Hurry, hurry!
You're taking forever, Manatsu!
My bag is dragging me down!
You should have shipped it beforehand like we did ours.
We've still got gobs of time.
You always say that only to wind up rushing at the last minute.
She just said that we have poor planning skills, Shinkou.
Who? Me?
Where did "Shinkou" come from?
That's an alternate way to read the kanji for Miyuki!
You hate it when I call ya Miyuki, right?
"Upcoming Departures on Track 18"
It's here, it's here!
Red Data Book A book on endangered wild animals. It was first published in 1966 by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Species considered under greatest threat have been printed in the Red List.
Kimi no koe ga I'll head toward the light
What is a Red Data Girl (RDG)? A girl in danger of extinction. The term comes from a book on endangered wild animals called the Red Data Book (RDB). The RDG is an entity with such rare and unique powers that everyone wants her for themselves.
Yobi au sono hikari e That responds to the call of your voice
Usuginu koshi ni ima sekai wo mitsumete iru I'm currently looking at the world through a thin veil of silk
Tobenai kago no naka hane wo chijimete I fold my wings in a cage with no room to fly
Kaze wataru mori e to saki tsugu hana-tachi no If I gently shake my wings in mimicry of the breath
Kokyuu wo mane shite hane wo sotto yuraseba That the wind passing through the forest inherited from the flowers,
Hora, kimi no koe ga See? Your voice
Kataku tojita mama uzukumaru kono ashimoto wo terasu yo Lightens the ground that I have been crouching over like a statue
Kizamareta mirai ga tooku mienai basho de mo Even if my preordained future is somewhere far beyond where I can see,
Osore wo nugi sutete kimi no moto e I'll shed my fears and race to you
Fure awanakute mo tsutawaru tashika na omoi ga We don't have to touch to share these solid feelings
Nan do de mo mukau tsuyosa ni naru They will continue to give us strength
Kawatte iku tame ni The strength to change
I still can't believe this.
Huh? Can't believe what?
That I'm riding a bullet train on my way to stay at your home in Nagano, Mayura-san.
And that's only half of it!
After that, the Student Council's Executive Committee is visiting Togakushi.
The Executive Committee... I still can't believe I'm a member.
Really? You've been a real help since you've joined, Izumiko-chan.
You're the one Sagara-kun invited first.
He pretty much threw me in as an afterthought.
I've been meaning to ask this for a while now.
Izumiko-chan, why did you become Sagara's partner?
It was decided between my father and Sagara-kun's father.
Family issues?
Close enough. But I'm starting to grow accustomed to him.
I never would have guessed. You delegated your work like a normal couple.
For example, there was that one time with Takayanagi's shikigami.
Like a normal couple?
Boyfriend/ girlfriend!
We aren't like that at all!
But Sagara's mighty steadfast.
He could easily find a girlfriend, but instead he turns away every girl who approaches him.
It's almost as if he's already promised to someone.
But couldn't the exact same be said of you?
I don't have the time for a boyfriend.
You know how we carry more on our shoulders than the average person.
Besides...
Besides, Masumi...
Masumi will never grow up.
When did Masumi-kun pass away?
The fifth of this month.
How old was he?
Six.
When we took a nap, he was the only one who didn't wake up.
They said it was heart failure.
After the funeral, we left Togakushi and moved to Nagano.
Ever since, Masumi's name has been next to taboo.
Doesn't Masumi-kun show himself to your parents?
My mother is a normal lady.
But I'm really glad that you're stopping by my place!
What? How much longer will you be?
We're already at the pick-up spot.
Our house is about a ten minute drive from here.
Mother was supposed to come pick us up, but...
Hey, where are you ladies headed?
Waiting for someone? Who?
Us, right? Care to join us for tea?
Sorry, but we already have plans.
Don't be such a bore!
We could hang...
You'll seriously be here in five, right?
Eh?! What? I can't hear you.
Yeah, got it.
We'll be here waiting for you.
Were you trying to attract guys? You totally lack common sense!
Like you're one to talk!
You said that Tabi is more important than the camping trip!
Tabi is important.
Uh, what is Tabi?
Our very first horse!
Horse? It's your horse?
Him!
The Togakushi Riding Club is looking after him.
He's an old gent now. Masumi got to ride him back in the day.
He's adorable!
I knew you'd understand, Izumiko-chan!
Wanna meet him? I'll introduce ya!
What is Togakushi like?
It's a cool plateau with loads of clean air.
Their soba noodles rock!
The place is famous in Shugendou.
Togakushi is also famous for its ninja villages.
Ninja?
Supposedly our distant ancestors were priests at the Togakushi Shrine.
They were priests?
Hence I had some connections with an inn.
I'm sorry!
Did you wait long?
I've always dreamed of homes like this...
We're holding a BBQ party tonight.
I invited some of your father's buddies from the university.
The party should be nice and lively!
- Sweet! Meat! Meat! Meat! Woot! Meat!
- He's always like that! - Sweet! Meat! Meat! Meat! Woot! Meat!
- And he never gains a pound. - Sweet! Meat! Meat! Meat! Woot! Meat!
Really! How did you two turn out so different when you're twins?
Now then, high schoolers! I expect you to help with the preparations.
Have you gotten even darker, Manatasu-kun?
Have you kept up with your Ogasawara-style archery on horseback?
You bet!
And hasn't Mayura-chan grown even more lovely?
It's about time we started looking for her future husband.
What?! Do you think you'll find anyone?
I heard that, Manatsu!
Sagara-kun, please feel free to eat as much as you like.
Okay. Thank you very much.
Honestly, I was surprised to hear that you've been to Haguro.
Have you been there as well, Sir?
Well, Togakushi and Haguro share common ground through "Shugendou."
- That aside, could you tell me about your life at Houjou Academy?
- Izumiko-chan! - That aside, could you tell me about your life at Houjou Academy?
Care for some fruit?
Sure, I'd love some.
Here!
Thank you!
Oh, right! Manatsu-kun, have you heard of the SMF?
Huh?
Is that some sort of club? Would you happen to be a member?
Of course not! Like I'm gonna join Mayura's fan club.
A fan club?
Manatsu-kun!
Izumiko-chan, I never expected to hear a joke like that from you.
You still don't have a girlfriend?
- Gah, you're bringing that up again? - Uh-huh!
- Give me a break! I'm not interested in seeing anyone. - Souda Mayura Fan Club, SMF...
- Why don't we talk about horses instead? - Souda Mayura Fan Club, SMF...
- I wonder why Miyuki-kun told me to ask about it... - For Manatsu to feel right at home,
Houjou Academy must be a wonderful facility.
It's nice how the school gives us a sense of independence.
I see!
I would expect as much.
You need to enjoy yourself more!
You should act more like a normal student!
Mayura-san, Manatsu-kun, and even Sagara-kun look like normal high school students.
Izumiko-chan?
What's wrong? You're acting a bit weird.
I'm fine! I feel nice and fluffy!
Fluffy?
How much of that did you have?
We put a bunch of liquor in the syrup!
Crap, this is bad! This is really bad!
Miyuki-kun, you're silly!
Give me a break... At any rate, go lay down.
How do you make someone sober up?
Don't they drink something?
There's no way she'll take over my body when I feel so great...
Hey, Suzuhara!
Hey, are you okay? Izumiko-chan!
Mayura-san already went to bed...
I wonder if Manatsu-kun and Miyuki-kun are still up...
Gee, I must be dreaming.
That's the wrong way.
I'm over here.
Oh, it's him!
Masumi-kun!
Chapter 6 My First Slumber Party
You're Suzuhara-san, right?
You remembered my name!
What are you doing out here?
I never thought I'd see you here.
Even Manatsu and Mayura couldn't find me right now...
Do you come home by yourself sometimes?
No, being home has nothing to do with it.
Oh, I get it! This is all part of my dream, isn't it?
You're such a funny girl, Suzuhara-san!
You're the very first person to talk to me without those two around.
Really?
Suzuhara-san, mind if I hit on you?
Huh?
It might be nice to go out with you, Suzuhara-san.
Do you get what you're saying?
Of course!
I don't really get what that means on this side, Masumi-kun!
You'll find out if you visit Togakushi.
Let's meet again at Togakushi.
Pig.
Your inability to eat in modesty led to that disaster.
Shinkou had me scared witless! He seriously lost his cool.
Shut up!
Good morning!
Did we keep you waiting?
No, we hardly waited at all.
We're all here, aren't we?
Souda-san, you'll be in charge for the duration of this trip.
Please leave everything to me!
After all, I'm the one who suggested the camping trip.
Mt. Togakushi has an altitude of 1,904 meters.
This mountain's name originates from the myth where
Amaterasu hid in a cave and closed the entrance with a boulder.
When Ame no Tajikarao no Mikoto forced the cave open,
he threw the boulder clear over to this mountain.
The deity celebrated at Togakushi Shrine is a great nine-headed dragon.
Since ancient times, Mt. Hiei and Mt. Kouya have...
In some ways, it is different from Tamakura.
But it's the same in others.
Maybe because they're both sacred mountains?
"Inn & Pilgrim Lodging: Shinzui"
Souda-san, do you stay at this inn every year?
Not necessarily, but there is an equestrian club nearby that I go way back with.
Souda-san, on top of the Executive Committee,
isn't your Japanese History Society also on a camping trip? Right next door.
What exactly are you up to?
I'm not up to anything!
What would make you think that?
Everyone knows that the Japanese History Society is really just your fan club.
We also know that you're trying to win over members of the Executive Committee.
If you're trying to take over the Student Council, don't expect things to go the way you want!
Akinokawa-senpai, I would never!
I haven't done anything to deserve this kind of treatment!
Please give me a good reason why I can't join the Executive Committee!
Reina never said that you can't be on the committee.
She came off a bit strong, but we simply wanted to make this clear early on.
The Executive Committee will not shun those willing to join,
but we are adamant about maintaining a neutral standing.
We will not participate in any of the games on campus.
Why? Because we are judges!
Huh?
I am one of the judges, after all.
The judges...
Souda-san, you don't need to deny that you've created the SMF
or that you're working to put yourself in a favorable position.
Ichijou Takayanagi was working behind the scenes as well.
But bear in mind that the Student Council is not easily swayed.
I understand. I'll be careful.
I think this is a wonderful summer retreat.
It would be a pity to ruin the experience with bickering, so let's stop here.
Now then, we shall begin the meeting in regards to the fall festival.
The Committee Director, 2nd Year Yoshiki Hayakawa, is currently attending baseball camp,
so we will hold the meeting without him.
As was decided the other day, the theme will be the Warring States Era.
What was all of that about?
The Japanese History Society is the SMF?
And Kisaragi-san is going to remain neutral?
Takayanagi-kun and Mayura-san are in a special type of power struggle?
I wonder how many of the students know about it...
That will be our schedule.
Now then, let's enjoy some free time until dinner.
The meeting is over...
Uh, right. In that case, please see to it.
So this is where you went, Mayura-san!
Izumiko-chan!
Um, about what Kisaragi-san said earlier...
Oh, that? Uh, jeez...
It feels like she rained on my parade.
What are you and Takayanagi-kun fighting over?
And why did it have to be Takayanagi-kun?
Izumiko-chan, why don't we go on a little walk?
"Pilgrim Lodging, Shinzui"
Well, it's true that his Onmyouji spells tick me off.
I don't think we could ever be friends.
Does it have to do with how your ancestors were shrine priests
or how they came from a Togakushi ninja village?
Maybe. But that isn't the whole of it.
Kisaragi-senpai offered some truly sweet info.
Despite how sharp Akinokawa-san got with you?
Everything she said was true.
Even how the Japanese History Society is the Souda Mayura Fan Club?
I know people have been calling it that.
And I'm the one who allowed it to persist.
But the most important thing I got out of our exchange was how
the Student Council's Executive Committee is undeniably neutral.
I imagine that is probably top secret information, even at Houjou Academy.
No one is supposed to know who the judges are.
Top secret...
Izumiko-chan, didn't Kisaragi-senpai introduce you
to the former Student Body President, Hodaka Murakami?
You knew?!
I imagine Takayanagi does as well.
But I don't know what happened between you three.
I'm sorry I never told you.
But I wasn't sure when or even how to bring it up...
We were both keeping secrets, so we're even.
Um, Mayura-san, Kisaragi-san just invited me to watch her practice was all.
I figured it was something along those lines.
None of the judges are going to stand out.
But those with the power to see them, will see them.
Honestly, I was expecting Houjou Academy to be split in two by the final round, the festival.
But now I know that there is a third area void of outside influence.
By "split in two," do you mean a Mayura faction and a Takayanagi faction?
He's the academy's favorite by far.
There are even some who think that the academy was established
for the sole purpose of testing Takayanagi's strength.
I doubt that!
This is the school that allowed a shikigami to become a student!
Not that I'd ever want to cast a spell like that...
Masumi-kun is the reason why you decided to oppose Takayanagi-kun, isn't he?
Yep, it's all for Masumi... and Manatsu, too.
What happens if you win the confrontation?
You don't even know that?
Izumiko-chan, didn't they tell you anything before you entered this school?
Say, since we're here, why don't we go to the rear shrine?
Okay.
"Path to Rear Shrine" "Enter Rear Shrine Through Koshimizugahara."
If I win the final round, I'll become a World Heritage Candidate.
A World Heritage Candidate?
I'm sure the merits would be vast,
both for me as the winner and those around me.
Hasn't Sagara ever discussed this with you?
No, never!
Although there is a chance he knows about it...
Sagara-kun doesn't necessarily tell me everything...
He's not the easiest of people to read, that Sagara!
Manatsu and Sagara are pretty close by.
Huh? Really?
Yep. That works out nicely. Let's go see them.
How does this work out nicely?
I've been meaning to ask whether or not
you were interested in surpassing Ichijou Takayanagi.
Grade-wise?
You know what I mean!
Isn't Takayanagi using his shikigami to uphold his position as top student?
Yep. Unless you can see through the trick, you'll never surpass his grades.
I don't really care if I'm the number one student.
Then why did you join the Student Council's Executive Committee?
Why did you invite us?
Because the Student Council is neutral.
You wanted to make everyone neutral, not just yourself?
Why do we even have partners in the first place?
Aside from us four, do any other students have partners?
Personally, I think Takayanagi and his shikigami
are getting preferential treatment.
In other words, those allowed partners are capable of rivaling Takayanagi
to some degree or another.
So it's about time I learned what you're really about, Sagara.
Are you in or are you out?
Haven't you known that for a while now?
There is no way I could stand against you when I'm still a newb at defense.
That's what I thought, too.
But my father thinks otherwise.
He said that there is more to you.
The professor and I didn't go into this crap!
Is this the real reason why you invited us to your house?
That wasn't why, although I doubt you'll believe me now.
I want Izumiko-chan on my side.
Izumiko-chan has the power to see shikigami for what they are!
Before you go up against Takayanagi,
I want to make it clear which of us stands above the other!
I don't serve Suzuhara.
I want to lead a normal life, go to college, and get a normal job!
It sounds like you mean it, but...
But too bad! I'm going to believe my father's words over yours!
Sagara, you will show me the extent of your true power!
Dareka ga watashi wo yobu no Is someone calling for me?
Dokoka de watashi wo yobu Someone is beckoning from somewhere
Tooku kara chikazuiteru He's approaching from the distance
Yasashii hibiki kokoro ugoki dashite The gentle sound of his voice moves my heart
Hitotsu oshiete Tell me one thing
Kono setsunai yokan no mae de Are the feelings I was still unaware of
Mada shirazu ni ita omoi ga Before this sad premonition
Hirogari kaketeru no? On the verge of spreading?
Yume mite ita jiyuu ni In the freedom of my dreams,
Tomadoigachi no mama I act somewhat abashed
Chiisa na koe de negau As I wish in a tiny voice,
Minna to issho ni warai aitai ne "I want to laugh and smile with everyone"
Suzuhara can't defend herself!
That's enough, Mayura-san! Don't do this!
Chapter 7 My First Time Getting Lost