#trslt

[tatsumology]

Pool Opening - Chapter 1 - The Nobleman and the Servant

Hinata: Eat the rich, this is the rebirth of Japan~☆

Writer: 日日日 (Akira)

Season: Summer (夏)

Location: Pool (Empty)

Hinata: Hey he~y☆

Hinata: It’s the one and only—2wink’s reliable older brother—drumroll please… AOI HINATA! What an impressive feat! Against all odds, he’s making a miraculous comeback in the final stretch~☆

Hinata: What a cutthoat chase, all while still cleaning the inside of the pool with a deck brush!

Hinata: He’s coming, he’s coming… THERE IT IS!!! The fan-favorite dark horse is pulling ahead, overtaking Anzu-san magnificently and—FINISH☆

Tori: Can’t you tone it down~?

Hinata: Whoa!? Hey, don’t spray me with that hose!

Hinata: Uwah, I’m totally soaked… I know I’m dripping with good looks, but I’m gonna catch a cold like this!

Hinata: Oh well, I don’t care if these clothes get wet or dirty anyway!

Tori: You’re noisy as ever, peasant. Can’t you move your hands instead of your mouth? At this rate we’ll be cleaning forever.

Tori: Seriously. Work a bit more like you mean it. You should express your gratitude for getting the chance to serve me. Keep at it, slave~♪

Hinata: Hmm. If you want this to be over quickly, you gotta help too. You’re just chilling out in the shade. That’s kinda unfair, don’t you think~?

Hinata: Doing all of this with just Anzu and me is totally impossible.

Hinata: And if we can’t finish this by today, wouldn’t it have been better to just ask some more people, or hire someone to do this?

Tori: Even I have my reasons.

Tori: I didn’t notice that our usual contractor had gone bankrupt. This is the worst timing ever.

Tori: Seriously, this entire recession is the worst.

Tori: When I become this country’s leader, I’ll see to it you have a better life—so you should work hard while dreaming about that day, pleb~♪

Hinata: Your logic doesn’t add up there, isn’t this your responsibility, Himemiya-kun?

Hinata: When you noticed your problem you got all panicked and begged Anzu-san in tears to “please help clean the pool”, remember~?

Hinata: I’ve been helping you out of the goodness of my heart, so you should be a bit more modest.

Hinata: At least help us out, we’re in the same year so I’m getting a bit ticked off being ordered around by you~!

Tori: Out of the goodness of your heart~? More like you were pulling some dumb prank again and almost had to write an apology letter…

Tori: So really, I saved you using my authority

Tori: You should be grateful. In return for forgetting about the whole “apology letter” thing, you get to help clean the pool.

Tori: That’s the contract we made. Anzu really has been helping out of the goodness of her heart, though…?

Tori: You should be grateful I’m even supervising you like this. I’m not cut out for this kind of manual labor. It’s wa~y too much of a paaain♪

Hinata: Young master… If you take on that attitude, I’ll also have a little something for you! Tah-dah, secret weapon!☆

Hinata: Take this, water gun! Pow po~w☆

Tori: AAAH!? What are you doing, you puny weed! STOP THAT~!

Hinata: I’ll give one to you too, Anzu-san! Pew pew! It isn’t fair if only we get soaked!

Hinata: Eat the rich, this is the rebirth of Japan~☆

Tori: CUT IT OUT! How dare you be so impertinent as to go against me!

Tori: But I have a hose too. With my firepower I’m the boss! Take this~, PERISH!♪

Hinata: Argh!? Stop it Hime-kun, I’m gonna fall over with that kind of water pressure! This is seriously dangerous!

Tori: As if I care! Maybe you’ll regret opposing me in the pits of hell! Ahaha♪

Tori: Aaargh!?

Hinata: Oof!?

Tori: AAAh, the water got in my eyes! What are you doing, Anzu? I’m your master! I trusted you~!

Hinata: Fufufu. Who would’ve thought that Anzu-san would strike us down…

Hinata: Don’t worry, I won’t call you a traitor. Aoi Hinata will rest in peace here. I’ll be leaving this world first, Yuta-kun, thuds. (plays dead)

Hinata: …Aahh. “It’s fine, so let’s work together and finish cleaning the pool,” you say? I get your point, but to be honest it’s kinda a pain!

Hinata: Anzu-san, please just get us motivated somehow~...  Though I guess I should thank you for helping me for free?

Hinata: Well, whatever. Let’s just work hard for our dear Producer… Hime-kun?

Tori: Muuuh, don’t tell me what to do! Though I guess it’s fine? You better give me some sweet ice cream or something after this, Anzu!

Tori: I’m not gonna lift a finger if there is no prize, so make sure it’s the absolute sweetest!

Tori: No way around it, I guess I’ll swallow my pride and help you out just this one time! Behold, you plebs, and behold my super-refined pool cleaning~☆

Hinata: What the hell, that’s so...

Hinata: Aight, Hime-kun; DECK BRUSH~♪

Tori: UAARGH? Don’t throw that thing, jeez! This originally is supposed to be a slave’s job too~!

Tori: Where the hell is Yuzuru, he’s always useless at these essential moments! I’ll be sure to punish him plenty later~!

Proofreading: JP&EN: ciel

[tatsumology]

Newbies at Friendship

This story comes from Aira's 4* card from Yuta's Feature Scout!

Location: Saison Avenue

Aira: Fufu. I'm really happy that I finally get to hang out with you, Kohakucchi!

Kohaku: I promised ya, but time ticked past, I'm real sorry. As I let ya wait, let's make hay while the sun shines~♪

Aira: You don't have to apologize, just the fact that you remembered our promise is enough for me. You already seem super busy ‘cuz you’re doing double the amount of unit work.

I think it's been a very long time since I've gone out like this. Let's enjoy today♪

Kohaku: You're right. S'all well, but has it really been that long since you've gone out like this? Rabu-han's social an' all, surely ya've got alotta friends, right?

Aira: Yeah, if you’re talking about online... But not really in real life... I don't have a lot in common with the people around me, sooo~

That's why I'm really happy that even though I met you online, I'm also close to you in real life! Let's always be friends forever...♪

Kohaku: Kokoko♪ Ya make it sound like a farewell speech, y'know? We haven't even done anythin' yet.

Now, what did ya wanna do and where?

Aira: Right. I've looked up what to do online. This one site said it's fun to chat with a friend while you’re shopping!

Ah, we’ve already arrived while we were talking~ Alrighty, let's enter the shopping mall♪

Location: Shopping Mall 2F

Aira: Looks like this floor is full of clothing stores. Kohakucchi, do you have any brands you like?

Kohaku: Me? I only ever get dressed up for work, so I don't really know anythin' about specific brands.

...Ah, but that shop looks neat. Like this jersey, it suits ya, don'cha think?

Aira: Wow, the dragon on the back looks so cool♪ If I wear this, I might get a cooler image! I wonder how much it cos—

Hyaa! No way I have enough money for this!

Kohaku: Yeah, this shirt with a carp I wanted ta buy costs a ton too. Makes my eyeballs fall right out. Guess we hafta give up.

Aira: Yeah... But I'm glad I know what kinda clothes you like now. I'll keep it in mind next time I buy you a present~♪

Let's go down the escalator... Righty, what stores should we go to next?

Kohaku: Yer righ... huh? What's this strange store?

Aira: A strange store?

Kohaku: Look over there. It's a shop plastered with idol photos.

Aira: ...Ah, an idol shop! It's a shop that sells tons of idol merch.

I used to go there a lot, but.. Unsurprisingly, once we started getting more idol work, I couldn't really do that anymore...

Kohaku: Hmm. It already looks like a tiny shop. If us idols would go ta a place where idol fans gather... we'd prolly cause a ruckus, huh?

But I reckon it'll be fine if we enter jus' for today. It doesn't look like there's any customers right now.

Cause you looked like ya seriously wanted ta go in♪

Aira: R-Really? Well, if you say so...

(If I remember correctly, I think the Alkaloid merch should be somewhere around here... Oh, found it!)

(Waa, there's more than before! The shop assisant's handwritten pop-up is so ra-vely~!)

(Our merch wasn't selling at all when we first debuted, I seriously thought I was gonna cry back then.)

(That's why I was hesitating on checking the shop out. I dunno how I would've felt if I saw we still weren't selling again...)

(If Kohakucchi didn't encourage me, I would've avoided this store for a lot longer.)

(Fufufu. It really ''is'' great to have friends♪)

Kohaku: Hey, Rabu-han, what's in these silver packets? I tried ta check, but I can't get a fix of it at all.

Aira: Ah, I was already planning on buying those! They're random button pins. I'm sooo excited to see which design I'll get!

This store sells them in boxes too, and this particular brand has 60 badges in one box.

The only way to get every badge is to buy the box, but since there are only twenty different designs, I'm pretty sure a bunch of them will be the same design.

I should be able to complete the set if I keep buying packets until I get all of them, so maybe I shouldn't go for the box deal...?

Kohaku: Until ya get all of 'em...? That almost feels like gamblin’. I feel like I've heard Rinne-han sayin' the same thing before.

Aira: It'll be fine. When I get all of them, my wallet’s pain will be nothing compared to how happy I’ll feel...☆

Kohaku: Ain't that way of thinkin' sorta dangerous?

In any case. Now that we're in an idol shop an' all, I think I'll try an' buy one. Are ya gonna buy a whole box, Rabu-han?

Aira: Ehm... Nah, I'll also just buy one packet.

These have just been released recently, so I'll see if I wanna buy a box later.

It's been so long since I last breathed in the air inside an idol shop, this is sooo nice...♪

O-oh, I'm so sorry! We're finally hanging out in a nice place, but all I've been doing is dragging you along with my hobbies...

Kohaku: It's okay. I just told ya, didn't I? Today I'm gonna spend time with ya to the fullest.

Seein’ yer expressions change in a flash is entertainin'. I'm enjoyin' this in my own way, so don't worry about it, alright?

We've talked about alotta stuff online, but I still don't feel like we’ve gotten ta talk enough in person. Could ya teach me more about yer "ra-vely" things, Rabu-han?

Aira: Kohakucchi...♪ Then what about a collab cafe? The idols I stan are doing a collaboration now.

We could probably get into one almost right away if we go now. I'll check if we can book ourselves a spot online!

Kohaku: Buyin' goods, goin' ta cafes... So this is how fanboys spend their time, huh?

This'll be a great opportunity. I'll use ya as reference and try ta spend this time like I'm a fan too.

Aira: I've booked us a spot! It looks like we can enter right away.

You get a coaster when you order a drink. I hope I get one I haven't gotten before♪

Kohaku: Hollup... Don't tell me ''those ''are random too?!

Aira: Yep! There are ten kinds in total, so let's do our best to get them all! ♪

Proofreaders

JP:310mc

EN:Amagiiz

[tatsumology]

Cut from the Same Cloth

(Findin’ the spots where we’re similar and where we’re different is also kinda fun~)

This story comes from Koga’s 4* card from Adonis’s Feature Scout!

Season: Autumn (秋)

Location: Garden

Koga: I’ve finished preparing the soil, Kazehaya-senpai.

Tatsumi: Perfect timing; I just finished getting the water. Now we can start with the planting.

However, I was surprised when you said that we were going to mix the soil by ourselves. I assumed that you’d ask for store-bought soil.

Koga: The mixing process is an art and kinda fun, y’know~? Depending on the plant, ya need to use different types of soil.

Waitin’ ‘til you can see the results is a pain, but that makes the payoff even better when they grow up nicely.

Well, in some tricky cases I use store-bought ones, though.

Goin’ from the left we got some for the lettuce, then for the spinach and then the one for the broad beans. Which one are ya gonna do, senpai?

Tatsumi: Then I will take care of the lettuce.

Koga: Aight, then I’ll handle the spinach. You good with making it so whoever finishes first does the broad beans afterwards?

Tatsumi: Sure, I don’t mind. Shall we begin?

Every single seedling looks fresh and healthy. I can tell that you’ve been showering the plants in love.

Thank you for entrusting me with these seedlings.

Koga: We’re roommates, after all. And I also take care of the kitchen garden at Yumenosaki after all.

So when I heard you were also doin’ some gardening with Gardenia, I felt like I could vibe with ya a bit more.

Tatsumi: I’m honored you feel some intimacy between us. I’m also delighted to learn that we have a common hobby.

Oh my, where did these dead leaves… Ah, I see…

Koga: Hm, what’s up?

Tatsumi: I apologize, I got a little lost in thought there. I was thinking that it’s already autumn.

During this time, I would gather up the fallen leaves and roast sweet potatoes at my family’s church.

We still have some flowerpots left, so it would be nice if we could grow some sweet potatoes.

Koga: Too late now. If you want ‘em, you gotta wait ‘til next year. You gotta do it around May, y’know.

Tatsumi: Is that so? I wasn’t aware… You’re very knowledgeable.

I do know about how to water the plants, but back home we would only stock up from stores, so I’m afraid I am poorly informed about the cultivation itself…

So I’m glad I’ve learned new things from working with Gardenia, and also because of you.

Koga: Jeez, you don’t gotta go ''that'' far... But hey, can’t say I hate hearin’ it...♪

I was kinda curious ‘bout somethin’ you said, though. What’d ya mean with “stock up”? Did ya sell vegetables there?

Tatsumi: No, I didn’t mean it like that.

At our church we would regularly distribute food for the less fortunate people among us. We only used store-bought ingredients for that.

Koga: So that’s what ya meant.

Tatsumi: Exactly. I apologize for the confusion.

Koga: …‘M sorry about all the questions. Were there also people who weren’t in need of food and still went to get some at yours?

Did ya also treat those sly guys equally?

Tatsumi: Yes. Because we are all God’s children. —Amen

Koga: ….Hmm, ‘s that right?

(This world is swarming with people with broken consciences. Isn’t it stupid to care about all people unconditionally?)

(If ya care for the bad guys too, ya might just overlook the ones actually in need.)

(Or maybe ya really do gotta save everyone so ya don’t overlook anyone….? I don’t get it at all~)

(But whatever, this guy probably couldn’t even hurt a fly.)

(But if ya don’t take care of pests, they’ll ruin all our crops…)

If ya find any pests, hand those plants over to me. I’ll get rid of ‘em.

Tatsumi: Get rid of….. I appreciate your consideration, but it is not a problem for me.

I exterminate them by myself in Gardenia.

I do not commend taking the lives of living creatures. But it is impossible to live without killing anything.

That is exactly why I will always express my gratitude for my meals.

Koga: (He’ll still kill pests even though he’s a church boy? What kinda logic is that? I’m gettin’ this less and less~)

………

Tatsumi: …...You look as though you don’t quite understand this.

Well, that’s fine. Without expressing yourself fully, you won’t be understood properly. That is why missionary work exists.

Koga: Hmmm~ I do get the thing about being hard to understand, though. It’s why people tend to stay the hell away from rock music.

Tatsumi: Ahaha. I very much appreciate your words of consideration. You’re very kind. You don’t run away from different views, but instead try to meet halfway.

…...It looks like our work is done here. Thank you very much for your hard work.

As a way of showing my appreciation, I’d like to make you some blended tea from the herbs I grew with Gardenia, if you don’t mind.

Koga: Hmm, herbs huh. I start sneezin’ if the smell’s too strong though…

Tatsumi: Then I’ll change the blend to make it easier for you to drink.

This will take a bit of time, so please take a seat over there.

Koga: Aight, got it.

(...Kazehaya-senpai’s different from me in a lotta ways, like how he grew up and his mindset. I might never completely understand him.)

(But I also sorta relate to him in some ways. It ain’t like we’re totally different~ at least that’s what I feel like.)

Koga: (Findin’ the spots where we’re similar and where we’re different is also kinda fun~)

(And now that we’re roommates, I think I’ll try talkin’ to him more so I can get to know him better...♪)

Proofreaders

JP: 310mc

EN: ciel

[tatsumology]

1-cm High World

Location: Seisou Hall Courtyard

Mitsuru: Sniff sniff… Just as I thought, the scent of bread is coming from over here!

They gotta be sweet buns~☆ It smells like the ones you can get at the supermarket!

Ah, found it! So it really was here!

But why is it hanging from a tree branch? It kinda looks like a bread-snatching race.[1] Hmm?

Well, anyway. The bread will go bad if it stays here. I should bring this to the dorm supervisor[2] right away! Dash dash, ju~mp!

Uwaah!? I got stuck in a net and now I’m hanging in the air!

So basically, this is a trap someone set up? Maybe it was the mischievous Hinata-chan? Or could this have been one of Shinobu-chan’s ninjutsu tricks?

When I move my body it feels like I'm shaking like a yoyo, it's fun! Bounce Bou~nce♪

Kohaku: ...It actually caught him.

Mitsuru: Ah, Koha-chan. Hello!

Kohaku: Though this isn’t a situation to be greetin’ each other so casually…. Good day.

Ya certainly look like you’re utterly hog-tied. I'll get ya down, so don't move.

Mitsuru: Okay! I'm bad at staying still, but I'll control myself♪

Kohaku: (Even in such a situation he’s not fazed in the slightest... sorta like Madara-han.)

(Although we’re doin’ activities together as Double Face an’ I know about the ”Mikejima” name, I still don’t know Madara-han’s true self real well.)

(Even if it’s just for a short while, I feel mighty anxious bein’ in the care of someone like him.)

(I was tryin’ ta figure out one or two weaknesses o’ his, an’ then I pieced together that I needed ta go to the Track & Field Club.)

(In order to not stir up any unnecessary trouble, I can’t touch Narukami-han, who’s real close ta bon[3]. An’ as fer Otogari-han...I can’t quite grasp his physical strength just yet.)

(Rulin’ those out, I had ta choose Tenma-han.)

(Although ‘t was me who set the trap, I didn’t think he would come. Yer run-of-the-mill folks wouldn’t get caught up in such an obvious trap, right?)

(Just how much does this dude like bread?)

(Well anyhow, it’s all dandy that I’ve been able ta get him while Madara-han ain’t around.)

…. Now yer loose. ‘M sorry that I set out a trap like this, but there’s just somethin’ I hafta ask ya.

Mitsuru: Not at all! It felt like an amusement park ride, so it was fun! I’d welcome a trap like this any time!

Kohaku: I- is that so? Well, nothin’ better than a good mood right? Here, have some bread as an apology.

Mitsuru: Yaay, I scored another piece of bread! Yesyes~!☆

Munch munch…. So, what was it that you wanted to ask me?

Kohaku: Y’see.. Y’know Madara-han? The one from the Mikejima household? I pretty much only know ‘bout how he is as an idol.

Tenma-han is also in the Track & Field Club with him, right? Can’t ya teach me what kind of person he is?

Mitsuru: I got you! Then let’s change into our tracksuits and meet up in 5 minutes!

Kohaku: Thanks a lot, ya really saved me there~

…. Eh, tracksuits?

5 minutes later

Mitsuru: Okay, first of all, let’s have a match! Get ready to dash! ☆

Kohaku: (So basically, we’re gonna run? I haven’t got a clue what this has gotta do with Madara-han, though.)

(In order ta gain his trust, it’s best ta just go along with him.)

Mitsuru: Dash dash~!

Kohaku: Hollup, how far are ya plannin’ on goin’?!

Mitsuru: Thanks to the bread I’ve just eaten, I’m all fired up! It’s just so much fun to run!

It’s the first time that I’m running together with Koha-chan. You’ve gotta show how much you can run!

I’ve become a proper oniichan now that I’m in my second year. I’m not a child that you can just baby all the time!

Kohaku: Haaa… huff..

Mitsuru: Koha-chan, are you okay? Please eat some bread and jazz up!

Kohaku: Are ya serious?! If I were to get anythin’ in my stomach right now, I’d totally throw it all up.

Mitsuru: It’s gonna be fine if it’s bread! I have some …

Huh, I don’t have any bread on me?!

Let’s go to a bakery to get some! So dash dash with all I got~!

….Not with all I’ve got. I should match up to Koha-chan’s pace, then dash dash at half power~☆

Location: Time Street

Mitsuru: Munch munch… Bread is super duper tasty when you eat it after running!

Kohaku: Yer right...it’s tastin’ better than usual ‘cause we just worked up a sweat.

Mitsuru: ....

Kohaku: ? What’s the matter? Yer starin’ like a rock...

Mitsuru: I just always got the idea that you practically don’t have any friends, so I’m happy that we’re hanging out together! Ehehe♪

Kohaku: “Practically don’t have any friends”...you don’t beat around the bush, huh. Compared ta you, I don’t have heaps, but I do have some.

(‘s all well. Although Tenma-han looks like he’s got his head in the clouds all the time, he’s real aware of his surroundings. It’s kinda surprisin’.)

(.... This ain’t the time for admirin’! I totally forgot about my objective.)

(I could keep goin’ along with him, but with bread and dashin’ I won’t make any progress. Let’s cut to the chase now.)

Tenma-han. This is about Madara-han, I don’t really understand what all this runnin’ around has got to do with him. Could ya explain it so that even I can understand?

Mitsuru: Okey-dokey! Up you go~☆

Kohaku: Waah?! What are ya doin’! Don’t carry me on yer shoulders! Egh, I can’t get down if ya grab me so tightly!

Mitsuru: Mike-chan-senpai loves festivals! He carries me like a mikoshi[4]— gives me a ride on his shoulders and all. He’s a super nice person!

Whenever I’m in a fix, he helps me out. He’s a good guy. But I’ve also become bigger too, I'm already a second year!

I wanna go from being helped to being someone who helps out others!

So if you’re ever troubled about anything, Koha-chan can also come to me for advice!

Kohaku: …. Right. If I’m in a pinch, I’ll count on ya.

(His eyes are sparklin’ when he’s talkin’ ‘bout Madara-han.)

(“A super nice person” huh … So he appears like that to a kid who knows nothin’ of the face beneath the mask.)

(Though I didn’t quite get the information I was hopin’ for, I still spent a meaningful day like this.)

Mitsuru: Sniff sniff … I can smell freshly baked bread!

It’s coming from that bakery! Dash da~sh … ☆

Kohaku: Whaah?! Put me down first~!

Proofreaders

JP: Anonymous

EN: Amagiiz

Translation Notes

A bread-snatching race in Japan is mainly done during school events. Bread is hung on a string, then children need to grab it with their mouths and carry it over a course to the finish line. You can see an example of this in Mitsuru’s bloomed 2015 Sports Festival 4* card ↩︎

The dorm supervisor is Keito. ↩︎

This is how Kohaku refers to Tsukasa. ↩︎

A Mikoshi is a Japanese portable festival shrine that you carry on your shoulders. ↩︎