Track 22

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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Track 22

NOTES: You'll see the term "PURIKURA" used in this Track, and I didn't trasnslate it because it would be too hard to explain and make it fit into the flow of the conversation. Basically, it's a photo booth where you get the pictures printed out on stickers. Shuichi sticks one on Yuki's lighter in the anime. Also, the word "gravure" comes up as well, look it up int he dictionary on your own, because it's too difficult to explain in a translation at all.

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pg 4
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Girls: Yaaah! HIRO!! Nakano-kun!!
K: Ha ha ha Codename B, Uraro arrival, was a mistake!! Run as fast as you possibly can Hiroshi, we gotta lose 'em!!
Hiro: You don't have to tell me!! It's like they were waiting for us or something!

pg 5
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Sakano: Their first album, Gravity, ranks 16 after their first stag appearance? Bad Luck almost went into orbit.
Suguru: Because of just such events, you knew this would be the result of course.
K: Kiddies!! Hiroshi has arrived!! In order to get through the unexpected forces outside, part of the strategy was to escape by breaking through them. I might have been a liitle bad in getting through though. Heh heh.
Sakano: G-good morning K san ...

pg 6
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Suguru: You're really popular. Wnoder when they'll chase down a support member like me ...
Hiro: Yeah, Ht Stage went perfect .. Where's Shuichi?
K: Hmm, maybe I better go check on him since he hasn't come to work this morning! He's been out for over a week, no sympathy!
Hiro: That's a little much y'know. I'll go. I need to talk to him anyway.

pg 7
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Shuichi: ... whaddya want ...?
Hiro: I know this ain't the first time you've played sick. Actually, I bet you're kinda surprised I came huh?
Shuichi: So?
Mom: I'm sorry Nakano-kun. This kid .. you came back anyway, but I just thought ...

pg 8
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Mom: What's with this depressing behavior Shuichi!? You're 19 years old, and you're playing sic to avoid going to work?! I'm so ashamed! You wanna die already? Geez, you ... How much more pain and suffering will you cause your dear mother?! I might as well kill you and then I'll be dead too.
Hiro: Your mom looks serious and I don't think you should argue with family.
Shuichi: I'm used to it.
Hiro: Well, it's been a week. Time to face the music.

pg 9
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Shuichi: This poster is the limit. If I'm not mistaken, it's their third album. I want this by any means possible. With you, the two of us skipped school to stand in line.
Hiro: ... yeah. But we only got one, "For maintainec purposes", even though we wanted 2 of them.
Shuichi: I really love it. I wanted everything and anything about them. I never thought I'd sing with him.

pg 10
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Shuichi: Because of that, now .. I want to be friends with him, win or lose, sold or not .. With that said, I don't think we're different.
Hiro: That may be, but you kept it on file right? Ah, that ..
Shuichi: .. yeah.
Hiro: You were so good on Hit Stage because Sakano-san and K-san made sure you wouldn't crash and burn against Grasper.
Shuichi: ... yeah.
Hiro: Are you stupid?

pg 11
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Hiro: Look ... what were you crying about anyway? 1 week ago, you were singing a duet with Sakuma-san on Hit Stage. Everyone is expecting me to raise your spirits, you just look ready to cry. You're jealous aren't you?

pg 12
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Hiro: That's why Sakuma-san set up the duet, to get you two together. What did you expect that kind of guy to do? You cried because you were jealous right?
Shuichi: [Ah, maybe I was ...]
Hiro: The time to admire him is over.
Shuichi: [Surely I thought with jealousy. I was jealous.]
Hiro: You didn't understand this one time.

pg 13
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Shuichi: .. I guess .. I .. I was jealous.
Hiro: 'Bout time you admitted it! Y'know, K-san started talking about it ... "He can't reach Ryuichi Sakuma." ... that's what he said.
Shuichi: How much has everything gotten mixed up, is it Ryuichi Sakuma?
Hiro: Hmm, indeed .. That guy once was Sakuma-san's manager ... There's still hope for you yet!
Shuichi: Ya think?

pg 14
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Hiro: You idiot! You are Japan's best vocalist! Have more self-confidence!
Shuichi: Yeah ... yeah, you're right!! Good luck Hiro!
Hiro: Heck yeah!
Shuichi: Alright! I feel so good! I could compose right here!!
Hiro: Sensei, the red setting sun ...
Mom: Well, well! I'm glad he's feeling better!
Dad: Ah, those boys.
Maiko: geez ... I wonder what he's doing, Shuichi ... and Hiro-chan.
Shuichi: I feel refreshed! Even with the past confusions, the goal has been diceded, I can feel it. I'll give it my all, my very best ... I'm glad I lost.
Hiro: Yuki san deserves most of the credit though. He's why you exceeded your best.

pg 15
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Hiro: So he gave you some kind of charm?
Shuichi: Yeah.
Hiro: Cool .. what kind of charm?
Shuichi: I dunno. But it was a super powerful charm!
Hiro: Yeah but ..
Shuichi: I figured I just don't have the right to know yet!

pg 16
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Yuki: Shuichi's foolish simplicity is a national living treasure.
K: I hadn't seen the two of you together, just the flattery of Shuichi.
Yuki: So, what about it?
K: What indeed! Must be terrible. Having such talent that is.

pg 17
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Yuki: S then what do you want, I'm listening!! Can't you see I'm trying to work and Shuichi Shindou is not here!!! If you can't understand that, then shut up and get out!!
K: Oooh, Mister Yuki, you're so irritated. You work too hard. We're just having a little talk, maybe you need a short break, eh? Anyway, one more person's national living treasure is that fool, under certain situations he gets easily confused. Clearly, I'd say crying so easily is a common illness because of his self-consciousness. I have an obligation to push the limit of his talent.

pg 18
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K: I was surprised to find Shuichi Shindou too possessed the same talent. For starters, the time I watched Shuichi sing with mt own eyes!
Yuki: Well, good for you!
K: Haven't you been listening? I'm the one that said he was below the level ... Only Shuichi could possess the same talent ... until now, I didn't think he'd ever reach Ryuichi Sakuma's level!

pg 19
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K: There will never be enough for Shuichi ... Reaching for Ryuichi, a kind of endearment, oone of his better points.
Yuki: ... wait a sec .. didn't you come to my house to catch that damn Shuichi?
K: I had some time off this afternoon, so I came on my break.
Yuki: ...... thought so.
K: Did you see it? A week ago on Hit Stage! The image of your sweetheart, cruelly falling to peices before a super genius, all because of my provoking!!
Yuki: I know the result, you think he'll do something extremely rash right?
K: Huge effect.

pg 20
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K: Shuichi will keep tryiong to reach Ryuichi's level at the risk of his own life.
Yuki: If just one more thing is added, Shuichi will reach it, but what is it?
K: It's not about getting paid for his talent. If I'm right about my expectations, then it won't be enough ...

pg 21
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Yuki: [It won't be enough ... it ...] You can't be serious!?

pg 22
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Shuichi: Yuki ...
Yuki: Oh, you're late ... wha ...

pg 23
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Shuichi: I'm back.
Yuki: Ah .. eh .. uhm ... yeah ...
Shuichi: It looks funny huh!? Is it strange? This isn't your taste? Do you hate it?
Yuki: [I thought he was a middle school girl ...!! Seriously ..!!] How would cutting your hair break my heart?

pg 24
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Shuichi: Well, I quit trying to imitate Sakuma-san, so I changed my hair. I won't look like Ryuichi anymore!
Yuki: Oh?
Shuichi: Whaddya think? Cool huh?
Yuki: Whatever. Where ..

pg 25
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Shuichi: was that a sniper's shot just now? Are you okay!?
Yuki: Eh .. sure, no worries. It was the sound of love. I .. I'm predisposed as a spirit medium. Oh yeah! So you've moved on with imitating Ryuichi Sakuma huh! I'm sure you'll be fine. *heart* See? Just lucky ...
Shuichi: [Yuki .. how nice you're being to me. *heart heart* Suddenly Yuki likes short hair. *heartx4*] Yuki *heart*
Yuki: Don't get all mushy on me. Go over there and look gloomy. Such a pain in the butt!

pg 26
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Yuki: Hey Shuichi! Come a little closer, don't be so reserved.
Shuichi: You call that a sound of love!? This many bullet holes are just my imagination right!? Somebody's taking sniper shots at you!!
Yuki: Yeah ... yeah it seems that way. The exorcism was a long time ago, so Golgo's spirit was summoned back. Or something like that ... Hey .. uhm .. Your guys' album sold pretty good huh?
Shuichi: Yup! A million copies easy!
Yuki: You sure about a million copies ...? I doubt it. A million copies ...

pg 27
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Shuichi: Something like that. Maybe not a million yet, but I will do my best to get there!! I'll be more skillful, I'll do my best to let everyone hear many, many songs. Until the time comes when I can sing together with Sakuma-san again .... next time I won't lose!
Yuki: ... well, not everything anyway. It's a good thing you've decided your goals. That charm will be helpful.

pg 28
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Shuichi: What?
Yuki: Nothing .. If you sell a million copies, I'll take you out for a night.
Shuichi: Eh? What?
Yuki: What? That is ... well .. I said go on a date.
Shuichi: [Poor Yuki ... he must be exhausted. I'm scared for him ... Of all the things .. He'd wanna go on a date with me ...]

pg 29
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Shuichi: [Yuki .. on a date with me?]
Yuki: When you're not busy .. be nice to see a movie once in awhile, just the two of us.
Shuichi: [Movie?]
Yuki: I .. I know this is a total change for me but .. we could get a "Purikura" ..

pg 30
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Shuichi: [Purikura? (He wants to show the Genji name, the most beautiful people, in a Gay Bar?)]

pg 31
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Shuichi: [In other words, if we sell a million copies, yuki will .. Yuki will .. Yuki will .. He will ...] D-d-d-d-d-d ... d-d-d ...
Yuki: Bad!! I was bad!! I'm sorry I said such strange things!!
Shuichi: Date. *heart* Date. *heart* A million copies for a date. *heart* You promised. *heart*
Yuki: ... oh boy, on second thought ....

pg 32
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Shuichi: No way!!No backing out now!!
Yuki: Alright alright! Shut up already!!
K: When he says a million, he means it. My prediction was right afterall.
Shuichi: Okay, definitely!! Pinky swear Yuki, pinky swear!
Yuki: Do it yourself.
K: For the time being, this mission was a success .. but this is just the prologue. From here on out, the it's The Project.

pg 33
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K: With plenty to look forward to. "Bad Luck" ...
Box w/arrow: (Note) Manager
K: However, I got him to invite Shuichi out without resulting to brute force. Japanese gay guys are so shy!
Man: Hello? Is this the police? There's a strange American on my balcony ...
Girl: Papa, I'm scared!

pg 34
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Shuichi: [The next day I was born anew.] Morning! Well, today is just one day, but let's do our best partner!! A gravure photograph, a radio personality, each company's music magazine is collecting data about performances on TV shows for the business meeting about a new song. Call it "Even if a little of Bad Luck's name appears, what is there to do?", it strays from the usual passion ... Suguru: Huh? After this photograph thing of Shindou-san, you stll have 3 data collections to do!?

pg 35
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K: I said I would take over all of the scheduling for Shuichi.
Suguru: Why'd you do that? With it so busy this week ...
Shuichi: You're too easy going. Vad Luck is gonna be HUGE!! Gotta sell the name to do it!! For a one color, 1/4 page in the magazine Music Fan, we get to make use of the best media available, which can't hurt!! I've set my sights on a famous person, I've set my sights on Nittle Grasper!! And I've also set my sights on selling a million copies!!

pg 36
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Hiro: ... hey, he's 99% connected.
Suguru: ... yeah, no kidding.
K: This effect is more than I expected.
Suguru/Hiro: You?!!
K: No .. well that time on Hit Stage, Suguru was doing his thing and confronted "Mr. I-Don't-Wanna-Change".
Suguru: Oh yeah.
K: At that time, I just knew Shuichi had no guts ... For Shuichi, the intensity of the passion he has for Eiri Yuki goes beyond reason.

pg 37
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Hiro: No kidding. Shuichi thinks the world revolves around Yuki-san.
Suguru: He's just asking to end up in tears.
K: ... that's the problem. What can be done about Shuichi regarding Eiri Yuki ...
Voice: Okay, let's take a 15 minute break.

pg 38
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Hiro: Just call him Mr. Good Luck. Good news! The additional press comes after one of us goes.
Suguru: Eh!? What?The album!? We finally did it!!
Hiro: Yup! 600,000 copies!
Suguru: Aw man .... at least .. we passed 400,000 ...
Hiro: Ha, ha, ha .. well, a million isn't too far off ...
Suguru: I guess so ...

pg 39
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Sakano: Do your best at all times, everyday ok? Now then, today we put the final touches on next year's nationwide tour I arranged and on the promotional video for the new song on the next album.
Shuichi/Hiro: .... Yessir ....
K: Oh yeah, WAN TV requested a stage appearance ...
Shuichi: More work?
Hiro: Say what? You just told us we were done with work and now you say we aren't ...
Shuichi: Man .. I just wanna be done with these business meetings ..
K: If you come out more, the million copies won't be a dream.

pg 40
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Shuichi: What!? Could it be?
Hiro: Could it be we finally made it!?
Shuichi: Which singing show are we going to be on?
Hiro: Hit Stage? Music Fan? We'll be the main show!!
K: Something like that .. How're your cooking skills?

pg 41
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Shuichi: ... it was good .. nothing .. how did things get this bad?
Hiro: Yeah ... we've gone from our debut to THIS ...
K: Hey hey hey now! Don't make light of the situation! It's just a cooking show, no different from any other show.

pg 42
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Yuki: Huh!? Teach you to cook!?
Shuichi: Yeah. Your cooking is so amazing and you're so good at it.
Yuki: I refuse. Too much trouble.
Shuichi: What? You're kidding right? I won't accept that, c'mon teach me .. I HAVE to win this!! If we win, a lot will come out on TV.

pg 43
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Yuki: ... so you gonna tell me what the setup for the show is like?
Shuichi: Three teams of performers in the utimate competitive cooking match.
Yuki: .............. Don't you see how you'll be made the laughing stock? You're gonna go out and make a fool of yourself on this show, you know that right?
Shuichi: I won't!! I will do absolutel anything because I want to win the title!!

pg 44
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K: .... Hm? This ... "Simply Cooking Program" isn't very serious. What should I do?

--- End Track 22 ---