Yo! Yo! Yo! Yo! Yo! We’ve got a translation of Once Upon a Time in Shibuya for ya! Worked with @translatingterminal on this one so go give them a follow while you’re here!
Find it under the read more!
Lyrics, Arrangement & Composition: ALI-KICK
The translation has also been added to the wiki, so find the kanji there as well. Romaji will follow on the wiki when I finish writing it up.
Note: We both saw that people were asking for a ‘taste of love’ line that was in another translation. It does not exist. It was a mistranslation on their part.
Rio’s Kitchen Chapter 1: Procuring The Ingredients
Alternative Rap Battle’s first event is here! It’s Rio’s Kitchen, featuring the 3rd liners of the 4 OG divisions. This event lasts until the 9th of April 12:59 JST. Best get hunting! This introductory chapter shows Dice meeting up with Rio and how they start their hunt for ingredients.
Click the read more!
DICE
Hey, Rio!
[ FOOTSTEPS ]
RIO
Hm? Ah, Arisugawa. What’s the matter?
DICE
Hehe… Could you feed me again??
RIO
Hm… It's no problem but…
DICE
Eh? What's up?
RIO
Actually, I just ran out of ingredients.
DICE
Ah… That so…
RIO
So then, I’m going to hunt down the ingredients in a bit.
DICE
Then I’ll help as well!
RIO
Is that alright?
DICE
Ain’t it obvious? You’re making it for me, so the least I can do is help out, or I’ll get some karma on me [1], y’know?
RIO
Well then, if I can ask that of you.
DICE
Yep! Why don’t we get going already?
RIO
That’s right… I was going to say, I’m grateful for you coming to help me so quickly, but I haven’t even had a cup of coffee yet
DICE
Oh, really! I’ll have some too!
[ TRANSITION ]
DICE
That's good!!!
RIO
Is that so? I’m glad.
[ DRINKING NOISES ]
DICE
Rio, are you always self-sufficient?
RIO
I am
DICE
Do you buy coffee beans?
RIO
No, I always make coffee from the beans that I’ve grown
DICE
Eh? No way! Can you actually grow coffee in Japan?
RIO
Originally, it grows in an area called 'The Coffee Belt’ that spreads across the equator at 25 degrees of a north latitude
DICE
Then isn’t it impossible…?
RIO
There are several conditions that are required for cultivation. Temperature and precipitation, moderate shade and cold. But I was able to achieve that.
DICE
R-Really… So you got the coffee from a domestic tree!
RIO
I heard that there was an area in the south of Japan that had some growing. Though, they are quite rare here.
DICE
Ah I see. So I just drank something really rare. That’s super exciting!
RIO
Haha… If you say that, then it was worth all the effort.
[ DRINKING NOISES ]
DICE
By the way Rio, you’re always cooking all these dishes, but what’s your favourite food?
RIO
Mine..? Well… Roast turkey, I guess...
DICE
Roasted turkey is good and all but, why’s that?
RIO
When I was a child, my mother would always make it to celebrate Christmas with the family... I remember we were pretty happy. Maybe it’s because of those memories.
DICE
That sounds good. So you as a little kid, huh?
RIO
Is that not obvious?
DICE
Ahahahahaha! I can’t even imagine that at all!
RIO
Hm. Is that so? On the contrary, it’s not like Arisugawa changed much at all.
DICE
Me? Nah, I may be the way I am now, but back in the day, I was completely different.
RIO
Is that so? That’s a surprise. What do you mean by different?
DICE
Well…
RIO
Hm?
DICE
Nahahahahaha. I don’t really wanna talk about old stories or anything.
RIO
That right? It seems I’ve picked a difficult topic to talk about. I apologise.
DICE
No no no! Please don’t apologise!
RIO
But…
DICE
That's over now. My mother’s house was strict and there was a lot that happened, but it’s in the past.
RIO
… Well, people have their different pasts.
DICE
Well, with that outta the way, let’s get to hunting! I’m getting hungry waiting around!
RIO
Hmph. Well then, let’s go.
[ THE TWO HEAD OFF ]
ー ー ー ー ー ー ー ー ー ー ー
[1] The term used can be translated to Dice receiving ‘divine punishment’ from some unknown god, so I’ve just left it as bad karma.
That’s the first chapter! We should have the next coming up tomorrow, apologies for the wait!
The second part of the ARB Prologue introduces the main cast. This generally deals with the groups bickering among themselves, as well as introducing their styles at the end. Please click the read more to venture on!
VIEW PART 1 HERE
[ FOOTSTEPS APPROACH ]
SAMATOKI
What? Is there something wrong with my eyes?
I'm seeing that bastard Ichiro over there.
ICHIRO
Samatoki...!!
SAMATOKI
That’s Samatoki-san, to you. Bastard.
JYUTO
Wait, Samatoki
We’re deep in Chuo. Try not to make a fuss. You’ll be eliminated before the match even starts.
SAMATOKI
Shut up, damn bunny cop. When’d you turn from a vicious police officer into a fortune teller? Ya change jobs?
JYUTO
You don’t need divine powers or clarivoyance to know that. Listen to my advice, Samatoki.
If you cause a problem here and are disqualified, your hatred for Ichiro will have to wait another year.
Anyways, if you act up here, you’ll only cause trouble for yourself.
SABURO
Tch. If it was my way, these lot wouldn’t have to bother Ichi-nii
That glasses guy... Making extra work for us.
RIO
Oi, wait. Samatoki, Jyuto.
You two seem to be in high spirits before the game. In such a case, I have this snake drink...
SAMATOKI
Ah-.... R-Rio. I’m good, thanks.
Oi, Jyuto. You should have some since Rio recommends it for ya. Drink up.
JYUTO
Ngh...!
RIO
Is that so. Then, Jyuto, have Samatoki’s too
JYUTO
No, it’s u-uh alright. Actually, I’m allergic to snakes...
ICHIRO
What's this? Samatoki’s having trouble with his team?
SABURO
Let’s leave them be, Ichi-nii
They’re simply the same as Jiro - they’re bird brains that forget whatever’s happened even a second ago.
They forgot that they were even talking to you, Ichi-nii
JIRO
Saburo...! You don’t have to start bad mouthing me!
You should only be dissing those guys!
SABURO
I just called it how it is. Though, you really are just the best at getting angry, huh?
ICHIRO
God, you guys...
JAKURAI
...Oh. It seems that today’s participants are all gathering here.
[ FOOTSTEPS: MATENROU ENTERS]
ICHIRO
Jakurai-san!
JAKURAI
It’s been a while, Ichiro-kun. You seem well.
HIFUMI
Are you a friend of sensei’s?
DOPPO
Look closely, Hifumi. Everyone’s gathered here is a contestant.
HIFUMI
Hm? Ah. So it’s like that. It was rude of me not to greet them.
DOPPO
Greeting them... Is it okay to be so flippant when they were just fighting now?
HIFUMI
Doppo-kun. Greeting your opponent properly is important when we’ll be fighting soon.
If you don’t even say hello, how are you supposed to give it your all in the future battle!
DOPPO
Ugh... What a stressful situation...
I’m such an awful man that I can’t even say hello... Nevertheless, this is my duty... It wouldn’t be surprising if you thought that I should quite because I’m not suited for this.
So why does my balding manager always put up with me? I should just quit... I could quit already... I want to say so already...
Ah, that’s why. It must be cause of that.... I’m full indebted to my company...
Hahaha...I work so hard for the livelihood of the company...
[ DOPPO STARTS SHAKING ]
DOPPO
It's because I'm insane... because I’m gloomy... because I’m miserable...
I am I am I am I am .....
HIFUMI
Doppo! You’re not the kind of person you think are!
Even if you couldn’t greet them, my friendship with you will never change!
JYUTO
With all that noise, it must be Kannonzaka... and Izanami.
SAMATOKI
Well, with Sensei around, things are always interesting. Well, those two are at least.
Though, how the hell did an office worker, a host, and a doctor wind up together?
JYUTO
The fact that they’ve come this far shows the skill of their rap... but it’s certainly an interesting combination.
RIO
Hifumi Izanami and Doppo Kannonzaka are Jakurai Jinguji’s swords after all. Judging them by only their appearance and occupations is dangerous.
JAKURAI
I look forward to a good match. I want you to see the strength of Shinjuku Division... ‘Matenrou’.
ICHIRO
I’ll prove to you sensei that my ‘Buster Bros!!!’ are the strongest.
JAKURAI
I’m looking forward to it. Seeing Ichiro’s determination, I’m sure this will be more interesting.
ICHIRO
Look’s like sensei’s all fired up. With this battle, things are about to get crazy. There’s no backing down now.
???
Ah! Over here, here! Ichiro~~!
[ RUNNING: RAMUDA APPEARS AND HUGS ICHIRO ]
ICHIRO
Uwah... You- Ramuda!
RAMUDA
It’s been a long time Ichiro! I’m so glad to see you ★
...ha... Jakurai’s here too.
JAKURAI
...Ramuda-kun. Did you say something?
RAMUDA
It’s nothing ~~ ! It’s just that I don’t think I feel well after seeing your face~ ★
JAKURAI
It’s useless trying to anger me.
RAMUDA
...Hmph.
GENTARO
Oya oya. What’s this? It seems that we’ve already started on each other before the battle.
But was this not inevitable?... All of us gathered together by fate, such is it’s unavoidable flow
DICE
I have no idea what you’re saying Gentaro.
GENTARO
It is but an observation of humans.
It’s clear to me that some deep, dark secret lies between the two of them.
Don’t you think so too, Dice?
DICE
Right. I wouldn’t know.
Whatever’s going on in their relationship is between them.
We’ll be opponents in the upcoming match. It’s fine for them to have at it now.
GENTARO
Well, you do have a point.
ICHIRO
Oi, Ramuda. Give it a rest already.
RAMUDA
Eh ~ That’s mean, Ichiro! Backing up Jakurai, but also scolding me! Boo hoo...
ICHIRO
I'm not scolding you. But it doesn’t make sense to be wasting time here.
RAMUDA
Well, it can't be helped. I just really despise Jakurai★
JAKURAI
Ichiro, he doesn’t bother me.
RAMUDA
Well well! Jakurai, you’re just really annoying★
MC CHOICE
A: All the teams are here...!
They have won their battles up until now with overwhelming lyrics and sophisticated rhymes.
These four amazing divisions... Everyone is here.
The three brothers that are distinctly characterised by their co-ordination, producing clever words and expressing the eldest brother’s ideas with superior rhymes - Buster Bros!!!.
The crazy yakuza group that controls the Yokohama area as both champions of justice and malice, destroying other teams with their fighting spirit the moment they’re faced with their lyrics - MAD TRIGGER CREW.
Their many fans adore them due to their distinct characteristics of performances, overflowing with a pop-style charm and provoking their opponents - Fling Posse.
Their mysterious atmosphere and unique rhythm attracts others with an outstanding flow. Representing Shinjuku, the city that never sleeps - Matenrou.
These four teams will participate in the semi-finals for the Alternative Rap Battle.
ANNOUNCER
The rap battles will commence in 30 minutes. Please may those who have completed admission procedures sit down as soon as possible.
ICHIRO
...It’s time.
MC NARRATION
And eventually, everyone assembled here would come to know... that this day's encounter was the beginning of it all.
— — — — — — — — — —
And that’s the prologue! The plots all start to branch off in their respective division stories, so we’ll get to translating those soon. Mod Thia will be taking her time though, since all her deadlines are approaching!
I had some help in the last sections from @/slugtranslation-hypmic - go follow them for manga translations!
We’re literally just vibing here. A translation of Private Time to tide you over... Things are pretty stressful, huh? Just kick back and relax to this calming track - or at least read the translation here.
Find it under the read more!
The translation has also been added to the wiki, so find the kanji and romaji there as well.
This... might be my favourite duet of the series so far. It was way too short for how good it was.
Pursuit of the Flowing Hair Dollar Chapter 1 - Unending Rain
Apologies for the wait! We’re in pursuit now. This event lasts until the 10th of June 10:59 JST. It’s a rainy day, and even worse - Jiro has to go to school... when it’s not a school day! Hang in there Jiro...
JIRO
[ Yawning ] Fuaah… Mornin’... Raining again today, huh?
ICHIRO
Ah, mornin’! Breakfast’s ready.
JIRO
Mm. Thanks, Nii-chan.
[ SABURO comes into the kitchen ]
SABURO
Jeez… Can you not come to breakfast looking all sloppy? Ichi-nii works hard to make us breakfast, so you could at least come dressed properly…
JIRO
You’re right, but I don’t wanna hear you going off on me so early in the morning.
SABURO
Well, I don’t even wanna say it! It’s your fault for being lazy!
JIRO
Yeah, yeah. I’m sorry bout that.
SABURO
What’s up with that attitude!?
JIRO
Ain’t it ‘cause of your attitude!?
ICHIRO
Ha… Can it you two, it’s too early for this.
SABURO
Ghh…
JIRO
Ghh..
ICHIRO
Jiro, Saburo’s right, so get changed!
JIRO
G-Got it… Nii-chan…
SABURO
Ahahaha! I was right afterall! You’re a right idiot; a complete dumbass, Jiro!~
JIRO
Ggh…
ICHIRO
Saburo! That’s enough!
SABURO
S-Sorry…
JIRO
Hehehe
ICHIRO
Jeez… I already gotta deal with the rainy season, don’t make me more annoyed than I am now.
[ The rain continues ]
SABURO
…It’s gonna be pouring more and more from here on out huh.
ICHIRO
What a bummer.
JIRO
Yeah…
[ They begin to eat ]
SABURO
Well, thanks for the food.
Anyways, Jiro, you sure you don’t wanna hurry it up?
JIRO
What for?
SABURO
Check the time
JIRO
Huh?
Damn! Is that the time already? I’m gonna be late if I don’t eat and get going.
[ JIRO eats quickly, cutlery clattering loudly against the plate ]
SABURO
Ha… gosh… you’re even more of a bother than the rain…
[ The scene shifts to JIRO’s school. The school bell rings ]
JIRO
Hah~ Finally done.~
Why do I gotta bother and help out the teacher on a day off?
Well, at least I don’t gotta wear my uniform…
FRIEND A
Ay.
FRIEND B
Yo.
JIRO
Ay, what’s up? You guys get dragged along too?
FRIEND A
Yeah.
[ The rain pours harshly ]
FRIEND A
Rainy season, huh?
JIRO
Yup.
FRIEND B
Sure is rainy.
JIRO
Yup.
FRIEND A
Pretty good season.
FRIEND B
Yup.
JIRO
… I hate the rainy season. You guys actually like it?
FRIEND A
Hehehe… The rainy season’s the time to get popular with the girls!
JIRO
You got some mould growing in your head from the humidity or something?...
FRIEND A
No way, man!
JIRO
Then what the hell are you on about?
FRIEND B
We get lots of rain during the rainy season, yeah?
JIRO
Yeah
FRIEND A
Which means we get to use our umbrellas more, right?
JIRO
Yeah?
FRIEND B
Which means there’s a higher chance that we’ll come across an abandoned stray kitten in the rain, right?
JIRO
Don’t get it.
FRIEND A
Ha… I think you’re the one with mould growing in your head if you don’t get it yet.
JIRO
…
FRIEND B
Then, let us educate our dear and dense friend Jiro why the season’s the perfect season for skyrocketing our popularity!
JIRO
Nah, I’m aight actually.
FRIEND A
You better thank us for this!
JIRO
Man, I said it’s aight.
FRIEND B
Look, get this. Y’know who we said there’s gonna be a higher chance of finding an abandoned stray kitten in the rain?
JIRO
What about it?
FRIEND A
We’d be like a badass delinquent offering an umbrella to the kitten.
JIRO
You don’t have to be a badass or a delinquent to help a kitten…
FRIEND B
Idiot! You gotta be a badass delinquent for that gap appeal! [1]
JIRO
Gap?
FRIEND A
Yeah! Gap appeal! The girls’ll go wild if they see a guy who’s usually cold and distant helping out a dear kitten!
JIRO
Nah. You’re kidding me.
FRIENDS
We’re serious!
JIRO
U-Uh… I-I see… But like, why’s it gotta be during the rainy season… Won’t any rainy day do…?
FRIEND B
You really don’t get it! If it’s not the raining, then the chances you find a cat won’t be as high, and we live in a society where abandoned kittens are already hard enough to find!
FRIEND A
Right! During the rainy season, you’re definitely gonna get rain. So all you gotta worry about is the cat!
FRIEND B
Get it now Jiro?
JIRO
Yeah, I get it now… I get that y’all are the biggest idiots on the planet…
[ JIRO eventually leaves and walks the streets of Ikebukuro ]
JIRO
Why are all my friends so dumb?
Anyways, I gotta get back so I can help Nii-chan… Wait? What’s that?... A cardboard box? Could it be… that someone abandoned…
[ JIRO goes to investigate the box and instead finds a snorting piglet. ]
JIRO
A piglet…?
- - - - - - - - - - -
[1] Gap appeal (gap moe) is where a character does something completely contradictory to what their usual appearance/personality dictates, making them likeable because of the contrast.
[2] Rainy season in Japan is around the beginning of June to mid July! So technically we can call this a seasonal event. With that, we can hope for more seasonal events in future.
We’re picking back up from the prologue, which you can read HERE. The teams are heading off to prepare for the Alternative Rap Battle, and our MC is left with the Buster Bros!!!
JIRO
Nii-chan, they said it’s about to start, let’s go!
Still, that Samatoki Aohitsugi... talking like that to Nii-chan... It really pisses me off.
ICHIRO
It doesn’t faze me.
That’s why, Jiro, no matter what anyone says, you shouldn’t be bothered by it either.
JIRO
That’s just like Nii-chan...! I'm definitely gonna become as great a man as you!
SABURO
Jiro, it doesn’t matter if you’re mad or not about what Samatoki Aohitsugi said, but
you should stop acting in a way that makes Ichi-nii look bad.
JIRO
Huh? When’d I do something to make Nii-chan look bad?
SABURO
There’s no way Ichi-nii would ever take that guy’s words seriously.
You talk too much to Ichi-nii without knowing a thing. That’s why I hate brainless dolts.
JIRO
What’d you say...?
SABURO
A person who growls back at the barking dog is on the same level as the dog. It’s just like you!
JIRO
Saburo... Bastard, as soon as you open your mouth...!
[ JIRO grabs SABURO ]
JIRO
There’s no way I’mma let that slide! I’ll show you who’s the better of us here!
SABURO
Oh, just you try it! But I don’t think a brainless dolt who resorts to violence could ever beat me.
ICHIRO
Jiro, Saburo!
[ ICHIRO bonks the two of them ]
JIRO
Ow!
SABURO
Ouch!
ICHIRO
You guys, we’re finally here, so don’t go starting a fight here now!
Jiro, Saburo - I’m happy that the both of you are thinking bout how I feel
JIRO
Nii-chan...
SABURO
Ichi-nii...
ICHIRO
But right now, instead of thinking about others, think about yourselves.
How you’re going to fight in the upcoming battle. What kind of rap you want to show.
Focus on that. Got it?
JIRO
Nii-chan... yeah, I understand.
SABURO
I’ll remember that, Ichi-nii.
ICHIRO
Yeah, that’s my little brothers!
Right, now that that’s been said... I have to clarify who exactly this person is.
Hey, [ MC NAME ]. You said DJ ROKURO was your master.
But, rumours had it that DJ ROKURO wouldn’t be taking on any apprentices.
What kind of relationship do you have?
JIRO
You... don’t tell me you didn’t just come up with something in order to get close to Nii-chan.
Cause if that’s the case, don’t think you’ll get away with it!
SABURO
I don’t like agreeing with Jiro, but if you want to get close to Ichi-nii, I’m not going to just let that happen.
Don’t you have any verification that you really are his apprentice?
MC CHOICE
A: I really am his apprentice
SABURO
If you really want to make a case for yourself, throwing back the words said to you isn’t how you do it.
I said I need verification.
B: I’m not lying
JIRO
If you’re not lying, prove it.
After all, it’s easy to just say whatever you want.
MAIN BRANCH
ICHIRO
Oi, you two sound like you’re ganging up on them.
I was the one who came up to them in the first place.
SABURO
That... That might be true, but...
ICHIRO
Right? They weren’t the one who approached first, so don’t go accusing them like that.
JIRO
Ugh... G-Got it, Nii-chan.
ICHIRO
So then, do you have some time?
If you do, let’s have a chat.
Rio’s Kitchen Chapter 3: How To Spend Your Paid Vacation Usefully
Alternative Rap Battle’s first event is here! It’s Rio’s Kitchen, featuring the 3rd liners of the 4 OG divisions. This event lasts until the 9th of April 12:59 JST. Best get hunting! This chapter shows us how Doppo gets thrown into the mix... please let him have a normal day off for once...
DOPPO
Ugh... What time is it...
[ DOPPO CHECKS THE TIME AND SITS UP ]
DOPPO
...Gh!!!??? 9 o’clock??? I’m totally late!!!!
I’m really going to get it from that baldy again.
[ TRANSITION: LIVING ROOM ]
HIFUMI
Hm~ What’s up Doppo-chin? Why’re you in such a rush?
DOPPO
Ah, this is bad, Hifumi! I’m going to be late! That’s why I can’t afford to...
HIFUMI
Huh? Late? What are you going to be late for?
DOPPO
For work of course!
HIFUMI
Heh... Work huh...
DOPPO
Yeah, that’s why I gotta go!
HIFUMI
Must be hard~. Yknow, having to go to work when it’s your day off.
DOPPO
Huh? Day... off...?
HIFUMI
Isn’t that what you said yesterday~.
DOPPO
T-That’s right... I was told I had to take my accumulated paid leave off [1]
HIFUMI
Ahaha ~. Doppo, you’re so serious~.
DOPPO
Gh... Even on my days off I instinctively want to go to work...
Aa.... I'm a corporate drone to the depths of my core... to the infinite depths of my bones...
HIFUMI
Well, it’s good that I caught you♪ Otherwise you would’ve gone off to work!
DOPPO
Hah... Well, like you said, that would be a pain.
Even on my day off you can see that I’m truly nothing but company fodder... Hgh...
[ HIFUMI PATS DOPPO’S BACK ]
HIFUMI
Now, now! So pessimistic! It’s been a long time since you’ve had a day off so why don’t you go somewhere?
DOPPO
No... I want to actually take a rest so I’m going to sleep...
HIFUMI
Ha... Jeez, I don't mind how you use your day off, but maybe you could do something that you don’t usually do~.
DOPPO
...Something that I don’t usually do. What do you suggest?
HIFUMI
Well, what do you want by asking me? Something like going to places you usually don’t, or somewhere you couldn’t before maybe?
DOPPO
Something I haven't done... Somewhere I want to go...?
HIFUMI
Hah... Well, I just got back from work so I’ll have to head to bed. Good night ~.
DOPPO
Ah, good night...
[ HIFUMI GOES OFF TO SLEEP ]
DOPPO
(Thinking) ...As Hifumi said, it’s a day off. I should go somewhere... but, where should I go....
That's right... I should ask that guy how to make the special drink that I had before.... [3]
[ TRANSITION: YOKOHAMA FORESTS ]
DOPPO
Hah... Hah... Ha... I was going to ask Busujima but... this forest is so deep.
(Thinking) I was able to make it here, but I can’t find the exact place since the details were rough, so will I even be able to find it?
N-Now that I think about it... in the worst case scenario, I’ll be lost here forever... that could definitely happen...
(Thinking) I-If that happens... Would anybody be sad if I died? Oh, I guess Hifumi would be....
[ DOPPO keeps walking ]
DOPPO
Ahahaha... I got really lost when I thought about that.
W-What should I do...
[ EMU NOISES ]
DOPPO
W...What was that I just heard now?
[ EMU NOISES ]
???
OI~~~! Wait up~~~!
DOPPO
W-What... Who’s...
[ RUNNING NOISES ]
DOPPO
A-A bird...??
[ RUNNING NOISES ]
SABURO
WAH! OUT OF THE WAY!
[ SABURO keeps running ]
DOPPO
Huh...?
[ COLLISION NOISE? ]
ー ー ー ー ー ー ー ー ー ー ー
I checked through this chapter with @/translatingterminal because this has a lot of business words that I’m not used to. Please go follow him for more HypMic and other translations.
[1] It’s not that Doppo had to take paid leave off if he wanted a day off, his company literally told him to take the day off. He was forced on a day off. Now look where that’s got him.
[2] Doppo and Hifumi’s apartment is a little different from the manga interpretation. Doppo’s room is definitely more bare, lacking the succulents described on the Spotify Radio.
[3] The drink Doppo is referring to is the lavender drink that Rio gave Doppo the first time they met outside of Chuo. It’s the one that made Doppo feel really refreshed!... while Hifumi spilled his guts out.
I’m pretty sure it’s 25.5k needed to unlock the entire story, but if I manage to unlock more by then, I’ll continue posting! Currently at 4.1k points and need to get to 5.3k for the next chapter.
