The end of summer had been exciting...
Classes in Asuko have also started for the second semester...
And I've noticed
that I've now mentally and emotionally immersed myself in this Tech High School life.
When soldering an IC*...
[*integrated circuit or microchip]
it's better to use a thinner soldering iron, right?
Yeah, you can also change the voltage
of the soldering iron to 18 watts for that kind of work.
By the way, Yoshino you don't wear your uniform as much as before?
-Yeah, I'm more at ease wearing work clothes.
I wish there'll be more...
industrial girls like you enrolling here than industrial guys.
-Yeah, me too! -Uh, Yoshino-san.
We're going to change our clothes now...
Oh, go ahead, it's ok with me.
But for us, it's not ok....
Eh...?
For me, Asuko has become a comfortable place...
But then...
I never would've guessed
that this place will soon be disturbed.
Oh.. Aruto-kun.
I... I like you, Aruto-kun!
Sorry.
Hey.
Did you just arrive now?
Yeah...
I totally overslept.
Can you let me pass?
Oh..
Tamaki-kun.
Instead of Aruto... can it be me?
I have always liked you.
I-It's unusual...
for you to be late.
I wasn't late.
I had just been gathering information on electric studies.
Electric studies?
Yeah, for credential purposes.
I'll be taking it up next year.
I see...
Well, see you...
Yes.
Can you let me pass?
Oh, Sensei.
Sorry.
You can also
...stare at Sensei's back if you want.
No thanks.
You haven't given your answer yet to Tamaki-kun?
We didn't get to meet much during the summer break...
the timing wasn't right.
After that, what kind of answer should I give him?
But you haven't gotten over the fact that Aruto-kun dumped you.
I knew it.
By that startled look you showed just now.
No, I'm not.
You should decide on an answer
and give it to Tamaki-kun soon.
There should be a deadline
to giving an answer once someone confesses to you.
Eh...?
Took a lot of courage for him to confess to a friend..
Then after more than a month he hasn't received a reply yet?
It IS hard, you know...
You feel scared your friendship with Tamaki-kun will be ruined.
There's that shocked look on your face again.
I AM shocked..
I'm home~.
Welcome home~!
Nao!
That looks good on you.
It's cute, isn't it?
I saw it on the way home, and decided to buy it.
I've recently become addicted to clothes that are easy and comfortable to wear.
I know the feeling.
Eh?
I've been obsessed with the appeal of 'suteteko'* for 25 years now.
[*men's long undershorts/pants]
That's not the same as mine.
I'm even wearing one right now...
Stop! I don't wanna see that.
I'm glad.
You've finally grown to like industrial work.
Yes.
It's because of Grandpa's recommendation.
Thanks.
Oh, by the way, Nao...
Nah...
never mind.
Someone's inside..?
Who's that?
Oh.. Nao!
You didn't recognize me?
Mom! What are you doing?
Can't you tell?
I'm packing your things.
Packing?
Should I throw this away?
Ah! Wait, no!
-...No no.
Isn't that trash?
How about this?
Don't touch that!
Why? Did a boy give that to you?
Of course, I won't throw it away... I do know that..
such gifts are given as a way to be worn close to a girl's heart.
That's not it.
You just came back from Singapore so
why are you packing up my things?
I came to fetch you.
What?
You will study in Singapore from now on.
EHH~!
~ASUKO MARCH!~ ::Episode 8:: "The Final Chapters! My mother came back... holding a secret? The tears of 25 boys"
You came home so suddenly.
Really?
How are you and Dad?
Why'd you ask?
You're not wearing your wedding ring.
It's nothing to be concerned about.
I'm here in Japan for work purposes and then I'll be going back.
So it's only for work but still
it shouldn't be a reason to neglect Dad.
Here you go...
This is your plane ticket.
We'll be going to Singapore next month.
I'm not going.
I've decided that you'll study in a school in Singapore.
Mom, I think you're getting ahead of yourself.
Am I right, Grandpa?
Yes.. Ayumi-san, I think this is really...
Dad, can you please be quiet for awhile?
Yes.
This is what you wanted in the first place.
Oh! Those are...
These are letters I got from you.
'Dear Mom...'
'It was wrong for me to enroll in Asuko...' 'Crying' enclosed in parentheses.
You don't have to read that!
You sent me four more letters
saying you don't have any female friends, and there's only rowdy boys...
And that you're deeply frustrated with the low college entry rate...
I sent these a long time ago.
But
she already has some female friends by now, right?
Uh... yes!
That's right. We always eat lunch together...
And all her male friends...
are only a bunch of warm, gentle guys, right?
Yes.
I'm now happy in Asuko.
I've already made up my mind.
Just wait a minute!
Hello, Johnston.
Okay. Bye.
I have to attend an important business meeting.
But we haven't finished talking...
This discussion is now over.
But you haven't touched your scallops ala meuniere yet...
I'll have it later... just go ahead and eat.
As usual she's so assertive~!
And she's really selfish, too!
['The next day']
It's the worst.
Showing up all of a sudden, then telling me, 'Go to Singapore,' right?
Where's Singapore?
Is Singapore a part of Australia?
No, it's an American state.
Singapore is a country in Asia.
Oh, that's right?
It's the country famous for merlions, isn't it?
That's right.
Merlions are more probably extinct by now.
No, it's just a mythical creature.
For someone who decides where you will study regardless of what you say
...your mom is pretty assertive.
Yeah.
My mom is a kind of person
who once sets her mind on something she absolutely does it.
She and my dad set up a company in Singapore...
but the one doing the most important decisions is my mom.
She hardly listens to Dad's opinions.
Why is mom here...?
I'm sorry.
For asking to visit your class all of a sudden.
Class visitation?
Well...
my class has decreased in number though.
But I did hear it...
That the college entry rate has risen in past six months.
No, no. Actually, it is much lower.
As of now, the graduates for this year have no plans to go to college.
Oh, I heard a different story then.
Is it because the teachers here are neglectful, isn't it?
But the students here prefer to work after graduation...
Enough with the excuses.
Please show me around the school.
This is bad....
Oh, no~...
I certainly don't want her to see this.
Hey, guys.
Excuse me, guys!
Hey hey hey! Listen listen listen. Listen!
Why, Yoshino-san, is there a fight going on?
That's not it!
My mother's coming to visit the classroom.
Oh, it's about that thing, huh?
If she sees this,
for sure she's going to take me to Singapore with her.
Please!
Only for now can you guys get serious?
What do you mean serious?
Eh..?
Uh...
Ahh... Like removing your bandanna.
But this is my fashion style...
And then,
arrange your hair nicely.
But what about my hair color?
Eh?
Whatever... just try to act serious!
Please! There's no more time.
-What should I do...? -Crap...
Maybe I'll straighten out my hair...
Guys...
This way.
This is the classroom.
Come in.
Guys,
why are you all seated properly?
What do you mean by that, Sensei?
This is how we always are, right?
Getting a little too much into character...
By the way, this is our natural hair.
[*mixed race]
We are 'half',* you see.
This is hard to watch...
So...
Yoshino's mother is visiting the classroom today.
Hello, everyone!
Hello!
Alright then. Ma'am, you can stay at the back.
Okay.
Wazzup! Sorry I'm late~!
Oh, no...! He doesn't know what's happening...
Whose auntie is this?
Auntie?
Murai-kun.
Can you kindly stop saying disrespectful words?
'Kindly?'
She is...
the mother of Yoshino.
Oh!
Nice to meet you. I'm Murai. My hobbies include chess.
My special talent is binding erotic pocket books--
Murai-kun!
Can we discuss about the future of the student council?
Let's talk over there.
Huh? Student council?
Just shut up and come with me.
What's with the glasses?
Se-sensei. Can we already start with the homeroom class?
Okay...
Uh, can we start already?
A classroom like this...
how can anyone withstand this...? And the smell...
Guys, I'll be counting on you again, ok?
You're amazing, Yoshino!
I can never copy your skills in welding.
Really?
Yoshino is definitely the Prince of Welding, isn't she?
By that, you mean... 'Princess,' right?
But this isn't what you told me.
About what?
You said you have lots of female friends.
Oh, that...
They're in a different class, that's why.
But ever since I entered inside this school, I haven't seen a single girl yet.
Oh...you just haven't met them yet.
Oh, Momo-chan.
Ah... Wait a sec.
Uh,
can we eat lunch together today?
What?
It's just that...
...my mom's here to visit the school, actually...
She's worried that I don't have a female friend....
I just wanted to ease her worries so...
So you want me to pretend to be your friend?
Yes.
There's no way I will do that.
Even if it's just an act, I won't be able to stomach it.
You don't like me that much?
Even more than a stinky pile of cilantro.
What should I do...?
All you have to do is tell me.
Eh?
Let me borrow a uniform.
It's tough but someone's gotta do it.
Oh, nevermind... it's ok.
You said you always eat lunch with your girlfriends.
Oh.. today they can't be here because they have the colds.
But do common colds occur at this time of the year?
Nao-chan~!
Let's eat lunch together.
What the-....
What was that just now?
Hmm? Oh, that? Oh, nothing, just ignore it.
What the heck! Took me a lotta time fixing myself up like this.
Yeah! We even looked pretty cute.
What the hell?
You mean, we won't have our turn?
Say, you wanna go to Disneysea with me?
Hell no.
Excuse me...
You there on the hammock!
Yes?
Can you tell me where the gym is?
Yeah...
it's over there.
So you're the one who gave Nao the paper crane.
Eh?
And also the feather necklace?
What's your relationship with Nao?
Are you her boyfriend?
Sorry but... I'm not.
It seems that the paper crane was something important to her.
A guy like me isn't suitable for Yoshino.
Is that so?
Right...
Tamaki-kun?
What?
I don't know what are you talking about.
Oh, I see.
Game starts now!
Nice shoes!
It's none of your business, y'know.
What about?
I don't need any encouragement from you!
But I know you're getting impatient.
What?
I saw you...
confessing at the beach.
I have always liked you.
It really won't go anywhere
unless you try to be more assertive.
Shut up, you...!
Damn you!
That's it...
Show how you really feel.
Just shut the hell up!
Aren't you committing a foul?
You think you're so cool, doncha?!
-What're you doing, stop it! -Hey, you two, stop that!
Tamaki, stop it!
-That's a pretty intense game, huh? -Sure is one furious fight.
Stop it now.
Oww~...
I'm injured... can someone switch with me?
Huh?
That's youth~.
So,
who will you choose, Nao?
Choose who?
Will it be Aruto-kun or Tamaki-kun?
Eh?!
Uh....eh...
wha-what do you mean?
So hard to choose between the two, huh?
Anyway, I think you should let them chase after you...
...and just enjoy it for awhile.
Is that so?
But too bad, you're leaving for Singapore soon.
I told you I don't wanna go.
Sorry but..
...that is what I've decided.
What?
Eh?
You weren't able to convince me that..
...that was the right school for you.
Huh?
Come on now...
You were just trying to make a good impression.
I knew that everyone was just trying desperately to stage an act.
How did you find out...?
It's normal after all that they're helping you since you're a girl.
But don't worry, after 3 years...
I'm sure you won't be missing them.
There are plenty more out there for you to meet.
Come on, Ayumi-san.
Can you at least listen to what Nao thinks...?
Alright.
Go ahead.
I'm listening.
If you choose to go ahead with this Asuko thing...
tell me.. what are your future plans?
I can't tell you yet what my plans are...
There you see, Dad?
So kindly stay out of this, ok?
Sorry...
But I finally know that it's the place for me...
...and I made some important friends.
Can't you make friends elsewhere?
You won't be able to...
if you only stick with your Asuko friends.
So if you stay in Asuko, what will you get out of it?
I'll be...
She'll be able to learn
...the splendors of making things.
Well, if it's just that...
there are many other areas related to it, am I right?
I haven't thought about that.
See, Dad? You're wrong.
Can I ask you to please be quiet?
Sorry.
Don't worry if you'll leave Asuko...
this feeling of sadness will just be temporary.
I've always made the decisions for you, right?
This time, I'm not gonna let you.
What do you mean?
When I was suffering then,
you didn't do anything to help me.
I sent you the letters but you didn't reply.
So I made my own decision...
and that is to remain in Asuko.
Nao,
I'm only thinking about your future.
But it has always been your way, isn't it?!
I hate you, mom!
Wait, Nao!
Listen to me, Nao!
Nao!
Why do you have to be so selfish?
Nao!
Ayumi-san,
what's wrong?
It's nothing,
I'm fine.
'Fine?'
Subtitled by: earthcolors
Retiming by: furransu
Yoshino, what happened with that Singapore thing?
Not good...
It's even worse than before.
Seriously?
After going through all the trouble of dressing in girls' clothes?
It probably had a bad effect, no?
Even Tamaki was supposed to do it, too.
You shoulda seen him all dolled up like a pretty girl.
Tamaki-kun, too?
What? I wasn't listening.
Uh.. What is that?
Oh, didn't I tell you this before?
I took an exam in electricity studies.
Oh.
To get into such a course, I gotta be fully qualified for it.
But isn't that going to be difficult?
Well, that's why I have to start studying now.. so that by 2nd year, I'll be ready for it.
Oh, that's right.
-Hey, hey... Tamaki-kun. -Yeah?
Can I also qualify for it?
What?
I'm going to convince my mother with this.
The admission test is divided into the practical and the written tests.
The scope of the written test are all in that book.
Eh...?
The test looks complicated, isn't it?
You see...
in that school the final tests are different.
You said it.
In the practical test...
you'll be asked to cut electric wires to the length specified...
and also for these devices and wiring.
Then, this is a sample of a wiring diagram for the exam.
You're allowed to look at the picture and to complete it within 40 minutes.
-Eh? 40 minutes...
And then...
you'll be asked to answer 13 questions regarding one of these topics.
You may not know about this stuff yet
But if you practice properly, you can do it...
But come to think of it...
there are a few weeks left so it might be difficult.
But all of this information had been really helpful.
Guess it's all up to me to understand it.
Well, if you want I'll keep you company.
Thanks.
But... I've decided not to let anyone help me and just do this on my own.
Ok, then. Do your best.
Yeah.
There should be a deadline to giving an answer once someone confesses to you.
Uh, Tamaki-kun!
If it's about your answer, just tell me after you're done.
Huh?
Right now, you need to focus only on the test, okay?
You're right... Thanks.
Mom, can I talk to you for awhile?
I have to go to a business meeting.
Just listen for awhile.
I've got no time.
Just listen.
I'm going to qualify for the electrical studies course.
How will you do that?
Before I go to Singapore with you, I'm going to take it up
that's why I have to stay in Asuko.
Is that so..?
Then what kind of job are you planning to have?
I haven't thought of that yet...
But this is what I want that's why I can't leave Asuko.
Besides, it's something that can be useful in the future.
There's no way you'll be able to do it.
You don't know that... Why say such a thing?
You always don't finish what you start... and just give up on it.
Like your piano lessons and your paintings.
But it's different this time.
So how is it different...?
Explain it to me in detail.
It's because...
See?
So just good luck with that, ok?
It IS different this time!
I AM really going to take it up!
Is something on your mind?
Why?
You're acting like as if I'm not here at all.
Of course not.
Oh, I know...
It's Yoshino, isn't it?
Eh?
Why mention her name now?
She lives in a world different from mine.
Or maybe it's better...
if I can help you forget her?
I've had enough of this foolishness.
Somehow I'll save up and pay you all the money I owe you someday.
I'm done.
Oh... it took me two hours.
It seems I did it wrong, too.
You seem all so busy, huh?
Momo-chan.
Electrical studies test?
Another one of your clever schemes to get boys' attention.
Ah, wait...
What are you gonna do?!
Can't you stop that?
...Takeuchi-kun.
What you're doing is harrassment not just some form of teasing,
which I'm sure you're familiar with.
What?
Don't say such stupid things.
I do know it...
that Yoshino is
different from those girls in your junior high school.
What are you talking about?
Slowly in a way...
You're turning out to be like them.
No, I am not!
Momo-chan?
The girls in her middle school
had bullied her so badly.
At first, it was her best friend who was being bullied...
then when she protected her,
they turned in on her..
And finally, even her best friend betrayed her.
So that's why...
She doesn't trust girls.
It's because of that reason she also doesn't want to associate with you.
She's scared that the same thing would happen here.
That's also why she prefers the company of boys and gets on their good side.
-Momo-chan's cute, right? -No, I'm not.
-Shunsuke's really cool. -Shut up.
You ARE cool.
AC circuit for the voltage...
I'm hungry~.
Oh.
You're staying up late, huh?
Yes.
I don't want to fail the test.
But if you stay up all night, it'll be bad for you.
Then you also need to sleep more, right?
It's supper.
Grandpa...
prepared it for you since he knows you like this.
But for a midnight snack...
Yup...
Too much to eat.
['The day of the test']
'Admission ticket.'
Yoshi~!
Huh?
Yoshino's mom?
Oh, no.. Still have a few minutes.
You b*tch! Are you dumping him?!
Oi. You said you like Masahiro, doncha?
I said no such thing about him!
You were just playing with Masahiro then, huh?
Oi.
We need to talk.
No... I don't want to!
She's in trouble?
I don't want to!
Oh no... I'm gonna be late...!
Stop it! Let me go!
Oi. Oi~!
Wai... wait!
Stop that!
Nao-chan...
You're Yoshino from Class A.
What do you want?
She says she doesn't like it. So just quit it.
After playing with me, she's refusing to go out with me.
She shouldn't back out of it!
Who would want to have such a relationship?
Of course it's impossible if a boy forces a girl into it!
Let's go.
Where d'ya think you're goin'?
Stop it please!
Wait...!
Let her go!
Uwah~ Sh*t!
Oi.
How dare you mess up my hat!
-Serves them right! -Yeah~.
What are you doing?!
-Hey... -Crap crap! Let's go!
This is the worst! It's your fault!
Wait! Momo-chan!
You're really annoying!
Oh~! The admission ticket!
Huh? Where..?!
Eh...Where is it?!
Procedures for withdrawal?
Yes.
I know it's too sudden but I'd appreciate it if you do it now.
Uh...
does the principal know about this matter?
Should I need the approval of the principal?
No, but we need a reason for moving.
And also the principal would...
It is for family reasons that I decided to take my daughter overseas.
Do you expect her to travel from abroad to attend this school?
Or maybe you want to intervene with our family matters?
Alright.
I'll arrange the documents now.
But that's not what you promised her!
It seems my first impression of you boys is different from what I see now.
Yoshino wants to take up credentials for electrical studies.
Didn't you tell her that she doesn't have to go to Singapore?
I didn't promise her anything.
What?
She has not really been able to make the proper decisions
and this one is no different.
She doesn't have any female friends she can talk comfortably with.
The training here is not just difficult for girls...
..but also the curriculum here is not suitable for college.
If she stays in this school,
what kind of future will she have?
But Yoshino..
has completely rebounded every time.
What?
She hated Asuko so much at first...
But in the end she has accepted this place as her own.
And you'd like to protect her, is that what you're saying?
You're only doing that to get on her good side!
Uhm...
on the contrary, you have misunderstood.
Aruto...
She's the one who have protected us
and made things better.
What?
Had it not been for Yoshino
I would've already long withdrawn from school.
Even if she was on the brink of collapse, she still worked so hard...
I wanna thank you for helping me....
Thanks.
Thanks to her,
I'm able to still be here.
She also..
has protected my dream.
She shielded me
when I was getting beaten up....
She tried to protect
my family's factory as well.
Please don't shut it down...
This is all... This is all I have!
Why, you bastard...
A person like you has no right to make fun of these people.
Yoshino...
made me realize that I'm an essential part of the class.
You love cars...
and you can make nice designs of cars like this. You're essential...
in the making of the eco-car.
That's why Takeuchi-kun is the most important part.
Without her, the whole class wouldn't have banded together...
-We did it! -Cool~!
We wouldn't be able to make the eco-car if it hadn't been for her.
Go~!
Go, go!
If she leaves...
we're gonna be a boys-only class.
That's just something that must be absolutely avoided.
I agree with that.
If there are no girls...
I am not motivated to teach at all!
Sensei, please don't make it worse...
Huh?
Alright.
I will keep my promise.
But if she fails that electricity test...
I'm taking her to Singapore.
My feelings got through to her, huh?
Actually... yours was the most useless of all.
Are you sure I can't?
The written exam is over. Please try again next time.
But there has to be a way! If I don't have the credentials..
the school will not allow me to enroll in the course.
Sorry I can't help you.
What will I do...?
Yes.
Eh?
What happened to Mom?
Ah, Grandpa!
How is she? Is she ok?
Now, now,... try to calm down.
But why did Mom collapse?
It's due to over-fatigue. She had been working too much.
Fatigue?
Ayumi-san...
had been...
working non-stop
for the past 6 months.
But why has she been doing that...?
Well, sit down and I'll tell you.
Here.
Your parents have been managing their company, right?
It's actually on the brink of bankruptcy.
What?
When you sent her the letters saying you want to quit Asuko...
Your mom...
had really wanted to come home and fetch you at that time.
But they couldn't afford to pay for your school fees if you study abroad.
So that's why...
Even now, the situation is still not going well.
But your mom,
you see... is desperate to earn some money for your studies.
So she sold her precious things like her
wedding ring...
as well as her engagement ring... in order to fund their business ventures.
Mom...
She told me to keep quiet about it...
But you see, you shouldn't think that your mom left you alone to solve your problems.
Even when she was far away and had been..
undergoing tough times, she had always been thinking of you.
Are you okay, mom?
Nevermind me.
Don't you have school today?
Yes.
Go now.
Uh... mom.
Yes?
I've decided to go to Singapore.
What?
I guess you were right.
I don't think I can do things on my own yet...
so I need you to watch over me.
Besides, I didn't want to enter Asuko in the first place.
I never really wanted it...
I only tried to stay a while longer
because it was fun.
C'mon, Nao.
I know you really wanted to stay.
Eh?
I now understand...
what Asuko really means to you.
Huh?
More important than credentials are the good effects that you have done.
Your classmates have told me about it.
They did?
They told me that you're absolutely needed in Asuko.
But...
I know now..
that you sold your precious rings and all.
Don't worry about it... I'll buy them back in no time.
And that electricity test.... it was a failure.
I know you weren't able to make it.
What?
How did you know?
Someone went through the trouble of informing me.
Excuse me! Wait, excuse me!
Uhm...
You really do have
a wonderful girlfriend in that school.
'Girlfriend...'
Momo-chan!
Mom told me that you explained it to her...
That I wasn't able to make it to the test.
Thank you.
This is why... I find you so annoying.
Eh?
What are you thanking me for?
If you didn't stop to help and defend me...
you wouldn't have thrown away your chance to take an important test.
Momo-chan...
Thanks, ok?
Thanks.. I'll go from here.
Alright. Take care, okay?
Nao,
now that you've decided to stay in Asuko, I won't allow you to give up on this half-way.
Aim to be the top woman of the industry!
And mom, too... Try not to overwork yourself again.
It'll be ok. When your father had heard
that I collapsed.. he was worried a great deal.
So when I go back I'll make sure to divide the work between us.
Regardless of the changes, he'll love you anyway.
Well, I'm going to make sure of it.
So then, Nao...
Instead of enjoying these moments
of boys chasing and fighting over you...
do you want me to tell you another sure-fire way to do it?
What is it?
Try to go out with them both.
What?
Women should learn to be slightly crafty enough, you know?
Bye.
There's no way I could do such a thing...
Now I think I have overcome all my worries...
and began to think that I'm finally happy...
But at the end of this road I walk on...
lies the harsh reality...
A considerably painful farewell awaits me...
The sky had finally appeared...
but I immediately struggled to fly...
"Asuko March!" ...
"Asuko March!" Next time will be the last time!
Subtitled by: earthcolors
Retiming by: furransu
Next on ~ASUKO MARCH!~ ::Final Episode:: "The Last Time! Goodbye!! Thanks to 25 guys for an inspiring conclusion."