I want to show you the love that is not fake
Isn't it normal to be concerned about...
...something so small that even makes me laugh?
Although I declared that is my character...
But the spirit is freer than that
Listen to me as I sing my song
As long as we can stay together
To simply believe that we will be happy
That the world goes around in a logical way
Don't say that I dream too much or that I'm too childish
I want to show you the love that is not fake
Beginning of December
Scribble, scribble... Okay, page 14 is looking good.
Scribble, scribble...
And page 17 is ready for the printers.
Scribble, scribble...
Page 21 is still looking a bit light.
Scribble... Page 21 is still looking a bit light.
Scribble...
Wow! You sure are putting a lot of energy into that, Watabe!
Scribble... Wow! You sure are putting a lot of energy into that, Watabe!
Scribble...
Maybe it's because Nakayama joined your club?
Scribble... Maybe it's because Nakayama joined your club?
I am Chinatsu Nakayama, first year at Okitsu High School.
And I just joined the manga club!
What's that? Energy?
In fact I have set fire to my own spirit!
And this is all because of her!
Thrust! And this is all because of her!
Because of Nakayama?
That's right!
Grumble, grumble... Since she came...
I ask her to put in the screentone...
...and she cuts out the cell.
Scratch, scratch...
Then for every cell, she wastes a whole sheet of screentone!
Grind, grind...
If I ask her to ink with a pen, she pushes so hard...
...that the pen tears the page!
Snap! ...that the pen tears the page!
Crash! She even broke the tracing table!
And when I'm finally done...
...she puts the whole thing through a shredder.
Shake, shake... ...she puts the whole thing through a shredder.
But I never meant to do any harm.
That you didn't mean it won't cut it!
Now, now, Watabe.
In any case...
... if this is the only kind of talent the club can attract...
Future of the Manga Club ...then the future of my precious manga club...
Future of the Manga Club ... is looking bleak.
However!
As the largest manga festival in Japan looms before us...
...and as a way to train Nakayama...
... I've decided that we will set up a book selling stall...
...at the one preliminary event taking place this weekend.
Watabe's Work Nakayama's Work We will each deploy our respective works as weapons.
I've created a book of my own!
All my work in one book!
Wow! That's great!
But isn't it premature for Nakayama to put out a book of her own?
As you can very well see, Nakayama has no talent.
I simply cannot bring myself to include her material in my book.
But...
Don't worry.
There is a saying that a lion must push its cub down from the high cliff.
This is my loving smack.
I'm going to do my very best! Nakayama will do it!
A few days later...
Doyon...
What's the matter with Watabe?
Nakayama sold more books than he did at a recent manga fair.
No way!
How's that?!
Since it's almost Christmas...
...they put on Santa and reindeer costumes at their stall, but...
"A"
She's totally moe!
I see.
It was a good plan...
... but it backfired.
Nakayama did it!
Nakayama worked hard!
Zuun...
But Watabe, this is a good thing!
Zuun...
Your stall sold the most at this preliminary event!
And I'm sure it was good training for Nakayama!
Right? Right?
Zuzuun... Right? Right?
Zuzuun...
Another shot when he's down.
Zuzuun...
You can say that again.
Episode 7: Santa Girl and New Year's Fun
The city at night...
Big Sale
Come on in!
The Christmas spirit makes the city feel so romantic this time of year.
It's a tough time to be alone.
I can't believe I just fell down. I'm just a big clown, aren't I?
Are you all right, beautiful young woman?
Yes.
A few days later...
Christmas always makes me wish I had a boyfriend.
I know how you feel. I wish I had a girlfriend.
Even just for Christmas, I wish I had someone.
I wish I could get a girlfriend.
Right? Right? Right?
Sigh... Sigh...
It's difficult to meet the supply and demand of love...
I know! Why doesn't the class throw a Christmas party?
We can have a big party!
Yeah! Sounds good!
Watabe, you'll come too, right?
Me?
Well, I have a previous engagement.
It's just manga, right?
No. I've got to go somewhere that night.
What?! No way?!
Don't tell me you have a date!
Don't tell me, with Nakayama?!
No. Not at all.
This art supply store is having a Christmas sale, so I'm going.
That makes more sense!
Yeah!
What exactly do you mean by that?
Watabe!
I have a list of the things we need to buy at the Christmas sale!
Oh. Good work!
The amount of art supplies we're able to buy...
...will affect the success of the manga club's future production.
We've got to give it our very best!
Yes!
Nakayama will come with you!
I will carry things and do whatever!
I'll meet up with you guys when we're done with the shopping.
Have we lost?
It's not clear.
A Christmas party?
Yeah.
We're going to have it at Tominaga's house.
Everyone will be there, so we hope you'll come too!
A Christmas party, huh?
Sounds like so much fun!
But it's really cold going out.
I don't like the cold. But it's really cold going out.
That'll keep you from coming?
Sensei...
There'll be a lot of sweets.
Perk... There'll be a lot of sweets.
And of course, the special Christmas cake!
Perk, perk...
Lots of sweets...
Perk, perk... Lots of sweets...
I will be there.
That got her.
That's Kitagawa for you.
Christmas Eve
Sorry I'm late!
Let's go, shall we?
Tominaga mansion
Wow! Incredible!
Your place is huge, Tominaga! And the decorations look great!
Did you guys do this yourselves?
Yeah. We girls.
Here you go, Mika-Sensei. What you've been waiting for.
Yay!
Why?
When everyone else gets here.
Ugh...
Oh, of course!
Well, that was serious.
It was.
Hi! Santa Seki is here, everyone!
Oh, how strange.
I thought you'd come in your usual get-up.
This is the only proper outfit for Christmas.
Hi! Sorry we're a little late.
Good evening!
Go home!
Why?!
Now, now...
Just take it easy. We know you're envious.
That's right. We've all got to get along.
And...
I know it's lonely, but that feeling will gradually fade soon enough.
Seems like she's talking from experience.
You can really feel it.
Looks like everyone's here now!
Now, let's get this party started!
Cough, cough...
Oh? Do you have a cold, Old Man?
Actually, I've got a bit of a fever.
If you're not feeling well, you should go home and lie down.
You don't want to push it.
You guys...
Maybe you don't want me.
Old Man, even your spirit must be weakened!
Come on!
You tend to get kind of down when you have a fever.
Just lie down on the sofa and I'll bring you a blanket.
I'll do that.
Tense... Old Man...
Oh, don't worry about me. Just carry on with the party.
All right...
All right!
Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!
But I can't help but feel that...
We'll reign it in.
Sweet
So, Mika-Sensei!
Sweet Here's that little cake you wanted!
Yay!
I love sweet! Yay!
I love sweet!
Huh?
I wonder what this could be?
Oh, that's something from me.
It must be a Christmas card!
1800 calories per portion
Don't worry. You can start your diet tomorrow.
Of course, that's it! Here goes!
She's pretty easy on herself, that Mika-Sensei.
Especially when it comes to sweets.
Gift Exchange
All right! It's time for the gift exchange!
Gift Exchange Yay!
According to a fair draw...
... Mike-Sensei's present goes to Kobayashi!
Huh? Me?
Your present to me is a book?
This is a really great book!
But I don't like reading books.
How about we read it together?
Whoa. She unexpectedly sounded like a language teacher.
And...
... next up is Suetake's present!
Suetake's present?!
Oh, please Lord. Oh, Santa.
Please let it be me who gets Suetake's present!
And the recipient is...
Oh, Lord!
Kudo!
Yeah!
I guess it worked out for the only one it mattered to.
A Christmas miracle.
Here Kudo.
Thank you so much, Suetake!
I wonder what's inside.
Maybe a declaration of his love...
A ticket to a soccer match?
Let's go together, Kudo!
This is the best Christmas!
Whoa...
A miracle of love.
Night...
This is the first time that I've spent...
...such a peaceful and wonderful Christmas.
Is that right?
Yes.
Uh, excuse me.
Hello, sweetie?
I'll be home soon, okay?
At the Tominaga mansion...
Have a good nap, Old Man?
Yeah.
I feel much better now after that little nap.
Recovered I feel much better now after that little nap.
You should sleep a little while longer.
Iincho...
I'm sure you don't want to clean up...
...after sleeping through the whole party.
What?! Was I asleep that long?!
Wow, it sure was a great day!
I had cake!
And then I had chicken! And then I had cake!
I feel like skipping!
Mika-Sensei sure has a weird way of skipping.
Awkward Mika-Sensei sure has a weird way of skipping.
Yeah, she doesn't have her steps right.
Awkward Yeah, she doesn't have her steps right.
Ugh
Huh?
What's the matter?
I ate too much and I feel sick.
All that food mixed up in my tummy.
Sometime she's just like a kid.
Meanwhile...
All right! It's complete!
I wonder if Mika will be happy...
You made too big of a cake.
I doubt she can eat all of that.
Not to worry.
I'm sure she can do it.
I just wish she comes home soon.
She'll get fat again.
Gurgle, gurgle...
Oh, I have a shivering fit on my back...
New Year's Eve
Gong
New Year's Day
Mom and Dad, Happy New Year!
Happy New Year, Mika.
Yes, Happy New Year.
I'll go get some rice cake soup.
How many rice cakes?
Three! Three please!
Three!
Okay.
Mika! Mika!
Here.
Gift Money Gift money from me.
Gift Money
What?
But I'm all grown up now!
But I'll take it anyway!
Just don't tell your mother.
She'll know I've been hiding money away for myself.
Thank you, Dad.!
Wow!
That's a lot! Thank you so much, Dad!
I'm glad we agreed I get a 1000 yen note for every year of my age!
I never thought I'd be giving you this much money.
I never thought...
Thanks, Dad.
Rice Cake Soup
Mika!
You have some New Year's cards.
Thanks!
Big pile...
Wow! I got so many!
Big pile...
I can't believe my old classmates still send me New Year's cards!
Big pile... It's wonderful!
Big pile...
Drag...
Well, except for what a drag it is to write thank you notes.
Drag...
I can help you write your thank you notes!
I bet lots of your old friends have different surnames now.
Actually, not at all.
Similar Type Friends They're just like you.
Oh, there was one!
There you go! There was one!
She went back to her maiden name the year after.
That's too bad.
Ping pong...
A Happy New Year to you, Mika-Sensei!
Kitagawa! What are you doing here?
So early in the new year.
The class thought that we could all go to the shrine together...
...so I've come to invite you!
The shrine, huh?
Uh, but, you see...
Cold... Uh, but, you see...
Cold... It's really cold out.
You'll get fat if you just lie around the house.
I'll go!
Come on, don't make me wear this kimono.
We got this for your adulthood ceremony.
You've got to wear it once in a while.
But it's so much trouble to put on and take off.
I'd be happy to help you!
To put it on and take it off.
I think I'll pass.
Pat...
All right! You're all done!
This actually feels good!
Oh! You look so cute, Mika.
He's right!
Oh, stop it, you two!
You don't call a grown woman "cute".
She looks just like a kid!
Yes, yes...
Chitose Candy
Huh?
Chitose Candy
Except for all those new wrinkles.
I don't know which of you to be mad at more.
Shrine
Hey everyone, Happy New Year!
Happy New Year!
I see you're wearing a kimono, Mika-Sensei.
Yeah. My mom insisted.
So you're not wearing underwear?
Is that all you have to say, Kobayashi?
Besides, that would make it too cold to go to the bathroom.
A kimono makes it harder to go in the first place.
I can imagine it's tricky while wearing a kimono.
I'm always here if you need help.
To hold your sleeves and keep your hem up.
Um, that's okay.
You don't wear a full-sleeved kimono once you get married.
Well, I think Mika-Sensei will be okay for a while.
Uh, well...
Actually, this is the last year I'll be wearing a full-sleeved kimono.
Why? Are you planning to get married?
Giggle... No.
The sleeves are so heavy that it's exhausting.
It's obviously made for younger people.
Right!
What's the matter, Kudo?
You've been staring at Mika-Sensei.
I just wish that boys would wear kimono more often.
I bet it would look so cool.
I want to see Suetake in one.
With just a simple red loincloth on underneath...
Let's just leave Kudo here and go on ahead.
Huh? But Suetake and Old Man aren't here yet.
Neither is Seki!
Here's Suetake.
Hey, guys!
Suetake, why are you wearing such light clothes?
You're in shorts and a sweatshirt with the sleeves rolled up!
Young Oh, the young!
The energy!
Energetic... The energy!
The weirdo.
Weird... The weirdo.
Thump, thump...
Is he trying to turn me on, the little devil?!
That's his take on it?
Hey!
Sorry we're late!
Happy New Year, everyone.
Wow. That really suits you, Old Man.
Maybe a little too much.
Old Man...
He's an old man.
Old Man...
Sure is.
I don't know how I'm supposed to respond to that.
Gift Money
Give us gift money!
Gift Money
We're the same age.
Gift Money
No one's commented on my outfit.
It's just that we're used to it.
Hey, do you wear underpants under your kimono?
Do you want to see?
No, thank you.
Stalls
Bang!
I just can't believe he had a little kid!
He's a fraud! A fraud!
Now, now. Cheer up.
Forget about what happened and drink up!
You're right.
I should just forget about the past.
And this year, I'm going to live it up!
You guys! We have to stick together!
We mustn't be separated.
Baf!
You all right, Kudo?
Thump... You all right, Kudo?
S-Suetake...
Let's stick together so we don't get separated.
What?
Thump!
Go together...?
Squeeze...
Yeah. Let's go.
Thump, thump... Yeah. Let's go.
Thump, thump...
Kudo's got a major nosebleed!
What do you want to do?
Let's just leave them.
Rather Cat Ears
Step right up! Come and take a look!
A future masterpiece, Takumi Watabe's latest work...
... is being sold directly to you!
The last unsold copies from that big manga fair last year!
A limited edition of 100 copies. Buy it here or you'll lose out!
We have lots and lots left!
Come take a look, step right up!
Koro-chan Raw Pictures
Koro-chan...
Um, young lady?
You've been looking at them for a while, but are you going to buy some or not?
Can you hear me?
Koro-chan...
Come on. What's with these crowds?
Hey, don't push! Ow!
Ow!
Tominaga!
Uh, Seki.
You all right?
Don't hold onto me like that! Get away from me!
No.
Just stay with me.
Seki?
Well, my kimono sash has come undone.
Could you just hold it until we get through this crowd?
I knew it was something like that.
Hey, you guys! Where did you all go?!
Mika-Sensei!
I'm over here.
Oh, Kitagawa!
You shouldn't wander off like that.
I just wanted to see her like this.
Kitagawa hid from her just so she could see her in tears.
And her timing is perfect.
Look. A path is opening up ahead, Mika-Sensei.
Right!
Alms
Clap, clap...
I pray that this year Suetake will fall in love with me.
And I want to do many things with him, like this and that...
And even that would be incredible!
Sensei, it looked like you were praying very seriously.
Huh?
I only pray once a year, so it's got to be serious.
You probably just prayed that you'll lose 3 kilos or something.
Lose 3 kilos You probably just prayed that you'll lose 3 kilos or something.
No!
I was hoping that I'd get taller.
You haven't given up on that yet?
That's not the only thing I prayed for!
What else did you pray for?
Well, let's see...
I was praying that everyone will have a good year.
This must mean that I'm almost 30!
Bang! This must mean that I'm almost 30!
She's shocked by her own age.
That happens a lot when you get to that age.
End of Episode 7
DON'T STOP. DON'T STOP THE MUSIC
Running up a steep hill of frozen asphalt
I can barely catch my breath
I feel like I'm about to fall apart LONELINESS
Let's listen to Rock'n'Roll If I feel like I'm about to be jilted
I put on my headphones and crank up the VOLUME
Dance like crazy and strut along in M IDNIGHT
I don't need anything
The night is harsh
But neither tears nor lies flow
DON'T STOP. DON'T STOP THE MUSIC
Let me hear the cool numbers
It's only ROCK'N ROLL (ROCK'N ROLL)
It is indeed ROCK'N ROLL (ROCK'N ROLL)
I laugh away the silly romance put to the rhythm
I smile as I lay down low
I am dynamite
Next time - Episode 8: Winter has Come and Spring is Around the Corner