#hakuoki drama translation

[kumoriyami-xiuzhen]

Hakuoki Drama CD - Shimabara Disturbance Track 2 English translation

Heya, I know this is late... but my eye problems continued until the symptoms got better last Tuesday, on April 2nd. Long story short, I had difficulties keeping my eyes physically open without them feeling irritated or hurting after 6pm, which really cut away my time to translate for the past two weeks as I normally translate in the evenings, which didn’t help when I was actively cutting back on my screen time while that happened. Overall, my symptoms seemed to have cleared up for the most part since I started using Hypochlorous acid as recommended by my optometrist and I have thankfully stopped needing to walk around with a damp towel everywhere for relief. 

Anyway, I decided to post these as soon as I finish them to make up for the post-less March... I’m about a quarter way through track 3 (it and track 4 are over 10min), but I already have 5 and 6 done so it hopefully won’t take too long? I’m really sorry bout that!

Also, for various reasons, I've decided not to tag the characters for the rest of this drama for the time being. I'll tag them a week after I post the last track... if I remember to. 

Anyway, enjoy! 

Hakuoki Drama CD - Shimabara Disturbance Track 2: How to use reward money

Translation by KumoriYami

(pacing footsteps)

Saito: There's no need to worry about this myself, I'll just ask Yukimura directly. Thinking this, I came to her room... 

But, how do I say this? Isn't it strange to suddenly ask “do you want a a woman’s kimono?” Or should I indirectly ask about what can be done to make her feel happy? No, but not only that there’s....

(door opens)

Saito: Ah! Yu-Yukimura! No, I wasn't doing anything. Anyway, can I have some of your time? There's something I wanted to tell you...

Saito: Nn, then, excuse me.

(door closes)

Saito: Yukimura, um, ermhm... What I'm going to say isn't important, no, not only is it a trivial matter that doesn't matter at all... Um.... 

(footsteps from outside)

Harada: Hey, Chizuru, you there?

(Door opens)

Harada: Fu... Sorry, looks like you already have a guest? 

Saito: No, it's fine, you have something to speak about?

Harada: Ah, yeah, just now, what was her name? That girl named Sen came to visit. I'm sorry, Saito, can you bring Chizuru to see her? I have to go on patrol next.

Saito: I understand. Yukimura, let’s go.

..................

Sen: Chizuru-chan, long time no see! But it actually hasn't been that long. I wanted to see Chizuru-chan quite a bit. The Shinsengumi haven't been bullying you, right? Are you okay?

Saito:....

Sen: Everyone's been treating you well? Really? You're not saying that because of this person next to you?

Saito: I’m sorry, I can’t leave.

Sen: I know that, I just wanted to hear her honest words.

Saito: Uh, hn....  

Sen: In any case, Chizuru-chan can't lie. I still remember when you came to Shimabara. Truly, you're really someone who shines the more you get polished! It was really trough after that time. There were a lot of people asking who that geisha was. Hey, would you like to come again? Kimigiku would also like to see you again, you can wear a beautiful kimono again!

Saito: A beautiful kimono... 

[recalling]

(Heisuke:  If I had a lot of money, I would give Chizuru a beautiful kimono. She was very happy!)

Saito: Sure enough, Yukimura, she...

Sen: Well, please think it about it! You're always welcome!... Now that I've seen Chizuru-can's smile, I should be going back soon. 

Saito: Ah, uh... is that okay?

Sen: Yes, although I am a bit reluctant to, I really just came to see her today. Next time, let's go out for tea and chat! See you, Chizuru-chan!

(Sen gets up[?])

Saito: Wait, it's dangerous for a woman to go/leave alone. I'll accompany you.

Sen:, No it's okay. I grew up and Kyoto and will be taking a safe road/route back. 

Saito: I have something I'd like to talk to you about. Could I please escort you? 

Sen: Something to say to me?  I understand. Then, let’s go. 

..............

(walking on a road)

Sen: How long will it be before you are all willing to let Chizuru-chan go/When will you be releasing Chizuru-chan?

Saito: That’s abrupt. 

Sen: She's confined at your headquarters from morning til night, day after day, and even though she's a young woman, she can't even dress up, She's obviously worried about her father's situation but can't go looking for him. She must be feeling very anxious.

Saito:.....

Sen: Do you understand how cruel you all are to her?

Saito; We have our own circumstances. 

Sen:....

Saito: But, what you say is understandable. 

Sen: Eh.

Saito: I did say that I wanted to speak to you. I just want Yukimura to be able to dress in a beautiful kimono/I want Yukimura to wear a beautiful kimono [can be interpreted either way]. Would it be possible to borrow a room at Shimabara? If she goes there, she’ll be able to act as a woman as she wishes to

Sen: Ah, Chizuru-chan will definitely be happy! Then, leave all the preparations to me! I'll bring out our most beautiful kimono! I also have to tell Kimigiku about this too!

Saito: No, you don't have to go to that extent. Just prepare a room...

Sen: Just escort me here. I have to go back and start preparing...!

Saito: Hey, wait... listen to what I have to say... 

(their voices fade)

Kazama: I see. It looks like this will be very interesting...

----------

My personal bias says that Saito never lets go of Chizuru cuz they get married. xD

[fierce-little-miana]

may i ask you what u mean when you say that kodo emotionally isolated Chizuru? do you mean by not telling her of her true nature or something else? love your souji route commentary btw!!❤️

Hello anon,

I am glad your like my commentaries on Souji's route. I like making them too so at least two of us are having a nice time with them.

It is true that I must have said 3 or 4 times now that for me Kodo emotionally isolated Chizuru while raising her, without ever explaining what exactly I was referring to. So thank you for giving me the opportunity to talk about this.

(However, please be aware that I haven't play the game in its entirety yet and I am playing Hakuoki: Stories of the Shinsengumi which is a ten-years-old game and far from the newest iteration that might explore the subject a bit more. So this is informed by the anime, the movies and the part of the game I have played as of today. Plus by some of the discussions I have seen in the fandom.)

Also, I am so very sorry for the long post.

When I say Kodo emotionally isolated Chizuru am I referring to him lying to her about who she is or to something else? The answer is both, or rather I think the lying and other things were tools he used to isolate her (emotionally and also physically to an extent) in order to control her easily.

First the lying. Kodo lied to Chizuru, and he lied to her constantly including on things that cannot be reframed as a safety issue for her. Let's list the extent of his lies:

Not telling Chizuru she is an oni: This could potentially be reframed as a way to protect her from a world that would hunt her down. However, Chizuru still knows she is not like other people because of her healing. She has to hide it from ´outside’ people. This means Kodo only gave her half of the truth so she can't have a full picture of herself while also being convinced the only person she can trust entirely is him.

Not telling Chizuru she is not his biological daughter: Kodo is not Chizuru's biological dad. Biologically I am not even sure who Kodo is supposed to be for her. He is part of the Yukimura clan but he is not a pure blood oni. This means that the closest he could be to her is her uncle as the half-brother of one her parents. In the movies Kaoru calls him "Kodo-ojisan" (meaning uncle Kodo) but in Japanese as a younger person you can call middle-aged man ojisan as a mark of respect that is less formal than san (Mister/Sir). The official French subtitles translate this as "M'sieur Kodo", an informal version of Mister Kodo. In the game I am pretty sure Kaoru only calls him "Kodo-san". Which would mean that Kodo is not extremely closely related to the Yukimura twins (personally in my fic I made him the (half-)uncle of their mother who was born only a few years before her so they were raised as siblings more than uncle-niece, which meant that while Kodo is Chizuru's great-uncle he actually served as an uncle figure, I love family drama and complicated family tree). What does any of this matter? Well this lie does not serve any safety or cultural properness purpose. Adoption was extremely common in Japan at the time. Kondo Isami was adopted, Inoue (Okita) Rintaro (Okita Souji's brother-in-law) was adopted by the Okita family, Ito Kashitaro was adopted, Iemochi the Shogun at the beginning of the Hakuouki game was adopted, twice!, apparently Okita Mitsu was adopted by the Kondo family too so she could marry Inoue (now Okita) Rintaro... It would not have been shocking for Kodo to present himself as Chizuru adoptive father. What he actually is, btw. Yet he preferred to lie to her and say that he is her father, period.

Not telling her she ever had a sibling: as a follow-up to lying to her about being her bio dad, Kodo never mentioned to Chizuru that she had a brother. Reminder that Chizuru was 7 when her village was destroyed which meant she could have memories of her previous life (I can't remember if this is a popular headcanon or something backed by canon but it was Kodo who altered her memory right?). Hypothetically Kodo could have told her she had a brother (without mentioning the twin thing considering the negative superstitions surrounding them) adding that he died/disappeared. This could have match with snippets of memory she might have. It might also have salvaged Kaoru and Chizuru's relationship if they ever met again (something I believe Kodo was planning) because I personally thing that what definitely broke Kaoru was his sister not recognizing nor remembering him at all.

All of this accumulate to create a picture of "it was always just me and my dad and no one else" (why would she ever think she might need anyone else?) and "my father is the only person I can really trust". This is plain bad for Chizuru's development as a person and an absolute lie.

To this, one must add other ways Kodo used to make Chizuru dependent on him alone:

While Chizuru is well-educated and has attended a dojo for a short while, she has no (let alone close) friend. She never mentioned anyone back in Edo. I know some of this come from otome protagonists being some sort of a blank page so you can project on them but if we compare her to Hoshino Ichika for exemple (from Collar x Malice), Ichika does have friends and relations outside of the main cast that date back before the plot kicks in. Chizuru does not, besides Kodo.

The inclusion of Iba Hachiro in the new games might mitigate that but from my understanding Kodo did put some distance between the two at some point.

Chizuru had no prospect of her own, no goal with her future life despite being on the brink of adult life. Was the plan for her to live with her father forever?

While Kodo seems to be well-integrated in the medical/scientific community, no one seems to really care about Chizuru. No one seemed to have actually looked for her after she disappeared from the family home and went missing. Chizuru was 16 when she left Edo! She must have more or less run her father's household (which must have make her interact with people), maybe she helped him in the clinic and her father must have been a known figure in the neighborhood at least (as a doctor)... I understand that were more than troubled times but no one cared about the missing 16 years old girl they must have interacted with regularly? Really?

As a result we see a Chizuru that is an extremely strong-willed (she travelled alone from Edo to Kyoto by foot at sixteen years old disguising her gender in the middle of a deeply trouble political time! That takes guts!) and rather intelligent girl, yet she is also quite timid and does not seem to have a point of reference on how people should treat her.

The Shinsengumi kidnaps her and holds her captive for months for being at the wrong place at the wrong time and she is not deeply resentful to them? She thinks they are "nice men" deep down?

It takes her being physically put in danger in the place she is forced to live in to go:

???

She has no basis for what a sane relationship with someone should look like. She take being controlled as normal. Ironically, it is with the political militia who kidnapped her that she starts learning how to interact relatively normally with people. Because for what I think is the first time in her life since Kodo adopted her, she is allowed to interact with a multitude of people who have different opinion and act as if disagreeing with each other from time to time is normal (which it is). Hijikata gave the order for her to stay in her room? Well it is stupid order and we are not following it. Etc etc.

My thoughts about Kodo's behavior is that he raised Chizuru so she would be able to nominally be the head of Yukimura clan and his future oni/rasetsu kingdom (giving her Shotsuren, making sure she is passable with it, making sure she is educated, etc.) while making sure she could never really escape his clutches and would never even think about trying to do so.

[glatisant-questing]

Personal Hakuoki Translation/Collection Masterpost

I mainly post translation practices/reviews/analyses/memes of Hakuoki special edition booklets/magazine content/artbook content on this blog.

My favorite characters are Souji, Yamazaki, and Saito. So I will prioritize the translation/collection of materials related to these three characters.

My translations are definitely not 100% accurate, so feel free to leave a comment to help me improve my Japanese skills.

My scans (as well as translated content) all come from my own copies which I purchased.

I translate/post stuff as a hobbyist learning Japanese and a passionate fan of Hakuoki. If you like my content and are new to the Hakuoki universe, please consider supporting the Hakuoki franchise. As of 2023, the franchise is still releasing new content.

An index of the stuff I have posted on this blog:

Manyo no Shou Special Edition Booklet:

Yamazaki's short story

Souji's short story

Saito's short story

Hijikata's short story

Heisuke's short story

Kazama's short story

Harada's short story

Shinpachi's short story

Sannan's short story

Iba's short story

Souma's short story

Ryoma's short story

Manyo no Shou Stellaworth Booklet

Part 1 (Okita, Saito, and Yamazaki)

Part 2 (Hijikata, Sannan, and Souma)

Part 3 (Heisuke, Sano, and Shinpachi)

Part 4 (Kazama, Iba, and Sakamoto)

Drama CDs

Manyo no Shou Bic Camera Bonus (Yamazaki, Iba and Hijikata)

Scans of Selected Pages of Artbooks/Goods I Own:

Pages from Ten'un no Shou Box Set Artbook "Hakuoki Shinkai Artbook （薄桜鬼真改絵巻）: Information magazine article illustrations （情報誌揭載イラスト）

Manyo no Shou Ebten cards.

Manyo no Shou Wondergoo Yamazaki message card.

My Random Thoughts/Memes

Hakuoki + Disco Elysium =?

Yamazaki's shorthands

Ochimizu (repost)

My Fics

The Charm (Omamori) (Yamazaki/Chizuru)

[lillartztranslations]

Hi everybody!

Just a little update on Hakuoki Tenun. I'm pretty far along with finishing the translations for chapter 1, but I'll be gone for about an intier month. So I won't be able to work on it for a while. I'll be back by the end of June, so I think I'll be able to finish it by the end of July. Thanks for being so patient with me ヽ( ・∀・)ﾉ

While you wait, you can check out this Playlist of Kumoriyami's Hakuoki drama cd translations (*ゝω･*)

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLC13TBAfrmlyaWDZDvIdiWsLQc0xW96mr

[widemushroom]

My top favorite characters are Harada, Hijikata, and Kazama right now.

In Hakuouki Tenon no Shou "Her long day" that @kumoriyami-xiuzhen translated, Kazama is the most person obvious to care for Chizuru and have feelings for her out of the three.

The thing I loved was how he was hesitant to give her a flower, which shows how tsundere and proud he is. I say he is proud because obviously he doesn't show his emotions to Chizuru because he is not certain if she feels the same about him.

As for Harada, I'm not sure about anything at all. He always speaks warmly, so what he said to Chizuru doesn't necessarily show any signs of affection, in my opinion. Or maybe it is actually a big sign, I don't know. I have rarely interacted with humans with personalities like Harada's personality, so I know nothing, but I interacted a lot with people with Kazama's tsundere and pride personality.

[vocaotome]

Hakuoki Shinkai Drama CD - Oedo Kaiko Roku - Full translation!

Many thanks to @ghostbunnies​ for commissioning me to translate this entertaining drama CD! I was super into Hakuouki when I first joined tumblr so it felt nice to revisit an old love <3 If you like the story, please support the series by buying the drama CD! It’s available in several online stores, e.g. cdjapan.

Translation under the cut! The CD was almost one hour in total with with 12 tracks, so it’s pretty long.

Hakuouki Shinkai- Drama CD

Chance encounter in Edo

 Track 1: The Renbukan successor

 -sparring yells-

Motoyama: They’re so enthusiastic as always. The number of pupils also seems to have increased a lot compared to when I came last time. Hmm, I wonder where Iba is…Ah, there he is!

Iba: Hey, you there. Your body axis is unsteady when you thrust. I always say to stand with your body on the midline, don’t I?

Motoyama: Iba!

Iba: Oh, Motoyama. What’s the matter? Did you have some business with me?

Motoyama: What are you saying! Didn’t we make plans to go drinking after this?

Iba: Ah, that promise was for today?

Motoyama: “Was it for today”, you say….sheesh.

Iba: My apologies. I have been occupied by tasks lately, and it slipped my mind.

Motoyama: Geez, you’re a heartless one. By the way, what’s up with Gunbei-san? I can’t find him.

Iba: Father is out for an appointment, and isn’t likely to return until late at night.

Motoyama: Eh, seriously!? I was looking forward to drink with him…

Iba: Are you changing your mind then?

Motoyama: No way! Regardless of the reason, there’s no way I’m putting off a chance to drink! I can just drink with Gunbei-san at some other time.

Iba: Is that so? Understood.

Motoyama: Well then, how about you? Will practice hold you up for a long time?

Iba: Please wait a little bit. I’ll wrap things up soon. -claps- Everyone, let’s end practice here. Please start cleaning up.

Disciples: Yes sir! Thank you very much! -relieved sighs-

Motoyama: (Iba has really gotten used to being the successor of the dojo. It’s hard to believe when you know about the past.)

  Track 2: Meeting

 Motoyama: Haaa! It sure got late! The pretty moon is spinning…

Are you alright? Your legs are wobbling. Shall I lend you my shoulder?

Motoyama: I’m not wobbling…Rather it’s everything around me that’s uselessly shaking.

Iba: I really should’ve stopped you midway. We only have a little more to go, so please do your best to walk for a bit longer. -footsteps- Uh?

Thug 1:You two. Sorry to interrupt, but could we have your attention?

Iba: What do you want?

Thug 2: You are the successor of the Renbunkan dojo at Okachimachi, aren’t you? We have some real important talk with you.

Motoyama: (Wha…Why do they know about Iba?)

Iba: I believe this is the first time I’m meeting you all. What could be this talk you’re referring to?

Thug 1: Nothing too big. You teach swordmanship in the Koubusho (T/N: a Japanese Military academy) for the Shogunate, don’t you? My employer got totally beaten up by you there and really got an earful for it. He was pretty mad about how it’d sully his reputation as a warrior if he let this go.

Iba: So you are here for the retribution of that?

Thug 1: Impressive, you get things quickly! That’s the correct answer.

Iba: In that case, instead of going this roundabout way, wouldn’t it have been more logical for your employer to just come to either the Kubosho or our dojo himself and ask for a rematch?

Thug 3: That indeed would be the right way to do it, in this world most people care more about their reputation and status. We have nothing against you, you see.

Thug 2: It’s just that we’ve already received a good bunch of money from our employer. Don’t hold this against us. -unsheathes sword-

02:00

Motoyama: Whoa! Hey, these guys took out their swords!

Iba: Motoyama, please hide behind me. Don’t leave my side at any cost.

Motoyama: But you alone can’t face off against so many-

Iba: Just listen to me and do it quickly!

Motoyama: G-got it.

Thug 3: Haha, this is good. Even though he’s carrying such an impressive sword, he’s useless when it comes down to actual fighting?

Thug 2: In this era, this is how warriors are. We are much more used to handling swords.

Iba: I’ll ask you this last time. You don’t plan to retreat, do you?

Thug 1: You’re making me laugh. Why the heck would we want to retreat when in such an overwhelmingly advantageous position?

Iba: Understood. In that case…-draws sword-

Motoyama: (Iba also took out his sword, can he really win against this many opponents?)

-swords clashing-

Thug: Shit!

Motoyama: (Amazing! Even though he’s going one against three, he doesn’t look cornered at all! Things might work out…!)

-swords clashing-

Iba: -panting-

Thug 1: Looks like you’re getting out of breath. Even if you’re the heir for some bigwig dojo, I guess being this outnumbered is still too much of a disadvantage.

Iba: -frustrated huff-

Motoyama: (This is bad! At this rate Iba will…!)

-footsteps-

03:30

Hijikata: Sheesh, I always tell you to hold back during practice…you really did a number on the poor disciples from downtown.

Okita: Even that was me holding back quite a lot, you know.

Thug 3: Aniki! Someone is approaching!

Thug 1: What?!

Thug 2: Hey there brothers, stop there for a bit. No one is allowed to pass through here. Look for another road.

Hijikata: What’s up with you? What do you mean by passing through not allowed?

Thug 1: It’s just like you see. If you don’t want to get hurt, do as we say.

Saitou: A three against one swordfight, huh? Hard to call this a fair fight.

Hijikata: Seems like either highway robbery or spree killing? Either way, I don’t like this.

Thug 1: Stop harping! We’re telling you to screw off, can’t you hear? This has nothing to do with you!

Iba: He is right. Please leave this place immediately. You might end up receiving collateral damage.

Okita: -chuckles- Collateral, you say? These three don’t seem to be skilled enough to win against us though?

Iba: It’s no time for jokes! Please, go away quickly!

Motoyama: Iba…!

Saitou: The person involved is saying so…What do we do, Hijikata-san?

Okita: Let’s do it! None of them seem that good.

Hijikata: I was also feeling kinda irritated just now.

Iba: What are you saying?! Didn’t you hear what I said earlier?

Thug 2: What, you wanna have a go? You could leave unharmed if you just left this place quietly. I guess these are what they call suicidal idiots!

Hijikata: Now then. I wonder who are the idiots here. -draws sword-

Motoyama: Uwah! They drew their swords too!

Hijikata: Souji, Saitou. No need to hold back. Beat them into the ground as long as you don’t kill them!

Saitou: Understood.

Okita: Even if Hijikata-san didn’t tell me, I wouldn’t have gone easy on them.

Thug 1: Seems like they won’t learn without some pain. You two, take them on!

Hijikata: You louts are the ones in for a world of pain!

-swords clash-

05:49

Motoyama: Look, Iba! That man, dressed in black, he’s holding his sword to the left!

Thug 3: What the heck is up with this guy?! Why is he holding it to the left?! -swords clash-

Thug 2: Shit, it’s hard to face those strikes! You bastard…what a cowardly tactic-

Okita: Do you have time to look away? Your opponent is me. -swords clash-

Thug 2: What the hell are those movements!?

Okita: Ha!

Thug 2: Aaah! -sword flies off-

Iba: I can’t follow his footwork at all! Also three consecutive hits!

Hijikata: Now then…you’re the only one left standing. Are you prepared?  Heh, I don’t plan to let you go regardless of whether you’re prepared or not.

Thug 1: Huh, keep prattling! Haaa! -swords clash-

Hijikata: Oh? Seems like you do have some skills. Why do things like this when you are this good?

Thug 1: We also have our own circumstances. You were just unlucky! I’ll show you just how much until I drill that lesion into your flesh and bones! -swords clash- I guess swords won’t do. In that case…let’s end it with this!      

Hijikata: Oh! Eat this! -throws sand-

Thug 1: My eyes! You coward! -punched-

Hijikata: Serves you right! It’s your fault for letting your guard down.

Iba: What on earth? Did he throw sand towards that roushi? (T/N: Roushi - lordless samurai)

Okita: You’re the same as always, Hijikata-san. Won using an unfair tactic again?

Hijikata: Shut up. A win is a win. If I let this go on for any longer my sword will get dull. (T/N: He literally said “How many togidais do you think are here?”, and togidai refers to a policing bench for Japanese swords).

Saitou: Hey. The others with you aren’t in a position to hold their swords anymore. Do you still mean to continue?

Thug 1: Guh! We’ll retreat for now, but you definitely won’t get away with this! We’ll definitely pay you back for today! Remember it! -runs away­-

08:15

Motoyama: -exhales- We are saved! I seriously thought we were going to get killed.

Okita: Oh boy. -sheathes sword- They were weaker than I expected. Considering how they were, wouldn’t Hijikata-san alone would have been fine?

Hijikata: I’m not so sure. They didn’t seem like the sort to honestly fight face-to-face.

Iba: Um…

Hijikata: What?

Iba: I’m Iba Hachiro from the dojo in Okachimachi.

Saitou: Okachimachi? One of the four big dojos of Edo, Shingyoto Ryu dojo Renbukan? The name of its founder was indeed Iba, I believe.

Iba: Yes. The current head, Iba Gunbei, is my father.  

Okita: A young master who’s the heir of a bigwig dojo, huh? You seem to have been raised very well.

Iba: Thank you for rescuing us in the face of danger. –That’s what I would like to say, but as a swordman I cannot help but question the way you fought earlier.

Motoyama: -splurts- Iba?!

Hijikata: What about the way we fought?

Iba: First of all, why is he -points to Saitou- carrying his sword to the left of his waist? Any proper dojo would have corrected the dominancy of his hand.

Saitou: Of course I’m aware.

Iba: Then why do you not correct it?

Saitou: Because I reached the conclusion that correction wasn’t necessary.

Iba: Are you trying to commit sacrilege against swordmanship?

Hijikata: Just carrying the sword wouldn’t be a sacrilege against swordmanship. Seems like the young master of a big dojo is pretty inflexible.

Iba: That’s not all. Earlier you threw sand into that roushi’s face to blind him.  No matter what a sword used through cowardly means manages to achieve, it will never be more than a tool for evil.

Hijikata: I don’t particularly care. It can be evil or whatever as long as I win.

Iba: Are you mocking me? A victory earned through such means is nothing except a fleeting win.

Okita: Could it be that you didn’t notice? I guess the Renbukan dojo isn’t that much of a big deal, unexpectedly.

Iba: Eh?

10:37

Okita: Hijikata-san, the roushi from earlier was hiding something in his bag, wasn’t he? Considering the size, it was probably some throw weapon.

Hijikata: Don’t say unnecessary things.

Iba: !! Don’t tell me, the roushi from earlier was about to use that?!

Okita: You finally noticed? I guess there is a limit to being slow.

Iba: -speechless-

Hijikata: Since you ran off your mouth so much about our fighting style, let me say something in return. If you were surrounded by people like earlier while you had a woman with you, what would you do? If they used the woman as a shield and took off with her, would you make excuses for your defeat -“they were cowards, I would’ve won in a fair fight!”

Iba: That’s…

Hijikata: Haha, I guess the young master of a big dojo would’ve managed something using all those disciples. Either way, you won’t be able to protect a single thing with such weak determination.

Iba: !!

Okita: Let’s get going already, Hijikata-san. Talking with people like this is a waste of time.

Hijikata: Yeah.

Iba: Wait!

-footsteps leave-

Motoyama: -sighs- We were saved…The first group were bad enough, and now these guys…all people I don’t want to get involved with. We should return home already for today.

Iba: ….

Motoyama: Iba, what’s the matter?

Iba: No, it’s nothing. Let’s go back.

Motoyama: Even though I managed to relax for once, it’s all ruined now. Oh well, I guess it’s fortunate that neither of us received injuries.

Iba: I…guess so. (Who on earth were the people from earlier? They were around my age, but they were very skilled with a sword and appeared to be familiar with actual fighting.)

  Track 3: Thoughts on being a warrior

 Kondou: Toshi.

Hijikata: Oh, it’s you, Kondou-san.

Kondou: I was wondering where you went after dinner, what are you doing alone in a place like this? Everyone else already went to sleep.

Hijikata: Sleep lost me while I was thinking about stuff.

Kondou: Is that so. Come to think of it, I heard from Souji that you guys got into some flashy brawl today. That you rescued an heir of some famous dojo?

Hijikata: It happened just by chance while we were on our way back.

Kondou: What’s the matter? You seem different from usual today. Is there something big troubling you?

Hijikata: Not really. I just realized that there are people in this world who have certain things from the moment they are born, things that we cannot obtain no matter how hard we wish for it. People who have the samurai spirit driven into them from childhood, and after genpuku (T/N: Japanese coming-of-age ceremony in the past) wear their daishou (T/N: a matched pair of Japanese swords worn by the samurai class in feudal Japan) at their waist like it’s a given.  

Kondou: Are you referring to the young man from the Iba dojo?

01:14

Hijikata: -inhales- Yeah. I usually believe that we’re more skilled than most samurais of this era, but would dealing with peasants and spending all the time fighting with disciples from other dojos really help us become warriors?

Kondou: That’s…

Hijikata: Ah, sorry. It isn’t like me to make such pathetic complaints. I’ve always known that this was an absurd dream, but…

Kondou: Sometimes you have to let things happen at their own pace. Rushing doesn’t help.

Hijikata: You’re the same as always.

Kondou: But for him to have left such a strong impression on you, Toshi, makes me want to meet this young man at least once.

Hijikata: Hey, what are you saying? Nobody said anything about ‘a strong impression’.

Kondou: Is that so? Normally you wouldn’t care if someone higher than you in status said something to you. Didn’t you notice something in that Iba boy that you couldn’t ignore?

Hijikata: I guess the heated way he could sprout preachings -that made my body itch just from hearing- without any embarrassment is something I found admirable.

Kondou: Saying such things again…

Hijikata: Anyhow, he’s the young master of a big dojo. A rundown dojo like ours would never be have anything to do with him.

  Track 4: Origin

 Iba: No good. I can’t concentrate today.

Motoyama: Iba, you were here?

Iba: Ah, Motoyama. What’s the matter? Do you have some business with me?

Motoyama: Nah, no urgent business. I heard that Koubusho was closed today, but you’re still doing swinging practice at home? How zealous. Your body won’t hold up if you don’t let yourself breathe once in a while.

Iba: I’m fine. I know about my body the best.

Motoyama: Could it be that the guys from earlier are on your mind?

Iba: …

Motoyama: It might not be my place to say this, but wouldn’t it be best to forget about them quickly? They seemed to live in a world different from our own.

Iba: What do you mean? Do you know something about them?

Motoyama: Ah…that’s…

Iba: Please tell me! What on earth were they? What dojo were they from?

Motoyama: …After that incident, I investigated about them. They seem to be freely associated with Shieikan dojo that’s situated in the Edo outskirts.

Iba: Shieikan? I’ve never heard of it.

Motoyama: They don’t have any disciples who have made a name for themselves. But they seem to be really strong at actual fighting with no record of losing. The people associated with the place also seem to be a rowdy bunch who get into frequent fights with the disciples of nearby dojos. During matches they seem to use thick bokutou (T/N: Japanese wooden sword used for training) that are like tree branches.

Iba: I have sparred with disciples who use bokutou, but I have no experience with any that are thick like tree branches. I see…I want to try it out once.

Motoyama: Why do you look so interested? Didn’t I tell you to not involve yourself with them?

Iba: But I’m indebted to them for rescuing me back then, and I should at least say my greetings…

Motoyama: Stop it! There are more reasons for you to not involve yourself further!

Iba: Which are?

02:35

Motoyama: To tell the truth, I heard this strange rumor while in the market in Edo. Remember the Roushi we encountered the other day? Apparently they are recruiting members from dojos and amusement quarters here and there, planning to get back at the Shieikan members.

Iba: Really?! Then we have to inform them quickly!

Motoyama: -grabs- You can’t! You are the heir of Renbukan! In case something happens, you might end up disgracing Gunbei-san, the dojo followers, and even the name of Shingyoto Ryu! You’re different from the typical Hatamoto successors! (T/N: hatamoto were samurai in the direct service of the Tokugawa shogunate of feudal Japan)

Iba: Disgracing the name of Shingyoto Ryu…

Motoyama: Yeah! As the next head, you should think about what you should prize the most! You gain nothing from involving yourself with such thuggish people!

Iba: Father once told me this: Shingyoto Ryu is a discipline that values training your heart. Hesitation in your heart means results in hesitation in your body and your sword.

Motoyama: Yeah yeah! It’s exactly as Gunbei-san says! You shouldn’t associate with twisted people that would warp your heart!

Iba: With that said, I interpreted it as advice to take action as per your beliefs, without lying to your own heart at all times.

Motoyama: That’s right! Just take action without lying to your own heart at all times-EEEEH?!

Iba: I cannot declare that their swords are tools of evil from just a glance. If I am to succeed Shingyoto Ryu, I cannot allow myself to be influenced by their general reputation, and let my eyes become cloudy in judging their swordmanship.

Motoyama: Hey, Iba! Where are you planning to go?!

Iba: I’ll go out for a bit. I apologize for being unable to accompany you. I’ll leave things here to you.

Motoyama: Wait, calm down! Rethink this, hey!!

  Track 5: Shieikan

 Motoyama: Hey, Iba. Do you seriously plan to go? You can still turn back!

Iba: Why are you coming with me? Wouldn’t it be better for you to go back if you don’t wish to get involved with them?

Motoyama: Because I’m worried about you, obviously! When you decide on something you become unable to see anything around you…

Iba: Ah, the building over there must be Shieikan. Seems like someone is taking a bath in open air there…

-rustle, water splash-

Shinpachi: Haa…It’s such nice weather today, but one can’t do anything when one doesn’t have any money! Don’t you think so, Sano?

Sano: Yeah. Me, of all people, not drinking any sake for half a month…something like this has never happened before! Maybe I should try to find some work in the district to get money for drinking.

Heisuke: What work are you planning to do?

Sano: There’s a bunch of stuff to do. Working as a debt collector, or as the bouncer of a bar…

Heisuke: Wouldn’t it be better for you to give up? Knowing you, Sano-san, you’d lose your temper and punch a guest. Rather than doing a bouncer’s job, I can clearly visualize you being the one to create a ruckus.

Sano: Heisuke, that’s rude! Even like this, I’m famous for having calmed down a lot compared to my youth, you know?

Shinpachi: Isn’t that simply you being overly terrible when you were young?

Sano: What’re you saying, Shinpachi. It’s not like you can keep your cool either.

Iba: Excuse me, there is something I’d like to ask…May I?

Heisuke: Ah, who are you guys?

Sano: Debt collectors…? Doesn’t seem like that. Could it be…dojo applicants?!

Shinpachi: Seriously?! Lately we’ve had our disciple count go down, so we’d be happy to have you! Welcome to Shieikan!

Motoyama: No thanks! We’re actually-

Shinpachi: Hmm? I think I recognize the young man there. Have we met somewhere?      

Iba: Me? Um…

Heisuke: For now let’s continue this conversation inside. Kondou-san and the others are out, but they should be back soon.

Motoyama: Like we said, we aren’t applicants-

Iba: Motoyama, let’s explain later. I don’t think any of it will enter their ears now.

Motoyama: Seems that way. Boohoohoo, why did things turn out like this…

02:26

-heavy sound-

Sano: Rejoice, Saitou! The new applicants we’ve waited for so long have come!

Saitou: Hmm. You are…?

Heisuke: What’s with that reaction? Could it be that they are your acquaintances, Hajime-kun?

Saitou: Never mind if I know them or not, that person is the heir to Renbukan.

Shinpachi: OH! I thought I had seen you somewhere, but you’re him, right? The Iba kid?

Iba: Did we meet somewhere?

Shinpachi: I used to train with Tsubouchi-san from Shingyoto Ryu! We must have met several times during that time.

Iba: Ah, I remember! It was Nagakura-san, right? You were famous for being undefeated!

Shinpachi: Yeah! I’m honored that you remember me!

Heisuke: Sheesh, if you guys have met then don’t forget. You really don’t pay attention to anything other than swordplay, Shinpachi-san.

Shinpachi: Why are you here today? Could it be that you came here for an inter-school match? (T/N: “taryuujiai”, contest between followers of different schools of swordmanship)      

Iba: No…it’d take some time to explain…

Saitou: It’d be better to leave the explanation for after Kondou-san and Hijikata-san come back. They should be returning from degeiko (T/N: training at another dojo) soon.

Heisuke: Oh, speak of the devil...

Hijikata: -slides door- Hey, you hoodlums, I understand your desire to take open baths with how hot it is, but don’t leave your shit lying around outside! Oh? You are…

Okita: Isn’t it the young master from the other day. What did you come here for? If you’re trying to take over our dojo I’m up for facing you, though.

Iba: There is something I must relay to you all. Will you please listen to me?

Hijikata: It seems like it’s going to be long conversation. -sighs- We’re going to put away our tools, so wait for a bit.

Iba: Understood.

  Track 6: Warning

 Hijikata: I see. I understand what you have to say. Those men are trying to get back at us, right?

Iba: Yes. You should be careful while recruiting.

Hijikata: Thanks for going through the trouble to inform us. We’ll do something about this on our own.

Motoyama: Is that so?! Then we’re going to take our leave…Let’s go, Iba!

Iba: Isn’t there something we can do?

Motoyama: Iba…

Hijikata: What do you mean?

Iba: We’re the reason you have become the target for the grudge of those roushi. You wouldn’t have gotten into this if you hadn’t rescued us back then.

Hijikata: We just did it out of our own will. You guys don’t need to feel responsible for this.

Iba: We won’t be satisfied that way.

Okita: What we’re gonna have from now on isn’t a dojo match, but an actual fight. Your sophisticated swordmanship won’t be of any use here.

Iba: We won’t know until we actually try. I don’t plan to lose in a swordfight.

Hijikata: Hey, you are-

Iba: If you won’t allow me to fight together with you, I will face them on my own.

Hijikata: What stupid things are you saying? It’d only be a bother if someone like you loitered around while we’re fighting them.

01:27

Kondou: Wait, Toshi. He isn’t saying this lightly, so let’s listen to his words properly.  Iba-kun, if you lend us a hand regarding this matter, wouldn’t it trouble your house and your dojo?

Iba: I believe this battle is for the right reasons, and turning away from it would be against the principles of Shingyoto Ryu.

Kondou: Is your father, master of Shingyoto Ryu, also agreeable with this?

Iba: I haven’t obtained his consent yet, but I will definitely convince him.

Hijikata: Sheesh, he’s extremely stubborn.

Kondou: Isn’t it great that he has a strong sense of responsibility? Besides, there’s no chance of defeat if you’re there with him, Toshi. He’s asking that much, why not reward his spirit?

Hijikata: Saying that so easily…If you’re asking us that much, I don’t mind allowing you to fight alongside us.

Iba: Really?

Hijikata: However, when up against people like that, regular methods don’t work. I will have you follow my guidance for the battle, are you okay with that?

Iba: I accept that.

Hijikata: Got it. If we get any news of them making a move I’ll let you know immediately.

Iba: Alright. I’ll also investigate a little more about the roushi involved in this incident. With that, I’ll take my leave for today-

Shinpachi: Hey hey, wait a minute! You went to the trouble of coming to the dojo, going back without doing anything would be such a shame!

Iba: Could you be thinking of….a match?

Okita: I don’t mind a match or whatever. The idea of breaking your nose sounds fun.

Iba: Understood. It’s not something that would break so easily, but I’ll accept that invitation.

Shinpachi: Alright!! Then I’m gonna collect the necessary tools, wait here! -hurriedly rushes out-

Sano: Sheesh, he’s super pumped up about it, that swordplay maniac.

  Track 7: Sword skills

 Shinpachi: Well then, let’s decide who is gonna fight first!

Okita: Since this is a rare inter-school match, I’m gonna go first. That’s okay, right Kondou-san?

Kondou: Yeah, it’s fine. Go ahead and give him a chance to practice with you.

Okita: Iba-kun, wasn’t it? What do the followers of Shingyuto Ryu use? Shinai, or Bokuto?

*T/N: Shinai are strips of bamboo bound together into a straight sword-like shape. You can be hit with them and you won't mind too much, although in kendo you wear armor because it's still much harder than say one of those foam boffer weapons. Bokuto, also called bokken, are wood, generally shaped much more like a katana (curved, rather than straight, sometimes tapering) and they sometimes try to balance like one as well. If you're hit with a bokken, you're not happy, you've got broken bones or at least deep bruising. So you can use shinai to train with contact, but not bokken unless everyone involved is very good and pulling their blows. Bokken are more likely to be used for solo forms or slowly for partner forms where everyone knows what's going to happen. You would never use a shinai for forms, because they're just not swordlike enough - if there's no danger of hurting someone else, you use a bokken or an iaito or an actual sword.                                            

Iba: Shinai, but personally I’m okay with Bokuto too.

Okita: You’re quite laid-back. I’ll try to hold back, but maybe I should apologize beforehand anyway. In case I end up injuring you, sorry.

Hijikata: “Sorry” won’t cut it! Do it in a way that won’t cause injuries. What would you do if you damaged our dojo’s reputation even more?

Kondou: The referee can be…Saitou-kun, may I ask you?

Saitou: Alright. Both of you, take position. Start!

-wooden swords clash-

Heisuke: What is that guy…he’s fighting equally with Souji!

Sano: Oh? He’s quite something. He shouldn’t be used to handling a bokuto, but you can’t feel that at all.

Shinpachi: Hachiro’s skills have become so much better than the time I was at Tsubouchi-san’s place! Ah, my body is itching from just watching!

Kondou: That’s some outstanding talent. Being able to master this level of sword techniques at such a young age, he might grow up to become one of the best in Edo-no, maybe in all of Hinamoto. (T/N: Edo is the former name of Tokyo, and Hinomoto is an old name for the country of Japan)

Hijikata: Maybe he will.

Saitou: Strike one! Round over.

  Track 8: Feast

 Kondou: I have to say, you really showed us a good match today. I’m really sorry we cannot offer better hospitality than this, but please enjoy yourself.

Iba: Not at all! I gratefully accept. I didn’t think you’d even go to the trouble of inviting me to dinner…

Okita: I don’t know if this will suit the mouths of the young masters who are used to delicious food all the time.

Motoyama: No…It’s not like that…We hardly ever get the chance to eat daikon radishes this withered, we’ll take our time savoring it…hahaha…

Sano: Kondou-san, can we really drink this sake?

Kondou: Yeah, of course. But after serving it to the guests.

Sano: I know that! You were named Motoyama, right? You like sake?

Motoyama: Eh, sake?! Well, I’d say I like it…

Sano: It seems like you can drink. Alright, drink up! -pours-

Motoyama: Ah, thank you for this!

Iba: Um, it might be a good idea to not make Motoyama drink too much…

Sano: It’s fine! He’s not a kid, and he should know his own limits, right?

Iba: It would be great if that was the case…

Motoyama: -gulps- Buha! DELICIOUS! It soaks into the depths of my stomach!

Sano: You drink well! Seems like there’s no need to hold back. Keep drinking, here!

Motoyama: Aah…thanks, thanks. Then I’m going to drink without reservations…

01:35

Heisuke: Even so, you have some amazing skills. Souji fighting someone equally on their first visit to the dojo is something that hasn’t happened since Hajime-kun came to the dojo.

Saitou: You cannot compare me, a left-handed person, with him, who is right-handed, using the same standards.

Iba: It’s nothing big, really. I’m still in the initial stages of learning.

Sano: They’re complimenting you, just accept it. Saitou’s eyes are very accurate when it comes to swordsmanship.

Iba: But…

Shinpachi: By the way, when did you start learning swordsmanship? Must be during your childhood, right?

Heisuke: He’s the heir of Shingyuto Ryu, so obviously! Don’t you have any fun stories?  

Iba: That’s…uh…My real father also did swordsmanship, so I had chances to hold a shinai ever since childhood, but I seriously chose this path after visiting a samurai house belonging to a friend of my father’s. Seeing a painting of Miyamoto Musashu in that samurai house, I was struck by a feeling that was like a lightning.

Hijikata: Hmm…

Heisuke: Miyamoto Musashu’s painting,..? That’s kinda amazing.

Sano: Sounds like a young master of Hatamoto. What a sophisticated reason.

Shinpachi: Well, compared to you who was about to die after trying to commit seppuku, anyone’s reason would seem sophisticated.

Iba: Eh? About to die after trying to commit seppuku?

Heisuke: Shinpachi-san, you idiot! Don’t say unnecessary things! He’s going to start with the usual rant again! Oh, shit.

Sano: What, you want to hear about it so badly? Then I guess I gotta talk! First let me show you the scar from the straight line carved onto my stomach! When I was still at my home back in Matsuyama, I carved this scar onto myself by cutting open my stomach. -his voice becomes distant-

03:32

Kondou: He’s such a rare candid youngster. It’s admirable how on top of his aspirations for swordsmanship, he possesses the openness needed to accept the advice of others. There’s nothing lacking in him both in his swordsmanship skills or his character as a person, so I’m looking forward to his future.

Hijikata: He does have the type of character you would like.

Kondou: What, Toshi, you don’t like him? I think you have a good eye for people’s character, though.

Hijikata: It’s not that I don’t like him…

Kondou: It’s not that you don’t like him…and?

Hijikata: Nothing, forget it. Rather than that, Kondou-san, you said that in addition to studying swordsmanship, it’s also important to be honest and open, but don’t we have a bunch of people this doesn’t apply to? For example, a certain person who keeps harassing me every single day without getting tired of it?

Okita: I wonder who you’re referring to?

Hijikata: You, obviously! Who else is there?

Okita: I don’t remember anything like that~ I respect Hijikata-san so much.

Hijikata: You’ve got a lot of nerve saying that.

Kondou: Toshi, what are you saying? Souji is a very honest kid.

Hijikata: Well he might be honest in front of you, but,-sound of a crash- What the-? Did someone flip off the table?

Motoyama: -In the first place, I felt that there’s something wrong with the bigwigs at the Shogunate! I thought that for the longest time!

Shinpachi: Right? None of them really think about Hinomoto or its people!

Motoyama: Yeah exactly! But nobody would listen to what a young brat like me says…

Iba: Aah…this is why I asked you to not have Motoyama drink too much…

Sano: Don’t lose hope, Motoyama! Who else would beat those bigwigs into shape if not you?

Motoyama: Really? I wonder if I can do it…

Heisuke: Of course ya can do it! There’s no one other than you who’s gonna shoulder and support the Shogunate in the future!

Motoyama: Okay, I’ve got it -stands up and gulps more sake-

Iba: Motoyama why are you taking off your kimono?! Could it be-seppuku?!

Motoyama: Aaah don’t stop me! I’m determined to give my life for the future of Hinomoto!

Shinpachi: Alright! Show your determination to those bastards who don’t care for Hinomoto! I’ll clean up the blood on the ground!

Iba: Nagakura-sama, don’t agitate him! Motoyama would really try to do it!

Hijikata: Sheesh, what are they doing…

Track 9: The fight that was asked for

 Hijikata: I see. People saw a suspicious group of men hanging around near Kasenjiki at Tamagawara, hmm?

Saitou: Yes. From the information gathered from the villagers of Kinrin, there is the possibility of them being the roushi from the other day.

Heisuke: -door opens- Hijikata-san! Hachiro came.

Hijikata: Send him here.

Heisuke: Ok, got it! -door closes-

Iba: -footsteps, door opens- Sorry I’m late.

Motoyama: I hope it’s okay that I also came… I probably won’t be of much help, though…

Hijikata: Sorry to have called you all the way out here. For now take a seat there.

Iba: Okay. Is it true that you received a duel invitation from those roushi?

Hijikata: Yeah. “Come to the Tamagawa river in the evening”, it said. We were about to discuss the strategy for that.

Iba: Is that a map of the duel location? Why do you have that?

Hijiakata: Investigating the area obviously has to be done beforehand. That has been true since the oldest days of war.

Iba: Okay…

Hijikata: Around here there should be a number of bypaths that a single person can sneak through. If the road width is narrow, it’d be possible to shorten distance with an opponent there. Harada!

01:26

Sano: So we’re setting up an ambush there? Leave it to me!

Hijikata: I’m glad you’re good at catching onto things. Shinpachi, Heisuke, you went around investigating at nearby dojos, right? What did you find?

Heisuke: Some thug-like people have been loitering around dojos in Edo. They have been accosting the disciples from all the famous dojos, one after another, and also some people from Hokushin Itto Ryu dojos.

Shinpachi: Also get this, the dojos the thug-like guys have been loitering around are dojos that have people who practice archery. It’s possible that the enemy has members who use bows.

Hijikata: Bows, huh. I see. Around this season there should be the grass by the riverside should be pretty thick. We would have to fight while hiding ourselves there. Things would get dangerous if we don’t make taking the archers down our priority. How many enemies are there?

Saitou: From what we know, around ten.

Iba: (These people are…)

Hijikata: Ten people, hmm…We won’t have good footing by the riverside…Heisuke, provide backup and don’t engage with the enemies much.

Heisuke: Why?! Are you planning to not give me any chance to act?

Hijikata: When fighting people from the Hokushin Itto Ryu, a place with bad footing would work against you. (T/N: The Hokushin Itto-ryu is a very intense dueling style, which focuses on simple and fast techniques where no unnecessary movements are made.)

Heisuke: That is true, but I don’t like this.

Okita: Heisuke can just take care of the guys we let escape.

Heisuke: What’re you saying? I don’t plan to go against Hijikata-san’s plan, but I don’t want to be in your favor either, Souji!

03:06

Iba: (Hijikata-san can see all possible developments related to this battle. Taking enemy movements and both best and worst case scenarios, he’s thinking up possible countermeasures. He’s just like a war general.)

Hijikata: While our goal will obviously be to bring down the enemies, in case you let any escape, chase them to the trail where Harada will be waiting in ambush. Drill the contents of this map into your brain, and make sure you don’t forget where you’ll be fighting.

Shinpachi, Harada, Heisuke, Okita, Saitou: Yes sir!

Iba: Please wait! Will you please give me a support role as well?

Hijikata: This is our fight, you aren’t involved. -That’s what I’d normally say, but you wouldn’t listen to me if I did, anyway.

Iba: Yes, of course!

Hijikata: Got it. Come with me. I’ll give you a role on our way. I’ll have you show me what you’ve got.

Motoyama: Is this okay, Iba? In case something happened…

Iba: It’s okay. I don’t understand why, but somehow I feel like I won’t lose when I’m with them.

Hijikata: Well then, let’s go! We’ll give them the fight they asked for tenfold!

Track 10: Battle in the riverbed

 Thug 1: You finally came. We were growing tired of waiting. We’ll pay you back in double for the other day!

Hijikata: I could’ve ignored a challenge for a duel like that, but having lowly flies loitering around is also extremely irritating. So I gotta squash the vermin as soon as I can.

Thug 1: Stop fucking around! You’re the ones who’ll get squashed! -draws sword-

Hijikata: So you’re drawing your swords. -draws sword- Everyone!

Heisuke: Got it! -swords clash-

Random Thug A: Damn you! -runs away-

Heisuke: Shinpachi-san, he went that way!

Shinpachi: Of all the places you had to run towards where I was at. There should be a limit to how bad someone’s luck can be. Well, luck is also an ability, so don’t blame me! -overwhelms with heavy sword attacks-

Random Thug A: What the hell is this strength!? Damn, at this rate…! Take this!

01:13

Saitou: Shinpachi, dodge!

Shinpachi: Whoa! -arrow zooms past-

Saitou: Carelessness is one’s greatest enemy. You were the one who mentioned that there were archers among them.

Shinpachi: It can’t be helped. I didn’t think anyone would be rude enough to butt into a one-to-one fight between men!

Saitou: The arrow came from that way. From the precious aim towards you earlier, I’d guess the archer is most likely the shadow on top of that tree there.

Heisuke: You can sure see something like even in this darkness, Hajime-kun.

Saitou: Leave the handling of the archers to me. I will definitely get rid of them.

Shinpachi: Sheesh, you always swoop up the best parts. But anyhow, I’m counting on you, Saitou!

Saitou: Got it. -leaves-

-swords clash, a thug is being dominated-

02:02

Okita: Come on, done already? I’m getting bored from the utter lack of resistance. If you have confidence in your own abilities, come at me! -swoops in, swords clash-

Random Thug B: What the hell is up with these monsters? Hey, surround this guy! We’ll get him from all sides! Killing him is fine!

Okita: Kill? Haha, you say such funny things. There is only one person in this world who can win against me. -sword clash, enemies scream-

Random Thug C: Shit, it’s no use, we practically can’t do anything!

Archer Thug: What the hell are those monster-like people?! But they won’t be able to defend when aimed at by arrows from afar. -draws bowstring- Prepare ourselves!

Saitou: Sorry, but your opponent is me.

Archer Thug: What!? You bastard, when did you get so close?

Saitou: I can’t deny that you have a good understanding of the advantages of your weapon and its usage, but being so overcome with bloodlust that you fail to notice enemy presence means you’re still inexperienced.

Archer Thug: Stuff your bullshit! -aims and fires bow at Saitou, arrow is broken by Saitou- Whoa! He cut off the arrow I shot? -Saitou has him at swordpoint in a blink- I didn’t see the moment when he drew his sword!

Saitou: Do you still intend to oppose us? Then I will be your opponent as much as you want. Though I do not know if I’ll be able to stop my sword at the last possible moment next time.

Archer Thug: I understand! I’ll throw my weapon away, so please, don’t do anything more!

Saitou: Wise decision.

03:58

Heisuke: -swords clash- Iyaa!

Random Thug D: -gasping-

Heisuke: Haha, seems like you’re out of breath! Are you at your limit?

Random Thug D: -pants- I can still keep going!

Heisuke: You’re bad at giving up. Well, in that case I’m gonna keep you company though! -swords clash-

Random Thug D: Smug brat! -trips Heisuke-

Heisuke: Argh!

Random Thug D: Hahaha, who’s the one who let down their guard now?!

Heisuke: You bastard with your sneaky legs!

Random Thug D: -laughs weakly while running away-

Iba: Wait! Where are you trying to go?

Random Thug D: There’s no one stupid enough to wait because he was told to! This isn’t a match, but a fight!

Iba: I definitely won’t let you escape!

Random Thug D: If I remember right, there should be a bypath around here!

Sano: So it’s finally my turn.

Random Thug D: What? You…

Sano: Sheesh, I was getting worried that I have been waiting in vain, but thanks for chasing him all the way here, Hachiro.

Iba: If you want to thank someone, thank the person who considered this scenario.

Sano: -slams thug with weapon-

Random Thug D: Gah! -collapses-

05:20

Sano: Now then, that took care of one of them. I wonder if the others are also done?

Iba: Yeah. I’ll go check how they are doing.

Sano: I’m counting on you! Though I don’t think we need to worry.

Hijikata: Hmm. Your guys from earlier not coming back means that you’re the only one remaining. If you want to apologize now is the chance.

Thug 1: You bastard…

Okita: Oh well, if he was the type to retreat from this, he wouldn’t pick a fight with us in the first place.

Hijikata: With that said, I don’t like the idea of ganging up on him with all of us. How about a one-to-one fight to settle things?

Thug 1: One-to-one fight?

Okita: That’s not like you, Hijikata-san. There’s no need to show kindness to a man like that.

Hijikata: It’s annoying be thought of as being unable to fight without unfair means. How about it?

Thug 1: Got it! Let’s fight one-on-one, just as you said!

Hijikata: In that case, come at me from wherever.

Thug 1: Grr, don’t underestimate me! -swords clash, grunts-

06:45

Shinpachi: Oh, he’s much stronger than I thought. I guess he didn’t thoughtlessly pick a fight with us.

Iba: (Nagakura-san is correct, but Hijikata-san’s technique is obviously superior. More than anything, the enemy is getting tired.)

Thug 1: -grunts, has his sword blocked-

Hijikata: Well then, let’s bring this fight to an end!

Thug 1: You said it!

Iba: (!! That Roushi pulled out something from inside his sleeve! Could it be…!!

Iba: Toshi-san, look out!

Hijikata: I know!

Heisuke: What the heck is up with this guy? He was hiding a short knife!

Sano: What a despicable fellow. There really was no reason to play nice.

Thug 1: No, I just did it on an impulse…!

Hijikata: Aren’t duels supposed to be fair? What’s the meaning of this?

Thug 1: If you’re gonna say that, aren’t you also unfair for coming with such a big group?!

Iba: Wasn’t this a fight instead of a duel to you? So we just adopted our approach to that.

Hijikata: I see. So he wasn’t just a hardheaded young master.

  Track 11: Triumphant return

 Motoyama: Iba! What happened with the Roushi? You didn’t get hurt, did you?

Iba: As you can see, we are all safe. We can expect those Roushi to never show their face around here again.

Motoyama: Oh, is that so? Thank god…

Iba: Everyone, I sincerely apologize for troubling you so much regarding this matter.

Kondou: No, don’t worry. Running a swordplay dojo means ruckus like this a common thing.

Shinpachi: Yeah yeah, nobody thinks of it as a trouble!

Heisuke: Rather it was fun to get to cut loose.

Iba: It relieves me that you think so.

Hijikata: Now that things are settled, shouldn’t you be getting back? I don’t think they will try to attack, but I’ll walk you part of the way.

Iba: We will be okay. We can protect ourselves.

Motoyama: Yeah yeah! Absolutely no need to worry!

Okita: You say that, but who were those people that were surrounded by thugs during our first meeting?

Iba: That’s…

Hijikata: Don’t be so formal. Besides, there are things that I want to talk about on the way. It’ll be just a stroll.

Iba: Is that so? Understood.

Saitou: Hijikata-san, will you be okay alone?

Hijikata: Yeah, I’ll depend on you to take care of the place while I’m gone. (To Iba) Let’s go then. If you’re too late the people at your dojo will worry.

  Track 12: Secret things

 Iba: Really, thank you so much for today. I got to have a nice experience I can’t have in the dojo.

Motoyama: (whispering) Yeah…an experience that we can hardly ever have…or more like, one that we’re better off not having…

Hijikata: What do you mean by “nice experience”? Here I’m trembling from imagining how the people at your dojo would chew me up saying “Don’t make our heir do unnecessary things!”

Iba: It’s fine. We’re also a swordsmanship dojo, we’re not as sophisticated as you think.

Hijikata: You’re a strange one. From the point of view of a Hatamoto young master, we shouldn’t be any different from stray dogs.

Iba: I believe what I see with my own eyes. I find some people with high status unworthy of respect, and also vice versa. It might be slightly different from the way samurais usually think, though.

Hijikata: I’m sorry. You seem to be different from the rotten samurais I confused you with.          

Iba: No no, you don’t have to apologize…

Hijikata: I do. At this age, getting jealous of someone nearly a decade younger and venting my frustration on him is so pathetic.

Iba: Jealousy?

01:45

Hijikata: Kondou-san and I were originally just sons of farmers. It would’ve been normal for me to do farmwork or maybe trade at most, but because of my nature neither of those worked out. The stupid dream to become a warrior has brought me to this wretched state today.

Iba: I don’t think it’s a stupid dream.

Hijikata: If you’re trying to console me, there’s no need.

Iba: This isn’t flattery! Even among people born in samurai families, I doubt there are many on your level who can develop such precise plans. In the actual battlefield, I think people like you are the ones who can be relied upon.

Hijikata: Sheesh, how do you keep dishing out those embarrassing compliments? I’m not that much of a great person.

Iba: Eh, but…

Hijikata: The person who’s actually great is Kondou-san. Even though he was born a commoner just like me, he polished his sword skills until he finally became a real warrior. Compared to that person, I’m nothing more than a spoiled thug.

Iba: I see.

Hijikata: Personally I don’t care about things like leaving my name in history or succeeding as a master swordman, but Kondou-san isn’t someone who should stop at being the owner of a small dojo like this. He definitely should go out to the world. I believe in today’s society, people like Kondou-san are the ones who are worthy of being called a true warrior.

Iba: You truly hold Kondou-san in the highest regard, don’t you?

Hijikata: It sounds cheaper when I try to put everything in words.

Iba: -chuckle- “Some things are better left unsaid”, I suppose?

Hijikata: Hey, don’t tell Kondou-san what I said just now. Don’t tell the guys at Shieikan, either. Got it?

Iba: Of course. I wouldn’t do something so rude.

Hijikata: Is that so? Then okay. -keeps walking-

03:57

Iba: That reminds me, I must thank you.

Hijikata: What? Didn’t you thank us earlier already?

Iba: It’s regarding a different matter. Um…I wonder where I should start from. The other day, when I was invited for dinner, do you remember what I said regarding the incident that encouraged me to pursue swordsmanship?

Hijikata: Yeah, something about the drawing of Miyamoto Musashi…that?

Iba: I mentioned that in front of everyone, but to tell the truth, that wasn’t the real reason. The actual reason I aspired to learn swordsmanship was…to protect a certain person.

Hijikata: Hmm, a woman?

Iba: Wha-how did you know it was a female?

Hijikata: It’s no secret. Everywhere around the world, women are the ones men need to protect, obviously.  

Iba: I guess…that indeed is true.

Hijikata: You look like a late-bloomer, but you’ve started getting involved with women already? Be careful, when serious men fall into bad habits they forget the proper conduct.

Iba: It’s not like that. The story is of a time long ago, and the other person probably has forgotten about the likes of me by now. How many years has it been? Probably almost a decade.

Hijikata: A fiancée, or a childhood friend?

Iba: No, we just played together a number of times.

Hijikata: It’s pretty impressive how you’re still taken with a woman that you met during your childhood.

Iba: Is it strange after all?

Hijikata: It’s not. It just means you were a man even when you were a kid.

06:03

Iba: The thing you said to me before- “you won’t be able to protect a single thing with such weak determination”- really struck a chord within me. If she had actually been in that place, I’m not sure if I could’ve managed to protect her or not. I keenly realized that there were many things I still needed to learn. …So it’s okay for me to keep visiting Shieikan from now on, right?

Hijikata: HUH?! Wait a minute! Don’t you have a dojo that you’re supposed to succeed?

Motoyama: That’s right! What’re you saying, Iba?

Iba: It’s not like we are forbidden to study at other dojos, and father also most likely won’t be against it.

Motoyama: Well, it’s true that Gunbei-san might find this amusing…

Hijikata: Sheesh, you won’t listen even if I say no, right?

Iba: Yes, of couse, Toshi-san!

Hijikata: Sheesh, I got close to a troublesome guy. Oh well, there is no helping it….By the way, Hachiro. There is something that has been bugging me.

Iba: Yes, what is it?

Hijikata: Won’t you do something about the way you call me?

Iba: Eh, is it strange? Kondou-san also did the same…

Hijikata: It’s not strange, but…How do I put it…Being called by my given name is kinda…

Iba: Eh, is that so? But you also call me Hachiro, Toshi-san. Besides, using actual names has a deeper feeling of familiarity, and makes me feel closer to you.

Hijikata: Shit, just do whatever you want.

Iba: Yes! Please take care of me from now on, Toshi-san! -footsteps-

(And this is how we became acquainted with the people affiliated with Shieikan. Of course, back then neither Motoyama nor I could imagine that one day they would be called the Shinsengumi. Still, compared to us who were born in samurai families, their earnest eyes, and their figure as they fought without looking back, appeared to be much closer to a true warrior.)

 Iba Hachiro- Miyano Mamoru

Hijikata Toshizo- Miki Shinichirou

Okita Souji- Morikubo Shoutarou

Saitou Hajime- Toriumi Kousuke

Todou Heisuke- Yoshino Hiroyuki

Harada Sanosuke- Yusa Kouji

Nagakura Shinpachi- Tsuboi Tomohiro

Kondou Isami- Ookawa Tooru

Motoyama Koutaro- Hatano Wataru

Roushi- Yoshimura Kazuhiro

Rosuhi- Fujisawa Yuki

Roushi- Nagase Yuu

Roushi- Murakami Kazuya

*Last 4 are thug voices.

[otogetranslations]

Introduce Otogelib! A new otome game translation community project

Hi there, Reishiki, leader of Otogetranslations here.

I started this group in October last year to gather translators to work on Collar x Malice Unlimited, I didn’t think it would grow this much from a small group of <5 people to a... group of >20 people. A lot happened but I’m glad to have a loving group of translators/members that always trust in me and help me get through all the drama and stress I have when maintaining this group.

I know I decided to stop after Diabolik Lovers Limited V Edition English patch accident, but I thought it’s a bit unfair for you, for us, that we wasted all our efforts of hacking/managing/translating stuff. So I think of a new project that can live only with community support. I’m not the leader of this project, but you guys—the community is. In that sense, I stopped, but the community didn’t.

So, what’s our new project?

A Public otome game translations library at https://otogelib.tumblr.com/ which everyone can view the text translation, seeing translation progress in real-time, and anyone can apply as a translator/proofreader. You can view/edit spreadsheets anywhere with an internet connection and a mobile device. And basically, you can translate any sentence/route you want without being afraid that someone already worked on it.

That’s @otogelib! The library is still growing, so if you have friends that interested in helping, please reblog/share/retweet this. After all, this project only can survive with community support :).

This project is the last thing I can do for the otome community. That is providing scripts for you guys to translate in the most comfortable way, or to practice reading/translating Japanese, to have a way to learn Japanese that you guys can enjoy, and help other otome lovers in the progress. :)

When a game is completed translating, I might make patches for people who bought the game. Otherwise, you can just play the game and read along. :)

What you can do for this project:

If you know Japanese or fluent in English and would like to help to translate/proofreading:

TRANSLATORS APPLICATION PROOFREADERS APPLICATION

If you don’t know Japanese and just want to help:

You can go around Tumblr/twitter and message translators/fans of these projects and see if they’re interested in translating and let them know about this project :).

Thanks for reading, and remember to spread the word! If you have more questions, just send me a message via Tumblr/twitter or email me otomemastervn@gmail.com

Current Project Spreadsheets:

- AMNESIA LATER

- BLACK WOLVES SAGA

- HAKUOKI SSL

- VARIABLE BARRICADE

- NIL ADMIRARI NO TENBIN

[ladyshiranui]

hakuoki blogs to follow!

Considering how small the fandom of hakuoki is on tumblr (and just in general), I wanted to make a list of some of my favourite fellow users that bless us with the hakuoki content we all need~

- @hakuouki-rules : provides a variety of scans of official sprites and other art/cg’s and translations of non-localised content (which is like 90% of the franchise), including CD dramas and Sweet School Life content. such a blessing you are!

- @come-get-yall-ochimizu : the meme saint. existing to bring laughter after all the tears we have shed. we don’t deserve you. respect to you, fam.

- @edoblossoms : an absolute treasure trove of all in-game cg’s and fanbook content, complete with easy-to-navigate masterlists and personal thoughts on the games. a great blog for newcomers to the fandom! :)

- @impracticaldemon : not just a blog for hakuoki, but many other things otome-related, including ikesen, code;realize and collar x malice! absolutely worth a follow if you love heaps of different otome along with hakuoki!

- @nollatooru : whips up some great doodled comics of the shinsengumi and other folks with concepts i would have never thought about. i always have a good laugh when one pops up on my dash!

- @nianiamu : full of fanart of all characters from the series with the CUTEST art style i’ve ever seen! i’d be surprised if i haven’t reblogged every single piece of artwork. 

I apologise if I missed your name if I frequent your blog! I couldn’t navigate through everyone I follow T_T be sure to check out these blogs for some more hakuoki content you could be missing out on!  ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

[romanceanimehaven]

Hakuouki

Title: Hakuouki

English Translation: Hakuoki ~Demon of the Fleeting Blossom~  

Genre: Light Romance, Historical, Supernatural, Action, Drama

Note ; I wasn’t sure whether to classify this anime as “Romance” or “Light Romance” since based on my research, the romance bit isn’t a major story-line until Season 2

Synopsis:

“In 1864 Japan, a young woman named Chizuru Yukimura is searching for her missing father, Koudou, a doctor by trade whose work often takes him far from home. But with no word from him in months, Chizuru disguises herself as a man and heads to Kyoto in search of him. Attracting the attention of ronin, she tries to hide and ends up witnessing a horrifying sight: the ronin being brutally murdered by crazed white-haired men. In a startling turn of events, members of the Shinsengumi arrive to dispatch the creatures. But Chizuru's safety doesn't last long, as this group of men tie her up and take her back to their headquarters, unsure of whether to let her live or silence her permanently. However, once she reveals the name of her father, the Shinsengumi decide to keep her safe, as they too have been searching for him. But Koudou is more connected to the Shinsengumi than they let on, and soon Chizuru finds herself embroiled in a conflict between the Shinsengumi and their enemies, as well as political tension in Kyoto.”

Source - https://myanimelist.net/anime/6895/Hakuouki

Number of Episodes:

Season 1 ~ 12 episodes

Season 2 ~ 10 episodes

Season Premiered:

Season 1 - Spring 2010

Season 2 - Fall 2012

OVAs:

Hakuouki Sekkaroku - 6 episodes (Watch after S1 Ep 8 before Ep 9)

Hakuouki Shinkai: Kaze no Shou - 1 episode

Hakuouki OVA - 2 episodes

Specials:

Hakuouki Hekketsuroku Episode 0 - 1 episode (Season 1 Recap)

Hakuouki: Otogisoushi - 12 episodes

Hakuouki: Otogisoushi Special - 1 episode

Note ; each episode for the specials has a length of around 3 minutes

Movies:

Hakuouki Movie 1: Kyoto Ranbu

Hakuouki Movie 2: Shikon Soukyuu

Note ; the watch order for the series is a bit complicated so here’s a suggested watch order: https://chiaki.site/?/tools/watch_order/group_id/2831

Status:

Completed Airing

[kaedeichinose]

hi janelle, do i remember right that you like otome games? please help me out i have an abundance of free time and im feeling so lonely i just need fictional characters to say they love me. what are the best ones you'd recommend?

hell yeah i do. ok so as a general rule, if you’re taking a chance go for something thats out on a real console (psp, vita, ps3/4) basically because theres a lot more random garbage on the mobile and steam fronts, and it’s not like there arent good ones but obviously the rate of trash to good is higher 

so heres a few of my most highly recommended:

Hakuoki: this is the most popular otome franchise in the west by far (even the non otome spinoff action game got localized. imagine) the most recent edition of the games in on vita (maybe steam? i havent checked) and its the combo of kyoto winds and edo blossoms. the reason theres two of them is because the game has SO MUCH CONTENT there was no way they could localize it as it was and possibly make a profit, so they ended up splitting it. Some people dislike the protag bc shes a little too yamato nadeshiko for their tastes but it never bugged me. it’s got a lot of action, historical intrigue, theres like? 13? romance candidates as of kw/eb so you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck. plus, since so many version of hakuoki got localized the older versions tend to go on sale whenever aksys’ stuff is on sale so you can get one of the older version for real cheap if you wanna dip your toes.

Code Realize: this is probably my favorite otome game and one of my favorite vns in general. the art is gorgeous, the characters are so fleshed out and well developed (even the side characters), all the narratives whirl together with intrigue and drama and the protagonist has a lot of personality. Theres not a single character i dislike here. i think the ps4 version comes in a dual pack with future blessings, which is a direct sequel focusing on lovey-dovey marriage stuff with some more serious stories too. 

norn9: norn9 is really unique because it has three entirely different protags to play as, and each one has three different boys to pursue. this affords for them to have a lot of love interests while still keeping the MC’s arcs feeling fresh. theres one route i dont like but 8/9 aint bad! nice art, good writing, intriguing world building. fully recommend. 

anniversary no kuni no alice: so this ones pretty different in that its a doujin game that was never officially localized (ok, there was a mobile port that got released in the west but calling that a translation...... is generous) but the fantranslation finally got finished like? last year? recentlyish. despite its humble routes it made a huge splash in japan and is definitely genre defining. it also isnt as tender and sweet as some of the other games i listed, it fully embodies the charm of alice in wonderland where nearly everyone is an oddball whackjob/asshole (and dont worry, the protagonist can throw a punch) and has an old fashioned affection point and date system which make it feel really old school. its not an eroge but these characters absolutely fuck, which is nice if you want some self indulgent steamy stuff. that said i fully recommend opening up the debug menu and just slapping max affection on your chosen boy bc the low budget, slightly dated mechanics can be kind of a slog. theres also like a shit load of secret events that you need to monitor flags for so you might as well just save yourself the trouble and fudge the numbers a bit. and since the company that made it is fucking dead its 100% free! rad.

collarxmalice: this one is a bit weird bc im more recommending it for the story bc the romance elements didnt really do it for me? like full disclaimer this is a me problem, and even though the romance elements didnt click with me the routes are all still very well written (except.... for one.... who i was expecting to like the most..... aaaaaaaaaaaaa) . the heroine is a cop so shes very action focused and the game even forces you to do your own crime solving, and its easy but its still more immersive than a lot of other games try to be. it has a very strong story and aesthetic and even though it bounced off me im still looking forward to the fandisc releasing on switch so i still really enjoyed it. it was met with rave reviews and was even an office favorite of the translators working on it.

if youre still unsure i suggest just checking out which game has a cast you find appealing, theyre the main reason your here afterall 

[confinedmadness]

[Review] Hakuoki: Kyoto Winds

Overall

I’ve now finished all the routes in Hakuoki: Kyoto Winds and would like to compile my thoughts into one last post. Every time I finished a bachelor’s route, I did write my thoughts about it in separate posts. Links to those posts are found below. This will be pretty long.

Art

I love, love, love the art! It’s so beautiful. My only complaint is that the guys don’t have equal numbers of CGs. For example, the most number of CGs for a character is 10. However, poor Yamazaki only gets 6!! And even among those with the same number of CGs, it isn’t equal. For example, Harada and Heisuke both have 10 CGs each. But Harada is with Chizuru in 7 of them. Meanwhile, Heisuke is with Chizuru in only 3 of his 10.

Music

The music is also good. “Corridor of Memories” and “Yearn for his Heart” are my favorites. I just really love good soft, touching music. Though the comedic music and the red light district music are also fun.

Translation / Text

I’m on the fence about this one. On one hand, the translation wasn’t wrong. However, sometimes the word choices and the tone just didn’t fit. When Hijikata suddenly says, “The hell you say?” or when Kazama says “Shit happens”, I just end up frowning because I personally feel the first one would have been better if it was written properly “What the hell did you say?”, while the second one could have just been “That’s just how things are.” 

I wish they’d taken into consideration the personalities of each character and took that into account when translating their dialogue. Not everyone speaks the same way. Not everyone spouts out slang. Some people are formal. Some people are too casual.

I also mentioned this in my post on Souma’s route, but “senpai” isn’t “teacher”. And though this is low priority, I wish they’d done something to show that Sakamoto speaks a different dialect from the Shinsengumi guys. (Especially since they’d taken the time to get a voice actor who actually speaks the dialect.)

Also, there were a lot of typographical errors--repeated words, missing words, wrong word order, etc. It becomes bothersome after the first 15 instances, and it breaks your immersion into the story.

Interface / Controls

I don’t really have problems with the interface and controls per se. The interface is easy to understand and navigate. The controls aren’t complicated, either. However, there are bugs here and there where suddenly the story won’t move forward no matter how many times I click my mouse. But then I pick up my controller and it continues no problem. As well as vice versa, I mash my controller buttons and it doesn’t work but I switch to my mouse and voila!

Voice Acting

Overall, I think the cast did a really good job. Some of my favorite voice actors that voice characters in Hakuoki are: Yoshino Hiroyuki (Heisuke), Miyano Mamoru (Iba), Kaji Yuuki (Souma), Ono Daisuke (Sakamoto), and Tsuda Kenjiro (Kazama). And while they did awesome as usual, other performances I enjoyed were by Morikubo Shoutaro (Okita), Toriumi Kousuke (Saito), and Ito Hasumi (Kaoru). 

I like the fact that they got Ono Daisuke to voice Sakamoto using his Tosa dialect. I found out through some searches that Ono actually voiced other fictional versions of Sakamoto Ryoma for the same reason. I know the Tosa dialect Ono speaks may already be different (evolved) from the Tosa dialect Sakamoto spoke in his time, but the fact that they made that effort was really nice. (Which again brings me to the point that I wish they’d made the effort in the English translation as well. But I understand that’s difficult to do when there’s no equivalent.)

Also, Tsuda Kenjiro’s voice is always a stand-out. I felt similarly when I first heard Kazama speak as when I heard Hatori Hanzo from Nightshade speak (which Tsuda also voices). Sometimes, I close my eyes and feel that any time now Inui (Prince of Tennis) will rattle on about his newest Inui Juice, or that Kaiba (Yu-Gi-Oh!) will yell “YUGIIIII”  😂

History

Admittedly, I’m more of a Sengoku Era girl than a Bakumatsu Period girl. And my experiences of the Bakumatsu period in a fictional story is limited to the anime/manga/film Rurouni Kenshin, the drama Tenno no Ryoriban, and the otome game Ikemen Bakumatsu. None of which really inspired me to look further into the history. 

This time, though, I did a lot of reading. I really love how they incorporated the historical events into the storytelling. As well as how they portrayed the characters’ deaths.

What was a little confusing, though, was I didn’t know at first that the game shows dates following the lunar calendar. So I was searching for events that happened in January 3, 1868 only to find that it is equivalent to the western date January 27, 1868.

Routes

In order from ‘awesome’ to ‘meh’ according to me (though the middle is pretty dependent on my mood), here are links to my individual reviews on the routes:

Okita Souji

Kazama Chikage

Yamazaki Susumu

Saito Hajime

Harada Sanosuke

Sakamoto Ryouma

Toudou Heisuke

Sanan Keisuke

Iba Hachiro

Hijikata Toshizo

Souma Kazue

Nagakura Shinpachi

Well, that was honestly difficult to rank. In terms of raw fun, Yamazaki’s route is probably my favorite. But when story and depth and the like are considered, Okita and Kazama’s are definitely on top. In terms of whose route I’m interested to play in Edo Blossoms, Iba will be high up there. But I didn’t really enjoy his Kyoto Winds route that much. So yeah, take this ranking with a grain of salt.

I mention this in probably every individual review up there, but I wished they put more effort on the bad endings. I do understand though that there is little that can be done with the suddenness of the events in the bad endings but I wished more care and thought was put into it. Just a shame that it’s an ending but it’s really just there to tell you “Oops, not the right ending.”

Also, consistency is a problem depending on whose route you’re playing. Things that were mentioned earlier on suddenly become a surprise for the characters later on. It’s kind of frustrating.

Yukimura’s Ending

I really like this ending. It’s probably the most realistic, too. I’m glad it’s there.

[kumoriyami-xiuzhen]

Hakuoki Drama CD - Shimabara Disturbance Track 3 English translation

To no one in particular... Suzuki Shogo > Sasaki Yoshihide. Also I keep spelling the latter's name wrong.... ehehe. (¬‿¬)

Anyway, here's track 3! enjoy!

Hakuoki Drama CD - Shimabara Disturbance Track 3: Feminine Things/Womanly matters [raw is 「女らしいこと」 Iuno what to put this as]

Translation by KumoriYami

Sen: Then, I'll go get Chizuru-chan prepared. Everyone, please wait here. Let's go, Chizuru-chan.

(door opens and they go)   Hijikata: But when Saito said that he had something to say to me, I thought it would be for something. I didn't expect it that he wanted to put Chizuru in a kimono.

Okita: If you're feeling dissatisfied, why don't you go back? Chizuru-chan won't be happy with someone saying something like that.

Hijikata: Hey, who said that I was feeling dissatisfied or annoyed?

Okita: Areh? Do you want to see it that badly? As expected, Hijikata-san is inwardly quite passionate. Chizuru-chan should really be staying away from you~

Hijikata: You bastard, aren't you going to nitpick me for whatever I say?!

Nagakura Forget it, Hijikata-san, just calm down. Chizuru-chan was really beautiful then, so of course you/I'd [no subject] want to see her like that again.

Toudou:....

Saito: What's wrong, Heisuke? You have a strange expression on your face again.

Toudou: Eh? An, no.

Nagakura What is it, Heisuke? You don't want to see Chizuru-chan like that again?

Toudou: How would that be possible?! I was... only, I don't her to be shown in public like that.

Nagakura: Huh? What do you mean?

Toudou: It's nothing!   

Harada: This is something that everyone's looking forward to! Right, Saito?

Saito: Why are you asking me?

Harada: If you weren't interested, you wouldn't have made such a proposal, right?

Nagakura: That's right! I was really surprised when Saito made the suggestion.

Saito: This wasn't because of my own desires. However, I simply thought that she'd be happy if she could wear women's clothes.

Okita: Eh~ I'm a bit surprised Hajime-kun would say that. You should want her to be happy.

Harada: Her life's been quite miserable, and even Saito wants to cheer her up.

Saito: Th-That's.. I just really don't want her to be/feel sad…

Okita: For you not wanting her to feel sad, that almost sounds like a confession of love.

Saito: Uh! It's nothing like that! Don't joke about that.

Heisuke: Geh! [just an audible sound the way it sounds]

Saito: Heisuke, what's wrong?

Toudou: Co-Could it be that Hajime-kun is interested in Chizuru…?

Saito: Ah! No! Souji! Souji, this is all your fault for spouting such nonsense!

Okita: All I did was say was what I was thinking. It was just Hajime-kun who had such a panicked reaction, right?

Saito: Such a thing...!

(door opens)  

Sen: We've kept you waiting! She's finished changing now! Come on, Chizuru-chan! Don't be shy! Hurry, hurry!

(footsteps) 

Toudou: Guh~! Chi...Chizuru...!!

Nagakura: Wow! you really are beautiful! No matter how many times I see you, I'll never get used to it/tired of it.

Harada: It's a different kimono than last time, but it suits you very much, Chizuru.

Okita: Don't be shy, and raise raise your head. What a truly rare and beautiful transformation.

Hijikata: This is already the second time, why are you still nervous? The clothes suit you very well, so it's fine to be more magnanimous and generous/honest and forthcoming.

Okita: Hehe, you haven't turned your head around, why don't you say a compliment?

Saito: I'm trying to calm my emotions, please don't talk to me.

Nagakura: What's wrong, Heisuke? Your mouth is opening and closing like a goldfish's.

Toudou: Ca-Calm down, me... I've obviously seen her before like this, so why I am so nervous? Speaking of which, isn't Chizuru more beautiful than last time?

Okita: Haha, Heisuke's face has become quite red~

Harada: Why is Saito, who isn't even looking at Chizuru, blushing?

Saito: Didn't I say not to talk to me?

Sen: Even though you all probably have much to say, please come over here. The room's been prepared.

................

Nagakura: Ah~! Fancy food, delicious sake and beautiful women~! What's not to like? This must be what the heavens are like!

(footsteps)

Nagakura: Ah, you want to pour some sake for me? Sorry, Chizuru-chan!

Toudou: Ah! There's no need for you to do that, Chizuru! You don't need to pour sake for Shinpachh-san!

Nagakura: What are you doing, Heisuke? Are you going to stop me from drinking?

Toudou: I don't mean that! You can always pour the sake yourself!

Nagakura: You… there's obviously such a lovely person here, wouldn't it be a waste to not let her pour me sake?

Toudou: It'd be a waste to pour sake for Shinpach-san!

Nagakura: Ha? What do you mean by that?

Harada: Well, calm down you two. You're troubling Chizuru. Today's banquet is for Chizuru, so we should enteertain her properly. Right, Saito?

Saito: Why are you asking me that!

Harada: Didn't you organize this? You said that you wanted Chizuru wearing a beautiful kimono.

Saito: Sa-Sano! Don't say anything unnecessary!

Harada; What part of this is unnecessary?

Saito: Yukimura, don't worry. It's nothing. Don't ask anything about this. Ah, the Vice-Commander is looking over here. He might have something to say to you, so you should go over there. [Saito speaks very quickly here 😂]

(footsteps)

Okita: There was no need to send her away. Because Chizuru-chan's so beautiful, you've become shy and unable to say anything? Just it that way.

Saito:....Stop talking nonsense/stupid things.

Harada: Well, she is very beautiful so being shy is understandable.

Toudou: Eh? Sano-san is feeling shy?

Harada: As a man, even I'd feel shy when being stared at by such a beautiful woman.

Okita: When Sano-san says such a thing, why does it feel like a lie…

Harada: Why? I'm definitely not lying.

Okita: Because you don't seem shy in the slightest. Have you always been deceiving girls/women like this?

Nagakura: What?! Could this be Sano's trick to deceiving girls?

Harada: Don't twist what I said! Although it's not really obvious on my face, I'm a human, so I also get shy.

Okita: Hm? Alright then.

Harada: In any case, you're the dishonest one, Souji. If you think she's beautiful, why don't you give her a compliment?

Okita: I praised her for having her "beautiful transformation".

Harada: Exactly how is that a compliment?

.......

Toudou: Ha....

Okita: What's wrong, Heisuke? Are you jealous that Hijikata-san is monopolizing Chizuru-chan? If you want, I can help you by killing him?

Toudou: While it's true that I'm upset with him monopolizing her, I was just thinking that she really looks like a girl like this.

Nagakura: What are you saying, Heisuke? Regardless of how she looks, Chizuru-chan is a girl.

Toudou: That's not what I mean! While she is very feminine, she usually has to dress as a man. Whenever I think about that, I always feel…

Harada: That's right. We're the only ones here today, so there's nothing to worry about. I also want her to have the opportunity to act as a girl would.

Nagakura: A girl/woman... ? What do they usually do?

Harada: What? What's with that look that appears as if you're staring at some strange creature?

Nagakura: Even if you say that, I don't know what they usually do. Isn't it really just cooking, washing/laundry, and sewing?

Toudou: In that case, isn't that what Chizuru usually does?

Okita: Just doing some chores.

Toudou: Ha... Seriously, she really is usually just doing chores/odd jobs.

Okita: What about playing ball/with a ball? Girls in the neighbourhood often play with it/them.[I think this is "ball" here in Japanese. the CN I have is more literally "hit the ball" and the audio sounds like 'mari toka']

Harada: That can't be done indoors, right?

Okita: Then what about ayatori or origami?

Toudou: It's true that many girls play that, but that can be done at headquarters.

Harada: Anyway Souji, you've been doing nothing but list children's games.

Okita: Hehe, that's because I've seen the neighbourhood children play them. Does Sano-san have any good ideas?

Harada: Nn, it's true that identifying what a woman does is difficult. Should we ask that geisha named Kimigiku teach her something/how to dance?

Okita: But even if she came to the dojo to teach, I don't know if that child likes dancing.

Nagakura: That's right, rather than what a girl/woman might do, isn't it better to let Chizuru-chan do what she wants?

Okita: Then why don't I do some training with her?

Harada: If Souji's conducting the training, Chizuru will probably die.

Okita: Ah, but I left my sword when I came in, so there's no way that can be done now.

Harada: In the first place, you can't let Chizuru hold a sword with that appearance.

Okita: Then, what about taijutsu? I'm not very good at that.

Todou: Ah, with that sort of appearance, how could Chizuru practise taijutsu?

Toudou: At least change it to a method that involves blinding the eyes with sand or something like that.

Harada: Why are these only for attacking?

Okita: It can't be helped. This is about what Chizuru-chan wants to do.

Harada: Wouldn't that make Chizuru seem like an aggressive/belligerent woman?

Okita: Wouldn't that be surprising? A cool Chizuru-chan.

Toudou: That wouldn't cool. Chizuru should be cu....

Harada: Eh. You can't say she's cute even if she's not in front of you?

Toudou: Kuh! Shut up! Cu-Cute. Chizuru is very cute!

Okita: Hehmm. Since Heisuke said that out loud, Chizuru-chan is looking over here.

Toudou: Uah! It's nothing! Sorry, Chizuru! It's really nothing!

Okita: You're just complimenting here, so there's no need for you to panic this much. In fact, people will be suspicious of you saying something bad about her.

Toudou: Ggh!

Saito: Souji! Stop teasing him.

Okita: It's too much to blame me for doing this, isn't Sano-san gilty of committing the same crime?

Harada: I'm not teasing him.

Toudou: Ah... I feel so tired now.

Saito: Let’s get back to the original point. What should be done to make Yukimura happy?

Okita: What does Hajime-kun think would be good? From the very beginning, you were just listening without saying a word and not expressing your own opinions.

Saito: Although I've been thinking about this for a while, I haven't been able to think of anything.

Nagakura: Apart from training with a sword, what other thing can be done to make Chizuru-chan happy? And that be done indoors and isn't dangerous?

Okta: How about everyone singing children's songs together? A group of adults singing children's songs would be very interesting and exciting.

Harada: That'd be so exciting, that I wouldn't want to imagine that, though it's true that you can't do that at headquarters.

Okita: Just imagine Hijikata-san singing a children's song. I might end up laughing so much that my face would get cramps.

Nagakura: The only one who can probably sing children's songs without it feeling out of place with is Kondou-san.

Toudou: In the end, Souji just wants to tease Hijikata-san.

Okita: That isn't the case. If we try this, maybe he'd say "that makes recall the happiness from my childhood."

Nagakura: Indeed, he might say that…

Harada: Calm down, Shinpachi! Are you really going to sing?

Saito: Nn. If she's happy, it would be a small matter.

Harada: Saito, you calm down too! If you suddenly say "let's sing children's songs" Chizuru will get confused!

Nagakura: That’s right. Do you have any other good ideas....

Okita:....

Saito:....

Toudou: What exactly does Chizuru like?

Harada: If you think about it, we have no idea about what Chizuru likes.

Okita: Hm, she didn't talk much about herself.

Toudou: What can we do to make Chizuru happy?

.........

Hijikat: Hah.... hey, you guys! What were you talking about

Okita: Something that is to be kept secret from Hijikata-san.

Hijikata: What did you say?!

Saito: No, it was nothing like that.

Okita: Hm, as expected, asking her would be the fastest way. Come here, Chiruzu-chan.

(footsteps)

Toudou: Ah! Idiot! Souji!

(stops)

Toudou: It's nothing, Chizuru! We're not talking about you! Ah!

(Chizuru falls) [or that's my assumption since it sounds like she runs into Heisuke while something metallic falls down]

Toudou: So-Sorry, Chizuru.

Hijiakta: Ha, seriously, what are you doing? Are you alright, Chizuru? Here, your hairpin.

(Hijikata givers her the kanzahi)

Hijikata: Hah... Your hair, which had been done up into a bun, is all messed up. Can you call Osen? She can help you with your hair again.

(door opens and closes after Chizuru leaves)

Hijikata: Hey, Heisuke, why are you so panicked? Did you do something that you're ashamed of?

Toudou: It's not like that! It's just that she suddenly came close that I panicked. We were talking about asking Chizuru about what a woman/girl would do.

Harada: We got sidetracked halfway though.

Hijikata: Things that women do?

Okita: It's quite pitiful that she always has to wear men's clothes, so we just wanted to do something for her. But it appears that Demon Vice-Commander-san doesn't think that.

Hijikata: Did I say that?

Okita: Then exactly what will Hijikata-san do for Chizuru-chan?

Hijikata: Oh. You're asking what to do... Overdoing will instead make her feel concerned. Just let her do whatever she wants.

Toudou: But...

Hijikata: In any case, wouldn't it be better if you all paid more attention to her? Regardless of how beautiful the kimono is, it's boring to be left alone.

Okita: Hm...

Hijikata: What? If you have something to say to me, just say it.

Okita: How are we supposed to react when you say such an ordinary thing?

Hijikata: You bastard, no matter what I say, you're going to find some fault with me, aren't you?!

Harada: Hah... it's going to start all over again.

----to be continued----

havent started track 4 yet and while i do hope to get a start on it today... im not sure how likely that'll be since i'll be on the road waaaay later today and i get incredibly nauseous while in a car... and am usually feeling that way hours after exiting said vehicle.

Suppose I could just post track 5 and 6 any time though.... 😅

[virgichuu]

oh i was about to go sleep but before i do that i'm dropping in an ask to distract you: how did you get into prince of stride? what do you like about kuga? top 3 otome games? an anime/manga/game you have been planning to check out for a long time but still didnt get to? and finally, try drawing an animal you like very messily using only paint! (the program dhdjdhdj) okay, now i'm going to sleep and i hope you'll feel better!!!! 💕💕💕🌸

OH SUCH A SWEET ASK UGH---💕💕💕❤ THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE HELP AND SUPPORT IT MEANS SO MUCH ////Uuuuhm I started getting prince of stride after finding out about the anime, I made a bit of research and discovered it was orignally an otome game so I was like oh right! Perfect (kinda guessed there wouldn't be romance but fine lmao) So since it was short I watched it with my cousin the summer it came out and my real driving factor to watch the thing was him lmaoo and that's how it all started!I mean Kuga was everything I liked in a male lead or male character, long hair, cool personality, he is calm and collected but is actually kind and sweet af (also a tease if I remember right) and such a loyal friend (also tall handsome guy lmao)---I also liked every bit of interaction he has with Nana from the small translations I managed to catch! Aaaah he is so so cool! Kinda wish he were my brother (I'm the oldest amongst siblings and cousins from both sides lmao)--- I could go rambling about him but I make zero sense when I fangirl lmaooo The thing I'm sad about is the lack of content so I try writing fanfics and making fanarts hoping to stay as true as the character as possible with the little materiel I have lmaooo--Uhm for a top three otome games??? Difficult one! I would have mentioned pos but never played it! I would say Hakuoki, Amnesia and Nightshade I think! All of them are real tear-jerkers lmaooo--Well, when it comes to series or anything I want to get into the list is endless but I never find the courage because I always end up choosing to draw instead? There are many dramas, some animes and video games as well? Soooo many! Novels too? I have this huge pile of book that needs my attention!And thanks for the little advice!~ I'll try drawing a smol animal yis >:3THANK YOU AGAIN FOR BEING SO KIND!! It was so really sweet of you I just hjsjjsja //hugs and throws my love at you// sleep well dear💕💕💕💕💕❤

[sqbr]

Dreamwidth update: Quasi-liveblog of Hakuoki: Kyoto Winds

I've been playing through the japanese dating sim Hakuoki after getting it in the recent steam sale and subjecting anyone who'll listen to my rollercoaster ride of reactions so thought I should start writing them down somewhere I don't have to worry about boring anyone. It's 88% off until July 6 for anyone who's into a well made but very long historical samurai drama with supernatural elements, iddy plot twists, a wholesome crossdressing heroine who Just Wants To Help and all the pretty Japanese swordsmen wanting to protect her you could wish for. I am not sure I'll actually finish it by July 6 which...gives you some idea of how damn long this thing is. So far the only warnings I'd give asides from Typical Dating Sim Gender Issues is some ableism and violence, and what I think may be some homophobic coding of a villain. Also the ratio of "Historical details about the political situation in late 1860s Kyoto" to "romance" ratio was...not what I was expecting. The art and Japanese voice acting is top notch, both aesthetically and in a cute-boys-to-date way, though I do have to avoid thinking about how many of the "traditional Japanese ponytail plus anime style fluffy fringe" hairstyles would look like mullets in practice. The translation is pretty good too. A note of warning: they were sneaky and divided the original Playstation game (Hakuoki: Demon of the Fleeting Blossom) into two PC games (Hakuoki: Kyoto Winds and Hakuoki: Edo Blossoms) but it's all one story, just buy the bundle. A positive change is that the PC version(s) has more love interests, even if their insertion into the plot is a little inelegant. Also apparently the heroine is less passive which...makes me glad I never played the Playstation version. I've been largely unspoiled and mostly enjoying things as they come along, so if you're going to play it just do so. But if you'd rather live vicariously, read on :D ( Spoilers! Also this games so long even a summary is MANY WORDS )

[theotomemaiden]

Scans of the postcard that came with my used copy of  薄桜鬼 原画集 追想絵巻 弐巻, and other stuff from 薄桜鬼 真改 華ノ章 原画集 and  薄桜鬼 十周年記念本 -桜花爛漫-. 

feel free to use these~

as or right now, my yuugiroku 2 translation and zuisouroku shimabara after story video post posts aren’t showing up under the hakuoki or hakuouki tags. link here for yuugiroku 2 hajime story and link here for the Shimabara after story drama post [may remove this later if that changes], 

[kumoriyami-xiuzhen]

Hakuoki Drama CD - Shimabara Disturbance Track 6 Translation

Well, this is the last track of the second drama I really wanted to have translated... which I honestly did first and finished back in May 2020. Lol. I did this one first since the tl I had was missing the cast comments but then someone uploaded it so i was able to finish this completely... 

Anyway, here’s the conclusion!

Hakuoki Drama CD - Shimabara Disturbance Track 6 - Chizuru’s Misunderstanding

translation by KumoriYami

Saito: Yukimura? Were you looking for me? What for? Did something happen?

Saito: Thanks for what happened a few days ago? What do you mean by that?

Saito: Ah! What happened a few days ago was indeed something I proposed....  W-Why do you know about this?

Saito: You saw Osen...?

Saito: Ah... you don't need to say thanks... I didn't do anything of importance.  

Saito: Ha? Wait, Yukimura. What are you saying?

Saito: The next time there's an operation for sneaking into Shimabara...

Saito: Ah! No, there's no need! The other day wasn't a rehearsal/precursor for you to sneak into Shimabara again! That... then because you'll get to wear a beautiful kimono, you'll be happy to do it...

(Chizuru runs away.... [err.... takes off])

Saito: Ah, wait! Yukimura!

(Chizuru exits)

Saito: Ah... why is there such a misunderstanding...? Although I didn't tell her the real reason for this...

(Footsteps)

Toudou: ah! Hajime-kun, back from patrol?

Saito:....Yeah....

Toudou: What's wrong? Your expression looks very complicated...

Saito: Mm....it's nothing....

Toudou: When I chatted with Chizuru just now, she seemed very happy... Did something happen with Hajime-kun?

Saito: I haven't done anything... Yukimura, she was happy?

Toudou: Yeah! She sad "I'm happy that there's something I can do".

Saito: Is that...so?

Toudou: What is it? Is there something you're not telling me?

Saito: (The purpose of this was to make her feel happy, but even if the results weren't as intended, wasn't the original objective achieved?)

Toudou: Hajime-kun?

Saito: (But, even if she's happy to have something to do, I don't want her carrying out an infiltration mission again. But, if she's full of enthusiasm to do so, would it be better to let her sneak in again?)

Saito: ：(No, wouldn't that be decided by the vice-commander?)

Toudou: Oi~! Hajime-kun?

Saito: (Compared to that though, wouldn't she be happier if she could wear a nice kimono? As expected, I should directly ask her.)

Toudou: Off in his own world... Hajime-kun must really be tired...

..............

Hijikata Toshizou, Miki Shin'ichirō This time was also very delightful, thank you for listening to this.

Okita Souji: Morikubo Shōtaro What happened after the Shimabara Incident, please look forward to it.  

Saito Hajime, Toriumi Kōsuke This time I had many lines, it would be great if everyone enjoyed this.

Toudou Heisuke, Yoshino Hiroyuki This time is funnier than usual, please enjoy this.

Harada Sanosuke Yusa Kōji Everyone worked hard, and there were a lot of important parts in this. I also had a great time.

Nagakura Shinpachi, Tsuboi Tomohiro Everyone worked hard, this was a heated and enjoyable job.

Kazama Chikage, Tsuda Kenjirō This is the sequel to the game's Shimabara Incident, what do you of it? Thank you very much.

Princess Sen, Ishikawa Ayano I'm very happy to appear on this drama cd, please call me next time. Thank you very much.

Officer/ Storekeeper, Fuse Masahide I had a great time, thank you very much.

--end---

this drama is about 50 min long... geez this is officially the second longest thing ive translated now. 

also, like Shinsengumi Oni-tan, the video for this drama will be uploaded to my other blog since uploading it to youtube will likely give me problems (when I get to subtitling this).