Hi, DGM fandom! I'm jeidafei. You may have seen me in Kougeki-scans' scanlation of D.Gray-Man.
I know Kougeki releases have been delayed for these past few chapters. And people have taken to releasing their own translations on Reddit and MangaDex as early as a few days after the Japanese release. We at Kougeki have asked people to wait if they could. People have told us to, basically, go d*e.
And of course, you are perfectly entitled to say so. You are perfectly entitled to release your own translations and not wait. After all, we at Kougeki are just fans of D.Gray-Man, similar to you. We have zero claim over the series.
I normally stay out of the fray when it comes to quarrels with these 'snipers' until now. When I saw the quality of the translations some of these people are putting out.
(Specifically, Chapter 250 on MangaDex)
Japanese is a difficult language. D.Gray-Man is a difficult manga to translate due to its ongoing status, complex nature and plot twists. I have made mistakes myself that others have pointed out. I have my own interpretations that might be different. I readily forgive mistakes I understand are due to the complex Japanese grammar, and the confusing mysteries of the D.Gray characters.
But these are not it. These are just blatant laziness and lack of basic knowledge of even the most recent developments in D.Gray-Man. Or even simple logic. These are the results of people dishing out sub-par work quickly just to get the most exposure possible.
So while we wait for Kougeki's version, I am going to point out these egregious mistakes. We need transparency so that going forward, you can make your own decisions on whether it is speed or accuracy you are looking for.
The original Japanese text says "7,000 years ago" (七千), not "17 years"（十七）. A difference any beginner Japanese learner would notice. Even most D.Gray-Man fans without Japanese knowledge would probably realize something is off based on what we know of the story so far.
The original text says "Do(es) the passion/sentiments run so deep, you must reincarnate into a human who resembles Nea?" (the word 'regret' is simply not there). I think 'passion' or 'sentiments' are more compatible here, considering earlier theories about Tyki, the Noah of Pleasure.
Jasdevi is saying they were at their limits anyway and wouldn't be able to keep restraining Apocryphos for long. When Wisely orders them to dispose of Apo, they scream "Oni!" (Demon) which is quite similar to "Onii-san" (Elder brother), but most people would probably know which one is more fitting in this scenario, even without Japanese knowledge.
When Desires asks Wisely if he is just going to set Apo free like that, Wisely explains that this way, Apocryphos (not Desires or Wisely as in the translation), can keep searching for the Heart for them. Again, basic story knowledge.
Wisely didn't say "Fine, enough already"; this bubble is a continuation of the earlier bubble, spoken by Desires. Together, he is saying "Wouldn't you just spit it out already!?"
In Japanese, many words sound the same and the meaning can only be determined by context or the Chinese characters (kanji) used. In this case, "kikai" can mean either "machine" (機械) or "opportunity" (機会) or "strange" (奇怪), among a dozen others.
Yes, it's difficult, I know. But, you see the kanji. You know the context. I'm sure you can take a guess.
There are a couple more minor mistakes (ones that don't impact your understanding of the story too much). But I'm just going to leave you with one more, the most conspicuous mistake:
The chapter is named "Curse's End" by this translator. Actually, it's the opposite in Japanese. "Owaranu" is a form of "Owaranai" which means "not ending", which fits the revelation of this chapter by Wisely that their 35-year curse has yet to come to an end.
So, there you have it.
As you can see, I'm not shaming people for not being as fluent in Japanese. Not everyone can dedicate almost two decades to learn a language. As I have pointed out, most of these mistakes are rookie-level, and should have been picked up in double-check if that someone is familiar with D. Gray-Man at all. With these nigh unforgivable mistakes, even Deepl and Google Translate are more accurate.
This is a matter of someone not giving enough of a sh*t, plain and simple.
I'm also not gatekeeping scanlation whatsoever. I'm just pointing out the mistakes and actual text because the fandom deserves to know. With the localization drama going on, it proves faithfulness to the actual text and accuracy matters.
Of course, anyone has the right to put out their translation. And I have the right to point out whether they can be trusted. I'm not passing judgment. I'm just providing evidence so the bystanders can decide for themselves.
Lastly, from the bottom of my heart, I thank everyone who has supported the work of Kougeki Scans and waited for our release. I apologize for the delays. We're working on the latest chapter and will release 249 and 250 very, very soon.
(T/N: Big thanks to @candy-crackpot for the raws! This Lounge contains 20 questions in all. I've divided it into 4 parts for ease of reading and translating!)
Featuring: Reever, Lenalee, Allen, Lavi, Kanda
Lenalee: Good afternoon, everyone! As usual, my brother is nowhere to be found. I’m so, so sorry! Anyway, without further ado, we bring you the Komui’s Lounge corner!
Allen: YES! I finally get to feature alongside Lenalee~!
Lenalee: Teehee. I’m so happy, too~! (Allen and Lenalee joining hands and squealing giddily in unison.)
Lavi: Yaaay! Me too~! (Reaches out)
*Thwack!!* (The SFX of Allen’s smiling smackdown)
Lavi: OW!!! That’s your left hand, Mr. Allen!! He literally just smacked me with Innocence!!
Reever: Oi, Allen. You can’t go slapping people with your left hand, you know?
(T/N: “Hear, hear!” said Mana.)
Allen: My apologies. I sensed ulterior motives from Lavi directed towards Lenalee and I just…
Lavi: YOU’RE ONE TO TALK!!
Kanda: All this noise. Would you shut your yammering already, you danged rabbit?
Reever: Aaah, the nostalgia (heartily). How long has it been since you four were last together like this?
Lavi: It seems we’ve received several requests along the lines of, “We want to see the four teens having fun together,” so Hoshino basically bankrupted herself to put this together as a huge fanservice.
Allen: So, it wasn’t because she couldn’t be bothered thinking up new cast combinations every single time…?
Lavi: That’s also highly possible.
Lenalee: Now that you’ve mentioned it, looks like the comic’s supervisor warned her in no uncertain tones to really, really, have the word count in mind when writing this time. One thing led to another and last time was a big no-no, as well…I guess we’ll have to be more mindful as we speak.
Reever: This is especially the case for you, Allen, Lavi. You two have a rich history of fooling about and wasting precious paper. And Kanda, you don’t fight with Allen, too, get it?
Kanda: What the—That’s up to Beansprout, isn’t it?
Allen: HUH!?
Reever: OI! (sweating) Come on! They’re really at our throats with the word count this time, so work with me, for heaven’s sake!
Q1: How popular is Section Chief Reever with the ladies of the Order, romantically?
Reever: Eh?
Lavi: Don’t “eh” us, Section Chief. Come on, man, get a grip!
Reever: Ah, nah. I was thinking it’s a question for Kanda or something…Huh? Me!? You’re talking to me? (sweating)
Kanda: Aren’t you overreacting?
Allen: Please, allow me! I know the answer! Section Chief Reever does have himself a fanclub!
Reever: WHAT!?!?!? (shock)
Lavi: For many a year, Jeryy was club president, and all was peaceful under his management. Then, everything changed when Bonnaire joined the club and began vying for the seat.
Lenalee: I’ve lost track of the number of times people ask me about Section Chief Reever, too. “Wonder if he has a girlfriend,” and all that jazz.
Allen: Well, I guess it’s to be expected. After all, unlike Lavi, Section Chief Reever is handsome and unmatched when it comes to trustworthiness…Wait. Mr. Reever? You’re spacing out.
Lavi: Oi, back the heck up! Didn’t you just diss me in passing?!
Reever: M-my bad…Never thought I’d have anything to do with this topic, after all. Ah, guess I’m hopeless…Also, Allen! Lavi! Haven’t I warned you to watch the idle chitchat?
Allen and Lavi: Ehehe.
Lenalee: So, now that we’ve breached the subject…Do you have a girlfriend, Section Chief? (smiling)
Reever: Whoa, what’s up, Lenalee? You look so happy all of a sudden (sweating).
Lenalee: Well, we’ve never chatted about your love life like this before. I don’t know, it just makes me happy. Soooo, do you have one? Do you? You wanna know, too, right Kanda?
Kanda: Whatever!
Reever: Ah, nah. Well, now I don’t…but I had a girlfriend, once. Right! And that brings us to the end of this discussion!! Moving on!
Allen and Lavi: Aaaaaaaaaawwww! That’s it!?
Reever: Yeah, yeah. Shut up, the lot of you!
Lenalee: ……
Kanda: What’s up, Lena?
Lenalee: Well, just now, he looked kinda sad for a second. So, I just thought, could it be that it ended tragically? Maybe I shouldn’t have asked in the first place.
Kanda: As if them scientists are the oversensitive type who’d be depressed over such things. Don’t you worry.
Q2: Since when did you develop such a huge appetite, Allen-kun? After all, you didn’t seem to eat all that much back in your circus days.
Allen: In my circus days, it’s more like they didn’t let me eat rather than me not eating of my own volition. Then, later, when I was travelling with Mana, we didn’t have much money, so I had no choice but to put up with it. I’ve only been able to eat my fill after Master took me on, and he wasn’t that surprised by my appetite.
Reever: Well, General Cross probably had known Parasitic type exorcists are voracious eaters, after all. And since you were starved like that at such a young age, it took a toll on your growth, didn’t it, Allen?
Allen: Hmm…Yes, I definitely was tiny back then. Although I did hit this growth spurt when I was around thirteen. What a relief it was. And, someday, I would surpass Kanda and Lavi, as well.
Kanda: Wha—Is that so, Beansprout?
Allen: Mwahahaha! How I look forward to the day I would look down upon you, Kanda.
Reever: Cut it out. You cut it out right there (sweating).
Lavi: Could be that Allen’s past trauma is the reason he’s so strongly fixated on food even before he became active as a Parasitic type.
Lenalee: The General made sure to let you eat as much as you needed, didn’t he?
Allen: Well, it wasn’t exactly Master who let me eat, actually…his lovers, more like. The good misses were all extremely wealthy, you see.
Lavi: Man, I’m jealous. The man was living the dream, he was.
Q3: Does Allen like Lenalee romantically? Or is she simply a dear friend?
(T/N—Aight I know I was screaming at Lenalee and Allen featuring together earlier but now I wish one of them wasn’t here because how would we get an honest reaction out of them both now come friggin’ on gaaaaaaaaaargh gurgle gurgle)
Reever: Oh, there’s also the same question for Lavi and Kanda in the pile as well. Alright, lads. Step right up and take turns enlightening us.
Allen: Y-ye-ye-ye-yes??? (Blushing deep red)
Lavi: Oi, Reever! How come you get to dodge this and we don’t, you cheater!!?
Kanda: What a load of bullsh*t……
Lenalee: I love all of you guys (T/N: Agh, f*** me dead, lass!). Aren’t you guys the same…?
Allen: Of course, I love you, Lenalee! You’re my beloved…family, after all. (T/N: After I’m done with this IMMA GO KILL YOU, HOSHINO!)
Lavi: M-m-me too! I love you, too!
Kanda: Ugh. More bullsh*t.
Reever: So, you guys don’t like her as a potential romantic partner?
Allen, Lavi and Kanda: NEXT!! NEXT QUESTION!!! (sweating)
Q4: What is Tyki’s type in women?
Allen and Lavi: THE HELL WE KNOW!!!
Kanda: Reever, choose decent questions, will you?
Reever: Nah. This isn’t me. Hoshino chose all these!
Allen: Whooooo~caaaaaares! Really...
Lavi: Wait, but isn’t he quite obsessed with Allen? Could it be that Allen’s his ty—(and that is when Allen let him have a whack on the dome)
Allen: Lenalee, please! It’s really not like that! That curlyhead’s just your regular old pervert.
Lenalee: But, Allen-kun, you’re…you must know you’re an androgynous, gorgeous young man. That’s why I’m so, so worried right now. Allen-kun…promise me you’ll be careful, okay…?
Q16: I would like to know if Hoshino-sensei ever felt super hyped while drawing a scene?
Hoshino: Lavi’s “Infinite Flame!! (火加減無し!!)” scene (vol.13)
(T/N: Lavi vs Road battle, below)
Lavi: Whoa! Hoshino just popped outta nowhere!
Allen: Goes to show we’re already screwed in regards to the word count, I guess.
Hoshino: If you know, then watch it!
Reever: She was also pretty hyped during Krory’s “I don’t need no coffin” scene, as well (Vol.11). (T/N: Krory vs Jasdevi battle. Thanks @looniecartooni for the raw!)
Q17: So Jasdevi has been called “monster” before?
Lenalee: Krory did mention them when we had a tea party some time ago. “Those Noah twins and I, we’re similar, so I have this feeling we’d meet again someday,” he said. I guess he must have been thinking what you’re thinking at some point.
Lavi: They’re weirdly simple-minded for their age. I guess it’s possible they’re nursing a wound in their heart.
Q18: Are there ever instances where a new accommodator eventually appeared for the Innocence shards of exorcists who died in the line of duty?
Reever: Yeah. Loads of them, in fact. Next!
Lavi: That was quick!
Allen: Mr. Reever, are they that strict about the word count limit this time?
Reever: The designer’s already at their limit from the looks of it, Allen. Whether we get to do this Lounge again next volume could depend on this!
Q19: Does Fo consume human food?
Allen: Fo doesn’t eat anything. That’s what I’ve heard back at the Asian Branch.
Lavi: Aaah, the Asian Branch’s Guardian Deity system is so interesting, really. Even Bookmen of old regarded the Chang Clan as a subject requiring special attention. Any clues on why they had their guardian deity take the form of a young lady?
Allen and Lenalee: Eh? No.
Kanda: …Didn’t Branch Head Bak’s great-grandfather who created the Guardian Deity system have it take the form of his late daughter?
Lavi: Wait, so Yu knew!
Reever: Who have you heard that from, Kanda?
Kanda: Alma said so.
Q20: A question for Allen-kun! If Kanda and General Cross were drowning in a river and you could save only one, whom would you save?
Reever: Al~righty!! Let’s wrap it up with this question.
Lavi: Welp, can’t be helped!! Welp, can’t be helped!! (T/N: Try reading it with a rhythm XD)
Allen: There must have been a better one in there! Come on!
Lenalee: Looks like Ms. Hoshino’s so nervous about the word count, she’s on the verge of a panic attack…(sweating). Let’s make do with this one for her, okay?
Kanda: If she’s gonna panic that much, then don’t do this Lounge thing, then.
Allen: No can do, huh…Or rather, these two don’t look like they’d ever find themselves drowning, seriously! Erm...Let’s see…I’ll save Master.
Lavi: And your reason behind that?!
Allen: Because Master could’ve been squirreling away the secret stash I’ve been saving!
Reever: Aaaaand we’re done! Thank you so much for being with us today! Now break it up! Chop chop! (Two big handclaps)
Lenalee: Would be nice if we managed to scrape a pass on the word count this time.
Allen: Which I reckon…we probably didn’t…
Lavi: Gave it our best shot, though……Alas, poor Hoshino……
Closing T/N:
Aaaand that’s it! Thank you so much for all your comments and tags. I had so much fun reading them.
@shashaspeaks The original Japanese dialogue for Allen cussing is the following:
ラビてめぇこの野郎なに口走ってんだよコラァ（ドス声）
(Rabi temee kono yarou nani kuchi hashitten dayo koraa//threatening voice).
It’s written with no punctuation, likely indicating he said it all in one breath XD.
//Don’t even get me started on Lenalee’s records gaaaaah what’s up now, Hoshino-sensei?!!
@candy-crackpot Again, thanks for the raws! Also super happy someone got my sneaky ATLA reference XD.
//Don’t worry, I know Komurin’s weakness is at the nape.
//Nah I think Cross is fascinated by the heartbeat of living beings precisely because he doesn’t have one. /ooooohh I think General Tiedoll would have approved of that burn.
@sauvechouris Yeah, I’m confused about the “kids OK but lovers NO-K” thing too. Like aren’t kids supposed to be even harder to leave behind, idk? LOL poor Bookman’s children, must have been one hell of a Daddy’s Issue for you all. Anyway, Past!Allen is Bookman’s kid headcanon anyone lmao?
Q11: Lavi was of the impression that Kanda’s case file reads suspicious from the start. What was the thing that hit you as odd?
Lavi: Hm? Well, you only had to keep an eye on Yu and you’d know. You know the face of a man carrying something heavy when you see one. Besides, those records are pretty detailed alright, but they still give off this air like something fabricated by the government.
Reever: Guess you can’t pull wool over the eyes of those from the Bookman Clan when they devour such vast amounts of books.
Kanda: Who the hell cares.
Lenalee: But, ever since I was small, I’ve always felt that Kanda definitely has a secret as well. And at the same time, I felt it was probably beyond someone like me to do anything about it, too.
Allen: So, you both had your suspicions? Looks like I was the only one without a clue, huh…
Lavi: ……(Well, to tell the truth, I’m suspicious about Lenalee’s records as well).
Allen: What’s the matter, Lavi?
Lavi: Hm? Nah, nuffink (offhanded).
Q12: Miss Anita had said that General Cross loves the rain. Is there an anecdote behind this?
Lenalee: Really? I had no idea.
Allen: Aaaah. Yes, he really did seem to like it. I vaguely remember him musing about it back in my apprentice days.
Lavi: What about it, exactly?
Allen: Hmm. What was it again? Pretty sure it was something about the sound of the rain…
(T/N: Allen's brain prolly too filled with memories of running from Judgment to remember lmao)
Kanda: Isn’t that the rhythm of the rain? Heard it from General Tiedoll. Said it’s like the rhythm of the heartbeat of living things and it calms him.
Reever: Whoa, really? So, you do remember General Tiedoll’s every word, eh, Kanda? (pat pat)
Kanda: Don’t touch my head!
Allen: I’m getting this feeling, like I’ve stumbled upon an unexpected side to my master. And now, I’m feeling somewhat sick……
Lavi: How come?
Q13: How does everyone in the Science Division even keep themselves awake?
Reever: With all the coffee and tea Lenalee brought us, obviously.
Lenalee: Liar. I know full well you guys spike your drinks with some mysterious liquid, so don’t bother.
Reever: *jolts*
Allen: Mr. Reever, let’s come clean about this, shall we?
Lavi: We’ve witnessed it countless times, you know…? The truth will set you free, brother.
Reever: M-my bad! Truth is, we occasionally slip in a drop or two of these energy drinks for fighting off drowsiness. We each have our own recipe…but we created them to be tasteless and odorless so they won’t affect the taste of your tea, so…!
Lenalee: That’s not the thing here, Section Chief. I’m not worried about how my tea tastes; I’m worried about you guys overdosing on drugs…! What if the side-effects land you in some trouble again? You don’t want that, do you?
Allen: I for one don’t ever want to relive that Zombie Incident ever again.
Reever: Yeah, nah, that one's definitely a whole ‘nother level. Like, no-one but the Supervisor could’ve pulled off something of that caliber, I’d say.
Lavi: And I'm telling you, you Science Division folks aren’t that far behind on the screwed-up meter yourselves. Have you forgotten Bunny Gramps?
Kanda: Hire more people, dammit. You got the money, don’t you?
Reever: We are hiring more. It’s just that they rarely stay…(sobs)
Q14: What has enabled Lenalee, who has been traumatized by Central, to warm up to Link, an Inspector from Central, to the point where she enthusiastically discusses tea-brewing with him?
Lenalee: Hmmm, you’re right...Yeah, I was super uncomfortable at first. But then, day after day, I watched the Inspector bravely taking care of Allen-kun’s every need, and I kinda…should I say wound down?
Lavi: He’s a mom personality, that one.
Allen: Yeah, Link does make heavenly sweets, after all. Wish he’d tone down the nagging a bit, though.
Reever: At first, I was worried, too. Then I realized, huh, so there are folks like this even among Central officials, too. And I’m a bit more relieved.
Kanda: Tch. What a bunch of Pollyannas...
Q15: Who has the best penmanship between Allen, Kanda, Lavi and Lenalee? I also would like to know whose mission report is the easiest to read?
Allen: I don’t like this question…(sullen).
Lenalee: You’re getting better and better studying with Inspector Link and Krory, aren’t you? Gotta keep your spirits up, Allen-kun!
Reever: She’s right, Allen. Your reports are much easier to read now!
Kanda: Learn to write a goddamn report at the least, Beansprout. Aren’t you ashamed of yourself?
Allen: Oh, bother!! I apologize for not being well-bred!!!
Reever: Alright, alright, enough! Back to the question. Lavi has the best handwriting. And his report is also the easiest to read.
Lavi: Huh, really? I’m actually half-arsing it, you know.
Allen: Grr!!! (rage)
Lavi: Mr. Allen, your eyes—your eyes are freaking me out. I actually like a good old scribble with a unique style like yours, you know~?
Lenalee: Lavi’s handwriting is just beautiful. Like, straight out of a textbook. Don’t tell me you’ve even memorized all the lettering styles?
Lavi: Yup. Gramps’ handwriting is the same, too, right Reever?
Reever: Yeah. You both have this beautiful, textbook-like handwriting, it’s impossible to tell who wrote it between Lavi and Bookman.
Allen: No fair…
Lavi: Well, on the flipside, you could say it has no interesting feature at all, so stop scowling at me, Allen!
Lenalee: Section Chief, so who’s up next in both?
Reever: Hmmm. Handwriting goes to Lenalee, easy-to-read’s probably Kanda. Wait...Crap! We’re fast approaching the word count limit!! (sweats profusely)
D.Gray-Man Vol.27: Author’s Note & Special Thanks Corner
As a fangirl who made sure to let it be known wherever she goes and on every profile on every platform, exactly which and how many fandoms she is in, I cannot agree more with Sensei’s message.
As Irving Stone once said,
There are no faster or firmer friendships than those formed between people who love the same books.
That’s all for now! See you again soon with the first part of Komui’s Lounge!
