Episode 111 "Venusian"}
Wha!?
Wa...
Wait!
Was it just a dream?
What the heck were you dreaming of, Nino!?
Come on, everyone's watching Cosmos vs. Alien
Their battles are always marvelous
He commands a fleet, but he's really been an alien since before he was born
The distance between "micro" and "macro" is so important
At least when it comes to misunderstandings in space treaties
If it's this or be the second coming of Adam and Eve
Everyone's probably better off how they are now
Come on, take a closer look
Come on, be a little more eager
Come on, let's hold hands gently
Come on, put a smile on
Talk and talk, gossip up a storm
But soon it's more than just a joke
Cross the mountains, cross the valleys
Get to the planet he lives on
Come on, everyone's watching the captain, the queen, and the ace
Yes, the missile counterbarrage is ready
But the man aiming has really been an alien since before he was born
Now, the cosmos is space
It's just one wide sweep
The cosmos's sugary taste
It's just one sweet
Just a pinch of magic when you're together with her
Just a pinch of sugar and you can have her
Episode 109 "Trade"
Come on. You need to quit sleepwalking into my room like this every night.
I wasn't able do get enough sleep last night, either!
My body can't take much more—
She's crying!?
Don't worry about it! You can come over as often as you want!
I wasn't trying to make you cry!
Huh? Why am I crying?
Maybe because of the dream I had?
Dream?
Well, you did yell "wait!"...
Were you having a nightmare?
It was scary, but I wanted to see the rest.
I've forgotten most of it, but it was such an absorbing dream...
Nino...
Oh well, don't worry about it. I've already forgotten.
Nino is still just a girl.
Living under the bridge, she must see so many scary things...
That's it!
If I move in with Nino, maybe that will relieve some of her worries.
It's probably the most I can do for her right now.
What's up, Ric? You look pretty happy about something.
No, I'm not making that kind of face at all!
Really?
It kinda looks like the face Star's always making.
No it doesn't!
This is the face I make when I'm in deep contemplation!
Wrong!
I'd never act that much like Star!
"What if our toothbrushes lined up one windowsill touch like they're kissing!?", or
"Maybe we'd go to the public baths wearing matching hanten coats!", or
"After a kiss, maybe I'd finally become a man"—
What the hell am I thinking!? I'd never act like that!
Anyway, I need to make sure I don't say anything that sounds like I'm leading up to that!
Stay calm, be casual!
Nino... er...
I have a proposal!
If your sleepwalking happens to bring you to my place, perhaps you should move in?
I'm sorry for acting like such a perv...
You sure?
If you're fine with it,
I can move in today.
Of course!
We're lovers, after all, so there's nothing wrong with it!
Thanks.
Oh, it's nothing...
So from now on we'll get closer and closer...
Huh?
Oh, you should probably have this.
Uh, yeah.
Thanks. A lot.
We traded.
Episode 110 "Nino's House"
Why did Nino treat me like a man who's only good for his bedroom?
Well, the last time I offered her my room I just got shot down, so I guess it's an improvement...
Wow, I haven't been here in a while.
This bed's just as impressive as ever.
I love...
I love you!
I love your haircut so bad it makes me sick, but!
Even if you shaved your head like a monk, I'd still really love you!
I love you!
LOVE
Really!
REALLY
You!
Love!
What do I do!?
WHAT DO I DO
Thank you!
And I'll make you so incredibly happy!
Shut the fuck up.
Recruit!?
What the hell are you doing here!?
How about you!? Why do you keep coming here every day!?
Isn't it obvious!? My heart is always about to explode with love!
If I don't keep coming here...
Huh?
P-ko?
Where's Nino?
She's at my place.
We traded houses.
Traded!?
Tomatoes? Are those for Nino?
These are—-
Wait, they're still not ripe.
It's not like that! They're—
Yeah, they look like him.
Maybe she wanted to talk with Nino about her feelings for the Mayor?
Hey, punkass.
I don't care if you traded or whatever, but from now on this is your house.
Well, I don't know if I'll be staying here forever, but for now...
Okay, Ric, I'm coming in!
What?
It smells great!
He'd never been in Nino's house.
Something's funny here, though.
They all seem to have their guard down when they come visit Nino.
I guess I'm the same, though...
Hey, Nino, I'm coming in.
That voice?
Even the Mayor's showing up?
Oh man. Sister baked way too many cookies, and now he wants me to hand them all out.
I see, so you can use your shell for that.
Must be pretty convenient.
Sure is.
Too bad, you got caught by my youkai shell-removal illusion.
Dude, your fly's open.
He let down his guard too much.
Episode 111 "Venusian"
Wow, it's already late.
They just never let up today.
Nino's an early riser, I bet she's already asleep.
Wait, I haven't even seen her since then.
That's right. She...
When I wake up in the morning, she's always on my sofa.
She comes for 3 o' clock tea.
Lately, she's been cooking fish in my kitchen.
Meaning...
Don't cats grow attached to their home rather than the people there!?
I can't leave it like this...
I have to make this home more cozy than that one!
Before she gets completely settled in up there...
I know, I'll make it warmer! I'll start by making it warmer!
That must be why she sleeps in the drawers even though it's such an impressive—
Wait, huh?
She uses the drawer on the left the correct way?
Oh, this is some quality fabric!
Wow, this brings back memories. We were on a date when I gave her this dress—
Wait, no?
What's this? I've never even seen it.
It's a bit old, but the materials and workmanship are first-class.
Children's clothes?
Nino!?
Wait, it's not like that!
This is all a misunderstanding!
I wasn't trying to check out your past at—
Did she sleepwalk here?
What are you doing, Nino?
It's still cold here.
Nino...
Nino!
Sleeping in the bed's drawers was actually terribly uncomfortable.
Episode 112 "Over the Border"
Wow, it's just like the Hale-Bopp comet.
That one's out of the park!
Who told you to bat, anyway?
The coach told me to hit it with all I had.
Is that really okay?
I get it, so the manager let their pursuit of victory cloud their eyes...
That was a one-of-a-kind autographed ball, too! John—
Lennon!? 'Tis truly a misfortune, then!
What, was it something valuable?
Yeah, I had to buy so many packets of chips to trade in for it...
So I guess that means the manager has to go looking now.
Yeah, we're stuck here until they find it...
Riiiight, manager?
Ball... Ball, ball...
There's no such thing as a ball signed by John anyway!
What was his number then? Tell me that!
You can't, you're just pulling it out of your black hole!
Dammit, I'm gonna find it, walk back, and smash that bright-white ball right into his yellow face.
Whatever, I'm just wasting my time griping about him out here.
There's no way I'm ever gonna find anything that tiny just wandering around.
I don't even know how far it flew.
Maybe this is a little far?
The landscape's different from downstream.
Maybe I should start working my way back.
Return.
Yeah, even Sister never could have—
Intruder!
Beyond this point lies the great Mother-Jungle, the Amazon!
Return, lest you incur the wrath of the spirits!
Welcome to the
Enjoy your trip!
colorful land
Saitama
I crossed the equator!?
At that time, I didn't even dream that our meeting would lead to such tragedy.
Thus, this will be continued in episode 116.
Episode 113 "Arakawa Marathon Championship"
Okay, Ric, I'll be waiting at the river mouth.
Nino.
I'll keep waiting, remember.
It's like I'm selling a calf...
And just who are you imagining the buyer to be?
Okay, it's time for us to get going! Ric, you should head back to the starting line!
The winner gets the blessing of us maidens!
Wait, P-ko! Do you even have your license!?
All right, everyone, get ready at the starting line!
It's almost time to start!
Okay! Let's get ready for the Arakawa Marathon Championship!
Okay!
Sure! Bring it on!
Billy, are you sure?
I don't want to hold you back...
Shut up! This is no time to worry!
But... Aren't I heavy?
All I feel in my arms is the weight of love!
Oh, Billy!
Man, I never thought I'd be in a marathon at this age...
Oh well, I don't really have any objections.
Warming up, Whitey? Great idea!
Let's take it slow out there.
Yeah, let's enjoy the scenery and take it easy.
Ready!
Go!
He's acting like a little kid!
C'mon, Ric! Dash! Dash!
Silly! You can't sprint at the beginning of a marathon!
Was that green thing—
The ma—!?
Ma...
No! His body's a different form from normal!
Behold! My evolved form!
This is the speedy kappa, adapted to both land and sea!
I'll show you the wall between youkai and humans!
What are you even trying to be!?
What!? Everyone's got speed to match their enthusiasm!
Am I already in last!?
Oh, that's good.
He's running it like a normal marathon.
What are you doing, Sister?
This is a marathon.
A marathon is a battle you fight against yourself.
A war with your body!
Setting handicaps and breaking through...
A truly worthy victory!
Yep, you're a masochist.
Place your bets people, place your bets!
The race is really heating up!
This window closes in one minute, place your bets!
The favorite is Whitey!
He's a tough one, a sure winner!
Can't you guys join in like kids for once!?
Who're you gonna pick, Ric? Whitey's the hot pick!
What, Whitey's really that fast?
Well, sure he's fast...
But he's been living just for this day, too.
Building up stamina over a whole year...
A restricted diet...
Customizing his machine...
Don't worry, I know you can take that corner.
He was too stressed last night to sleep.
He stayed up all night talking to his beloved field striper "Cornish".
If we don't let him win, he'll snap!
Don't worry.
Whitey won last year and the year before.
Then, this year...
Look!
Someone's racing in reverse!
It's—!
Whitey!
Has he already run the course!?
No... Look.
He... He's crying!?
What has come to pass!?
I'm out of white powder!
With no white powder, I'm done for!
Never mind where you place, you should be worried about the police misunderstanding that.
Episode 114 "Like the wind... Like the clouds..."
And Whitey's down and out!
Whitey's withdrawn from the race to return home!
No refunds! This window is closed!
They're making such a racket.
Oh well, doesn't matter to me. I've already won.
Oh really now.
Sure thing.
I won 10 fish betting me vs. Ric.
I'll win, even if you're just a step behind me.
Then again, you're such a scrub that it makes me wonder if you can even finish.
Stella.
What?
100 fish, all on me.
Huh?
You do know no one's placed a single bet on you, right?
No way! Not one!?
You're the type who expects to be praised just for finishing, aren't you?
Don't push yourself too hard, scrub.
Who the hell do you think I am?
Didn't I tell you? I'm good at everything.
On every single one of my report cards, not a single grade was lower than a perfect S!
Not bad!
But, Ric. You gonna be able to keep up with the Mayor?
I don't know, but I'm going to have to!
If I don't take first, this means absolutely—
The hearts of humans are like that cloud.
Take a good look, Ric, Star.
That cloud...
It looks just like a crab.
Wait, he gave up!?
Episode 115 "Last Run"
The kappa's out too! What a tumble!
But that's nothing new, right?
Right.
Somehow, first place is held by the super dark horse, scrubby little Recruit!
Say whatever you want!
You'll regret turning up your nose at me!
No one can get by me no—
How'd he get so quick all of a sudden?
Didn't you realize? The winds have changed.
Drive me on, wind! Shooting Star running technique!
That's unfair!
I'm always invincible!
Dammit! I won't let him beat me with that trick!
I'm worn out, though...
Calm down, and...
I've got it!
I just need to save my strength until he exhausts himself!
What's with that funny face?
I'm just mimicking how you look when you run.
"Aww, I'm all worn out!"
Son of a—!
Why don't you wash up on a beach and die, you starfish demon!
Go choke on your damn necktie, scrub!
Oh no!
I forgot that my right leg was supposed to be "broken".
All right.
And even though I'm wounded, two of my squadmates are already casualties...
There you are!
Don't worry, we're making it out of here!
Okay, and...
Here come the leaders!
Oh, it's Ric and Star.
Wow, that was unexpected.
The goal! I'm past my limits, but...
Thank you very much! Point the spotlight away, I can't see everyone's face!
Star is already dreaming of a live show at Budokan.
Plus, losing to Star in front of Nino...
I can't let that happen!
Oh, wow! One last spurt!
I can already hear it!
The goddesses' blessings...
Amazing, Whitey!
I'm surprised! I'd heard you dropped out.
What a fabulous overtake.
Wait, what? Whitey?
Didn't you go home for more quicklime?
I went, and came back.
This is the power of tenacity, Ric.
Even an old man like me...
Wants to show off at least one day a year!
Ric.
Better get started on those 100 fish. I expect you to catch each one yourself.
And you owe me a dragonfly interest a day!
The winner, Whitey!
Second, Ric!
Third, Star!
Hail!
Whitey!
Congrats on winning!
Perk up, you two!
Your knees are clattering!
I feel sick...
Ric.
Are you okay?
Here, have a fresh fish.
Wait, Ni—
By the way, where's Sister?
Knowing him, he's off being a pervert somewhere.
Look, Billy.
What a beautiful sunset.
I don't have time to look at that.
I'm night-blind.
So I need to burn your face into my vision before the sun sets.
Billy...
But what... What if I couldn't use either of my legs? What would I do?
Wa—
Wait!
Ric. there's two fish in the title this time!
Arakawa under the Bridge×2.
Next time, 2 Bridge×2.
Add in the episode title and there's four mackerel!
You're, uh, right.
Dinner tonight will be great.
Illustration: Jin Kobayashi
Are you gonna watch again next time?