Track 1

Gravitation by Maki Murakami
Translations by Yuki Machikawa
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I make no solid guarantees as to the accuracy of my translations. I did the best I could do, and I think you will be able to get the jist of the story. If anyone has comments regarding my translations, email me [y.u.k.i._.m.a.c.h.i.k.a.w.a.@yahoo.co.jp]. (( remove the periods between the letters prior to the (@) symbol when emailing. I do this to avoid automated bots getting my email. Thanks.))
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KEY:
[thoughts] - in brackets

It is better to have the manga with you while you read, as I don't describe expressions or what's going on, hence the notation of page numbers.
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Track 1
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pg 4
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There is no such thing as fate. Crying, anger, an unopposable power of irrationality, however the most pleasant feeling is the law of "passion".

pg 5
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Hiroshi: Kaikan came by, here's that lewd stinking love song again .. Just as I thought, the school festival 2 days ago! We'll show them how it's done, heh.
Shuichi: Is that a compliment or a put down?
Hiroshi: Compliment.. compliment ..
Shuichi: A compliment? Then we'll have to be ready with our own music, right?
Hiroshi: Uhm, Shuichi ..

pg 6
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Shuichi: Yeah, before the present country anyhow.
Hiroshi: Forfeiting is out of the question, can you live with suspension from school?
Shuichi: That's ridiculous. This is a revolution to oppose Japan's compulsory education system ..!!
Hiroshi: Okay fine .. then figure out a way .. being truant?
Shuichi: Absence for a number of days ..? Besides, there's no more time.
Hiroshi: .. but, Leader .. this is mostly guitar dribble right?
Shuichi: That's the plan ... you don't need to practice techno.

pg 7 ---

Hiroshi: It's guitar ... get it right ... guitar!
Classmate: Shindou, she comes here every morning .. so hot ..
Maiko: Good morning Shuichi .. Here. Your lunch .. you could say I made it with all my love.

pg 8
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Shuichi: Could you not say stuff like that around here?
Maiko: Oh, I see .. then you don't want this? .. take it.
Hiroshi: Yo .. as usual Maiko chan, your brother compromises his health by accepting that ..
Maiko: Ah! How mean .. Hiro san .. this electronic brain freak and I don't do anything together ... Only the two of you in this place. You can't make music or come up with a name for your band!

pg 9
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Shuichi: ... but the music won't come until then ..
Maiko: I thought there were still two days before the performance? So get a grip .. It's because of my position on the executive committee ..
Shuichi: I've had good things happen because of that .. and I'm happy about it ..
Hiroshi: Oh yeah .. how about "Genius Guitarist Hiroshi and the Assistant" for a band name?
Shuichi: The hit techno duo leader, as well as song making, composition and vocals is the one in charge ... step aside.
Hiroshi: .. then how about "The Great Genius and his Henchman"?

pg 10
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"There are no benefits told in dreams."
Teacher: ... because of that ... author wanted to say ...
"Reality is for the sake of being."
Shuichi: Why won't it play? ... huh?
"How this 18 year old, who got to be the best is certainly arguable."

pg 11
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Shuichi: No way ... nooo ... Aaaaaaaarghhh!!!
"It's eternally this way .... how severe."
Classmate: That's the third hour of screaming .. crazy, huh?
Maiko: N-no way ..
Classmate: Maiko's brother is really high strung ..
Maiko: Uh yeah ... high .. right.

pg 12
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Girl A: It was heard on the 4th floor! Absolutely, until it fell out ..
Maiko: Sheesh .. stop talking about it, I'm seriously embarassed ...
Girl 2: Oh? Why? It's okay y'know ... but I would love to have such a brother.
Maiko: Where is it good .. where? Ooooh .. Shuichi Shindou.
Hiroshi: Excuse me for interrupting your lunch ...
Girl A: Ahh! Nakano san!
Hiroshi: "Band Contest" Executive Committe members.
Girl B: Who is that third year guy?
Girl A: Way to go Maiko! Only his sister would be accquainted with Nakano sempai ...
Maiko: It's not like I like being accquainted with him y'know..

pg 13
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Hiroshi: Hey, here ya go.. our entry card.
Maiko: You're not giving up!? What happened?
Hiroshi: That genius, Shu-chan, actually got the data compiled quickly.
Teacher: Alright! What's all the shouting about?
Classmate: That guy .. with the keyboard over there .. tried a forced double suicide ..

pg 14
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Maiko: .. is this a joke?
Hiroshi: Well .. it's supposed to be.
Shuichi: Today's lesson: Less haste, more speed.

pg 15
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Shuichi: Seven failures, six rises.
Maiko: Eight rises.
Shuichi: What about the time at the school festival .. besides, next month we finally get to open at Live House .. say you understand how important this is to me?
Maiko: So what if a girl was to compose it? Brother..
Shuichi: .... that's your idea!?
Maiko: I'm not making you pay me back for offering am I?
Shuichi: Burning the music is great too, but ..
Maiko: You computer idiot! A straight line, isn't what youth is about!

pg 16
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Maiko: At least once I'd like to be in the popular group .. How's homeroom with Miki-chan? Fun?
Shuichi: Why you ... because I'm a guy, I'm obligated to do it. Sheesh .. Where is it a good thing .. to be student body president, Intelligent Idiot ..
Maiko: Well, excuse me .. it's okay, it's nothing .. I was just thinking .. how about "Techno is my life. To women, my eyes can't bow silently." Saying it like that, it's got effect ..

pg 17
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Shuichi: I could become a pro at this, build a big house, an make a living on the interest for it ..
Maiko: Oh really? Such incredibly stupid and exaggerated dreams! However, if you do your best, surely the house will be yours. "Failure teaches success" .. as they say. Right?
Shuichi: Some comfort an indirect expression is ..
Maiko: You're not inspired?

pg 18
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Boss: Shuichi kun, many thanks for tonight, You are very appreciated.
Shuichi: Oh?
Boss: Be here tomorrow at 10, ok?
Shuichi: It's been like this every night Oyago san, it's not worth worrying about.
Boss: Yeah, okay, okay .. what with the openings and all. Besides, you're one even better because of it, right? Does she make you do things for her, like you were her slave?
Co-worker: Oh? Didn't you know Boss? Shindou is in a band.

pg 19
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Boss: Oh really? It's the first time I've heard of a boy rock band ...
Co-worker: She says he has talent, like a professional though he is amateur so far.
Shuichi: It's really very cool.
Boss: ... and you say the reason for your dreams is because of the strength of youth? Do your best and you will certainly become a pro. I look forward to seeing that from you ...
Shuichi: .. the reason is stupid, the only girl that loves me says she's with me because of that.
Boss: There, there .. I'm sure you'll be fine. Sort of ..

pg 20
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Shuichi: [Oooh, no one uses this road much .. a usual evening, why in an old park like this .. Good luck, he says .. but still, at times she's only a friend, there's no reason to report this to her. Ahh .. maybe Maiko's right about letting her compose ... "Wah! This is a great poem. Shuichi you're such a romantic .. do your best. Who says I need help from anyone .. What the heck .. I'll let her say what she wants .. Hiro will want someone cute to do the introduction .. Oof .. nice move .. so much for grace .. hey ..]

pg 24
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Shuichi: [What .. what should I do? Of all the embarassing things I could do ... no way, and at a time like this .. and he's a foreigner too. he could be a dangerous business man, if so then what happens?]
Eiri: Did you write this? Shuichi: Uhm, well .. yeah .. [Huh? He's Japanese?]

pg 25
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Eiri: It's below the level of a grade school student . You're making such a big deal over one strong sentence. Do you think this grade of love song writing would even sell? Give up, you have zero ability ...
Shuichi: Did ..

pg 26
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Shuichi: [Did he ... did he have to go that far?]
Hiroshi: Man, what a first impression .. you gonna go looking or am I doing the looking?

pg 27
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Shuichi: Once for future reference too .. what does it look like?
Hiroshi: You mean other than an incredibly stupid way of skipping work? Heh, sooo .. my little substitute actor ..
Girl A: Aaa! Hey those two ..
Girl B: Yah! Nakano sempai!
Girl A: Oh yeah? What, where?
Shuichi: I feel terrible bothering you guys ... What am I going to do with him .. the two of us is all there is .. but that's the reason there's no time to finish it all ...
Girl A: A salesperson .. You can't give me anything in exchange?

pg 28
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Hiroshi: That's right .. Shuichi .. plenty of fun just for the two of us. Hmm ...
Shuichi: Ahh .. knock it off Hiro ... not here ... no, stop ..
Hiroshi: ... always have to give them the motivation they want.
Shuichi: With a new face, to get the better of a newcomer ..
Girls: That was good .. thanks for showing us ..
Shuichi: By the way ...
Hiroshi: Yeah?
Shuichi: The girl .. somebody that can't turn around?

pg 29
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Hiroshi: What? You want ..
Shuichi: No .. but .. what about about the mental strain .. Once in awhile, I wonder what it's like to have someone be kind and give that essential kind of affection ..
Hiroshi: What brought this up? I thought you being a techno star was the plan.
Shuichi: Like skipping over the data, an everyday occurance, but a half-hearted matter I grow accustomed to.
Hiroshi: ... a delicate and complicated matter for me to comsole you on.
Shuichi: Look, don't you get lonely?

pg 30
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Shuichi: I always believed in my ability, that I do my best work in solitude. But .. even at time like this .. I'll lose that self-confidence if I'm careless.
Hiroshi: You're not like Maiko.
Shuichi: .. like my sister?
Hiroshi: It'll be okay. You've got my support to do your best.
Shuichi: That's not it! How can I say it .. it's like what I said ..
Hiroshi: What kindness do you want for becoming a pro? Doesn't matter what you say, I'll still support you.

pg 31
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Shuichi: Game centers, alcohol and women .. Commuting to school from home, working part time 5 days a week, is beginning to take it's toll.
Hiroshi: All your extra money goes into machinery. Are you okay with that?
Shuichi: I know, only once in a while .. I get tired too.
Hiroshi: But you'll be okay, I'm certain .. I've said enough about love.
Shuichi: 10 minutes is enough, Hiro-chan .. however .. You're wrong to go that far, we must talk like this more often .. Yesterday, on my way home from work ..

pg 32
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Shuichi: .. to be continued, thus drawing the curtain, with a one shot slap to stir you up from this talk.
Hiroshi: No objections.
Girl: Maiko! Look! Isn't that ... your brother?
Maiko: Yeah, he said he was coming to watch, not participate ..
Girl: Oh? If that's true .. then why is he on stage?

pg 33
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Shuichi: Entry Number 3,670 .. it's "Genius Shu-chan and the Lovers"!!

pg 34
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Shuichi: Skipping over the data, not the music ... my hometown .. I'll sing for you!! Let's go!!!

pg 35
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Girl A: Can't be .. it's that two guy group, the specialty of 3B ..
Guy: This .. isn't really dangerous .. the committee is going to get a good scolding ...
Girl: Mai .. Maiko ..
Maiko: YOU IDIOTS!

pg 36
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Maiko: .. geez! Now you've done it, you leave me no other choice!
Hiroshi: Huh? So unexpected.
Shuichi: Maiko becoming an adult.
Maiko: For stirring up the public, a minute's deduction .. for heaven's punishment .. (paper reads: One month's worth of lunches.)
Shuishi: What about speaking with the whole establishment!! Tell me .. Sister ..

pg 37
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Hiroshi: Yeah, it is .. I thoroughly forgot to ask about it ..
Shuichi: About what?
Hiroshi: "On my way home from work .." .. then what? Cool, somebody was chasing after you? Damn, I can see it happening ..
Maiko: Huh? See what?
Hiroshi: Him standing in the bathroom, drying up ...>
Shuichi: Wrong!! My poetical talent .. my poem!!! That is .. the guy's super bad personality, before my own eyes, he said I had no talent and should give up. He didn't even excuse himself on the way ..

pg 38
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Hiroshi/Maiko: ..... oh .....
Shuichi: I was hoping for a little more of a reaction. What was I to do after he said that ... Don't you feel any sympathy for making me cry?
Hiroshi: No way .. you're feeling down because of something trivial like that?
Maiko: It's a big deal, his self-confidence is ...
Shuichi: Nevermind .. being conceited is not the reason.
Hiroshi: As usual .. so your reply .. becomes the answer.

pg 39
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Maiko: I see .. you said it, self-confidence is it ..
Shuichi: That's not what I meant .. A first meeting, to be bold like that .. his abusive language stays on my mind, y'know?
Maiko: What's been on your mind? That sort of thing ..
Shuichi: On my mind?! Now you see .. no doubt about it, my intention isn't to get him off my mind.

pg 40
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Shuichi: Brown hair? Tall? Black suit?
Boss: Let's see .. I don't think I've seen anyone like that in here ..
Shuichi: A frightening face like this! Do you know him? C'mon Boss ..
Boss: Now I'm sure I haven't seen anyone like that .. Give it up. It's impossible if you don't even know his name.
Shuichi: No!! I'll find him!! I have to find him ..
Boss: I'm concerned about you, Shuichi-kun .. it was unlucky and you should forget about it.

pg 41
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Shuichi: ..... Impossible!
Boss: Huh?
Shuichi: I definitely can't forget .. But .. it's so hard to track him down .. I'll be happy with any attempt ..
Girl: Shindou kun! Sheesh .. you're late .. SO late .. By the way, you taking a break from work today? Well? You wanna go play? I'll show you my room ..
Shuichi: Uhm .. sorry, not today ..
Girl: Eh?! Wait .. today's no good .. Something like that ... Hiro said there was no doubt about it. Introduce yourself to him .. he says you're hung up on the bad luck from some meeting.
Shuichi: Sorry. I have to use the phone. [That's wrong .. I really do. Say it's wrong to have him on my mind like this.]

pg 43
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Shuichi: Go to school, go to work, play new system ... every day, every single day .. This rythym drives me mad, until I obtain the emotion there is no sense of security. Things like this ... playing around, I can't deliver. Typical high school lover ..

pg 44
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Shuichi: Dammit I'm becoming house ... No, that's wrong!! I'm a very ordinary 18 year old boy, in superior health!! Exchanging letters with a smart girl, a date, even wanting to do lecherous things!! ... but ...

pg 45
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Girl: It wasn't a very good movie .. Oh well, wait .. the rain is really coming down. You did bring an umbrella .. didn't you? It's things like this, Shindou kun, that make school occasions completely wrong. A dark kiss maybe? A peaceful kiss maybe?
Shuichi: Uhm .. don't say such things! There's a whole glorious spring season for that ..
Girl: Ha ha ha .. you're killing me ... Shindou kun .. Hmm? What's this?

pg 46
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Girl: What? "There is no such thing as fate, crying and laughing, we can't oppose the law of gravity." .. you started over on the lyrics?
Shuichi: Yeah, it needs work right?
Girl: Did you write it? Cool!! You are so smart!!
Shuichi: Yeah right ..
Girl: No, you're a great poet, I can feel you're the real thing .. but ..
Shuichi: [I want to meet him.]
Girl: This isn't like you at all ..
Shuichi: [That isn't what it means..

pg 47
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Girl: Uhm .. where will you go if it's no good? It's not that cool ..
Shuichi: Me too, I wanted to listen, however .. about a week ago, at 2AM something happened ...
Girl: What? This .. isn't about a goblin talking to you is it?
Shuichi: [Two times better .. meeting him]
Girl: A goblin? If you did see one, how could you forget?
Shuichi: [You're right .. trivial ..]

pg 48
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Girl: Hey look .. that car . stopped at the red light .. it's gorgeous! A foreign car!?
Shuichi: [Noisy girl ..]
Girl: So expensive! Hey .. Shindou kun ..
Shuichi: Huh? Let me see .. [So, what's the big deal? What's happening?]

pg 49
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Shuichi: Wait .. I gotta go .. sorry!!
Girl: Huh? Where are you going?
Shuichi: The toilet .. the toilet!! Over there ..
Passerbys: Ahhhhh! There's someone on the roadway ..
Shuichi: I've been looking for you ..

pg 50
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Shuichi: Wait!!

"There's no such thing as fate. Once you know of it, there's nothing you can do."

pg 51
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Eiri: You should have made your suicide jump before another car .. little brat.

"Absolutely no running away."

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End Track 1