The whale leaps.
As high as he can imagine.
Piercing the water, from peak to peak,
is a yearning for the sky reflected in his eyes?
What if this high point was not merely the sky,
but something far higher?
If he knew of the infinite glitter of the stars,
would his dreams soar even higher?
Even if one doesn't know why,
to live is to constantly reach out.
Not a nervous restlessness,
but a constant motion of the heart.
A princess in clown's lipstick kisses you awake from your nap
You dreamers' tickets to your meeting are for a false VIP air force
I don't have time, what time is it? Class starts in five minutes
Don't rush, this is important, I meet you in five minutes
Venus is my neighbor, so why did it sneak up on me
Jesus is sitting right across from me, what do I do?
Here comes his attack, pretending he didn't hear my 'bye-bye'
He shows his shock, this is like a living hell
A wakeup kick for a greeting, my bare feet are always cut up
If you toss the chips in your hand at that girl, you may just sweep her off her feet in three winks
I don't hate you, I just don't like you, I don't know what I'm feeling
Don't wait, this is just a lull, I disappear with you in five minutes
Venus, she's always so lonely, don't look away
Jesus, if you're across from me, please listen
Episode 52 "Teacher Under the Bridge"
Using the bridge itself as a roof.
Is over here okay, Ric?
Sure, thanks.
This may be an open-air classroom, but it isn't half bad.
I'm just glad you found work.
Come on, Nino, of course I did.
There's no way I'd have trouble finding a job.
Yes. I've rejected the stigma of "leech" that Star stuck me with,
and from today on I'll be a teacher under the bridge!
All right, class, let's begin.
Okay!
Well, I guess that works.
I'd told everyone under the bridge I was starting a school,
but I never expected it to get off to this bad of a start.
Don't give me this! Do you know how many companies I've started!?
All right, our first lesson is in rules and manners.
"Rules"? "Manners"?
What's that? Do we have to learn them?
It's just common sense to start teaching with them!
What's "common sense"?
Do we have to learn it?
Nino, do you know?
Well, five or so.
Wow!
Did you know you're not supposed to go around naked outdoors?
A black-and-white car will come!
No way!
And dates! Dates are a matter of distance!
It'll be okay. Just calm down.
You already knew ordinary measures weren't enough for under the bridge.
Just start one by one, we can deal with tens and hundreds later!
All right, you two.
If you want to know why you need to start with rules and manners...
it's because they're the distinction between play and study!
Don't tell me you don't know what a distinction is.
Oh yeah! Stella taught us all about those.
Stella!?
I see. Since she's "the oldest sister"...
Just for starters, if someone betrays their "brother", they have to take their finger and...
You know, to be a warning to the other brothers.
You two can forget about what passes for common sense in the underworld right now.
Sometimes it's inconvenient how fast kids pick things up.
Episode 53 "Interest"
Why do we have to remember that?
Why, why? C'mon, why!?
Just shut up!
You have to be qui-
Hey, Professor Ric.
You really are running a school?
Mayor? Star?
If you were going to come, you should have been here from the start!
You need to come to school on time!
Huh? No, that's not it. We just came to watch.
There's empty seats, so you can go ahead and sit down.
What are you talking about? Remember, I'm a youkai.
I've been alive for centuries.
There isn't a thing you humans can teach me anymore.
Well, maybe if you give me your shiri-kodama, I'll think about it.
I'm not even sure how I'd physically do that.
Even if you make that ugly face.
Anyway, there's plenty I want you to know, no,
that I'm damn well going to tell you, so here, have a front-row seat.
No way, I've got to go, uh...
I've got to go practice my sumo!
Damn you!
Who the hell's going to listen to you, anyway?
What are you here for, then?
I came to work on my new song "Ruckus in the Classroom".
I didn't think I'd be here long, but...
What, Nino, you're in class?
Yeah, I plan on having perfect attendance.
So maybe Star will come to be with Nino?
Perfect, huh?
So if I have a concert at the same time, which one will you go to?
Class.
Star?
Recruit...
You...
Student-fucker!
What an accusation...
Wait, get back here!
What a soul-piercing shout...
Dammit, why is no one coming to class?
Well, they're not interested, so they don't want to be taught.
I guess... Nino, why are you coming to class?
And perfect attendance, too...
Well, because...
Because you're my lover, and I'm interested in you.
That's all.
Really?
Go fucking die!
Star titled his new song "Fuck off, you student-fucker".
Episode 54 "Starting Class
Well, they're not interested, so they don't want to be taught.
Even the brothers aren't listening to me at all.
I wanted to start with common sense, but maybe it's time to meet them halfway.
All right, you two.
Do you know about magnets?
What're those?
I guess they don't.
Take a close look at this pebble.
Pebble?
One, two, and...
Amazing, isn't it?
A...
Amazing!
There we go!
You have superpowers just like us, Ric!?
Not at all!
It's a purely scientific phenomenon!
Well? Wanna know how it works?
Let's study science!
Science is fun!
Let's do that.
All right, it's decided!
Ric...
Just leave it to me! It's not difficult at-
It's just our spare, but you have to keep it on!
If you wait until the men from the lab pick up on your esper brainwaves
and come looking, it'll be too late!
No, it's just basic sci-
You can't be that casual about it!
It took me two hours to get the mask off.
Episode 55 "Turf"
Now that I think of it, when I was little,
I had the most fun with science when I made a rocket out of a plastic bottle.
Cool, a rocket!
Does it really fly?
It flies great!
Ric, can I ride it?
It isn't really designed for passengers, and it can't make it all the way to Venus.
It can't make it!?
Nino's as crazy as usual, and the brothers have really let their guard down.
Class is going great.
If I had to be terribly worried about something...
I wonder what it would be.
It's okay. Don't let it get to you.
As long as I don't react, it'll all be ok.
Hey, Ric!
What's this balloon thing?
That's a parachute you attach to the rocket.
Try dropping it from somewhere high.
See how slowly it falls?
Wow, it really does! It's so exciting!
Friends
All right.
Friends
Not bad.
If it somehow manages to make it to Venus, this way they won't be offended.
Friends
Stella!
Why are you bothering us!?
What are you trying to-
You've got some bad manners.
It's common sense. When you set up shop on someone's turf,
first thing you've gotta do is pay your protection money.
Protection money?
Wait, which is bigger, trillions or billions?
Trillions.
Right, trillions. All right, cough up 100 trillion yen!
She looked serious.
If you're too cheap to cough up protection money, you'd better shut down your school.
Episode 56 "Not quite forthright"
Who made this your turf, anyway!?
I can set up a school anywhere I want!
It was completely
a riverside
thing, but...
So you want a turf war, is that it?
No, this is a school!
Fine, if you want it that way!
I'll set one up too!
An villainous armed gang called a "school"!
Why do you have to do that!?
Really, my orphanage was the most villainous in western Europe...
Most villainous in
western Europe
You'd better be imagining that!
Anyway, you're not gonna fool me! Fair is fair!
What the heck is she thinking?
This is pushing it, even for her...
You took away my brothers, calling yourself a teacher...
It's perfectly fair...
Now that I think of it, Stella and the brothers get along well.
Maybe she's lonely because she thinks the school took away her friends?
Looking at it, it wouldn't be like her to come to school normally.
Stella.
Do you know the story about soda bottle rockets?
Story?
Come take a look, guys.
What is it!?
If you all write a wish on a piece of notepaper and launch it,
they say your wishes will come true.
Why don't you write one, Stella?
Do it, do it!
Why do I-
Write one for us, Boss! We don't know how to write yet!
I do-
Stella, you can already write?
Of course!
Wow!
Hurry and write something!
I'd better take care writing this.
There she goes. I wonder what she's writing?
World Domination
Wow, that's complicated!
It's so cool!
Of course!
It's okay. I shouldn't argue with her now.
Unequaled
World Domination
Stella
World Domination
Unequaled
Stella
Self-centered
Stella
Sure-kill
Stella
Self-centered
Stella
Galaxy Cyclo
Mael
Now that I think of it, Stella showed up a little too late to go to school.
That's great!
You're even writing your name without being told.
Great work, Stella!
Are you having fun at school?
Ric...
Don't get carried away with yourself.
Sorry.
Maybe this ain't that hot.
I think I'm going to have nightmares about that face.
Episode 57 "A completely different person to someone else"
Stella, you're great!
Wow!
Well, at least they're having fun.
What's your problem?
I'm not in your class or anything, I'm just killing time this afternoon!
Fine, fine, I get it.
A little teaching is good enough.
That's right, I'd better check over the rocket before launch.
Huh?
It looks like there's something missing...
Don't worry.
I took out that missile's fuse.
Don't just show up and do something unwanted.
This isn't something for an amateur to be playing with.
That's just a straw.
When did you get here, anyway!?
I just arrived.
I heard someone saying "rocket" over this way.
Missiles are dangerous.
Taking out a tank in a single blow ...
You damned bloodthirsty priest!
You've got them all here?
Yeah, didn't I tell you?
I started a school.
I see.
Oh, Stella's attending too?
Kind of.
It looks like she's having fun.
Don't say "having fun" around her-
Not bad.
I'm proud. You can spell your name without making any mistakes.
Are you having fun at school?
Don't say that!
Sister...
Yeah, I love school!
I see.
You'd better listen to your teacher.
Okay!
I'm a good girl!
Yeah, you are.
I guess that works.
The déjà vu I'd felt up until now suddenly stung my heart.
Episode 58 "When Winter Comes"
Sorry!
Sorry, Ric!
Are you okay? I'll get you right out of there.
P-ko. Didn't you do that on purpose?
No! I'm way too clumsy for that!
It's okay, I'll unfasten the net.
After all, you gave up your time to help out with the vegetable garden.
I'm sorry!
Why does it always have to be me, anyway?
I've got a real job out there too, you know!
Well...
You want me to pick them all myself, too, don't you!?
So-so-.... Why don't you take a break?
Wait, are you going to be okay doing it all yourself?
I'll be fine. It's my own garden, so I shouldn't just rely on other people.
I know she doesn't mean any harm by it, but why is she always so clum-
Sorry...
You can't just explain this as clumsiness.
I give up! I don't want your airheadedness to kill me!
Please! Don't go!
Let me go!
Nobody else comes because they've already gotten all beat up by my clumsiness!
I don't have anyone left but you!
What am I, a sacrifice!?
Why don't you ask Sister?
I'm sure he'd do whatever.
I can't!
As soon as something went flying, Sister would return fire by reflex!
I'd be killed!
What kind of battle manga is this supposed to be!?
Plus, I'll be gone during the winter too!
We've got to get the harvesting and the tilling done before that!
Now that you mention it...
So I'll be able to go all winter without her doing something clumsy and hurting me...
So please.
I can't even imagine you leaving the bridge, though.
You say you look for seedlings?
Sometimes.
But this year, I think I'm going to take classes and get my driver's license!
Once I have my license, I'll be able to take a car and go looking for seedlings far away.
If you drive a car on public roads, you'll kill someone every hundred meters!
She mustn't be allowed a license to kill.
It'll be bloody!
Episode 59 "Transformation"
The neighbors will yell "I guess she just didn't see them!"
What?
But I already have a motorcycle license!
A motorcycle!?
How many people have you already hit!?
I haven't hit anyone!
Yo! What are you two up to?
Seems like you're arguing.
Come on, Mayor, you tell her not to get a license, too!
I'll be fine!
You don't object, do you, Mayor?
A car, huh...
Sorry, I'm old enough that I can only imagine a car as an iron boar.
Sorry, P-ko.
Sorry, I forgot you were a youkai.
Don't apologize to him, P-ko!
Guess it's great to try new things, though.
Isn't it?
That's not the problem!
I wonder what I should try? Something to change my mood.
How about a makeover?
A makeover?
How about taking that suit off?
Didn't your haircut used to be more wild?
My hair, huh.
Is that even hair?
Why don't you try your old haircut again?
It was really you!
So wonderfully wild!
Really? Guess I'll do that.
Try? What are you going to do, put on a-
About this long, right?
It reminds me of the day we met!
Wild?
It's more like a deserting soldier!
His hair was silky.
Turn it right and it grows, turn it left and it gets shorter!
Episode 60 "What's common sense?"
So cool!
Being a kappa is great.
Yeah, that's an amazing suit.
Wow, I haven't had my hair like this in a while.
All right, that gets me going!
Thanks, P-ko! I'm gonna go show everyone!
Everyone? Hey, wa-
He's turned into some icky-looking creature...
What do I do?
Nino and Maria have never seen him like that.
They'll be surprised, then, won't they?
What do I do?
If they all know that the Mayor's so cool, everyone else will fall in love with him, too!
Love... Like, "Love" love?
What else would I be talking about!?
What do I do!?
And wait...
If you say "everyone else", you mean you already like him, too?
Of course I-
Let me give you some advice for your own good.
He may be green, but he still can't do photosynthesis.
It's not like I just want him for his chloroplasts!
That day, on the playground
Then what is it!? I don't get it!
There's nothing in that suit to be fascinated by!
We laughed without a reason
Yes there is!
On my journey to pick up the pieces of my love
Just to start with, his face!
Now I really don't get it.
P-ko, are you only interested in what's on the outside?
For some reason I'm always so lonely
Wrong!
I'm interested in his insides too!
By "insides" you mean "what's inside", right?
I've got to get going, before the sky falls
But he has no common sense!
What's a lack of common sense?
Being different from other people?
I guess he really doesn't have any then.
Everything's in reverse, and I'm searching for you
I guess he has less than anyone.
But even if he has no common sense, he lives an unwavering life.
Even though we're never going to arrive
After all, that's his real way of living!
Standing under the bridge, borne on the waves
Finally coming to understand your true self... Pretty cool, isn't it?
Well...
We'll always be looking for an answer
The real you, deep inside...
Never mind.
Then what's common sense, anyway?
President!
Huh?
What's common sense, anyway?
Episode 61 "Arakawa Gag Contest"
Conte: mixed martial arts.
Hi, I'm a Venusian!
That's Lord Arakawa!
No, it's Lord Arakawa Junior.
Splendid! No one who's missed this is even fit to judge!
Growing up means being a bride!
A bride? P-ko, you want to be a bride?
That's not quite it.
You mean you prefer flowers?
No, I like-
Next time, 8 Bridge.
I like-!
Illustration: Takahiro Seguchi