Summer. 2007.
In the nook of a certain city,
a rare species of city dweller named "Dried Fish Woman"...
(ahmm)
...,a new species, lived.
Well, regarding "Dried Fish Woman"...
You know, there's a woman customer at the video rental shop I work at
who never returns the videos she rents.
She's in arrears by $292! (24580Yen @ 85Y:$1)
Hmmm, for real??
What kind of woman does that?
One that always wears sweats.
Homeless?
Probably.
But, she's got a legitimate (job) ID badge. Foolish!
Ah, I know. That's a "Dried Fish Woman", am I right?
I'm aware of them, too!
..hmmm..
An office lady (worker) who's a good-for-nothing at home, am I right?
The rooms in her house may be a mess, but all she says is "Oh, well/can't be helped/I guess it's ok..."
...fuwaaa....
Utterly without boyfriends. Practically spends the entire weekend sleeping.
She wants to sleep at home more than she wants to fall in love.
And...
...that's a "Dried Fish Woman".
I absolutely could not go out with that kind of woman.
For sure!!
But...this "Dried Fish Woman" also fell in love, didn't she.
Although a lot has happened, don't you agree.
A lot has happened...
Well, she seems to have finally settled into her new home.
With this, I thought, "Would the Dried Fish Woman be able to outgrow this state at last?"
I wonder what happened?
I wonder what happened...?
3 years later...
Summer, 2010.
Here now....
...the Dried Fish Woman.
Ladies and gentlemen, the airplane has begun preparations for landing.
Please securely fasten your seatbelt.
At this time, please turn off all electronics until you've have disembarked from the aircraft.
A long, long time ago...
...memories of a long summer...
From my grandmother's veranda, I saw...
....a small firefly.
Grandmom had said...
Fireflies, you know...
...(need) clean waters......and flowing rivers...
...and untouched nature to exist.
As summer draws near...
...in the midst of that day, in my palm...
...I recollect (holding) the small firefly.
Small, so small...
...what seemingly could vanish at any moment...
...the small, short-lived light.
Chapter 1
This program was sponsored by 'Kao' and...
...the following sponsors.
The Dried Fish Woman Returns
Mr. Futatsugi! Long time no see!!
Well done! You just arrived today, didn't you?
Ok, here you go...
...your new ID badge.
Thank you!
While you were gone...Quite a lot has changed in this organization.
Many staff who were once here have left.
Seno's here!
Futatsugi's here!
There! He wasn't here (with our company) back then.
This guy, Seno, is a planner.
What brings you to the personnel section?
This forgotten item...
...ohohoh...
Ah! That's mine!!
Here. Thanks for the evening.
...iyonnnnn...
..so cute..
(Back to) Work! Work! Ok! Go back! Back!
Are you from the planning department?
You are...?
Amemiya. I just returned from Hong Kong.
Hong Kong?
I was there for three years on a refurbishment project for a Hong Kong commerce building.
uhhn....
What is it?
...resemble the Arashiyama Dokyunko.
The Arashiyama Dokyunko?
Yep. Don't know it? It's so popular right now. Try it...
'Dokyunko, Dokyunko. Nyan, Nyan.'
'Dokyunko, Dokyunko?' (Play on words: dokyun = dumb-ass, ko = kid or girl) (Slang: Originated from the 1994-2002 TV show, mokugeki dokyun or 'dumb-ass sightings'.)
'Nyan, Nyan.'
'Nyan, Nyan?'
Geez, that's terrible! Butt up higher, once more!
'Dokyunko, Dokyunko...' 'Nyan, Nyan.'
Ah. Boss...
This is Hotaru Amemiya, who just returned from Hong Kong.
As of today, she'll be working as part our team.
Happy to be here!
Welcome to the team!
Without further delay, you'll also be joining today's meeting.
Ok.
As for the "Girls' Bar Pleasure Boat" that's about to open,..
..the standing bar (concept) we didnt' know what might happen to that's surrounded by a Japanese facade was well-received.
Except, we've been asked to make some hasty changes to the Girls' Concept.
Eh..?! You've got to be kidding making changes this late!
Izaki, we have to accept the client's wishes.
Fine!
Please immediately update your budget estimates and amend your materials orders.
Will do!
Seno, please make make changes to the outfits.
Ok. Seno, please make make changes to the outfits.
Ok.
Amemiya, please follow-up with everyone.
Ok!
That's all. Everyone, please do it quickly!
Welcome back, Hotaru.
I know it's hard getting up to speed in the middle of things, but do your best.
I will!
It's possible to be within our budget if we leave out the hat and vest, right?
I see. Well, make the changes.
I'm off.
Huh?
I'm only a 9-5pm contractor. Not a company employee.
Contractor...
Well.. Alright if I leave, too?
You're also a 9-5pm contractor?
No. I'm a company employee, but I already finished my work.
Well, I'm off!
Later!
See you tomorrow.
In that case, I'll touch base with you later.
Ok.
Say...This guy at the supplier's gotten a bit angry... Could you..?
Want me to take over..?
I'm Amemiya. I'll be taking handling this call.
What'cha looking at?
Nothing...
Wonder what's going on with these two?
The boss and Amemiya?
They split up..?
I wonder..?
Well, I'm off.
Well, if a man and woman are apart for three years...
...maybe they can't pickup from where they left off?
Well, in those three years...
We've been together, separated...
...yet, we're still together after going through so much.
Or rather said, you weren't very dependable, were you?
As that may be,
Anyways, we're the only ones that know that those two used to live together.
For now, ??.
(denim) material...
Tiered, one-piece (outfit )...
Finished!
Boss, it's done!
Ah, good work.
Thanks!
Nice work.
Thank you.
Bye.
See you later.
ka..! As I thought, home's the best!
...mmmm.... I missed this veranda!
Nothing's changed at all....
mmmm, haven't felt like this in awhile!
Goro goro! (9x) (rolling onomatopeoia)
Goro goro...
Goro goro...(3x)
Ah, right! I wonder if my luggage arrived?
I sent it from Hong Kong...
Ah! Over there?
You're horrible! Why didn't you take them to my room?
What the heck were you thinking?
What was I thinking?
What...May I ask what were you planning?
You sent luggage back from Hong Kong just like that...
...and returned to this home just like that.
What the heck! All I get from you is "May I ask what you were thinking?"
I'd really like to hear (what you were thinking)!
I'm sorry!
Didn't even come back once in three years.
That's right. I didn't come back once in three years.
When you contacted me, I only received office emails regarding work.
That's right! Company email is only for work!
The only personal letter I received..
...was just this one postcard!
haa... that's right. Just that one postcard!
Furthermore, what kind of pointless postcard is this!?
Why on earth were you dancing in a Rio Carnival in Hong Kong?
That...I was entertaining a business client.
Sit down.
What?
Just sit!
Ok!
Three years ago.
Yes.
At the time, you departed Japan as a member of the Hong Kong project team.
At Narita Airport, you wept when I saw you off then.
You were crying so hard...
...so much like an illegal immigrant...
...that you were almost deported for illegal immigration, remember?
That was me.
Nevertheless, even though you were still crying, you tried your best to smile...
On that day...Do you remember those words?
"I am not an illegal!"
Not those (words)!
errr...
Viva (italian: Long Live) our long distance relationship!
Ah, that's right!
Long live our long distance relationship!
From this day forward, we will be separated between Tokyo and Hong Kong.
But. We won't lose! We won't cry! We won't forget (each other)! Long live our long distance relationship!
sigh...
That's what you said.
Right.
You said,"I'll call every day. I'll email every day. And write letters, too."
So why is it...? Why did I get only one postcard?
Well...
I wonder...?
For a woman like me, that was a tall hurdle!
What'cha say?! What kind of mouth can say those words?!
Good grief! Laying on the veranda as if the past three years didn't even happen.
But..but...it was just like you said but...
I diligently mailed out emails many, many times and postcards for various occasions and season!
But...But...But...
Even those emails from you that came three times a week, eventually came less often...
...that's because there were never any replies.
Not even a single reply!
That's ok, isn't it?
What's ok? You didn't write me!
Cell phone?
You changed it?
For the time being, you can take your luggage to the room you previously used.
Just for now!
uh huh.
Hello?
No. Nothing. What's up?
What? Right now?
Geez...
Dang.
Oh, well.
Are you going out?
Don't forget it's garbage pickup day tomorrow morning.
Will you be out late?
Ah, it's fine if you sleep first.
Yes, clearly a saving grace of our relationship is...
Hey, where do you think you're going!
You said, "I could go to sleep..."
That's my room over there!
If you're going to sleep, go sleep in the room you've used before.
But, that's..
Impossible...!
How did it get so untidy after such a short time?
Maybe a thief came..?
What? A thief came in..?
Get real!
I'm sorry.
Deplorable. This woman.
What's he looking at?
She's become more of a Dried Fish woman in these three years.
Kiss...? You want to kiss..?
You do want to kiss!
I'm going to be able to get that kiss I could get any despite asking three years ago, aren't I!
Smoooch.....
I'm not in the mood to get along with you as it is.
Huh!?
We'll need to talk carefully about our relationship another day.
Huh?
One.. two.. three.. four..
five..six..seven..eight..
The boss I yearn for.
A man who's indifferent to women and draws a line between himself and work colleagues.
Alright!
Izaki. Tonight, I'll also be on the run/chase!
Waiting long?
Seichi, you're here.
I was wondering if we wouldn't be able to meet tonight.
I'll have the same.
Coming right up.
Busy today?
Ah, not really.
Damn!
Without alterning the overall image,..
I managed to come up with a plan that keeps the client's demands alive.
Wow! You came up with this all by yourself?
Full of drive! Eh?
Seno...
Iza, what about the proposed budget revisions?
Izaki...
Izaki!
It's done.
Miss. Sakuragi, please put away your cell phone during meetings.
Right. Sorry.
Sheesh..
That's all.
Excuse me. Is everyone free right now?
Well, as for me...
Since I've been working at this company for a long time, it means...
...everyone can call me their mentor.
If you have anything that troubles you, or have something you want listened to...
...please talk to me, your mentor, without any reservation.
What? Nothing to say?
Amemiya, wasn't it true you were sent to Hong Kong because you were demoted?
Is that so?
Or perhaps due to her skills?
Wasn't a demotion.
Still, Hong Kong was fun, wasn't it.
Got to go to places like iSQUARE right?
Actually....
Did you go to famous shop, Estée (Lauder)?
Well, Estée was...
What's more important, five years after entering a company, how much savings does one generally have?
Savings...?
Alright if I'm going back?
eh..
Thanks for lunch.
Miss. Sakuragi, if there's anything you'd like me to listen to...
Ah, there's nothing really. Excuse me.
Well, I'll be going too.
Is that ok? Money...
Hey, you'll treat us won't you? We're just poor (company workers....
Thanks for lunch!
Ah, don't mention it.
That'll be $186. (15800 Yen @ 85Yen to $1)
That much!?
You've only got $50? (approx, 5000Yen at 85Yen to $1)
That's fine. Because I've got my card.
A credit card?
A point card.
I've saved up 24,580 in points.
I'll just use up the reward points, so leave it up to me!
mmm... But, you know, it expired two years ago.
Good grief! What, it's my "reward"?
Sorry...
Wait!
Actually, I have some I'd like you to hear.
Does the boss have a girlfriend?
Girlfriend?
Why are you asking?
You said you'd listen to anything. Why are you asking?
You said you'd listen to anything.
Miss Amemiya. What is the boss's girlfriend truely like?
Is he talking about me?
I...Saw her.
I was spotted?
Refined, pretty, well-suited woman.
Me.. Eh?!
Late last night. The boss was drinking, the two of them.
Tell me, Amemiya, if I'm not mistaken!
Miss Amemiya, I want you to tell me it's impossible that the boss has a girlfriend!
You wouldn't have a clue, right?
Damn...
Izaki's...running back to the office! Aahhh..!
What's up with that guy?
Are you still troubled? That I paid in the end.
Aa... I really apologize for that.
Well, guess it can't be helped, eh, Dokyunko?
Dokyunko?
Look, you're a splitting image of it.
Ah! "Dokyunko! Dokyunko!"
Right!
"Dokyunko! Dokyunko! Nyan! Nyan!"
Wanna ask him? About that woman?
eh?
Ask for Izaki's sake, ok? Go..
Aa...
Excuse me... Boss.
aa... ah... aa...
Do you know about the Arashiyama Dokyunko?
What!?
It seems to be really popular right now, ...
..Mr. Seno said I looked just like it.
This has nothing to do with that, you know.
Boss, last night, at the bar...
You were with a pretty women, weren't you?
Yeah, and what about it?
Nothing... As I thought....
Ah...excuse me. (elevator door bell, door opens)
You? Unusual. What are you doing here?
It's private...
...I have something important to talk about in person tonight.
Important to say?
Yea.
Talk about our future.
eh?
Welcome home. I'm back.
What's this? Like you're ready for war.
I have'th prepared myself in order to discuss our future arrangements.
Using have'th is strange.
ma...ma...ma...ma.. If you could please sit.
What's that? That passbook.
ah..
It's mine. I had to withdraw money from it to return.
Why is it out?
Aa...
What's the meaning of this...? I've been looking over it in detail, you know...
What?
The balance.
What about it? The balance.
It's about the total amount of my savings balance.
What does this mean...?
Let me..!
$0.55. (47Yen at 85yen to $1)
Yeah.
Just $0.55?
Yeah...
$0.55!?
What does this mean??
What does it mean!?!
It means more or less that the person entrusted with the company duties, who was barely...
scraping by in Hong Kong as the project team leader for ...
...three years, the office lady who came back, has a savings balance of ...
a total amount of $0.55!! What's the meaning of this?!
Oh, well!
Oh, well..?
Yes, hello?
No.That's alright.I'm going right now.
Ok...bye.
Are you going out again?
Yes.
With the person you were with last night?
Yes.
What kind of person...?
A person you don't know.
Are you leaving me and 47Yen behind?
I want to talk about our future together...
only, 47Yen won't get us anywhere.
If we had $5 billion, would that get us somewhere? (approx 470 billion Yen)
Please ask me that question after you have the $5 billion.
Geez.
You don't change, do you?
Boss, you've changed?
People change after three years.
You changed in just three years?
Not just three years! That was a long time as far as I'm concerned.
Boss...
What on earth have you been doing these three years?
I've changed since then.
Only you haven't changed.
Later.
Merci! (Lit, French: Thank You! used as Hello!) Yamada Sachiko is currently enjoying private time.
Please leave your message.
Ok? Not answering?
With life's greatest mistake in front of my eyes,
Do you think I'd be in the mood to talk with anyone?
Marrying me is...
...life's biggest mistake?
When did I say I was marrying you?
Then what are going to do? About the baby? (fetus)
What'cha doing!? Stop crying!
Sorry.
I've changed since then.
Only you havent' changed.
What on earth have you been doing during these three years?
Welcome! Welcome!
Ah, you came.
One Beer. Small draft.
I don't like this. Why did you invite Amemiya?
Because. She'd listen to me talk about work (issues)..
Look, you said you'd give us advice about anything, didn't you?
Is something wrong, Miss Sakuragi?
Nothing really. Nothing important.
Only (she's) thinking of quitting.
Why? Something difficult or the like?
She wants to travel and the like. Just (see) the Auroras? (Travel: Visit Northern Canada, USA, Finland, etc. to see the auroras in the sky)
Various places. To the various 'Power Spots'... Travelling... (Travel: Power Spots = Most famous, must-see destinations and cities around the world.)
You can still go even if yo don't quit, right?
Yes, but...
Miss Sakuragi has been with the company three years, right?
It won't be the same.
I believe the company also has high hopes for you.
You've also been put in complete charge of the delivery connections for the 'Girl's Bar' now, weren't you?
'Girl's Bar' of all things. I'm not interested in it even.
Or rather. Main point is. What's with turning this pleasure boat into a 'Girl's Bar' in the midst of this recession?
It's because of the recession that the client is franticly hanging on to survive.
Can I go home now?
I'm sorry. Seno, let's hang out another time.
Ok.
Well, later.
I'm sorry. I put you to the trouble of coming out. Wanna go?
Excuse me! I'll have another! Large mug!
Huh?
Ahhh!
Keep them coming!
I'm...really, completely hopeless, aren't I?
I didn't grow one bit...
...didn't change one bit.
What on earth was I doing these three years?
hmmm...
Well....nothing really. You don't have to change like that do you?
But you know. Me? I haven't changed a bit in three years.
Is that true?
Yep.
People don't change so easily, you know.
Whaa...that's right!
Uh.
Ah...well. I'm going.
Ok. Hey, Seno, take care!
Ooh.. Good night!!
Good night!
Mmmm.
Wo, wo. Hey, don't sleep there.
I'm fine!
It's not fine!
Tsk. So troublesome..
Aa...I'll take you home. Where's it?
Home? Well, home is...
Ah! It's ok! It's ok!
You don't need to take me home.
Well, what'cha doing?
I'll be thinking about the future by myself here.
Uh....hey, don't fall sleep!
Unbelievable.
Here.
Your back?
Itchy?
No, stop it!
Get on.
No, no, no, no, it's ok...
It's fine!
Stop blathering and just get on! Dummy!
Here..hurry up.
Let's go!
Ugh! Heavy!!
huf... huff....
It's nice...like this.
Feel like barfing..
What!?
Ok if I throw up?
No, it's not ok!
Won't it be ok? From up here?
Stop that crap!! Wa..wait.
Where?! Don't throw up before I find someplace! Absolutely no throwing up!
Barfing? Swallow it if you barf!
Can't swallow (longer)..
Just wait! Wait!
Well, take care.
I will.
You're not going to invite, "Come drink some tea?" or the like?
I haven't said anything yet.
When are you going to talk?
Gift for boss.
Yikes!
This... is a Rio Carnival costume?
Hong Kong's a lot of fun.
But, if you (Boss) were here, it would be even more fun.
I want to see you Boss! Boss!
aaa! slept so well!
There is man sleeping beside me.
How many years has it been since it was like this?
This moment's too good to waste. I'll sleep some more!
Wrong! This isn't a happy moment!
It's Mr.Seno!
Waa.. the Emperor has no clothes!
Did we do it? Did we do it?! I...
..it's been such a long time, I can't tell!
Aaa.... Morning.
Good morning.
Um, concerning the circumstances...
...could you please explain to me what happened?
Well...
Rather, isn't today the fitting day? Well...
Rather, isn't today the fitting day?
Aa! The time!!
Going up!
Morning.
Sorry.
Ah, last night...
Ahaaa....aaah...aa....aaa....
What are you singing?
huh?
Aaa! Relationship!
Nothing happened. No way something like that.
Starting with bust measurements.
Boss. I'll do it.
No. I'll do it.
Then start with me.
Are you a Girls'? (Girls' Bar girls)
Yess!
Turn around.
Bust...
33 inches (~85cm).
Me. Me. I will do it! Hmmm... Waist, 23 inches (~59cm).
Turn..
A medium size, right? Here.
Stretch~!
31 inches (~80cm)
Waist, 23 inches (~58cm)
There! S size.
Stretch!
(Amemiya) Waist, 22 inches (~57cm). (Boss) Bust, 29 inches (~75cm). (A) S size, ok?
Stretch!
The following was sponsored by 'Kao'...
...and the following sponsors.
Geez! You had me totally worried!
I'm sorry.
Eh? What did you just say?
You know, when you didn't come back last night, I was worried what kind of trouble you might have been involved in.
Boss.
Where were you, last night?
Aa...Where should I say...?
Well, how do I put it best...?
Aaa. Well, such is the case that I'll have to ask Ms. Yamada about it.
Why Ms. Yamada? You were together with Ms. Yamada?
Yes! Yes, that's right!
I was with Ms. Yamada until this morning.
Hello.
Miss Sakuragi, what's up?
Well, about the Girls' Bar girls boots,...
rubber boots will be ok, right?
Eh? rubber boots will be ok, right?
Eh?
Seems I ordered rubber boots by mistake...
And, in addition, those Chinese lanterns...
...don't have a logo on them, however...
...that's a delivery slip-up by the Chinese lantern dealer.
Wait a moment. Where are you now?
Understood. I'm coming right now.
What's the matter with Miss Sakuragi?
It's fine. Leave it up to me.
I was also contacted.
But it's not just about Miss Sakuragi's issue,...
..the showcase was to have been 100 microbrew beers, but we only have 40 at present.
The failure to confirm everything is my fault. I'm terribly sorry.
Understood. I'll return right away.
Hello. Miss Sakuragi, can you hear me?
The client has gotten really angry that the Chinese lanterns don't have their logo.
Say to the client while properly bowing, ...
Please be assured...
..."Preparations will be completed without exception in time for tomorrow's opening."
I can't say something like that. Even though it wasn't my fault...
Even though it wasn't your fault, you can't just do nothing!
It'll be fine. I'll take responsibility and take care of it!
I may not be a mentor you can rely on, however, believe in me!
Miss Sakuragi!
The client?
They went back.
What did you say?
More or less everything. Nevertheless,...
I said "The preparations will be completed without fail."
But I'm not even sure the preparations can be completed.
But I did what you told me.
Thanks!
Ehh?
Thanks! Leave everything to me now!
We only have 5 in stock...
For the time being, I'll take them all.
Yes, please have 2 pairs of 3.5cm shoes ready as discussed.
I'm coming to pick them up right now.
Terrible, isn't it. This mistake.
No, it's ok.
It's because the part time girl was clearing away everything last night, unfortunately...
Could there be unchecked boxes anywhere else?
Well......
Well, I wonder where it went?
Aa! Mister!
eh?
Is that it?
Boss, the local shops were able to guarantee 15 kinds.
Seems this Shibuya beer bar will also be able to turn some over to us.
I'm off to pick them up.
Leaving it to you.
Muku, let's go.
uh, ok!
This should be good enough.
Next, the shoes and the Chinese lanterns.
At this stage, should we just use the rubber boots?
Umeda!
I wonder what's Hotaru's doing?
Boss, what should we do?
Amemiya asked to leave everything up to her. Everything'll be fine.
I can't help...
If it's Amemiya, everything'll be alright!
Boss. You haven't changed, have you.
You have more faith in Hotaru than anyone else.
Why is it here?
AHH!!
Whew!
"I may not be a mentor you can rely on, however, believe in me!"
Hello? Amemiya?
I'm sorry it's so late. I've finished arrangements for the shoes.
And I found the Chinese lanterns with logo without incident.
Really!!
Let me! Let me talk!
Hello? Hotaru?
OK?
All right!!
Well done!!
uh..
Fwww...
Great job!
Ah..
Were you waiting for me?
Yeah.
Trying day?
No.
I'm truly sorry for not coming home last night and...
...and causing you to worry.
Aa...
But, for Boss to have worried about me. I...
You said, "I was with Yamada until this morning." But, for Boss to have worried about me. I...
You said, "I was with Yamada until this morning."
ah.. Did Yamada say anything...?
I didn't hear anything from Yamada, but I did from Seno.
From Seno!?
He asked me to hand you this when you returned to the office.
It's probably something you left behind last night.
Stock....!!
You saw?
I did.
Really saw it?
I really did!
You really saw it?
A worn stocking...
You may have seen stockings, but....
...this is... this is...
..this is...a hat!
It's assuredly a hat!
You use in this way... in this way...
like this...and if you do it this way...
See, perfect! If the wind passes through, it's an ideal hat for a refreshing summer!
This is...?
This is...
This part is...
...a convenient feature when it's time to take off the hat!
See, if you pull this part, it'll pop off!... eh?
Pop...! eh?
Pop!!
Amemiya.
Really! It's extremely popular in Hong Kong!
Enough!!
Boss...
You were with Seno until this morning, right?
I was.
Flattered. Night.
Have a good evening.
(Women Welcome. We've been expecting you.(Man)Congratulations!(Woman)Thank you very much!
The guest book is right over here.
Welcome!
If you'll please.
Ah... Looks good.
Also, I want to thank you because the counter bar in the middle...
..really completes the pleasant feel.
(Boss) Thank you very much! (Amemiya) Boss...
You're so distant.
More distant than Hong Kong and Tokyo...
Right now, we're even further apart.
If you'll excuse me.
Eh? Why are you dressed like that, Amemiya?
Uh...see, I'm... uh...
I wanted to pass as someone working behind the scenes today.
That's great! ha ha..
Miss Amemiya?
I heard you're called Amemiya just now?
Yes. That's me.
So, you're Amemiya.
I'm Asada Konatsu.
Ah! Wait..wait..wait...
In the bar, woman with boss.
Eh?
Bastard, seducing the boss...
damn!
Aa...Say, why do you know my name...?
I heard it from Seichi. (Using first name, a close relationship.)
Seichi!?
As for Boss Takano Seichi, what is this about?
I just came to get a quick peep at how Seichi works.
I wonder what she's doing here?
You can call Asada Komatsu.
You call me Tanabe.
I'm very happy to meet you.
Two beers, please!
Thank you!
He's new here.
Let's make a toast!
When all is said and done, a Dried Fish Woman is someone who works behind the scenes.
How much longer will I be someone who works behind the scenes?
Behind the scenes my entire life..
What'cha doing over there?
Eh? Feeling a bit down?
I...
...what have I really been doing these three years?
Still on that?
You know,...
..haven't you been trying too hard?
Always...trying your very best.
Always trying to do your best at work.
In any case, you persist on even though your salary hasn't changed one bit.
Passionate though...Trying your best.
Aa. Did I hurt your feelings?
A little..
But, honestly...
...I don't know why you always try so hard?
Or rather!
What are you working so hard for?
You're right...
What am I working so hard for?
What's wrong, Miss Sakuragi?
Well..
I'm sorry.
I really have to apologize.
I'm not going to quit.
Sakuragi...
Because you, as a mentor, tried so hard...
...I want to see if I can try my best for a bit longer.
Mentor....
After this recent incident, I realized that an office lady that's as fantastic as my mentor, Amemiya, ...
...isn't such a bad thing, I've come to believe.
Hey...
Sakuragi...
Is there something wrong?
Aa...Did I say something...?
I'm really happy about what you just said.
Eh..? So that's the look of a happy face?
I almost don't believe...
...that you said that.
I'm not lying!
Yeah!!
Boss! Boss!!
Where are you? Where are you? Where are you?
ehh? Where are you? Where are you? Where are you?
Do you really think a human can hide in a place like that?
Said it! Boss! Listen to me!
Ok.
Today, Miss Sakuragi...
...called me her mentor!
And told me I was a fantastic office lady!
Fantasic office lady?
That's right! A fantastic office lady is born!
Hurray! Hurray! Hurray!
Yahoo! Yea!
Ouch!
I've thought about it all this time.
What you said...
...about what have I been doing on my own during these three years?
Separated from this veranda...
...separated from you.
If I think about it, there's been nothing but work.
Ahead of anything else, I worked with all my best effort these three years...
If there was only one thing I could do...
...it was to try my best to do the work that I got.
And so...
...in a blink of an eye, three years passed...
Boss?
huh?
I apologize for saying I would email everyday.
And the postcards and letters...
...for never writing back. I'm sorry.
And for not having changed a bit in three years...
...I'm really sorry.
But, today, my junior praised me, saying things like "You're a fantastic office lady!"
Watching me...
...she said she thinks she can try to do her best.
Doing my best during these three years, I...
...really think that's great.
I'm really happy.
I'm happy to tell you this more than anyone else.
I tried my best...
...for your sake.
Because you were waiting for me.
Therefore,...
..thank you for these three years.
You're existence these three years supported me.
I'm truly grateful to you.
From now on, I'll try to do the best on my own.
$0.50? (~47Yen)
I'll have to rent an apartment.
On $0.50? (~47Yen)
This fantastic office lady...
will become a fantastic woman in both personal and work life.
Impossible! Absolutely impossible! Even if I die, impossible! Even if I'm revived, impossible!
Don't be annoying!
Please, don't hinder my declaration of resolve that took great effort.
What's such a fantastic office lady about you?
A fantastic office lady is someone who puts stockings on her head, and then insists it's a hat?
No. In the first place, is a fantastic office lady...
...likely to make the mistake of leaving used stockings behind like an idiot?
More to the point, is a fantastic office lady going to romp around in the company elevator, ...
....saying "Dokyunko! Dokyunko! Nyan! Nyan!"...
...in mimicry?
Boss, by any chance...
...were you jealous of me?
Not to mention, you said you were a splitting image of Dokyunko. (Play on words: dokyun = dumb-ass, ko = kid or girl)
You're really jealous?
Arashiyama Dokyunko is...
...actually, the Dokyunko that exists at the Arashiyama aquarium.
Aquarium?
Dokyunko is... a seal.
Then...
When I say "Dokyunko! Dokyunko! Nyan! Nyan!"...
...a seal's performance.
Because you didn't return once during the three years, without information about the Japanese seal,
...you were clueless and didn't catch it.
Then, Seno....
..was with a woman who's the splitting image of a seal until the morning?
If he had to say it, it was a shipwreck disaster.
From your viewpoint, the moment you woke up from being dead drunk...
...with a guy next to you, in that moment, you must have been delighted, no?
How did you know....?
Told you. I'm changed from those days.
When you weren't here those three years, I thought about you more deeply.
After thinking deeply...
...as it was, gradually, I didn't feel like living with you.
I planned to tell you when you returned.
Let's get married.
From now on, we'll be a married couple.
You'll always be my woman.
Ffw..
Tonight's dinner will be...sukiyaki!
Yeah! Sukiyaki!!
Won't be any for you.
Eh? Please don't say something like that.
If you can wait a little, then me, too.
What?
For tonight's dessert...
...you can eat me, too!
Yee... Goro goro
Goro goro. huh?
How about it?
What do you mean how about it?
I'm not giving sukiyaki to a girl like you that has no sex appeal!
Boss~!
I wonder what's up?
Usually, he picks up no matter when it is.
Papa's...not there?
Tonight, maybe papa's working?
Itadakimasu! (Note: What Japanese usually say before a meal begins.)
Itadakimasu. Itadakimasu! (Note: What Japanese usually say before a meal begins.)
Itadakimasu.
So, who's this pretty person called Asada Konatsu?
She...has nothing to do with you.
She does, too!
Please explain to me what kind of person is she?
Because we're getting married.
I didn't say we're getting married right away.
You said, "From now on, we'll be a married couple." "You'll always be my woman."
That's my intent, but I was just explaining how I felt.
Then when are we getting married? Which month? What day? Which hour? What minute? Which second?
What do you think.... marriage is?
Finished!
Ah, boss! For the time being, let's dance to celebrate our reunion!
EH? For real?
Can't refuse! You gotta dance.
No, no way. You know how old I am?
Age has nothing to do with this.
Dance or kiss?
Then...I won't dance.
eh?
Actually, let's dance. Though it'll take some effort.
Eh?!
Let's Dance!! I want to completely change!
EEH!?
Boss!
BOSS~~!!
I can't get married to a woman who can't save money!
It's cheaper than buying them.
I've wanted to shine next to him for awhile!
Amemya! Are you ok! Hey!
In addition, isn't he becoming a better person?
Thanks for waiting.
Dirty pig.