases are far from harmless. He snaps at Kaname, he teases Ema. He hints and insists on his own, the same idea of double suicide, constantly tries to squeeze in "this is a promise, right?" / "we promised each other"
I think... I wrote everything, thanks to everyone if anyone even read this 0/
*_* I have been waiting for a discussion on these two for a very long time, even if I've not thought about it in too much depth/sensitivity. *rubs hands together* I will do my best to respond.
First off, I would like to comment that This Series Has Inconsistent Writing. By which I mean-
The anime versions of the characters are shallow caricatures of themselves. (As is obvious on my blog, Kaname is my fave. And his characterization in the anime has barely any of his better traits and depth. Most people who watch the anime just label him as a flirty pervert monk and call it a day.)
The game versions have some more depth. However, the routes are not super well written. (See your points about Iori's ending. And Kaname's route was just a whole lot of waffling about. There are some nice moments, but that's about it.) The game appears to fluctuate between the anime characterization and the novel characterization. That said, I've only read through Iori's and Kaname's route, both of which were years ago.
The novel, while is the best written of the lot, appears to either have 1) things they want to have happen and thus will make it happen regardless of if the character would do it. Or 2) didn't quite plan things out clearly since it was serialized, and thus things happened based on reader response.
Disclaimer: Despite having all the novels, I have Not been able to read all of it due to my lack of fluency in Japanese.
Regarding the two characters--
If I've gotten my timeline right, That Christmas Eve would have been 12/24/2011, and Ema would have been in her 3rd year in high school, which would put her at around 18 years old (birthday 10/8/1993?). The hospital scene would have been the winter before, so she would have been 17? Iori's birthday is 4/17/1992, so he would have been about 19. Kaname's birthday is 5/28/1983, so he would have been about 28. Everyone is fairly young, and this is not an easy situation, so I'm not going to lambast them (too much) for their choices.
That said, it is a bit unusual that Kaname would try to "save" Iori by himself. And as you/others have said, arrogant as well. Why do the other brothers not seem to know about Iori's situation? (I forget which brothers know about the suicide attempt, if any.) And if they do know, why did no one else seem to do anything? Where did Kaname's hubris come from?
Let's try to go through his background-
The brothers' father died when he was about 17 (shortly after 1/3/2000). At this point, the elder brothers would have then become the men of the house, and learn to do for the younger brothers what their father would have done. Miwa would have probably had to work extra hard to cover the missing salary, to pay for Masaomi's medical school, and also Ukyo's school. Perhaps in this critical time, Masaomi and Ukyo were at school and not home, which means that for the 1-2 years before he went to school himself, Kaname would have been the most accessible older person in the house. That's probably going to create pressure for him to handle things himself.
Iori was in middle school (age 13-15) when Fuyuka died, so Kaname would have been about 22-24, right after graduating college. I translated Kaname's degree as sociology, but that was a guess. The closest I got was some sort of social studies degree. Perhaps he had a psychology degree instead? (His resume is on my blog, if someone else could read it and confirm if I got it right, that'd be great, thank you.) There is a chance that Kaname thought that he knew enough with the degree to Do Something. (I consider that arrogance, since a degree is only enough to get you started.)
Presumably, he became a monk around that time. I would think that he might have become a monk shortly after Iori's attempt. We don't know about all the staff at his temple, just the ones that do the same job as him. Maybe there's more senior monks that he could consult. But if we consider the ones we do know, then Ryuusei would be most senior, and he looks to be only a few years older than Kaname. Low 30's is enough to know something, but there's still a vast difference between consulting a 30-something year old person and a 60-something year old person.
What I'm trying to say is, did Kaname have anyone that was an Adult adult to ask for help? At any time? (Miwa is probably as out of the picture for Kaname as Rintarou is for Ema.) Perhaps this is why he acts like he has to be the one to "save" Iori.
From the Season 1 novels and games, you can also see that in a crisis, it is going to be Kaname that acts first. At the beach, when Wataru is missing, Masaomi is a bit panicky, while Kaname rallies the brothers and sends them off with tasks pretty much immediately. When Ema is swept off the ski course, Kaname goes out himself to get her. Perhaps in tricky situations, the brothers have learned to rely on Kaname.
Which unfortunately probably means that Kaname would not have learned to rely on the brothers. As mentioned in the games, the brothers are not always able to tell when something is troubling Kaname, so he's left to handle his problems on his own. We can only hope that the brothers are more observant outside of what the novel and game writers have written.
All this is just to say that, I can maybe see where Kaname is coming from, and why he chose to handle Iori's situation the way he did. Not that he was right.
What I think he should have done was, at least, to notify Masaomi and Ukyo, and between the three of them, discuss and plan. It should not have taken nearly 4 years for anyone to go consult a psychologist/therapist for help after a known suicide attempt. (That said, I recognize that this is set in Japan, and mental health is not a focus there...)
I don't have as much to say about Iori, since I've not spent so long thinking on his character and motivations.
Out of the brothers, I think Iori's definitely the most aggressive one. He sounds all soft and nice on the outside, but he gets physical with Ema multiple times. At the cherry blossom viewing, he straight up grabs Ema and is about to pull her away when Kaname splits them up. At the summer festival, he pulls her into a hug and the kiss, without getting consent first. And during That Christmas Eve, he herds her from the street to his car and then from the car to the tombstone. He also looks over her shoulder to see what she's texting and to whom, and gets all scary when he thinks she's calling someone.
And, not to mention, you know, him threatening Kaname with "I don't know what'll happen if you get in between Ema and me again," and then straight up punching Kaname and going for a garrotte kill.
OP has already mentioned his manipulative tendencies, so I won't repeat it.
I'm not exactly a fan of the ending in Iori's route in the game. That whole scene was pretty rushed, but Ema going all "Let me be your reason to live!" strikes me as... hmm... extreme? Although everyone was extreme (and dramatic) in that scene, so I guess it's fine.
Maybe it's because my personal reaction is along the lines of "WTF MAN?!" that it's harder for me to empathize. I also never quite understood how Iori got as far as to hate Kaname. Like, I understand that the reason is that Kaname won't let him off himself. So I get that he has resentment and ill feelings. But hate, enough to kill? The only thing I can think of is that it was resentment up until the point that Ema came into the picture, and over the events of the novel, turned into that hate.
What else?
I'm glad that Iori managed to figure things out for himself in the end. From what I could tell, he also was one that didn't really rely on other people. (And again, where are the adults that he could consult?) What was his relationship with the other elder brothers? Did absolutely no one else notice his red flags prior to his attempt?
I've run out of steam, so that's all I've got to say in one post. Thanks for reading.
First of all, I agree with everything you said about the anime and games. To be honest, I perceive them as free adaptations, nothing more. In general, the second season of the novels starts to develop the characters more or less. The first is a cauldron that is just starting to boil. I'm not sure that I will play through anyone from the "Pink" part, perhaps I will limit myself to only the "Blue" brothers. They are generally more interesting to me, so I can't say anything about Kaname's route.
Regarding age, although I believe in Ema's right to make her own decisions and be responsible for them. She really needs to make an allowance in terms of age, after all, 16-18 is not yet the time when you can come up with something worthwhile. Especially when it comes to other people's lives. She sincerely wants to become part of the family, so all her attempts will be limited by the desire to save and preserve this very family. It seems to me that if it weren't for Kaname (if he hadn't run to the cemetery), Ema would have "sacrificed" herself in some sense. Maybe even like in Iori's bad ending, it's "I'll follow him wherever he wants".
As for the other brothers, I don't remember if I wrote about it somewhere… but it seems to me that Masaomi's softer approach or Ukyo's logical arguments, if not the best solution, would at least have been a pleasant change for Iori. Although there are many questions here too. For everyone, Iori was a "good" child. He studied well, didn't get into trouble, didn't demand extra attention. They were so used to and encouraged that Iori simply existed in this house that it didn't surprise me at all that he did. How he quietly packed his things and left home somewhere at the end of the first season.
I think that precisely because he was the closest to Kaname, his "betrayal" was felt much more strongly. This initial trust turned into hate. As for the desire to kill… I can understand it to some extent. For him, Kaname became the last bastion: he "interfered" with his reunion with Fuyuka, he didn't let him approach Ema. He constantly get on his nerves with salvation, which Iori did not need at the moment. On the basis of trauma, we got what we got. I really ironically liked the moment when Kaname was strangled with the very cross with which he tried to save Iori. He'd got what he sow. Sorry.
I also agree about the ending of the game. Even knowing about the extra, everything looked very abrupt. This is again a miracle, which I believe in with great doubt and many nuances. Especially, a lot of questions for Kaname, who decided not resisting and let Iori kill him. I won't even start discussing about the consequences in terms of the law, crime and other things. I am talking about Iori's mental, pretty undermined health.
I want to believe that, whatever the case, he is kind at heart. That he acquired all this traits over time. He started snapping at Kaname because of hostility and the reasons described above. Manipulative tendencies due to fatigue from the lack of treatment results. It was easier for him to throw his anxienties deep down and pretend to be normal than to tolerate worry in his direction. Long story short, this his initial kindness would kill him after calming down with extra guilt on cherry on top. I do not justify him in any of the cases, but I can understand.
Returning to Kaname… well, my opinion of him changed after the novels and Iori's route. Of course, I want to sit him down at the negotiating table and read a lecture about his actions and inactions, but yeah. That's my problem. I don't hate him, but I can't call him my favorite either.
P.S. During Iori's route, I kept thinking that I should have simply and without frills gone to Louis' route. (I'm already there)
Hi! (I appreciate the fast response. You've jogged my brain for a few more reactions now that it's not 2am.)
Speaking of alternate adaptations, I want to see more of the Purupuru versions of the characters. Specifically, what if it was Puru!Ema who was in the novels? I think that would have made for an interesting read.
(Reading a summary of Kaname's route is probably good enough. It pretty much just covers the beach scene, plus a little bit after, and then it's a bunch of unconnected moments that somehow result in a romance. Even if that's kinda how it works IRL, I would like a more cohesive plot in a video game.)
What you said about Ema "sacrificing" herself struck me-- I think that's the issue I've got with the (two) game routes. Neither of the romances felt genuine to me. It just seemed like Ema was being dragged into "loving" whoever's route it was. Felt like they just got to know each other and then BAM, I guess they're together now. (Felt contrived.) Even in the good ending of Iori's route, it was kind of like that. Felt like Ema was just throwing herself into the relationship. Can't back out now that you've made yourself someone's raison d'etre, you know?
I agree that if Masaomi and Ukyo had been more involved in Iori's situation, something better could have been done. You're right about how his existence was taken for granted. (I mean, that's exactly what happened in the anime. >_>) It's a crying shame how there's so many people in that house, and yet no one seems to notice much about each other? Or have strong enough relationships to give a damn and Do Something? (This is where I start blaming the authors.)
Ah yeah, that is what they say, right? Something about really only hating the ones you love. If Iori didn't have strong relationship with Kaname, it wouldn't have hurt so much.
(I really liked the scene on That Christmas Eve as well. Reading about that scene was pretty much what spurred me to really get into the series. I'm a sucker for the angst. THE DRAMA. THIS AIN'T NO KIDDY SHOUJO BOOK NOSIRREE >:) ) (... At least, it had the potential to be more mature. I want fanfics digging into the thoughts of this scene please!)
That's right, WHAT is going on in Kaname's head to get him to think that "Ah yes, my dying will help you move on" or whatever. Like, dude, WTH? (Also, if you... kind of... -let- someone kill you, does that count as a suicide?...) They BOTH need a trip or twenty to the therapist. (I would assume that Kaname talked to somebody when he went off to the mountain temple. And presumably Iori also went to talk to the psychologist that Kaname was visiting the week before That Christmas Eve. But they can't really explain the full situation, can they?...) (And of course, none of the other brothers know about That Christmas Eve, so these two ain't going to get any help regarding [3sec away from deliberately offing your own brother] and [not resisting when your brother tries to kill you]. X_x)
P.S. I wouldn't have sat through Iori's route if I didn't like Kaname. (The only reason I went through it was to get more of That Christmas Eve. Sorrynotsorry.)
P.P.S. Also, as interested as I am in their characters and relationships, neither of these two really pair well with Ema. TEAM YUUSUKE, LET'S GO!
A lot of letters about Iori and Kaname's relationship. Lots of spoilers about the game and the novel, if you are not aware (which is very strange in my opinion, the fandom is more than 10 years old..), avoid this post
So. The first thing I want to notice is attitude Kaname towards Iori and his feelings. Now I will not take into account all their background, for now just as a given. His words about Iori's desire to be understood cannot be called love, because it is first of all understanding of another. On the one hand, he is right, Iori focused on himself, on his trauma and has been stewing in this cauldron for a long time. On the other hand, who and what right gave him to decide what can be called love and what cannot.
This is one of those feelings and things, the meaning of which everyone chooses for themselves. If for Iori it has such a meaning, then so it is. He has no right to devalue or deny his ideas.
Let's go further to his work as a monk, "savior of souls." Again, I will exaggerate everything. He interferes in his life too much. No, I'm not talking about how he didn't let Iori die. I'm talking about his "please leave Iori if you don't have deep feelings for him." Does he want to help? Yes, of course. However again, it's not up to him or Iori to decide.
I want to believe that after 3 years (she should have graduated and entered by this point), Ema has become self-sufficient enough. She can stand on her own two feet and make such decisions, be responsible for them. Make her "correct" decision, because her feelings and desires are taken into account. Not Kaname's and not Iori's either.
In general, his support and care seems like hypocrisy to me. He may have good intentions and genuinely want the best for Iori, but his constant interference in his personal life resembles the role of this savior. Which he has been wearing since the very beginning. Most likely, he feels this responsibility for the whole family and his religion somehow influences his actions and decisions, but I still think that he tries to push his worldview too often. A good psychologist, in my opinion, - and this is the role he is trying to play for Iori - should not give advice, say "I will save you no matter what". Iori must first come to this or that option himself. Whether he decides to commit suicide, as he wanted, or to live on, it does not matter, he must do it himself. And Kaname, no matter how hard it is, must leave this right to him and accept any outcome.
In the novel, Iori ultimately decides to live on, and pay attention, he does this before Ema comes running and convinces him otherwise. He came to this himself. If he hadn't done this, and someone else had started pouring out to him about the importance of life, he wouldn't have understood. He would have pretended again, nodded his head to calm the interlocutor down, and would have stuck to his guns. In general, this is exactly what happens until this moment of self-acceptance and forgiveness.
In the game.. the fact that Ema was able to change his mind in the end is a miracle of all miracles, which i don't believe in. No, I do believe it, if we take it as a fact, an axiom, that Iori loved her. And he loved his ex-girlfriend very much too. It was the phrase "Do you want to make me suffer as much as you do" that did the trick. But only on the condition that he loved Ema. If someone else had said it, he wouldn't have batted an eye. Iori had already said before that family means nothing to him.
My opinion is well my opinion. It may be wrong, since I've only read bits and pieces from the novel, short retellings, and free adaptation of the game itself (I read Iori's route with all endings). I'm ready for discussion and "But the author is wrong (insert what exactly), because…"
Ohh.. and I leave there my little overview about Iori after his route. So that people don't think that he is so nice and fluffy.
What can I say about Iori. Overall, nothing special, he looks very normal. He goes to an elite school, is an excellent student, popular with girls his age. He has a part-time job, takes care of the garden. By the way, I am confused why this was not shown. It is only in the anime. Oh well. Athough no, in general, he only talks about flowers twice: when he was choosing a bouquet for the teacher and when Miwa gave hers to Ema.
That's what is surprising for such a type, he is a gentleman 50/50, I can even say that he's a little manipulative. Yes, he is polite, "lady first" and "holding the door" that's all him. But he has a trait when he likes it when the choice between something is given to him. i.e. in the scene when they see a model and Iori deliberately offers Ema to come over, because "this is a rare opportunity". The choice to stay with him blossoms like flowers. He likes it when he is called kind. In general, he seems quiet, speaks in a calm voice, but his phrases are far from harmless. He snaps at Kaname, he teases Ema. He hints and insists on his own, the same idea of double suicide, constantly tries to squeeze in "this is a promise, right?" / "we promised each other"
I think... I wrote everything, thanks to everyone if anyone even read this 0/
*_* I have been waiting for a discussion on these two for a very long time, even if I've not thought about it in too much depth/sensitivity. *rubs hands together* I will do my best to respond.
First off, I would like to comment that This Series Has Inconsistent Writing. By which I mean-
The anime versions of the characters are shallow caricatures of themselves. (As is obvious on my blog, Kaname is my fave. And his characterization in the anime has barely any of his better traits and depth. Most people who watch the anime just label him as a flirty pervert monk and call it a day.)
The game versions have some more depth. However, the routes are not super well written. (See your points about Iori's ending. And Kaname's route was just a whole lot of waffling about. There are some nice moments, but that's about it.) The game appears to fluctuate between the anime characterization and the novel characterization. That said, I've only read through Iori's and Kaname's route, both of which were years ago.
The novel, while is the best written of the lot, appears to either have 1) things they want to have happen and thus will make it happen regardless of if the character would do it. Or 2) didn't quite plan things out clearly since it was serialized, and thus things happened based on reader response.
Disclaimer: Despite having all the novels, I have Not been able to read all of it due to my lack of fluency in Japanese.
Regarding the two characters--
If I've gotten my timeline right, That Christmas Eve would have been 12/24/2011, and Ema would have been in her 3rd year in high school, which would put her at around 18 years old (birthday 10/8/1993?). The hospital scene would have been the winter before, so she would have been 17? Iori's birthday is 4/17/1992, so he would have been about 19. Kaname's birthday is 5/28/1983, so he would have been about 28. Everyone is fairly young, and this is not an easy situation, so I'm not going to lambast them (too much) for their choices.
That said, it is a bit unusual that Kaname would try to "save" Iori by himself. And as you/others have said, arrogant as well. Why do the other brothers not seem to know about Iori's situation? (I forget which brothers know about the suicide attempt, if any.) And if they do know, why did no one else seem to do anything? Where did Kaname's hubris come from?
Let's try to go through his background-
The brothers' father died when he was about 17 (shortly after 1/3/2000). At this point, the elder brothers would have then become the men of the house, and learn to do for the younger brothers what their father would have done. Miwa would have probably had to work extra hard to cover the missing salary, to pay for Masaomi's medical school, and also Ukyo's school. Perhaps in this critical time, Masaomi and Ukyo were at school and not home, which means that for the 1-2 years before he went to school himself, Kaname would have been the most accessible older person in the house. That's probably going to create pressure for him to handle things himself.
Iori was in middle school (age 13-15) when Fuyuka died, so Kaname would have been about 22-24, right after graduating college. I translated Kaname's degree as sociology, but that was a guess. The closest I got was some sort of social studies degree. Perhaps he had a psychology degree instead? (His resume is on my blog, if someone else could read it and confirm if I got it right, that'd be great, thank you.) There is a chance that Kaname thought that he knew enough with the degree to Do Something. (I consider that arrogance, since a degree is only enough to get you started.)
Presumably, he became a monk around that time. I would think that he might have become a monk shortly after Iori's attempt. We don't know about all the staff at his temple, just the ones that do the same job as him. Maybe there's more senior monks that he could consult. But if we consider the ones we do know, then Ryuusei would be most senior, and he looks to be only a few years older than Kaname. Low 30's is enough to know something, but there's still a vast difference between consulting a 30-something year old person and a 60-something year old person.
What I'm trying to say is, did Kaname have anyone that was an Adult adult to ask for help? At any time? (Miwa is probably as out of the picture for Kaname as Rintarou is for Ema.) Perhaps this is why he acts like he has to be the one to "save" Iori.
From the Season 1 novels and games, you can also see that in a crisis, it is going to be Kaname that acts first. At the beach, when Wataru is missing, Masaomi is a bit panicky, while Kaname rallies the brothers and sends them off with tasks pretty much immediately. When Ema is swept off the ski course, Kaname goes out himself to get her. Perhaps in tricky situations, the brothers have learned to rely on Kaname.
Which unfortunately probably means that Kaname would not have learned to rely on the brothers. As mentioned in the games, the brothers are not always able to tell when something is troubling Kaname, so he's left to handle his problems on his own. We can only hope that the brothers are more observant outside of what the novel and game writers have written.
All this is just to say that, I can maybe see where Kaname is coming from, and why he chose to handle Iori's situation the way he did. Not that he was right.
What I think he should have done was, at least, to notify Masaomi and Ukyo, and between the three of them, discuss and plan. It should not have taken nearly 4 years for anyone to go consult a psychologist/therapist for help after a known suicide attempt. (That said, I recognize that this is set in Japan, and mental health is not a focus there...)
I don't have as much to say about Iori, since I've not spent so long thinking on his character and motivations.
Out of the brothers, I think Iori's definitely the most aggressive one. He sounds all soft and nice on the outside, but he gets physical with Ema multiple times. At the cherry blossom viewing, he straight up grabs Ema and is about to pull her away when Kaname splits them up. At the summer festival, he pulls her into a hug and the kiss, without getting consent first. And during That Christmas Eve, he herds her from the street to his car and then from the car to the tombstone. He also looks over her shoulder to see what she's texting and to whom, and gets all scary when he thinks she's calling someone.
And, not to mention, you know, him threatening Kaname with "I don't know what'll happen if you get in between Ema and me again," and then straight up punching Kaname and going for a garrotte kill.
OP has already mentioned his manipulative tendencies, so I won't repeat it.
I'm not exactly a fan of the ending in Iori's route in the game. That whole scene was pretty rushed, but Ema going all "Let me be your reason to live!" strikes me as... hmm... extreme? Although everyone was extreme (and dramatic) in that scene, so I guess it's fine.
Maybe it's because my personal reaction is along the lines of "WTF MAN?!" that it's harder for me to empathize. I also never quite understood how Iori got as far as to hate Kaname. Like, I understand that the reason is that Kaname won't let him off himself. So I get that he has resentment and ill feelings. But hate, enough to kill? The only thing I can think of is that it was resentment up until the point that Ema came into the picture, and over the events of the novel, turned into that hate.
What else?
I'm glad that Iori managed to figure things out for himself in the end. From what I could tell, he also was one that didn't really rely on other people. (And again, where are the adults that he could consult?) What was his relationship with the other elder brothers? Did absolutely no one else notice his red flags prior to his attempt?
I've run out of steam, so that's all I've got to say in one post. Thanks for reading.
Brothers Conflict: Season 1 LN - Ch16 Repeat, Sec2
Following the previous segment, this is Kaname's flashback to his confrontation with Iori after Iori's kiss with Ema.
Brothers Conflict Translations Index
Iori: “You’re telling me to get away from her?”
Iori looked genuinely surprised.
After pulling the two apart, I sent her home first, and then confronted Iori.
Iori: “What are you saying, Kaname-niisan? That’s absurd. The two of us mutually want each other, and forgive each other.”
His voice was filled with complete conviction. It was said so brazenly that, for a moment, I was at a loss for an answer. But I couldn’t afford to say nothing.
Kaname: “... Iori. You’re wrong.”
I said at last. I didn’t think I would get through to Iori. But still, it was necessary to object.
Kaname: “That’s just your assumption.”
Iori: “Ahh, Kaname-niisan has lied again.”
Iori smiled happily.
Iori: “She hasn’t rejected me at all. In fact, she has accepted me, you know.”
Kaname: “...!”
A piece of memory came to mind. That sight I saw through the trees.
— That sight of Iori embracing her and pressing his lips onto hers.
Iori: “And yet, it’s my assumption? If you insist. At the very least, you could lie a little more convincingly?”
Kaname: “Iori, listen to me…”
Iori: “Kaname-niisan.”
Iori’s words cut me off.
Iori: “Isn’t this a bit unsightly?”
Kaname: “What?”
Iori: “To put simply, your jealousy.”
The moment he said that, vehemence shot through my body. My voice burst out from the uncontrollable impulse.
Kaname: “Iori!”
Iori: “Ahh.”
Iori smiled broadly.
Iori: “What a serious face… Well, I can understand your feelings. After all, the one who held out his hand before anyone else was Kaname-niisan.”
Kaname: “Wh–!”
Iori: “Do you remember the time when she was laid up with a cold?”
Iori said suddenly.
Iori: “Kaname-niisan, you had gone to call on her.”
Kaname: “Eh?”
Such a long time ago… The memories from shortly after when she first came to live at the apartment complex returned to me.
After midsummer had passed, she had caught a cold, probably from fatigue. And at that time, I had gone to her room to visit.
… But why did Iori know about that?
Iori: “Ahh, it was a coincidence.”
Iori said, as if reading my mind.
Iori: “Right before you’d gone, I’d also went to call on her. Then, when I was still at the stairs, you’d come.”
Kaname: “...”
Iori: “Of course, I hadn’t intended to eavesdrop.”
Iori smiled.
Iori: “I could hear you. Kaname-niisan, you said at the door, ‘Since that kiss, you’ve not spoken to me at all.’ “
Kaname: “Iori…”
Iori: “You’d kissed her before then, didn’t you?”
Kaname: “...”
Iori: “That is quite unforgivable.”
Iori’s smile grew.
Iori: “However, I see now that it was a big day. Because it was my victory.”
Iori’s face overflowed with his sense of superiority.
Iori: “Kaname-niisan.”
Iori continued.
Iori: “How does it feel to have me take so easily what you thought could be yours?”
Kaname: “... Iori.”
Iori: “But, since you’ve lost, I wish you’d quietly accept your defeat. You say you want to fix me, to protect me, but you’re trying to break us up. Don’t you think that’s a bit shameful?”
Kaname: “No, what are you saying…”
I tried hard to respond, but could not continue past that.
Iori: “Then, you didn’t kiss her? Can you say you didn’t kiss her?”
The smile left Iori’s eyes. Even though his mouth was still smiling, his eyes were shockingly cold.
Iori: “And… if you did kiss her, can you say you don’t like her?”
I was unable to say anything.
I wanted to stop Iori and Ema’s relationship more than anything. But I could not deny Iori’s point about it being my envy.
It’s true that I kissed Ema, therefore, it couldn’t be helped that my interference would be seen as coming from jealousy.
… No, to a third party, it would probably be seen as natural.
(But… even so…)
This could not continue. If I left Iori alone, both he and Ema would get messed up.
(I have to stop them somehow…)
That thought whirled about my head, but nothing came up as to what I should say next.
Iori: “... I’ve had enough.”
Iori said after a while.
Iori: “I’ll forget what happened today… However.”
His voice suddenly became icy.
Iori: “If you get in the way again, I can’t say what will happen then… Understood?”
On that note, Iori walked away. I could do nothing except watch him leave.
Brothers Conflict: Season 1 LN - Ch16 Repeat, Sec1
This follows right after the scene I last translated, where Iori kisses Ema during the summer festival. Kaname has just left the two of them, and is now regretting everything...
(Splitting this chapter into each of the 3 short scenes, to give myself motivation.)
Brothers Conflict Translations Index
— I stepped out of the grove.
The face with wide eyes full of surprise. And the face with a cool smile overflowing with confidence. I’d pulled those two faces that were so close to each other forcefully apart.
(I am… an idiot.)
Regret filled me.
The one who had invited her here today was me. Recently, many things had happened, and she’d been troubled, so I’d thought this could give her some reprieve.
…However, to speak honestly, that wasn’t the only reason.
I’d wanted to show her the side of me when I was working, that was slightly different from the usual me. I can’t say that I never felt that way.
That led to this happening. The thing I had dreaded happening until now, the thing I had sworn to prevent from happening, I let happen right in front of me.
(... I’m such a fool.)
Anger followed my bitterness.
I curled my fingers tightly into a fist.
Chiaki: “Kana-san… Hey, Kana-san.”
Suddenly, I heard a voice. Returning to my senses, I quickly turned around.
Kaname: “... Mm, what is it?”
Chiaki: “Don’t ‘what is it’ me.”
It was Chiaki, the youngest of my colleagues at the temple, standing there.
Chiaki: “I’ve been calling you for a while now, you haven’t noticed?”
Kaname: “... Ah, is that right, sorry, Chi-chan.”
Chiaki: “No, it’s not me.”
Saying that, he pointed behind him. There, wrapped in a dazzling yukata, was a woman past 30 years old..
(Ah…)
She was a regular client. A career woman who worked hard at a large company. The year before last, she’d lost her father and came to us for advice, and since then, we’d become close acquaintances.
Chiaki: “Huh… I can’t believe this. That kind of customer rarely comes, you know? If you don’t want her, I’ll take her.”
Kaname: “... Chi-chan.”
I turned again toward Chiaki.
Kaname: “Sorry, can you be that parishioner’s partner for me?”
Chiaki: “Huh? What are you saying, Kana-san?”
Chiaki frowned in displeasure.
Chiaki: “I haven’t fallen so low that you need to give me your clients.”
Kaname: “That’s not it. … Just, I’m feeling poorly. I’d like to rest a bit. Fortunately, this parishioner doesn’t have a nomination for today.”
Chiaki: “You’re not feeling well?”
Chiaki snorted.
Chiaki: “You sure? I can seriously take her?”
Kaname: “... Please, Chi-chan.”
I moved to the side past Chiaki, towards the temple kitchens. Even though it was the day of the summer festival, regular people would not be able to enter. As it were, it was a staff only area.
After entering, I could hear the loud voices from the kitchen. It wasn’t just parishioners coming here today, but also a great number of regular people. The kitchens must be busy with food preparations.
I avoided the lively noise, heading to the opposite side of the kitchen. Before long, I was surrounded by the mouth (口)-shaped hallway, and exited out into a small courtyard. There, it was devoid of other human presence.
(...Hah…)
I took a breath, and went down into the courtyard.
Looking up, I saw a dark, motionless sky.
— Overlapping with that sky were Iori’s eyes.
Once again, strong regret welled up in my heart. … Except this time the regret was different from before. It was the regret of not being able to bring the light back into those eyes now drowning in darkness that constricted my heart.
Continuing this character study, here's Kaname's resume as on the cover of the Season 2 Volume 3 light novel. I can see why the rest of the family makes jokes about him messing around, and also how he managed to take over Miwa's position in her company. His academic background isn't shabby!
Brothers Conflict Translations Index
Curriculum Vitae
Dated 8/22/2013
Furigana: (Kaname Asahina)
Full Name: Kaname Asahina
Date of Birth: 5/28/1983
Gender: Male
Blood Type: O
Occupation: (Buddhist) Monk
Height: 185cm (6ft 1in)
Weight: 69kg (152lb)
* Just kidding, that’s a joke!
Hobbies: Meditation, mingling with women
Favorite Book: Hikaru Asakawa’s novels
Strong Subjects: Japanese, World History
Strong Sports: Although I don’t have a weak area, I cannot compete with Nacchan in long distance running, nor can I compete with Subachan in basketball.
Food You Like: Food made with love
Food You Dislike: Nothing in particular
Something You Can Be Proud Of: Being rich𝅘𝅥𝅮
What Do You Think You’ll Be Doing In 10 Years?: Watching over you as your brother.
Fuuto: Manager… You’re a host after all, huh?
Kaname: I said it was a joke! I’m an ordained monk~.
Brothers Conflict: Season 1 LN - Ch16, Sec6 & Sec7
This is the penultimate major scene in the Iori/Kaname conflict, taking place at the festival hosted by Club Buddha.
Brothers Conflict Translations Index
???: “Hey, are you by yourself?”
I was sitting on a bench outside the main temple, waiting for Yuusuke-kun and Wataru-chan to come back, when a voice suddenly called out from beside me.
(...... Eh?!)
When I looked over, an extremely flashy man was standing there.
He was in a yukata with a dragon design, and gaudily designed rings, watch, and necklace.
Although he was quite young and beautiful, he also had a bit of a dangerous feel to him.
(Whoa…… Amazing.)
???: “Why haven’t you nominated anyone? Is there not a man you’re interested in?”
(...... N-nominate?)
The person very casually sat down next to me.
???: “Or are you waiting for a good man to come by? …...Heh. If that’s the case, how about me?”
(......?)
At first, I thought he was a pickup artist or something, but his appearance wasn’t quite right for that.
At that moment, I saw the fan that the man had in his hand.
(Ah!)
“Club Buddha” was written on it.
???: “Won’t you try listening to my prayers? If you wish, you can listen all night long. I’ll fill it with love. … But I’m quite expensive, so be prepared.”
Ema: “Uh, um…”
I said.
Ema: “Excuse me, are you Kaname-san’s colleague, by any chance?”
???: “Kaname?”
Kaname: “Chi-chan.”
I heard a voice call out from behind me. When I turned around, Kaname-san was standing there.
(... Why did Kaname-san call me “Chi”?)
The only ones who called me “Chi” were Juli and Rui-san. Outside of them, no one else called me that.
Not to mention, Kaname-san has not once called me that way.
(Then why…?)
But right after that, Kaname-san said something unexpected.
Kaname: “Oh, Imouto-chan, you’ve come.”
(Eh?)
Meaning that, the one Kaname-san called “Chi”... wasn’t me?!
(B-but, the one here now is…)
???: “Kana-san.”
The flashy man next to us said.
???: “What, you know her? Don’t tell me, is she one of your clients?”
Kaname: “Nah, Chi-chan.”
Kaname-san smiled wryly.
(“Chi-chan” is… this person?!)
Kaname: “Sister. She’s my younger sister.”
???: “Younger sister?”
Ema: “Um, Kaname–san, this person is…”
Kaname: “Ahh, this is Senshuu. Written as ‘chi’ (thousand) and ‘aki’ (autumn). His real name is read as Chiaki, but here it’s Senshuu.”
Ema: “Chiaki… san?”
Chiaki: “What’s this, she’s not a client?...”
Having quickly lost his interest, Chiaki-san got up from the bench.
Chiaki: “I’ve wasted time… Hah…”
Chiaki-san turned to leave.
Kaname: “Ah, hold on, Chi-chan. You should go to the reception hall soon.”
Chiaki: “Eh?”
Kaname: “Looks like you’re up to bat. The parishioners are arguing.”
Chiaki: “Huh?!”
Kaname: “Chi-chan, could it be that this was on purpose?”
Chiaki: “No way. I came here on my own.”
Kaname: “In the meantime, you have to do something. It’s bothering the other parishioners.”
Chiaki: “... Got it. Thanks, Kana-san.”
Chiaki-san walked off towards the reception hall to the main temple. After watching him leave, Kaname-san turned to me.
Kaname: “Imouto-chan, I’m glad you came.”
Ema: “Ah, no, I’m just here by mere chance…”
Kaname: “If it’s by chance, then I’m even more happy. Because something beyond human ken is blessing us.”
Ema: “...... That’s such a convenient interpretation.”
Kaname: “Sorry that you came all this way, though.”
Kaname-san blithely continued as if I hadn’t said anything.
Kaname: “I’ve still got a nomination after this. But I’m free after that. Do you mind waiting a little bit?”
Ema: “Ah, no, please take your time…”
Kaname: “Oh, oh no. I’ve got to go. Stay here. I’ll be back soon.”
As if chasing after Chiaki-san, Kaname-san headed toward the reception hall.
There were a lot of female guests in the area, and as Kaname-san went by, calls of “Younin-san~!” rose up from all around.
(Hmm, that was Kaname-san’s professional, no, priest name. Speaking of which, the flyer was… not here!)
When I dug around for it, once again, a voice called out behind me.
???: “... Oh? Are you alone?”
I couldn’t help sighing.
This temple really had some pushy monks.
Ema: “Um, no thank you!”
I said immediately upon turning around.
(Huh?!)
However, it was not one of the temple’s monks like I’d thought.
Iori: “Um? No thank you for what?”
The person standing there was Iori-san.
—
Ema: “Ah… Iori-san.”
Iori: “Good evening.”
Iori-san looked slightly surprised.
Iori: “That was pretty aggressive just now. What happened?”
Ema: “Ah, pardon me! You see, Kaname-san had…”
Iori: “Kaname-niisan?”
I explained to Iori-san about the monk from Club Buddha.
Iori: “Ahh, so that’s what happened. As expected of the temple that Kaname-niisan serves.”
Iori-san smiled wryly.
Iori: “Anyway, did you come by yourself?”
Ema: “Ah, Yuusuke-kun was here until just earlier…”
Then, I told him about Yuusuke-kun and Wataru-chan.
Iori: “That is such a pitiful story for Yuusuke.”
Iori-san’s wry smile grew larger.
(......Oh?)
Iori-san’s mood changed from what it was previously.
Since his hospitalization on the day of the entrance exam, I had been worrying, and although the atmosphere had been that I could not say anything careless, that feeling was different today.
Ema: “Iori-san is by himself?”
Iori: “Yes. I came here on a walk. …Hey, is it alright if I sit?”
Ema: “Ah, yes, please.”
He lowered himself down onto the bench.
Iori-san sat right beside me.
Iori: “The truth is, I was sleeping until just earlier. Last night, I was writing a report and didn’t get much sleep. And when I woke, the house was empty. Ukyo-niisan let me know that everyone had gone to the festival, so I came too.
Ema: “Ahh.”
(Ukyo-san didn’t come after all. He really didn’t like the atmosphere that much, I guess.)
Iori: “Even so, I didn’t think I’d see you here.”
Ema: “...?”
Iori: “You see, since a little while ago, I’ve been thinking about talking to you. But, things happened, and there wasn’t much of a chance.”
Ema: “What did you want to speak with me about?”
Iori: “Right. How should I say this… Mm, an apology, I think.”
Iori-san said regretfully.
Iori: “Earlier, I said something strange about the entrance exam, and it’s been bothering me since.”
Ema: “The entrance exam?”
Iori: “Yes, see, I once told you I wanted you to come to Jouchi, remember?”
I remember that, about the time I became a 3rd year in high school, Iori-san strongly encouraged me to go to Jouchi University.
Iori: “At that time, I was speaking completely unilaterally. I’ve been extremely concerned about it.”
Iori-san lowered his head.
Iori: “I’m sorry.”
Ema: “Iori-san?”
I was a bit surprised at the sudden apology.
Iori: “I think I spoke too rudely towards you. Could you forgive me?”
Ema: “W-what, please stop.”
I said frantically.
Ema: “It’s not such a problem that you need to apologize…”
Iori: “I just wanted to convey that clearly.”
Iori-san said.
Iori: “I was super excited for if you could come to Jouchi. That’s undeniable.”
Ema: “...”
Iori: “But, no matter which college you go to, I won’t raise objections.”
Iori-san nodded once then, as if in confirmation of his own words.
Iori: “I will respect your decision. I will absolutely not distort that.”
(Iori-san…)
Iori: “That’s all that I wanted you to understand.”
At that moment, a loud voice came over the PA system from the main temple.
PA System: “Thank you for waiting, now it’s time for the main event!”
A great cheer rose up from the female customers around us at the announcement.
Iori: “... Hey, shall we move someplace else?”
Iori-san’s face contorted slightly.
Iori: “It’s a bit noisy here. Let’s go somewhere quieter.”
Ema: “Ah, alright.”
Behind the main temple, at one corner lined with trees, a path had been built that you could walk on.
We walked in that direction.
Iori: “Mm… It’s quieter now, isn’t it?”
Iori-san said with a relieved sigh.
The area was at the outskirts of the temple grounds, without any stalls, so it was quiet.
Iori: “By the way, about the entrance exam topic earlier.”
Iori-san said while walking.
Iori: “Have you decided where you’re going?”
Ema: “I’m not entirely sure yet… but there are some things I’m thinking I want to take.”
Iori: “I see.”
A little while passed.
Iori: “Hey, you’re definitely not coming to Jouchi?”
Ema: “Eh?”
Iori: “Ah, don’t misunderstand me. I’m not trying to force you. No, it’s just that…”
There, Iori-san paused, trying to pick out his words.
Iori: “I want you to listen for a moment.”
Ema: “Uh-huh…”
Iori: “The truth is, after I heard of that matter recently, I’ve been thinking that I could be by your side.”
Ema: “That matter?”
Iori-san’s expression became gloomy.
Iori: “The matter of your birth.”
Ema: “... Ah.”
Iori-san stopped walking.
Iori: “I was surprised, you know.”
Ema: “...”
Iori: “It must have been quite a shock. To have something that you had trusted without a doubt, suddenly taken away from you.”
Iori-san looked up at the dark sky.
Iori: “At that time, I thought this.”
Then, Iori-san’s gaze returned to me.
Iori: “That you were the same as me.”
Ema: “Eh?”
Iori: “Although it wasn’t about blood relation, I had a similar experience… on that winter day.”
Ema: “Iori-san…”
Iori: “So I thought.”
Iori-san closed his eyes.
Iori: “I can understand the pain in your heart. So I thought I could do something to help ease that pain.”
Ema: “...”
Iori: “To do that, it would be necessary to spend a lot of time with you. That’s why I wanted you to come to the same university as me.”
Iori-san looked at me.
Looking into his eyes, I could tell that his concern was truly from the heart.
Iori: “The pain you feel, no one else can understand. But I… I can share and ease it.”
Then, Iori-san said.
Iori: “Right now, I think you’re struggling alone in the dark. I know that pain well.”
(... Eh?)
At that moment, I felt uneasy at Iori-san’s words.
It is true that I was shocked when I learned that Papa wasn’t my real father. But thanks to my conversations with Papa, Natsume-san, and Rui-san, that shock has mostly abated.
Which is to say, I was not struggling in the dark.
(Could it be… that Iori-san thinks that I’m still in shock…?)
Iori: “What is it?”
Iori-san’s face became doubtful.
Iori: “Have I spoken too bluntly? I suppose my manner of speaking was a bit strong. I apologize if I’ve offended you.”
(Indeed, that’s the case. Iori-san thinks I’m hurting…)
– He’s wrong.
I may have been at the time, but I’m okay now.
(I have to let Iori-san know this.)
For a moment, I didn’t know what I should say. Since Iori-san was speaking out of concern, I didn’t want to dismiss his kindness.
But, right after I thought that, Natsume-san and Ukyo-san’s words arose in my mind.
(The things you need to say… you must say.)
I made up my mind to speak.
Ema: “Iori-san, you’re wrong.”
Iori-san’s face clouded.
Ema: “I am not hurting to that extent. Of course, I was shocked when I first heard it. But I’m alright now.”
Iori-san looked at me without saying anything.
Iori: “You’re… okay?”
A while passed before he asked this.
Ema: “Yes.”
I said this as clearly as possible.
Then, Iori-san’s face appeared to change.
Iori: “... Is that so.”
Iori-san’s gaze fell to the ground.
Iori: “I was… deceiving myself.”
Ema: “Iori-san?”
Iori-san raised his head slowly.
Iori: “Sorry, I am a coward.”
It was in a flat voice.
Iori: “I deceived myself, and tried to win you over. I know that now. What on earth was I thinking...”
No words came out after that.
Iori-san stayed silent, and after a little while, spoke again.
Iori: “As I thought, I have not yet recovered.”
(Eh?)
Iori: “Just, I stopped remembering, and pretended I didn’t see anything… and assumed I had recovered.”
Iori-san’s eyes turned towards me a second time.
Iori: “The one needing help isn’t you… It’s me.”
Iori-san’s expression tightened.
Iori: “Hey, listen…”
Iori-san stepped forward. The space between us narrowed.
Iori: “I’m not rejecting my past feelings. And I will not forget them, either.”
Iori-san placed his hands on my shoulders.
Iori: “Regardless, I must move forward. I cannot stay frozen in time forever.”
His hands left my shoulders, and then circled around my back.
Iori: “I am still living in the past. I want to stop that and live in the future. But right now, I don’t have that strength.”
I felt a strong pull on my back. I could hear the sound of my yukata brushing against Iori-san’s clothes.
Iori: “I want you to give me that strength.”
Iori-san held my face with both hands.
Iori: “I can’t do this alone… But, if there’s 2 of us…”
His hands tightened on my cheeks.
Iori: “I can endure.”
Iori-san’s lips pressed onto my lips.
Iori: “... Hm?”
His eyes moved to something behind me.
Iori: “Kaname-niisan…”
When I turned around, a grim-faced Kaname-san was standing there.
(... Ah.)
Kaname-san had his fist pressed up against a nearby tree.
And his face grew grimmer and grimmer.
-----
Comments:
I had noticed this before, but I need to mention this again-- Iori is really really pushy. I understand now a bit of why Kaname explains about Iori in ch17 (link to translation) the way he does. Iori wasn't paying attention/listening to Ema at all! (As in, he was super selfish.) He just steamrolled straight over her and pulled her into a hug and a kiss.
In early celebration of Kaname's birthday (May 28), I'm uploading a translation of his chapter from the Perfect Pink comic anthology. Which I'm pretty sure is a accompaniment of the Passion Pink/Brilliant Blue otome games, along with the Beloved Blue comic anthology.
Brothers Conflict Translations Index
Parishioners: Thank you for your care today.
Kaname: Imouto-chan?
Ema: Today’s your last day of work at the temple, isn’t it?
—
Ema: You’ve worked hard.
Kaname: … You surprised me. I wish you’d said something earlier.
Ema: Sorry for coming suddenly. I wanted to see you on the job.
Kaname: It was pretty normal, yeah?
—
Ema: No!
Ema: Your poise while leading the sutra was so dignified. Like a completely different person from your usual lighthearted, frivolous self.
Ema: You were really cool.
Kaname: …
Ema: Kaname-san?
—
Kaname: Somehow… when you’re complimenting me to my face, I get flustered…
Kaname: Although, there’s something I can’t let pass.
Kaname: When was I frivolous?
Ema: When, you say…. Ever since we first met.
—
Ema: I can’t tell when you’re joking. And I’m always being embarassed…
Kaname: Imouto-chan… That’s not me being frivolous, that’s an adult’s relaxed smile.
Kaname: Besides, I’ve always shown you my true feelings…
Ema: See, you’re doing it again…
—
Ema: ……
Ema: … Is it really okay for you to quit from being a monk?
Kaname: I wouldn’t necessarily say I’ve quit. As long as my qualifications aren’t revoked, I can always return to being a monk.
Kaname: If parishioners need me, even while I’m helping Mom’s company, I can still go to the temple…
Kaname: I need to learn when to cut things off. Amongst my brothers, I am the only one who’s willing to take over the company.
—
Kaname: I don’t know if I can be Mom’s successor, but…
Kaname: I’ll do what I can.
Kaname: That’s why today is the end of my being a monk. From tomorrow onwards, I will work hard as a salaryman.
Ema: Ah, that’s right.
Kaname: ?
—
Ema: Here. Congratulations on your job change.
Kaname: A necktie…
Kaname: I’m quite pleased. You went and picked it out for me.
—
Ema: The truth is, Iori-san picked it out with me.
Kaname: Iori did…?
Kaname: Is that so…
Kaname: Thank you, Imouto-chan.
—
Kaname: I’m truly glad that you came to us.
Kaname: It’s thanks to you that Iori has opened his heart.
—
Ema: Yes…
Ema: I’m glad, too. To be family with you all…
Kaname: … Say, Imouto-chan.
Ema: Yes?
Kaname: It’s great that you’re family. That is true.
—
Kaname: But I also want to be your lover.
Ema: Ah…
—
Ema: S…
Ema: Stop, please. Not here…
Kaname: So it’ll be alright if it’s not here?
Ema: No…
Kaname: No? Really…?
Ema: …
—
Kaname: Hey, Imouto-chan.
Kaname: My worldly desires are all for you, you know.
Kaname: My corruption and my salvation can only be carried out by you.
Ema: …
—
Kaname: Good girl.
Kaname: From now on, I will only chant to Ema through the night.
---
Comments:
Happy Birthday, Kaname!
I think this comic sequence does a good job of briefly showcasing Kaname's character. There's his usual surface flirtiness, but also visually shows how he can stand strong, along with dialogue showing his ability to take things seriously/be responsible, and his care for Iori and family as a whole.
Some of the sentences I did have to guess a little at, so if you see anything where the connotations aren't quite right, please feel free to let me know.
I have returned, this time with a section from Season 2 that is rarely mentioned. This is after Fuuto attempts to force himself upon Ema the second time. Hikaru invites Ema to his apartment, and also Kaname, and hands are thrown...
Brothers Conflict Translations Index
Somehow or other, I waited for Hikaru-san’s return while looking around the room, doing nothing.
There were many books on the bookshelf.
However, about half of them were foreign language books. The remaining half looked rather difficult, and I definitely wouldn’t be able to read them.
(These are all research materials. Writers are pretty awesome…)
Right after thinking this, I heard the intercom go on.
(Could it be the guest Hikaru-san mentioned?)
I turned toward the door. But before I could reach it, it opened. It seemed that Hikaru-san left without locking it.
???: “Hikaru, are you here?”
Someone was coming in.
(It appears to be a man… It couldn’t be Hikaru’s “boyfriend?”)
I waited for the guest to come in, feeling a strange unease.
– At that moment.
Ema: “Eh?”
I uttered reflexively.
In response to that, the person coming in looked at me.
???: “Ah…”
Surprise also spread across their face.
???: “Imouto-chan…”
The person said.
Ema: “... Kaname-san.”
The guest that came to Hikaru-san’s room. That person was Kaname-san.
—
Time passed stiffly.
Both Kaname-san and I stood still, overcome with surprise.
Then, there was a flash.
Kaname: “What!?”
(Ah, this is…)
Something came to mind. This is the second time I’ve come across a similar situation.
Hikaru: “The face of a worried big brother, obtained!”
Laughing brightly, Hikaru-san revealed himself.
A small bag hung from one hand, while the cellphone I had seen before was held in the other hand.
Kaname: “Hikaru, what is this?”
Hikaru: “Now now, Kaname. In any case, come inside. And Imouto-san, here, no need to stand. … Ah, that’s right, would you like tea?”
Hikaru-san held up his bag.
Hikaru: “Someone delivered it just now.”
Hikaru-san sat Kaname-san on the bed, and me on the sofa.
Then he prepared three cups of tea, placed them on saucers, and handed them to us.
Hikaru: “Now then.”
Hikaru-san stood in the middle of the room, and tilted his cup in an odd way.
Hikaru: “With this, all the actors have been assembled.”
A contented smile rose onto Hikaru-san’s face.
Hikaru: “The next stage of Brother’s Conflict is now starting.”
Kaname: “Could you explain for us, Hikaru?”
Kaname-san said, while his gaze dropped to his teacup. His voice was slightly low.
Kaname: “I hadn’t heard that Imouto-chan was going to be here.”
Hikaru: “Of course. If I’d told you, Kaname, you’d definitely not have come, right?”
Kaname: “... I wonder.”
Hikaru: “No more tedious probing, Kaname.”
Hikaru-san turned toward me.
Hikaru: “Truth is, I sent Kaname a letter, you see. I told him about Iori becoming a model, and urged him to return home.”
Ema: “Eh!?”
I looked at Kaname-san.
Ema: “Is this true, Kaname-san?”
Kaname: “... Mhm.”
Kaname-san nodded.
Kaname: “A letter came. However, I tore it to pieces, so I can’t show you.”
Ema: “You tore it?”
Hikaru: “Meaning,”
Hikaru-san interjected.
Hikaru: “That Kaname didn’t want to come back. In other words, he wanted to train some more.”
Ema: “What does that mean?”
Kaname: “...”
Like before, Kaname-san kept his gaze on his teacup.
I could not see his expression.
Hikaru: “Well, if I could have, I wanted to respect Kaname’s will.”
Hikaru-san tilted his own teacup.
Hikaru: “However, that is no longer the case. The situation has changed.
Ema: “The… situation?”
Hikaru: “You rejected Fuuto, didn’t you?”
Ema: “Eh!?”
Kaname: “Fuuto?”
For a moment, Kaname-san raised his head.
Kaname: “What does he mean, Imouto-chan?”
Hikaru: “Kaname, I saw it all.”
Hikaru-san took over the conversation.
Hikaru: “From this cute Imouto-san’s room, Fuuto flew out with a frightening expression. While he had a jacket over him, he was pretty much shirtless.”
Kaname: “What?”
Ema: “H-Hikaru-san!?”
Why was this person suddenly saying such a thing?!
Hikaru: “This is necessary.”
Hikaru-san said in a terribly calm voice.
Hikaru: “It is necessary that Kaname know this. If not, then in the near future, you will not have anyone protecting you.”
Ema: “J-just what are you saying, Hikaru-san?”
I knew that Hikaru-san liked to speak in a deliberately enigmatic way. But, I could not understand what he was saying now at all.
Hikaru: “This is needed for Brothers Conflict.”
Hikaru-san raised his teacup, took a sip, and returned it to its saucer. The porcelain clinked together.
Hikaru: “The Asahina brothers are fighting over you. However, until now, they’ve all been behaving as gentlemen. In order to not hurt you, if I dare say. Well, there were some exceptions. Right, Kaname?”
Hikaru-san glanced at Kaname-san. Kaname-san remained silent.
Hikaru: “However, that’s now in the past. Because Fuuto has opened Pandora’s Box.”
Ema: “Pandora’s Box?”
Hikaru: “Well, originally it was a story from the Old Testament. Although all of the world’s ills were put inside, it was gorgeous to the eye, so people would want to open it despite themselves. That box, you know? … However, that’s just a parable, and not the original meaning in the Bible. Once the box was opened, it would be impossible to collect and put anything back. That’s the meaning of ‘opening Pandora’s Box’.”
Ema: “H-Huh….”
Hikaru: “That night, Fuuto opened the Box for you.”
Hikaru-san pointed at me.
Hikaru: “That’s exactly what’s happened. Since a person who’s done such a forceful thing has appeared, how much can the rest of them endure? After all, they’re all men. … Do you understand, Imouto-san?”
Hikaru-san looked sharply at me.
At that moment, a chill ran down my spine.
(What if everyone were to do something like Fuuto-kun did…?)
I could not imagine such a thing. All of them are good people. For Fuuto-kun, something must have occurred to make him desperate.
(There must be a reason…)
Then, Kaname-san, who hadn’t said anything until now, spoke.
Kaname: “Hikaru, can I ask something?”
Hikaru: “Go ahead.”
Kaname: “What you explained about Fuuto just now.”
Kaname-san placed his teacup onto the side table.
Kaname: “The rest of them don’t know, right? If that’s the case, why would this have opened Pandora’s Box?”
Hikaru: “Say, Kaname.”
Hikaru-san grinned.
Hikaru: “Do you want me to answer that question? You know already, don’t you?”
Kaname: “Perhaps. But I want to know for sure.”
Hikaru: “Is that so… Well then.”
HIkaru-san also placed his teacup onto the side table.
Hikaru: “What Kaname said is correct. As long as I stay silent, that is.”
The shock pierced through my body.
(Just now… what did he mean…?)
Kaname: “As I thought, this was the case.”
Kaname-san stood up.
Kaname: “I see. … Those are your conditions, huh.”
(Conditions?)
Why did he use that word?
Hikaru: “More tea?”
Kaname: “... Ah.”
Hikaru: “Thank you, Kaname.”
Kaname: “No need.”
Kaname-san took one step forward.
Kaname: “However, here’s another condition. That I want you to drink.”
Hikaru: “Oh, what is it?”
Kaname: “This!”
Right after that, Kaname-san let loose his fist with great speed. Hikaru-san’s face was spun to the side.
(Ah!)
Kaname-san just… hit Hikaru-san…
Hikaru: “Ah.”
Still, Hikaru-san was smiling.
Hikaru: “Isn’t it awful to raise a hand against a lady?”
Kaname: “Imouto-chan.”
Kaname-san turned to me.
Kaname: “Sorry, I’ve shown you something unsightly. Don’t worry about it, and forget if you can.”
After saying just that, Kaname-san started to quickly walk out.
Kaname: “That’s enough for today. See you later, Imouto-chan.”
There was no time to call him back. In an instant, Kaname-san had left the room completely.
Ema: “What…”
I stared at the closed door, dumbfounded.
Hikaru: “Hehe, I’ll tell you.”
Hikaru-san stood behind me. He had come close like a shadow, but without touching.
Hikaru: “Kaname has come back home.”
I heard him whisper into my ear.
Ema: “Huh!?”
I spun around.
Hikaru: “In other words, it’s like this. My seeing what happened between you and Fuuto was purely by chance.”
The edge of Hikaru’s lips lifted in a happy grin.
Hikaru: “I used that to call Kaname back home. In other words, if he didn’t come home, I threatened to tell the other brothers what Fuuto did.”
Ema: “H-huh?!”
Hikaru: “If Kaname comes back, he can become a strong shield to protect you. Even if someone tries to do something like what Fuuto did, Kaname can do something. You can take a step back from the rivalry between the men, and think about who to choose.”
Ema: “...”
Hikaru: “Only, this shield has a rather interesting shape. That is, it has a knife edge pointed inwards.”
Ema: “Eh?”
Hikaru: “...Well, it’s only a possibility.”
Hikaru-san raised his voice, laughing.
Looking at that extremely joyous appearance, I felt a terrible confusion.
— Kaname-san was coming back.
By itself, this was a good thing. That could not be denied.
But, I didn’t know what this would bring about. I didn’t know why Hikaru-san did this in the first place.
To threaten Kaname-san into coming home, just what was he trying to do?
Hikaru: “Ahh, I know what you’re thinking now.”
Hikaru-san said as if he could read my mind.
Hikaru: “That’s right. Even though Kaname has returned, I don’t gain anything. Even so, why have I bothered doing such a thing? Well, it’s understandable for you to think it's mysterious.”
Hikaru-san pulled a cigarette from his pocket.
Hikaru: “But, that’s incorrect. I do have a reason. With Kaname coming back, Brothers Conflict will certainly become much more interesting.”
The cigarette was lit. It was probably an import, as a sweet scent wafted throughout the room.
Hikaru: “And, in the midst of that, you will change. Into a stronger, more beautiful, more perfect woman. … You will become-”
Hikaru puffed on his cigarette.
Hikaru: “The woman I wish for. The woman I want to love.”
The sweet fragrance from the emitted smoke curled around me.
Just a warmup, since the novels are too long to easily handle with my schedule. I wish the anime and games used Ema's character in the chibi comics more. She's hilarious! (And more interesting.)
Brothers Conflict Translations Index
Ema: I’ll attend Meiji University, and then some women’s colleges.
Masaomi: All these universities are pretty close to home.
Ema: Since they’re close by, it’s easy to commute to, and I can have more free time…
Masaomi: I wish I had had more free time during college for hanging out with friends and part-time work!
Ema: I… When classes are over, I want to immerse myself in games at home…
Ema: That’s why I’m going to school where I can come home as soon as possible…
Masaomi: But college is only once-in-a-lifetime…!!?
A little fun scene before things start going down-- This is the scene when the family is invited to "Club Buddha" being held at the "host temple".
Brothers Conflict Translations Index
Ema: “ ‘Club Buddha’? ”
I said, looking at the flyer that Kaname-san brought.
Ema: “What is this?”
Kaname: “What, you say. It’s a memorial service. At my temple.”
Ema: “Huh?”
Silver letters on a black background. That was fine. Then a giant lotus blossom. This also checked out. There was some weird stuff written on it, but I wasn’t going to say anything for now.
-- However.
Ema: “What’s with all the pretty men in poses?!”
Kaname: “Ah, these are my coworkers. Everybody’s pretty good looking, yeah? Ah, and this one called ‘Younin’ is…”
Ema: “Right, no thank you. I get it now!”
Kaname: “Imouto-chan…”
Kaname-san gave a small shrug.
Kaname: “You don’t have to be shy.”
Ema: “I’m not being shy.”
Kaname: “You don’t have to hold back.”
Ema: “I’m not holding back.”
Kaname: “We’re currently accepting early nominations.”
Ema: “I’m not nominating!”
But Kaname-san did not respond at all in that vein.
Kaname: “Until the day dawns, I will chant the Buddha’s love at Imouto-chan’s bedside. Shall we go to nirvana together?”
Ukyo: “That’s quite enough!”
When Kaname-san flipped his stole and put a hand on my shoulder, a great clang resounded.
Kaname: “OWW!”
Kaname-san shouted out.
Kaname: “Hey, K-- Kyo-nii, j-just now, I think you were seriously trying to kill me!”
Ukyo: “You bring such an indecent thing into my house, don’t think it’ll pass so simply!”
Ukyo-san thrust out the pan that had made the clang just now.
Ukyo: “Is this something a man of the cloth should be doing?! It’s just like a h-host club…”
Kaname: “No no, we’re not hosts.”
Kaname-san pointed at the good-looking men, who looked like they were only cosplaying as monks.
Kaname: “Everyone’s an ordained monk. Everyone’s got authorization from the head temple, so there’s no fakes.”
Ukyo: “And there’s the problem!”
Ukyo-san shouted with a red face. Then Masaomi spoke.
Masaomi: “Now, now.”
And picked up the flyer.
Masaomi: “To put simply, this is something like a summer festival, isn’t it?”
Kaname: “Oh, you’ve got it, Masa-nii!”
Ukyo: “Masaomi-niisan!”
Masaomi: “If it’s a festival, I think it’ll be a good idea for everyone to go.”
Masaomi-san said smoothly, with an amiable grin.
Ukyo: “W-what are you saying?!”
Masaomi: “Kaname is expressly inviting us, and furthermore, isn’t it in the neighborhood? Let’s give it a shot.”
Ukyo: “Please don’t joke around!”
Ukyo-san brandished the pan forcefully.
Ukyo: “I’m definitely not going!”
Masaomi: “Kaname.”
Masaomi-san turned to Kaname-san.
Kaname: “Yeah?”
Masaomi: “Thank you for your consideration.”
Kaname: “Huh?”
Ukyo: “Eh?”
(Masaomi-san?)
Masaomi-san was still smiling gently.
Masaomi: “I’ll let you attend. …...Hey, you’re going, right?”
Masaomi-san suddenly said to me.
Ema: “Eh!? M-me?”
Masaomi: “Yes. If you like, I’ll nominate for you. Is there a quota for this? Perhaps this could help Kaname out.”
Ukyo: “Masaomi-niisan!”
Kaname: “Whoa, hold on a sec, Masa-nii! I don’t need that kind of pity nomination. I’m still Number 2, you know?”
At that moment, the door opened again.
Yuusuke: “Ahh, I give up already. That Azu-nii.”
Yuusuke-kun was standing there holding a tray.
Yuusuke: “Waiting there until he ate and stuff has already messed things up. I’m seriously tired of waiting.”
Yuusuke-kun placed the food tray onto the table with a bored expression.
Kaname: “Ah, Yuu-chan.”
Yuusuke: “Kana-nii, you’re back.”
Kaname: “That’s right, come over here, Yuu-chan.”
Yuusuke: “What’s going on so suddenly?”
Kaname: “Here.”
Yuusuke-kun was surprised when he looked at the flyer.
Masaomi: “Kaname is cosplaying as a host. To commemorate the summer festival.”
Kaname: “Masa-nii, that’s not quite right.”
Yuusuke: “Huh? ‘Charming Yukata Night’ ?! Why would I go to something like that?!”
Kaname: “Imouto-chan is coming.”
Yuusuke: “...... Eh.”
Ema: “Kaname-san!”
Masaomi: “It’s fine, let’s go, with all of us.”
Kaname: “In other words……”
Kaname-san grabbed Yuusuke-kun’s collar and yanked him closer.
Kaname: “... So… Therefore… Which means….”
I could hear him whispering something, and felt vaguely uneasy.
Yuusuke: “What, it’s like that?!”
Yuusuke-kun’s face suddenly brightened.
Yuusuke: “Great, then let’s go.”
Ema: “Eh!?”
Yuusuke-kun said to me very smoothly.
Yuusuke: “Don’t worry. I’ll be with you the entire time. Um, as an… escort. Leave it to me!”
Ema: “Kaname-san, just what on earth did you say to Yuusuke-kun?”
Kaname: “I merely bestowed some hopes and dreams.”
He said while folding his hands in prayer.
Kaname: “It is the duty of monks to provide salvation for the soul.”
Ema: “Geez…”
Masaomi: “Ah, that’s right.”
Masaomi-san said suddenly.
Masaomi: “I’ll buy you a new yukata, so won’t you wear it?”
Ema: “Ehh?!”
Kaname: “Oh, Masa-nii, that’s a good thing you’re saying. I look forward to seeing Imouto-chan in a yukata.”
Ema: “Ah, wait a minute!”
Yuusuke: “Eh, yukata? You’re wearing a yukata, too?”
Ema: “No, because…”
Masaomi: “Hey.”
Masaomi-san whispered into my ear.
Masaomi: “It looks like the family trip will fall through, so as a replacement, why not try going with everyone?”
Ema: “Ah, hmm…”
Masaomi: “Besides, it’s rare for Kaname to bring up the topic of his temple.”
(Ah, now that he mentioned it…)
Masaomi: “Perhaps, even though he’s saying this or that, in his own way, Kaname is also worried?”
Ema: “......”
Masaomi: “So, also take those feelings into consideration.”
After being told that, I felt it would be too bad to refuse.
Ema: “Understood.”
I said.
Ema: “I’ll go.”
Kaname: “Oh, Imouto-chan, thank you~!”
Ema: “However, I won’t be nominating.”
Kaname: “Yes, that’s fine, that’s fine. As long as you’re coming.”
Kaname-san smiled brightly.
Kaname: “You can nominate on the day of. I’ll always have time for Imouto-chan.”
(He never learns…)
---
Comments
What exactly is a memorial service? I mean, yes, the purpose is to remember the dead. In terms of any services I have attended, they tended to be somber affairs shortly after someone's death. When I looked up the terms "houyou" and "houji" and they literally are the same sort of thing, I get the impression that they're more routine, take place much longer and/or regularly after the death, and therefore are not nearly as heavy as what I'm used to. In this scene's case, the service has been turned into a sort of festival event (which however seems a little too lighthearted from what I was reading about these services). Would anyone more familiar with this topic (Buddhist memorial services) be able to elaborate?
Brothers Conflict: Passion Pink - Kaname - Sleepovers Part 1
I swear, the romance gems in this game are hidden in the non-major scenes.
So in this game, the sleepovers are split into 3-4 segments; 1) in the hallway, 2) in the romance interest's room and in bed, 3) in bed after waking up in the middle of the night (maybe), and 4) in the room the next morning. I don't know if a particular scene 1 leads to a particular scene 2, but I've chosen here to select the scenes that I liked the best in this sequence.
Brothers Conflict Translations Index
At the door
Kaname: Oh? Imouto-chan. What are you doing here at this time?
Ema: Kaname-san… Good evening.
Kaname: Good evening. What’s up? Did you come here to see me?
Ema: Um… That’s not it.
Kaname: Ehh, you didn’t?
Ema: No, that’s, um…. I came to see you.
Kaname: Haha! How cute, Imouto-chan. However… Hmm. I’m happy you came here to see me, but the truth is, I have a memorial service tomorrow.
Ema: Ah, is that so? Pardon me. In that case, I’ll just go back for today…
Kaname: No… If you can cheer me up, I’d rather you stay.
Ema: Cheer you up…?
Kaname: Right. In a memorial service, facing the deceased is a given, but another important part is facing the bereaved family. Even here, I must steel myself. So, because it means my willpower will be replenished… I want you to cheer me up.
(Kaname-san… Normally he’s pretty lighthearted, but at times like this he’s really like a monk…)
Kaname: For example, if Imouto-chan can cuddle with me all night long, and kiss me the whole time, I think I’ll be filled with energy then.
(I take it back…!)
Ema: … I can’t do that!
Kaname: That’s disappointing~ Hmm, what to do. That was a joke. If Imouto-chan stays in my room, I can be cheered up. So by all means, I would like you to come in.
---
In the room
Ema: Ah, Kaname-san. I went to the 5th floor earlier and got some sweets. Would you like some?
Kaname: ... Hm? Ah, thank you.
Ema: By the way, may I borrow your kitchen? I’ll make some tea.
Kaname: … Sure.
(...?)
Ema: Say, Kaname-san. What’s going on? Do you feel sick..?
Kaname: Eh? What do you mean?
Ema: Um… Somehow, your responses are a little dull.
Kaname: …
Ema: Was I imagining it?
Kaname: ... No. You’ve caught me…
Ema: … Has something happened? If you don’t mind, you can talk to me about it.
Kaname: Ah… Hm… This is on rare occasions, mind you… It’s when there’s memorial services. I get pulled into the mourners’ suffering.
Ema: Pulled into... suffering?
Kaname: Primarily, monks exist to save those who are worried or suffering. However, if I sympathize with the mourners, not only will I not be able to save those who have come to rely on me, I will lose my spirit to the deceased as well. Therefore, on the surface, I work to save people’s souls and fulfill my duties as a monk. But, sometimes… After a memorial service, I’ll suddenly remember the mourners’ anguished faces, and can’t get them out of my mind. When that happens, it takes a little time for me to recover… Haha.
Ema: Kaname-san…
Kaname: But, how did you know? That I was a little off. … No one else… None of my older or younger brothers have ever noticed.
Ema: … I noticed, because… I’m always looking at you…
Kaname: Eh…?
(... Ah, um. It appears that I said something incredible just now…)
Kaname: You’re always looking? At me?
Ema: … Uh, umm. That’s…
Kaname: … Haha, I’m glad. Then, sorry… For just a little bit, let me be spoiled by you.
Ema: Eh…?
---
(Kaname-san’s arms reached out towards my body…)
Kaname: … Is it alright if I hugged you?
Ema: … It’s fine.
Kaname: … Good.
(... Even though Kaname-san is an adult… I wonder why, but he seems really vulnerable right now…)
Ema: Um, Kaname-san.
Kaname: Hm…?
Ema: I don’t really understand too much about monks, but… I think I would want a kind person who can worry, suffer, and be sad with me, to save me. Kaname-san is a kind person…
Kaname: … Hey, Ema.
(What was that? Just now…)
Kaname: When a man is vulnerable, it’s not good to say those sorts of things. … They’ll easily fall.
Ema: Fall…?
Kaname: … Yup. They’ll want to do things like this…
[Kaname kisses Ema.]
Ema: …!
(Just now, he touched my lips…)
Kaname: … You’re skilled at pampering. I didn’t think this would become such a mess, showing you something unseemly.
Ema: That’s not…
Kaname: It’s fine. That’s just what I think. Hey. Even though I said it was just for a little bit, would it be alright to sleep like this tonight?... I want to sleep while holding you.
Ema: … Yes.
Kaname: Thank you…
(... I hope Kaname-san can sleep well… Good night.)
---
In the morning
Kaname: Good morning… Imouto-chan.
(Mm…? This voice, Kaname-san…?)
Kaname: Still sleepy?
Ema: Eh? What? Is it already morning…?
Kaname: Yep. It’s still quite early though. You can stay and sleep a little more.
Ema: What about you…?
Kaname: After doing some meditation, I’ve got roadwork. I’ve left a spare key on top of the table, so please lock up when you leave.
Ema: … Okay.
Kaname: It’s alright if you don’t return the key.
Ema: … I’ll return it properly.
Kaname: Haha. Even with such a bleary-eyed face, your responses are good. Well, I’m off. … Once again, good night, my cute Imouto-chan.
[Kaname leaves the room,]
Ema: … I wonder if it’s alright to sleep. … I’m going back to sleep.
(... Oh, what’s this, this smell from the futon… Is it incense? It’s Kaname-san’s… It feels safe, like I’m being embraced by Kaname-san…)
---
Comments
I still haven't gotten around to finishing the game, but this is probably the closest that Ema has gotten to explicitly confessing. Most of the other scenes I've seen, where it's obvious that they like each other, also involve a lot of tedious back-and-forth. Mainly where Kaname flirts, and Ema denies him, and "we're siblings" blah blah blah. (One of the other sleepover sequences, in all 3 segments, is just like that the whole time. So, so tedious.) Here, in this set, everything's a lot more tender.
It also gives us a little more insight on Kaname's job. Although I'm still confused on just what his whole job description is. He's a host, so that involves shifts entertaining women, and then additional late nights (??) where he gives sermons with his "gracious words". And then here he holds memorial services for the dead, and also spends a lot of time with people that are worried or suffering. I'm sure that there are worried/suffering women that go attend Club Buddha, but how do the memorial services fit into that?
And finally, there's the bit where even the other brothers can't tell when Kaname is feeling down. Really makes me think that his usual lightheartedness/flirting is part of a mask. That, and it's sad that while he runs around taking care of his brothers, who takes care of him? (Especially after what Iori does to him! That's trauma material right there.) I get that as one of the eldest brothers, he probably puts on a brave front to not worry the others, but still, surely someone should care enough to be able to tell. But who am I kidding; there's examples of family not being able to tell in real life all the time.
Brothers Conflict: Season 1 LN - Ch11, Sec10 & Sec11
Another partial segment of the Iori/Kaname conflict, this time at the cherry blossom viewing in Volume 4, when Iori tries to drag Ema off.
Long discussion at the bottom.
Brothers Conflict Translations Index
Masaomi: “Wataru, shall we go home soon?”
Masaomi-san said while looking at his watch.
Wataru: “Ehh, already…”
Masaomi: “Because, look at what time it is.”
Ukyo: “It’s certainly about time to go.”
Ukyo-san also glanced at his watch.
Ukyo: “Any more and it’ll affect you tomorrow.”
Wataru: “Just a little longer…”
Masaomi: “Wataru.”
Wataru: “.......Ugh.”
Wataru-chan gave in reluctantly, pouting.
As Masaomi-san said, it had gotten quite late.
Outside of a few street lamps, the lights lit here and there until just now had gone out, and only moonlight shone down.
By this time, Subaru-san, Rui-san, Tsubaki-san, Azusa-san, Natsume-san who had fallen into the pond, Yuusuke-kun, and Fuuto-kun had already gone home earlier.
Kaname: “What’s this, everyone’s leaving?”
Hikaru: “Already? It’s still only early evening.”
Kaname: “Imouto-chan, you’re still good, right?”
Ema: “Y-you’re asking me?”
Ukyo-san interjected.
Ukyo: “You should go home. The only ones remaining are Kaname and Hikaru. Of the ones you could think of, this is the worst pairing.”
Kaname: “Uwah, such cruel words.”
Hikaru: “... I’m not convinced to just take myself out like that.”
Ukyo: “What are you saying? Do you think there are people more immoral out there than you two?”
Masaomi: “Now, now.”
Masaomi-san interrupted.
Masaomi: “Whether to stay or go is something for her to decide. What do you want to do?”
Ema: “Uh, um…”
In all the commotion, there hadn’t been much time to look at the cherry blossoms. That’s why, to speak frankly, I wanted to stay a little longer.
Ema: “If possible, I’d like to stay.”
Ukyo: “But…”
Ukyo-san started to say. But Masaomi-san stopped him.
Masaomi: “It’s fine, Ukyo. If she wants to, why not let her?”
Kaname: “Well said, Masa-nii, very reasonable.”
Masaomi-san turned toward Kaname-san.
Masaomi: “After all, Kaname is always thinking of her. Nothing bad will happen. Isn’t that right, Kaname?”
After being told that by Masaomi-san, Kaname-san opened his eyes wide for a moment, and then let out a loud breath.
Kaname: “I give up. If you say that much, I can’t even do anything wrong, let alone anything bad.”
(What do you mean by “anything wrong”, Kaname-san?!)
Hikaru: “Ehhh.”
Hikaru-san looked at Masaomi-san admiringly.
Hikaru: “Masa-nii, you’ve gotten impressive. What happened while I was away?”
Masaomi: “She’s changed me.”
This was said so naturally that, at first, I completely ignored Masaomi-san’s words.
Masaomi: “Well then, let’s go, Wataru.”
Wataru: “Mm… Okay.”
Ukyo: “Please clean up properly. That would be good.”
After Masaomi-san, Ukyo-san, and Wataru-chan got up and left, I suddenly felt my cheeks get hot.
(M-Masaomi-san…)
Hikaru: “What’s this, you’re only just now getting bashful?”
Hikaru laughed.
Hikaru: “This girl is amusing. I’m a little interested.”
Kaname: “Hey hey, no more, give me a break from having more guys interested in Imouto-chan.”
Kaname-san drained his glass of the remaining wine.
Kaname: “Rivals keep showing up, at all times…”
Just then, I felt the presence of someone closeby.
Iori: “Hey, I’m sorry to make you wait.”
When I turned, Iori-san was standing there.
Ema: “Iori-san…”
Iori: ”Sorry, work went overtime. Though I’m happy that you waited for me… Anyway, let’s go.”
Iori-san took my hand and started to walk away. Then, I heard Kaname-san’s voice.
Kaname: “Hold up, Iori.”
Iori: “What, Kaname-niisan.”
Iori-san looked back at Kaname-san.
Kaname: “Today’s not a date. This is a flower-viewing with the family.”
Iori: “Is that so? But it doesn’t look like there’s anyone else here.”
Kaname: “Hikaru and I are here.”
Iori: “Why must I have the flower-viewing with Kaname-niisan?”
The moonlight hitting Iori-san’s white face tinged it a faint blue.
I realized that Kaname-san’s fists were clenched tightly.
Kaname: “Because we’re family, you know?”
Iori: “We’re related by blood, that’s true.”
Iori smiled.
Iori: “But, what meaning does that have?”
Kaname: “Imouto-chan!”
Kaname-san drew closer.
Kaname: “You’re going home.”
Ema: “B-but…”
Kaname: “Just go.”
Kaname-san pulled Iori-san’s hand off of mine.
Iori: “Kaname-niisan.”
Bathed in moonlight, Iori-san glowed palely.
Iori: “Love is mightier than anything else. That’s what you always say.”
Iori-san smiled. It was so beautiful that I couldn’t help but shiver.
Iori: “I’ve also come to think that, too. Even so, why do you still object?”
Iori-san held out his hand, as if he were calling out to me.
Iori: “Say. You’ll be together with me, right?”
Ema: “... Iori-san.”
Kaname: “No talking.”
Kaname-san raised an arm to block my vision.
Kaname: “Listen to what I’m saying. You’re going home right now. ... Hikaru, take her home.”
I heard Iori-san’s voice.
Iori: “Kaname-niisan, you look like you’re doing your best, but how long do you think you can continue this?”
Kaname: “... For as long as I live.”
Kaname-san said.
Kaname: “You said it yourself. The power of love is stronger than anything else.”
Iori-san, illuminated by the light of the moon, and Kaname-san, standing in the shadows of the cherry blossom trees.
The two of them stood there, staring intently at the other.
Hikaru: “... Well then, let’s go.”
Hikaru-san pulled at my arm.
Hikaru: “We’re just going to be in the way.”
(Kaname-san… Iori-san…)
We left that place, with Hikaru-san pulling me along. My mind was in chaos, and words would not come. I could not even understand what was going on.
---
Hikaru: “... Have you calmed down a little?”
Hikaru-san said as we arrived at the apartment complex.
Ema: “Eh…? Ah, y-yes…”
Hikaru: “Liar.”
Hikaru smiled pleasantly.
Hikaru: “You’re really worried, aren’t you?”
Ema: “...”
Hikaru: “I understand. It’s natural.”
Hikaru-san pressed the button for the elevator. Empty, the elevator came to a stop on the first floor, and the light for it turned on.
Hikaru: “If you leave it to Kaname, he’ll deal with it properly. Besides, Iori will be fine.”
Ema: “But…”
Even so, I was really worried. That atmosphere was not normal. Kaname-san and Iori-san were different from usual.
Hikaru: “You know. There is a big difference between people who look like they’re going to do something, versus people who have actually done something. … Here, go on in.”
At Hikaru’s prompting, I got into the elevator.
Hikaru: “I said this earlier. I’m quite familiar with those kinds of people. So I can say with confidence, the two of them will be okay. More than that-”
Hikaru-san looked over at me.
Hikaru: “I’m more worried about you.”
Ema: “... I, I’m fine.”
At that answer, Hikaru-san smiled wryly.
Hikaru: “You really are a liar. … Still, to have the guts to be able to say that is impressive. I see, I understand now.”
Ema: “Understand what?”
Hikaru: “The reason why you have captivated all of the guys.”
Ema: “... Eh?”
Just then, the elevator arrived at the fourth floor where my room was.
Hikaru: “For now, this is my advice.”
Hikaru-san said, as we got to my door.
Hikaru: “Take a hot shower, and then go straight to bed. Don’t think about anything. Okay?”
After saying that, he steered me into my room.
Hikaru: “Well then, good night. … See you tomorrow.”
I heard his voice through the door, and then, after a while, the sound of footsteps moving away.
---
Comments
From the various comments I've read over the years, I get the feeling that people don't think that Iori is forceful. Which, I kind of get, since he's not as loud about it. However, reading carefully, he's still pretty... grabby. Both physically and verbally. In this scene, Iori straight up goes to Ema, grabs her hand, and tries to walk away with her. I don't know about you, but I didn't see any consent from Ema for that. (Lack of No does not mean Yes. Only a Yes counts as consent. No and lack of No do not count.) Later on, in Volume 5, he grab/hugs Ema and kisses her. In the illustrations for that scene, he pulls Ema into him so she's off-balance, and has both arms around her. Hell, she even has tears in her eyes in the picture, and when he kisses her, he has both hands holding her face.
Compare that to Kaname's kiss illustrations in Volume 1, where he's holding Ema's arms loosely, and she's still balanced on her own, kneeling on the sand. (And in the game, she had enough leverage to push him away completely afterwards.) I know both of them kissed her without consent, I get it. But one of them was a lot more forceful about it.
Maybe I'm making excuses for him, but I feel like the whole business with Kaname forcing his kiss was the writer's way to set him up to fail. Remember, in this competition, there can be only one winner. And assuming that the conflicts were planned, then Kaname had to be taken out of the running somehow and he was first on the chopping block. After the whole kiss business, I've noticed that Kaname never touches her again. Well, possessively or romantically, anyway. Which then opens him up to show his (true) fatherly/brotherly side in the later volumes.
It's pretty sad that the anime, and even the game, focuses so much on his flirty side. Which he is, for sure, but in the books, it seems to happen more when there are other brothers present? Like, it's more of a habit, or a facade. In Volume 5, in the sections I translated in my previous post, he flat out says that he doesn't like to be pushy towards women. Also, he is a host and a Buddhist monk. As a host, if he was too pushy, I doubt that so many women would come to him. At Club Buddha, where he works, he is the second most popular host/monk. (Following Ryuusei, who is not made out to be the pushy type. That said, Chiaki at number 3 is super pushy, so hmmm.) Anyway, I would also imagine that he, being a host, would be always super aware of where his hands are and what he's doing. And this is explicitly stated in the books and games, but he is skilled at reading people, so he would know for sure when Ema is uncomfortable. Secondly, from some outside reading, Buddhism is rather big on consent. And not just verbal consent, as I mentioned earlier, but actual acceptance, freely given true consent. Outside of the flirtiness, Kaname is canonically a good monk. And for the rest of the novels, he tries really hard to do good to Ema. That's why, I think his initial characterization and all that with the kiss was a contrivance. Or maybe, he just messed up; 27 is still young enough for mistakes.
Brothers Conflict: Season 1 LN - Ch17, Sec2 & Sec3
*_* I have upgraded to being able to translate the light novels [slowly, very slowly] (and am very proud of myself right now).
Continuing on with my quest to translate materials relating to the Iori/Kaname conflict and their characterizations, I bring to you this translation from Volume 5, where Kaname withdraws from the competition for Ema's heart.
This is not the whole chapter, because that would take too much effort, and the other sections touch on the other conflicts. (If you're looking for the whole thing, there might be someone else who's translated all of it before.)
Comments and discussion at the end of this entry.
Brothers Conflict Translations Index
That day, it was late when I left school.
Because of what happened with Azusa-san, I was completely late for class, so much so that, after school, I had to receive supplementary lessons.
(It’s gotten completely dark.)
Even though it was the end of summer, the sun went down at this time. Conversely, the city lights were starting to illuminate the night sky.
From Hinode High School, until the nearest JR train station, Iidabashi Station, there was a small slope down. I began to walk down that street.
Then, right after that, from behind me, I heard a car horn.
???: “… That’s no good. Having a cute girl walking down the street at night all by herself.”
The car pulled up beside me, and a blond man leaned over from the driver’s seat.
Kaname: “It’ll be too late once something happens. Here, I’ll give you a ride.”
Ema: “Kaname-san.”
I gave a small sigh.
Ema: “I think it’s more likely that something will happen when you’re with someone.”
Kaname: “Haha, as always, Imouto-chan has a good sense for clapbacks.”
Ema: “I should think that Kaname-san would have had plenty of experience by now.”
Kaname: “Well, enough of that. Anyway, get on in.”
Ema: “It’s fine, I can walk.”
Kaname: “... Get in.”
(Ehh?!)
That was in a super serious voice.
Kaname: “It’s not my style to be pushy when inviting women. However, my preferences don’t matter right now.”
Ema: “... Kaname-san?”
Kaname: “This is the last thing I’ll ask of you. Please, get in.”
He said, and then came out from the car.
(Kaname-san…)
Kaname-san had an expression I had never seen until now.
Neither angry nor sad, much less his usual easygoing manner… I had never seen such a face before.
(Th-this is…)
What should I say? I held myself back…
At that moment, the word “determined” came to the front of my mind.
Kaname: “… Here.”
Kaname-san opened the door to the passenger’s seat. I gave a small nod, and got into the car.
---Then, Kaname-san turned the car east and started driving.
It was in the complete opposite direction from Kichijouji, where our apartment was in.
Ema: “Kaname-san, where are we going?”
Kaname: “You have time, right?”
Ema: “Eh?”
Kaname: “... It won’t be long, but it’s impossible to be done within an hour. If you have dinner prep or something like that, please ask Kyou-nii.”
Ema: “Ah, no, I’m good for today.”
It happened to be that, when it was clear that I would be at supplementary lessons after school, I called Ukyo-san during lunch, and got it to be that he would make dinner instead.
That’s why I had time this evening.
Ema: “But, what is this conversation about?”
Kaname: “I’ll tell you when we get there.”
Kaname-san said, while continuing to look straight ahead.
Kaname: “I want to go to a place where there’s nobody else. A place where none of our brothers will go… When we get there, we’ll talk.”
Then, Kaname-san glanced over at me for just a second.
Kaname: “Today… Just for now, please trust me.”
Then he looked forward again. After that, Kaname-san continued to drive, and said no more.
---
(......)
Outside the window, Tokyo’s night scenery flowed past.
Eventually, the car began to turn south.
Kaname: “...... Here’s good.”
When Kaname-san opened the passenger seat door, there was the smell of salt and the sound of waves.
Kaname: “Well, come on out.”
Ema: “... Alright.”
Tokyo Bay spread out before me. It appeared to be a place open to the sea, with not much to obstruct the view.
A cool wind that started to blow.
Kaname: “Humans are interesting, aren’t they.”
Kaname-san said, and began walking slowly to the beach.
Kaname: “Even though there are people of all personalities, when it comes to having important conversations, for some reason they will want to go to the ocean. I wonder why that is?”
Ema: “......”
I remained silent, following a little ways behind.
Kaname: “When you look at the ocean, do you feel at ease? Or, do you think that it bestows some special strength?”
Kaname-san stopped and faced me, turning his back to the ocean.
Kaname: “If it has that kind of power, I would really like to have it right now.”
Behind him, I could see the large seawall that protected Tokyo Bay from the waves.
Kaname: “Hikaru came today, you know.”
Ema: “... Yes.”
Kaname: “He said this cheerfully, ‘With this, she’s at 12 wins, 0 losses, and 1 bystander.’”
Ema: “Eh?”
Kaname: “...... Such a terrible thing to say.”
Kaname-san murmured.
Kaname: “However, he’s really perceptive about that sort of thing. He sees through to the most important parts intuitively. That’s why he can be an author, I guess.”
There, Kaname-san smiled bitterly.
Kaname: “However, unfortunately for Hikaru, that score is already outdated. It’s 11 wins, 0 losses, and 1 withdrawal now. And soon, it’ll be 10 wins, 0 losses, and 2 withdrawals.”
Ema: “W-what are you saying?”
Kaname: “Do you love Iori?”
Kaname-san said suddenly.
Ema: “Eh…”
Kaname: “I’ll ask one more time. Do you love Iori?”
Ema: “Uh, um…”
Kaname-san smiled faintly. It was a sad and pained smile.
Kaname: “I want to know if I should apologize or not for what happened at the summer festival.”
Ema: “... Ah.”
I remembered what had happened in that tree grove back then.
Iori-san’s body heat as he touched my cheek. The feeling on my lips. And finally, Kaname-san’s face.
Kaname: “I was the one who invited you there. However, as a result, at the time, at that place, that happened. That’s why I was thinking I had to ask you--”
Kaname-san cut himself off.
The surge of a rather large wave could be heard.
Kaname: “Ask you if you loved Iori, and if that kiss was a lover’s kiss, for instance.”
Ema: “Um, that’s…”
Kaname: “Answer me.”
Kaname-san stared at me intently.
The wave earlier hit the seawall, and a crumbling sound was heard.
Ema: “... I don’t know.”
I answered.
Ema: “That was… It happened so suddenly… And afterwards, I haven’t had a chance to speak with Iori-san properly.”
Kaname: “In other words, it was a one-sided action on Iori’s part?
Ema: “...”
I nodded.
I didn’t feel like I could only deny Kaname-san’s words.
Kaname: “In that case, I’ll say this.”
Kaname-san’s voice got even lower. It was a low, yet distinct… and sad voice.
Kaname: “If you don’t love Iori, stay away from him.”
Kaname-san clenched his fist tightly before his chest.
Kaname: “Iori has not yet returned to being human.”
(Eh!?)
My eyes widened in surprise.
(Hasn’t returned… to being human?)
Kaname: “Iori is… still, unable to love another person. He hasn’t returned back to that stage yet.”
Kaname-san’s each word echoed deeply to my heart.
Kaname: “Iori is struggling desperately right now. To use a metaphor, he is like a drowning man. That’s why, if you heedlessly go to save him, you will be dragged in… and will drown together.”
Then Kaname-san looked straight at me.
Kaname: “I don’t want that to happen to you.”
Kaname-san’s face looked extremely pained.
Kaname: “Loving someone means-”
Kaname-san turned away from me, and looked out at the ocean.
Kaname: “-to understand your partner, recognize them, and then, to accept them. It is not to make you understand, recognize, and accept yourself. …Such a thing cannot be called love.”
Another wave came in. Then the sound of it crashing into the seawall could be heard.
Kaname: “I think you are a very kind and attentive woman. And you won’t be too picky at your partner. I think that’s wonderful. … However.”
Kaname-san turned toward me.
Kaname: “You can’t be that for Iori right now. If you do anything like that with compassion or sympathy, let alone simply good intentions, you will get pulled in and drown.”
A slightly larger wave than before came in. The sound it made crashing was just as loud.
Kaname: “Even so, my job is to listen to people’s souls.”
Kaname-san lowered his gaze slightly.
Kaname: “Since that incident in middle school, I have always watched over Iori. And, protected him. In the hopes that he can become a person who can love another once more.”
Falling silent there, Kaname-san then slowly raised his head, and spoke in a clear voice.
Kaname: “Because… love is mightier than the sword or the pen, mightier than anything else, and is the single most important thing.”
Kaname-san stepped forward. The distance between us narrowed.
Kaname: “However, I need a little more time. It is still too early right now.”
Kaname-san put his hands on my shoulders.
Kaname: “Please leave Iori to me. And, give your kind heart to someone else. That is my wish for you.”
Ema: “Kaname-san…”
Weight and warmth came from the hands on my shoulders.
It felt as if they reached the center of my body.
Kaname: “Iori is my precious little brother. That’s why, I want to protect him. And, you are my precious little sister.… That’s why, I will protect you.”
Kaname-san’s arms dropped from my shoulders, and wrapped around my back and waist.
I felt Kaname-san’s warmth and the strength of his embrace through my whole body.
Kaname: “... With all that I have.”
The loud crashing of waves echoed all around us.
At Kaname-san’s back, I saw the seawall blocking the large waves that rushed from the open sea.
---
Comments:
1. As a novice translator, there's a running metaphor going through this section that I got super excited to notice. Did anyone else see it? Either in the actual text (if you have the light novels) or in a previous translation elsewhere? Anyone? Okay. It's the seawall and the waves. The waves and the sound of the waves change as Kaname speaks, with the loudest impact being at the end. And at the end, Ema is relating Kaname to the seawall, protecting her from waves coming in from all over. In terms of literary analysis, it's a little obvious because there is no description of anything else, but still. I hope I got it translated properly.
2. There are a few lines where I scrapped the literal Japanese wording and rewrote it because the dictionary definition I got didn't make sense at all. I used context to guess at what was meant. This applies to the line Ema says about Kaname's experience with clapbacks, and the sentence Kaname says about being picky at partners.
3. Story-wise, if I'm not mistaken, this is the only time Kaname tells Ema exactly WHY she needs to stay away from Iori. Before, in Vol3, he only tells her she has to stay away. And to anyone who's ever had to ask anyone to do anything, if you don't say why, you run a high risk of your words being ignored because you didn't convey the urgency.
4. If anyone's read the light novels, and would like to correct any of the above, please do so. It's difficult for me to read the text without spending a lot of time with the dictionary, so it's very possible for me to miss something. (In other words, I haven't read every section in the LNs thoroughly yet.)
Brothers Conflict: Passion Pink - Kaname Route - Main 16/Kaname 6 - Truth
As you may notice, even though I'm playing in order now, I've skipped a few scenes. Mainly because I disagree with their characterization, or they're just fillers with no plot, and I'm translating to give myself fanfiction material. Scenes where the game author appears to have taken a leaf out of the anime script instead of the light novel will not be prioritized.
As always, my comments will be at the bottom. And I invite you to comment in the comment/response area!
Summary: Ema learns of her adoption status.
Brothers Conflict Translations Index
November 13, 2010 (Saturday)
Juli: Huh. Even though they’re both busy, they clean up quite a bit.
Ema: Hmm. Instead of them cleaning, perhaps it’s because Papa and Miwa-san are so busy with work that they’re not home much…?
Juli: Indeed, that could be it.
(Today, we borrowed the spare key, and came over to Papa and Miwa-san’s new house. But like always, the two of them were busy, and right now, it was just Juli and me in the house.)
Juli: They asked you to organize the photos taken at the wedding ceremony, right?
Ema: Yes. Papa said that there were so many photos of the brothers that they still haven’t been touched.
Juli: Certainly, if that many people are gathered, it’ll be hard work to organize the photos.
Ema: Yeah, if we don’t get started soon, the sun will set.
Juli: That’s true, so let’s get started right now.
Ema: Yes!
Juli: Hm, what’s this? Haha! Chi is pretty cute in this one, huh?
Ema: Ehh, which one? I want to see!
Juli: Here.
Ema: … Why am I eating cake with such a serious face…?
Juli: Gluttony is a good look.
Ema: Erghhh....
Juli: Ahh, this one is of Kaname. When he’s not talking, he’s a handsome man.
Ema: Ahaha, that’s true! Hey hey, Wataru-chan is super cute in this one!!
Juli: Isn’t that… a photo of when Wataru and Masaomi made a speech at the reception?
Ema: Yeah. When it looked like Wataru was starting to ad-lib in the middle, Masaomi couldn’t keep up, and got really impatient.
Juli: This is a photo of Tsubaki and Azusa singing together.
Ema: Speaking of which, Tsubaki and Azusa’s song was really well-done! Their harmony was pretty, which I thought it was as expected (of the twins).
Juli: Oh, this one is of Yuusuke.
Ema: … Why are there so many photos of Yuusuke-kun eating dinner…?
Juli: Haha, he couldn’t lose to Chi in wearing gluttony.
Ema: Juli, stop it… Oh…? There don’t seem to be many photos of Iori-san and Fuuto-kun…
Juli: Those two were always surrounded by female guests, so there probably weren’t many chances to take photos of them?
Ema: That’s right…
Juli: … Anyway, it’s definitely a spectacle when the brothers are gathered together. I would be happy just going through photos like this.
Ema: Very true.
(The me up until last year could not have imagined this situation. To be surrounded by so much family… Right now, I’m really happy.)
Juli: To have forgotten our original purpose, even while looking straight at it, such weakness.
Ema: Hehe, indeed. Let’s hurry up and finish, and then after collecting them, take our time looking! Miwa-san did tell me, “There are unused albums on a shelf”...
Juli: Do you see something like that…?
Ema: Hmm, I wonder if she forgot to place them…? Ah, perhaps they’re inside this box?
(There was a brand new box in the corner of a shelf. Inside it were many envelopes, and a notebook.)
Ema: … Mm? What’s this?
Juli: Hm, a maternity health record book?
Ema: The child’s name is “Ema Nagami”...? Ema is my name though… but “Nagami”...?
Juli: ……!!
(...... What is this apprehension…!?)
Ema: Hey, Juli… This here… The parents’ names are… Kenji and Yukie Nagami… “Yukie” is my mom’s name. … But “Kenji” is…?
Juli: …
Ema: I… I don’t understand the meaning of this… My dad’s name is Rintarou Hinata. Rintarou Hinata, right…? What’s this…?
Juli: H-hey! What are you doing, Chi!!?
Ema: …… Looking for more! This has to be a mistake……!
Juli: Chi… You should stop…
Ema: What’s this…?
(From an envelope that was in the box, an old photo somehow came out. It was a photo of Papa and a man I didn’t know… And, the man I didn’t know was holding onto a baby… The man’s smile was truly happy…)
Ema: There’s something written on the back… This, it’s my birth date… “With Kenji and Ema”?
Juli: Chi…
Ema: … What is… this…?
Rintarou: I’m home--
Ema: ……!?
Rintarou: Ahh, Ema. You’ve come.
Ema: Papa…
Rintarou: Work ended earlier than I thought it would today. Since I heard Ema was coming, I came home quickly.
Ema: ……
Rintarou: …… Ema?
Ema: ……
Rintarou: ……! Where did you get that photo…!?
Ema: …… While organizing the photos from the wedding, I found this box by chance……
Rintarou: That box…!
Ema: Hey, Papa. The maternity health record book that was in the box, that’s not mine, right…? Because, I don’t know the name “Nagami”... And, who’s “Kenji Nagami”...?
Rintarou: Th-that’s…
Ema: Where it says Ema… Yukie… it’s just a coincidence, right…? It just happened to be the same as Mama’s and my names, and has nothing to do with us, right…!?
Rintarou: ……!
Ema: Hey… Say it’s wrong, Papa… Say it’s not about me…! Say it’s not my record book…! Because, this isn’t Papa’s name…!? My dad’s name is “Rintarou Hinata”, my mom’s name is “Yukie Hinata”, and I… I’m… “Ema Hinata”, right…!?
Rintarou: Ema…
Ema: I don’t understand this photo! Who is this person by Papa…? Why does it have my birthdate and name written on the back…? I don’t know this photo! I don’t know this man! The baby in this photo… isn’t me!!!
Rintarou: ……
Ema: Because… Because… My dad is……!
Rintarou: Ema… I’d like to say something.
Ema: …...o.
Rintarou: Eh…?
Ema: No! What you’re going to say… I don’t want to hear it!!
Rintarou: H-hey! Wait, Ema!!
(Just earlier, I was laughing and saying I was happy...
I ran from the room, to flee from reality…)
---
(How long will I be here like this…
Even so, I can’t get up from this park bench.
… The tears won’t stop.
I’m definitely not my dad’s child.
That’s probably what Papa wanted to say.
The maternity health record book and photo.
Even though when I look at those items, I can understand it in my head, I’m scared to hear it from Papa directly…
If I hear those words from none other than Papa’s lips, I feel that I will become all alone…
No matter how much I cry, the tears keep coming one after another.)
---
Kaname: What’s up, Imouto-chan.
Ema: …… Kaname-san?
Kaname: The day’s gotten dark, and it’s dangerous to be in this kind of place by yourself, you know?
Ema: ……
Kaname: Are you crying?
Ema: I, I’m fine.
Kaname: … My precious little sister, even with such swollen eyes, can’t simply answer “Yes, that’s right”, huh.
Ema: … Um, Kaname-san, how are you here…
Kaname: Rintarou-san contacted us at home. Said you’d ran off. Right now, everyone’s looking for you.
Ema: … Everyone?
Kaname: Yup. … We also heard about your situation.
(I see… So everyone already knows.)
Kaname: Hey. Do you feel like going home yet?
Ema: ……
Kaname: I see I see… I think it’s not unreasonable for you to be confused. I understand the feeling of wanting to be alone to cry.
Ema: … Kaname-san wouldn’t understand. Not about my feelings…!
Kaname: That’s true. I can’t understand 100%. But, I can imagine. Having something that you’ve believed up until now being shattered… Perhaps not knowing where to put your faith?
Ema: ……
Kaname: I’m a monk, remember. People that are suffering, people that are sad, I see many of them. That’s why right now, I can understand what kind of feelings you have.
Ema: I… see…
Kaname: However-- This is a problem only you can overcome. I can’t tell you what to do.
Ema: Eh…
Kaname: Whether you accept that you’re Rintarou’s adopted daughter, or not, is something only you can decide.
Ema: … Please don’t say that! That… If I accept that, I’ll…!
(I feel… I’ll truly become alone…)
Kaname: … I’m sorry.
(--Eh?)
Kaname: For saying that even though you don’t like it.
(Kaname’s arms wrapped around me tentatively…)
Kaname: I said earlier, that this is your problem. I can’t change that. … However.
Ema: ……?
Kaname: I can support you as you overcome this. If you need it.
Ema: Kaname-san…
Kaname: It’s okay to not smile if you can’t, and it’s okay to cry as much as you feel like. However, you can’t turn your eyes away from the problem. You have to overcome this, okay?
Ema: ……
(Quiet but powerful, Kaname’s voice went straight to my heart… There was none of the normal lightheartedness or playfulness…)
Ema: … I.
Kaname: Hm?
Ema: I thought Kaname-san would have more gentle words at such a time…
Kaname: Mm, is that so?
Ema: Yes… But somehow, I’ve opened my eyes.
Kaname: Opened your eyes?
Ema: I ran without listening to Papa’s side, and regret that. Even though I should have heard what he had to say properly...
Kaname: Yes.
Ema: I’ll… go talk to Papa. There has to be some deep reason for why he’s kept such an important thing secret until now… It’s not too late now…. Is it?
Kaname: It’s not late. I expect that Rintarou-san has been waiting for you to say this.
Ema: Yes…
Kaname: You’ll be fine. I’m here by your side. For as long as you strive to overcome this, I will support you. --- You can do it.
Ema: Thank you… Kaname-san.
(Kaname’s arms were filled with strength… Somehow, I found them very reliable…)
Kaname: ……… How unusual. You haven’t fled.
Ema: Eh?
Kaname: I seem to have gotten caught up in the moment.
Ema: Huh?
Kaname: May I comfort Imouto-chan? Would it be alright to kiss?
Ema: Wha…! How did it get to this topic!
Kaname: Because, it seemed like that kind of atmosphere.
Ema: What atmosphere! Enough! (Please) let go of me!
Kaname: Ehhhh. But the mood was finally good--.
(Despite everything, Kaname-san is light-hearted…
However, I can’t run forever…
I must thank Kaname-san, who pushed me forward.
I’ll meet with Papa.
We’ll meet, and I’ll listen properly to what he has to say…!)
----
Comments
I think this is one of the few scenes in the game where Kaname gets closest to how he is in the novels? He's got quite a few scenes in the books where he has Talks with Ema. And frankly, he's one of the few people that will sit her down for personal conversations.
Regarding this scene in particular--
I'm not sure Ema is entirely overreacting? Sure, the actual shouting and such is a little dramatic, but this has been hidden from her her whole life (she's 17 at this date). Would I be able to stand to be in the same room as Rintarou at that time if I were her? Probably not.
Also, despite their whole talk about facing the problem, I'm not sure they're talking about the same issue? Kaname thinks that she's having issues accepting that she's adopted. Which, she is, but when he shows up, she's already getting there, but her issue is that she thinks she'll be alone. And nothing during this scene directly addresses that. All that talk about Kaname being close to a mind-reader, and ehhhhh, close but no cigar. At least Rui addresses it in the anime/novels.
I also understand that there may be some word limits on the scene, but Ema sure came around quickly. If only 2 lines of dialogue from someone could soothe real life scenarios as effectively!
As for my feelings on Rintarou--- Well, those anime screens of Ema cooking for herself, and taking care of herself when sick, when she was just a little kid, really stuck with me. Clearly, he's not been available, because I don't recall Ema going to him for help at any time. If he had been a more present parent, surely she would have turned to him more (or not, because forced plot reasons). And yet somehow, the two have a good relationship, but maybe it's just from movie magic.
Brothers Conflict: Passion Pink - Kaname route - Scene 2 - On the Beach at Night
HAHA, A ROMANCE SCENE! ENJOY.
I’ve smoothed over some bits to make the English flow better. My comments are at the end.
This scene directly follows after Main 9: Vacation Day 2.
Brothers Conflict Translations Index
August 12 (Thursday)
(A lot of things happened today… Although I was shocked when I heard that Wataru was missing, it’s great that nothing [bad] happened.
Anyway… I can’t sleep for some reason… My body should be tired, but my eyes are wide open.
Maybe… it’s Kaname-san’s fault… I can’t get him out of my head… The feeling of being hugged by his large arms hasn’t gone away…
Aahh, it’s no good…! Since I was thinking about it so much, my eyes are extra wide open. What should I do…)
Kaname: Oh? Imouto-chan? What are you doing here at this time?
Ema: ! … Kaname-san. Ah… I somehow… can’t sleep. Kaname-san, how about you?
Kaname: I was thinking of enjoying the night breeze a bit. Ah, that’s right. If you like, would you like to come with me?
Ema: Eh…?
[Choice: Go together.]
Ema: Ah… Sure. If it’s not annoying to you…
Kaname: Haha. I invited you, so no such thing! Anyway, shall we?
Ema: … Yes.
---
Kaname: It’s good that the rain has stopped.
Ema: Yes… And the night breeze feels nice.
Kaname: Yeah.
Ema: …
Kaname: …
(The sound of waves was carried by the mild wind blowing. Kaname was somewhat of few words tonight… His expression while looking out at the ocean was very calm. I think this was the first time I had ever seen him like this…)
Kaname: Hey… You can laugh at me and say I’m pretending. [**1]
Ema: … What is it?
Kaname: I like the ocean at night.
Ema: The ocean… at night?
Kaname: Yeah. When it gets dark, the boundary between sea and sky disappears, you see. To be tossed out into the wide space, it feels somewhat uneasy… I think that kind of feeling is good. [**2]
Ema: To be uneasy… is good?
Kaname: Yes. When you stand in a place where you can feel the power of nature… You can feel keenly humankind’s powerlessness, and that our existence is due only to heaven’s grace. The little things that we are troubled by, disappointed by, become very trivial. That’s why, every so often just like this, I look out at the ocean at night. Because I can empty my mind.
Ema: … Kaname-san…
Kaname: Hm?
Ema: You can think about that sort of thing, huh…
Kaname: Hmm? What do you mean?
Ema: It’s a little surprising. I thought that the inside of Kaname-san’s head was (just) filled with girls…
Kaname: Ehhh? How cruel. I’m still a monk though. I think about world peace and peace of mind, and then just a little bit about girls, you know?
Ema: See! You do think about girls after all!
Kaname: Haha, you’ve got me.
Ema: Hehe… However.
Kaname: Hm?
Ema: What you were saying earlier…. To be thrown out into such a dark place, I think is a bit frightening.
Kaname: That’s right, it’s frightening. But… it’s alright. If you are scared, I’ll come save you before you start crying.
Ema: Eh…?
Kaname: Today, not knowing where he was, you tried desperately to find Wataru… If anything happens to you, I’ll come save you. Thank you for what you did today. That a girl like you is my little sister, I think is truly great.
(Ah, that’s it-- I see. Kaname-san is always laughing lightly and making jokes. Today I feel he’s somehow being very… kind…)
Kaname: Mm! Well, I think I’ll enjoy the night ocean a bit more!
Ema: Eh… Kaname-san…? It’s dark, so it’s dangerous to go so far out into the water!
Kaname: It’s fine~!
(Saying that and laughing, Kaname-san seems a bit like a kid… As I beheld another of his expressions that I’d never seen before, my heart gave a small… thump, like the swell of a wave… I wonder why... ?)
Kaname: Whoa!?
Ema: Hey…! K-Kaname-san!? What happened!?
Kaname: ...Pah! Wha, what…? What is this, seaweed? I got tangled and tripped over from this?
Ema: …! Hehe! Kaname-san, you’re soaked!
Kaname: What is this, ugh… Not cool…
Ema: Hehe, are you alright? If you like, please hold onto me (and I’ll pull you up).
Kaname: Thanks. However, Imouto-chan. You were laughing at me just now, weren’t you?
Ema: Eh---?
(I was pulled over by the hand I’d extended toward Kaname-san. And then…)
Ema: … Pah!
Kaname: Haha! Payback for laughing.
Ema: Che… T-Terrible! Now I’m all soaked..!
Kaname: Haha, that’s right-! But hey… it was hot all day today, so doesn’t it feel nice…?
Ema: …!! W-what are you saying… Ah--
(When I looked up, Kaname-san’s face and chest were right in front of my eyes… Suddenly, I remembered when he hugged me this afternoon… And my heart started pounding loudly again…)
Kaname: You face… It’s red? Is it still (too) hot…?
Ema: It’s n-not hot…
(At that moment… I saw something out the corner of my eye.)
Ema: … Oh? Kaname-san, there’s… Around your right collarbone, what is that…
Kaname: Hm? Ahh, this? It’s a tattoo.
Ema: Tattoo? Ah… It’s the first time I’ve seen it. Um, is this a cross?
Kaname: Eh… Ahh, no. It’s a short sword.
Ema: Ah… That’s right. Since you’re a monk, it wouldn’t be a cross… Pardon me.
Kaname: …… Say, Imouto-chan. Can I tell you something?
Ema: Hm? What is it…?
Kaname: It’s something related to the sword. A long time ago, in a play from England, there was a line, “The pen is mightier than the sword.”
Ema: A pen? A sword…?
Kaname: Yes. It means that words surpass armed force. However, in this world, there is something much stronger than the sword or the pen.
Kaname: … Earlier, I emptied out my mind. Now, I want to fill it with you… Is that okay, Ema…?
Ema: ……!!
[Ema pushes Kaname, and he splashes back into the water.]
Kaname: …! Imouto-chan!?
(In a daze, I pushed Kaname-san away. From far away… mixed in with the sound of waves behind me, I thought I heard Kaname-san’s voice calling out to me… But I couldn’t look back. I could only run to the cottage…) [**3]
-----
Notes:
1. What does 「スカしてる」mean in English? From Googling Japanese forums, I’ve translated it to “pretend” but it doesn’t seem right.
2. Where it says “uneasy”, the term was 「心もとない」, which also doesn’t seem right in English.
3. “In a daze” was 「無我夢中で」, which my dictionaries tell me is “to lose oneself, to be absorbed in”.
-----
Comments:
Ahhhhh, Kaname~~ Like I said in my previous entry, I think he confirmed his love for her during the afternoon when they were looking for Wataru, and then confessed it here. As much as he works fast, I don’t think his love for her comes out of nowhere. Actually, it might even be that during the previous 3 months after she moved in, depending on how family-oriented she was, he would have been falling for her during that time. (That said, the book pretty much skips from her moving in, to some beginning mishaps, straight to the vacation. And same with game.) In the cover of the second book, Ema asks the brothers what they consider most important. Kaname says “... Family. Of course, you too. Very important.” while looking contemplative. (I will promptly ignore the fact that in Kaname’s route in the game, if you raise family love too much, you will miss his scenes. Which is why I didn’t finish his route the first time around.)
That said, the game does this scene way better than the book, especially at the end. Ema is still slow here, but at least she has a clear response. (Even if it may be disappointing to us fangirls.) In the book, she does jack-all and just sits there in his kiss while Juli is screeching in the background.
