Notes:

• My Japanese is very poor. So take my translations with a grain of salt. There are a few parts I did not know how to translate, so I guessed at the meaning. Those parts are marked with an (*). Just keep in mind these are far from 100% correct or perfect. If you see a translation mistake, please let me know.

• The following should be read with manga in hand. These are only the dialogue. There are no mentions of scene changes, and very little description of action. So you may be confused if you don't have the manga in front of you.

Key:

text outside of word bubble

Last Revised: 8-22-02.

Table of Contents:

White Silver Chapter 2 • Captive ————————————-- 3

White Silver Chapter 3 • Deportation ——————————-- 57

White Silver Chapter 4 • Verge of Death ————————— 98

White Silver Chapter 5 • Canary ———————————— 140

Extra Chapter • Behind the Curtain ——————————-- 184

Outline:

Civilization has collapsed at the end of the 20th century, and for several hundred years, people have been suffering from the oppression of this country's ruling tyrants. Even though Byakko village has been destroyed by the Red King, Sarasa - at the time of her older brother's death - decides to fight back. Sarasa and the Red King • Shuri, are enemies, but they met without knowing each other's identities, and fell in love.

After meeting in Okinawa, Sarasa and Shuri have become involved in the conflict between Asato and Unten, two politicians battling for power.

Shuri is going to challenge Japan, who is the one pulling the strings behind this conflict. Meanwhile, Sarasa is traveling to Tôhoku (the Northeast) to go after Hayato, who is currently missing in Tôhoku.

Character Introduction:

Sarasa    A 16-year-old girl. She fights in place of her dead brother, Tatara. Actually, she is the "Child of Destiny."

Red King    His name is Shuri. As the Emperor's youngest son, he controls the Chûgoku, Shikoku, and Kyûshû areas. However, he has been betrayed by his subordinates - Ashô & others - and has fallen from power.

Sarasa:

I was the one...

...who told Hayato to contact the people of Kazuno.

Sarasa:

How?

How can this happen?!

Narration:

At first, the northeastern direction is called Kimon (Demon Gate).

Tôhoku is in the northern part of Japan.

Narration:

Kazuno is its center.

The people of the northern part of Tôhoku...

...have been fighting the Black King's army...

...for many years.

Map:

Kazuno

Shikoku City

(NOTE: Not to be confused with the Shikoku region down south where Shuri is.)

Black King's Land

Sarasa:

Rumor has it that...

...the last remaining Sacred Sword, the "Sword of Genbu,"

...is in their hands.

Sarasa:

I thought we could be allies and...

...fight the Royal Family together... but...

Kakujî:

Tatara.

Sarasa:

Kakujî!

Sarasa:

Don't overdo it.

Kakujî:

Ah, I'm fine.

I just wanted to take a look.

Kakujî:

Nagi-sama is looking after Shôta.

He doesn't seem to have any external injuries.

Sarasa:

Thank goodness.

Kakujî:

However...

Nachi:

This blood...

...is animal blood.

Nachi:

Probably from that bear.

What a pity.

I'm so sorry, Mr. Bear.

Kakujî:

The bear's jaw has been ripped off...

Kakujî:

Hayato and Shôta...

...must have...

Kakujî:

...went to a place they shouldn't have entered,

...and saw things they shouldn't have seen.

Kakujî:

I think this...

...is the work of a curse.

Sarasa:

A curse?!

Kakujî:

Dolls pierced with nails,

...flag hung upside down,

...and starved animals used as blood sacrifice.

These are all the ingredients of a curse.

Kakujî:

They say seasonal plants and flowers are also used.

Kakujî:

Look,

...chrysanthemums are scattered all around.

Kakujî:

This is to punish Hayato and Shôta for violating their laws,

...and to warn those of us who are thinking of going there.

Kakujî:

Has that place not changed one bit?

It's been 30 years...!

Ageha:

Very comprehensive, Kakujî.

Have you been there before?

Kakujî:

Ah...

No...

Nachi:

MmmMmmMmm

Mmm—

Nachi:

Evil spirits begone—!!

Get a load of these Kumano Goôhô charms—

Protect us, oh Great Crow.

—> Kumano God's messenger Yatagarasu.*

(Note: According to legend, Yatagarasu was a crow-like creature who was sent by God to guide Emperor Jimmu through Kumano.)

Nachi:

Don't worry Tatara,

...I took care of it.

Though I don't know if the Gods heard me—

Ageha:

How... reassuring~~

Sarasa:

This is my fault.

I didn't know anything about these people,

...and thought too lightly of them...

Ageha:

Well,

...there are many more things...

...we don't know.

Sarasa:

What's Shôta's condition?

Nagi:

Good.

He's weak, but suffers no major injuries.

Nagi:

With enough rest, he should be able to speak.

Sarasa:

That's good.

Thank you, Nagi.

Sarasa:

I'm worried about Hayato...

Chacha:

Ah, Tatara!

Sarasa:

Chacha.

Chacha:

Tatara, bad news!

Chacha:

Hisha just got back from his reconnaissance in the West...

The Red King is...

Hisha:

The Red King is alive!!

Hisha:

He appeared in Shikoku.

It's likely that all the people there will rally behind him.

Hisha:

The city of Suou, which was practically deserted,

...has regained its vigor.

Sarasa:

The Red King...!

Man:

He's still alive!

Nachi:

Why does this guy have the devil's luck?!

Hijiri:

But...

...what's he doing in Shikoku?

Hijiri:

Why doesn't he go back to Suou?

The people behind the coup d'etat have all been caught.

Chacha:

The Emperor...

...doesn't want the Red King to return to Suou...

Kakujî:

Is the Red King...

...trying to reclaim his power on his own?

Asagi:

If you want to fight the Red King...

...now is the time.

Do it before he gets too powerful.

Ageha:

What will you do?

All of Shikoku may be behind the Red King now.

Kakujî:

Tatara...?

Chacha:

Tatara, what's wrong?

Sarasa:

Still alive...

Sarasa:

Still alive.

Then...

Sarasa:

...I can...

...still bring him down...

...with my own hands.

Nachi:

Ta... Tatara...

Sarasa:

Sail north!

We're going to contact Kazuno.

Full speed ahead!

Nachi:

Oh... Oye Tatara. Are you okay?

Sarasa:

What?

Nachi:

"What?"!

Sarasa:

If the Red King has taken over Shikoku,

...what do you think he'll do next?

Nachi:

Reclaim Suou...

Sarasa:

Perhaps.

Sarasa:

But what if...

...he invades Kyûshû and attacks Sakura Island's Suzaku Village?

Sarasa:

Full speed ahead to Tôhoku!

Make Kazuno our ally.

Sarasa:

Then we'll come back to Kyûshû...

...and be ready for the Red King!

Sarasa:

I can feel that...

...my confrontation with the Red King...

...is drawing near!

Hijiri:

She sure is overwhelming.

Nachi:

Yeah, she's pretty intimidating.

Hijiri:

And so vengeful.

To actually get happy about her enemy being alive.

Nachi:

Eeh~

She was so upset when she found out.

Hijiri:

But...

...she's happy too...

Sarasa:

The Red King's advancing into Shikoku...

Shuri also said he's going to Shikoku...

I hope he doesn't get caught up in all that...

Sarasa:

At this point,

...all I can do is hope...

Narration:

As the ship sailed north...

Raizô:

We also wanted to talk to Kazuno, but...

...we were not allowed to meet with their leader.

Raizô:

I leave this to you, Tatara.

Before getting the 4th Sacred Sword, establish the alliance!

Narration:

...the temperature gradually cooled.

Asagi:

Gotta put on some thicker clothes.

Burr Burr

My feet are cold.

Voice:

You plan to go on land along with Tatara?

Man:

Eldest of the Four Kunshi, Muratake.

Here for my orders.

(NOTE: Kunshi sorta means man of virtue, wise one, or person of high rank.)

Muratake:

Tôhoku is the same as usual.

The skirmishes between the Black King and Kazuno continue nonstop.

Asagi:

How are things inside Kazuno?

What happened with Hayato's group?

Muratake:

I don't know.

That place...

...is impossible for me to penetrate.

Muratake:

The eeriness of that place...

...cannot be understood by those who haven't been there.

Muratake:

Even the Black King, with all his power,

...cannot conquer it.

Asagi:

This is just the excuse of an incompetent.

Muratake:

I cannot guarantee your protection.

Muratake:

Please don't go.

That place is very cold,

...it'll be bad for your health.

Asagi:

You make it sound like I'm ill.

Muratake:

Asagi-sama,

...don't you remember...

Muratake:

...how Kyôto's chills...

...almost killed you once?

Asagi:

So cold...

So cold.

Mother...

Asagi:

I don't want to be reminded of such unpleasant things.

Those were just the silly words of a child.

Asagi:

I...

...want to help Tatara ally with Kazuno.

Asagi:

This will be a threat to the Emperor...

...and the Red King.

Asagi:

I...

...endorse all interesting things.

Muratake:

Lately, hasn't Asagi-sama...

...become a bit too supportive of Tatara?

The White Lady worries...

Asagi:

Muratake!

Asagi:

Who am I?

Muratake:

... The Blue King, Asagi-sama...

Asagi:

If you know that, then good.

Narration:

The coastlines of Tôhoku...

...are surrounded by impenetrable cliffs.

Narration:

In the Kazuno territory,

...there are 4 places where a ship can dock.

Narration:

One of them is "Masunaga's Fort."

Map (from right to left):

Jikoku's Fort

Masunaga's Fort

Tamon's Fort

Hirome's Fort

Ageha:

I'm going.

Nachi:

Me too.

Asagi:

This time I'm going too.

Asagi:

What's so funny?

Asagi's all bundled up

Sarasa:

Chacha,

...if we don't come back soon,

Sarasa:

...just head back to Sakura Island...

...and prepare for the Red King.

Sarasa:

I leave the rest to you.

Chacha:

Gotcha.

Nagi:

Kakujî,

...do you have anything to say to Tatara?

Kakujî:

No.

Kakujî:

From now on, that child...

...will be on her own.

Narration:

Masunaga's Fort.

Man:

Halt!

State your business.

Sarasa:

I'm Tatara.

My men came here earlier.

I want to see your leader!

Man:

...

Only 3 of you may go.

Voice:

Rock paper...

...scissors!

Sarasa:

We're going, Nachi.

Nachi:

Dammit—

Asagi:

Nachi always puts out paper first.

Narration:

Masunaga's Fort.

Tunnel of wind.

Man:

My country chooses who gets to enter.

Only those who can pass through this tunnel are allowed.

Man:

Those who are pure of heart will be able to pass.

Then they can go on.

Sarasa:

Pure of heart...?

Merchant:

Can... I please go with you?

I'm a merchant, and I'm too scared to go alone...

Voice:

What kind of trials will there be?

Sarasa:

As long as Ageha's here, I'm not worried.

Ageha:

Don't flatter me, Tatara.

Sarasa:

Ageha,

...they call this a tunnel,

...but it's more like a cave.

It looks so weak, makes me feel nervous.

Ageha:

This is the remnant of a mine.

Ageha:

Gold, silver, copper...

...and iron were taken from it.

Ageha:

In ancient times, this place used to manufacture swords.

Sarasa:

I wonder if Hayato and them went through here?

Asagi:

This place is really cold.

Aachoo

Voice:

There's light ahead.

Voice:

What?

We're already at the exit?

Sarasa:

Eh.

Sarasa:

It's... not...

...the...exit.

Sarasa:

Gold!!

Merchant:

Ah.

Aaaaahhh.

Ageha:

This...

...is...

Sarasa:

Gold!

All gold!

Ageha:

This is an awesome amount.

Even if everything's only covered with gold foils, it's still a lot.

Kagerô:

Too bright.

Sarasa:

It's beautiful...

Asagi:

Hmph.

Countryfolk's tackiness.

He hates those kind of people.

Merchant:

A few lumps tumbled down!

Ha ha ha —

Over here.

And there too.

Sarasa:

Better not touch anything.

Merchant:

It's okay since these have already fallen off.

I'll just take a little bit.

Sarasa:

What is it, Shinbashi?

Sarasa:

The road ahead...

...is closing off!!

Sarasa:

Run!!

Voice:

Ouch.

Uh.

Sorry.

Phew.

Ageha:

It closed without making a sound.

If somone was paying too much attention to the gold, he wouldn't be able to go on.

Sarasa:

Only those who are pure of heart can pass through...

Is this what they meant...?

Thanks Shinbashi.

Shinbashi:

No problem.

Merchant:

It's getting darker.

Did anyone bring a light?

Sign:

Put your weapons inside this hole.

Sarasa:

Weapons... Swords...?

How can they...

Ageha:

There's no reason for us...

...to do as they say.

Asagi:

Look around us,

...Tatara.

Sarasa:

Animals...?!

Sarasa:

Lions?!

No...?!

Sarasa:

We're in such dire straits,

...and they're telling us to give up our weapons...

Asagi:

Don't make me laugh.

I'm going to turn you all into minced meat.

Sarasa:

Asagi! You can't.

Stop!

Sarasa:

Give me the swords.

Asagi:

Tatara?

Sarasa:

Ageha!

Ageha:

I know.

Sarasa:

Eeeh!

Voice:

They disappeared...

Voice:

Wolves or wild dogs?

Such things still exist here?

Sarasa:

This is another test.

Only those pure of heart can pass through...

To separate those who obey them from those who oppose them.

Sarasa:

If Hayato's group violated anything,

...then they should be punished. But...

Sarasa:

...I do not approve...

...of this method.

Voice:

What?

Voice:

What now?

Merchant:

Heeeehhh.

Th... That...

Sarasa:

A boulder?!

It's rolling down.

Ageha:

No, it's riding on a cart.

Merchant:

Do they want to flatten us?

Heeeehh— Dodge it—

Sarasa:

Wait!

Nobody move!

Asagi:

Tatara.

Sarasa:

The people of Kazuno.

Sarasa:

We didn't come for gold.

We didn't come to fight.

And we didn't come to spy!

Sarasa:

We won't move!

We trust you!

So please...

Sarasa:

...trust us too!

Ageha:

A bit more and we would have been skewered.

Asagi:

How lame!

Asagi:

Tatara, were you scared?

Sarasa:

Is this more fun for you than killing people?

Asagi:

Not me. That's the Blue King's interest.

Ageha:

Even so, Tatara,

...you have a splendid spirit.

Ageha:

You seem to have...

...grown up quite a bit...

Man:

This is the first time...

...I've seen someone pass through the tunnel uninjured.

Man:

Welcome.

Sarasa:

A mask...!

Man:

I am...

...Masunaga.

Sarasa:

Are...you the leader?

I'm...

Masunaga:

Wait.

Masunaga:

That merchant over there,

...take out the things in your pocket.

Merchant:

Ah... Eh... What?

What...what things?

Masunaga:

Thieves...

...cannot step into this land.

Merchant:

Aahh—

Masunaga:

If I make a fist in your mouth,

...what do you think will happen?

Merchant:

Uhwahwah

Sarasa:

The bear...

...with the broken jaw...!

Masunaga:

Now,

...come this way.

Let's have our talk.

Sarasa:

Why did you kill that person without asking any questions?

You don't even know where he's from...

Masunaga:

He could be a spy for the Black King.

Masunaga:

We are constantly under threat.

Masunaga:

From gold-diggers,

...the Black King's spies and assassins,

...so we cannot be careless.

Masunaga:

I'm only trying to protect my country.

That's why I fight.

Masunaga:

I have no other ambition.

Masunaga:

Let me clarify.

Masunaga:

We do not consider this land a part of Japan.

Masunaga:

Understand this.

We have absolutely no interest in...

...forming alliances with strangers...

Masunaga:

We...

...are not afraid to shed blood for our country,

Masunaga:

...be it our blood or other people's blood.

Masunaga:

We encourage...

...bloodshed...

...as training...

Masunaga:

...for the things more important than life.

Sarasa:

Things...

...more important than life...?

Masunaga:

One's own country.

Peace in one's own land.

Freedom for the living.

A future for the children.

Sarasa:

...more than life.

So you are a country...

...that thinks this way.

Sarasa:

More important than life...

There are such things.

There are such things, right?

Sarasa:

But...

Ageha:

Tatara, don't get carried away by your emotions.

Sarasa:

But...

Sarasa:

But...

...I just want to say...

...that life is the most important.

Sarasa:

Because in this day and age...

Because in...

...this day and age...

Sarasa:

I...

...don't trust those who tell people to...

...shed blood.

Masunaga:

Is your so-called revolution any better?

Masunaga:

Haven't you come to ask us...

...to help you shed blood...

...for Japan's sake?

Sarasa:

...........

Ageha:

Even though she's grown up,

...she's still naive...

Masunaga:

Our talk is over.

Now please go back.

Your weapons will be returned to you at the time you depart.

Ageha:

.......Do you people...

...enjoy fighting?

Masunaga:

We don't do it because we like it.

Ageha:

Then, for how long do you intend to keep fighting the Black King?

Ageha:

Tatara has allied with Kanto...

...because they want to bring down the Royal Family.

Ageha:

The times are changing.

Japan is changing.

And the one changing it is Tatara.

Sarasa:

Ageha...!

Ageha:

I'm not one of Tatara's men.

As an impartial third party,

...I'm asking you to please... reconsider.

Man:

You called me?

Masunaga:

Our guests are leaving.

Take them away.

Sarasa:

Hayato's...sword?!

Sarasa:

Earlier, two of my comrades intruded upon you.

One of them didn't return, I'm very concerned.

Sarasa:

Ageha,

...this is the first time you expressed your approval of me...

...in front of me.

Ageha:

What does my approval matter?

I know you're just a silly brat.*

Sarasa:

This silly brat...

...wants to go search for Hayato.

Will you help?

Asagi:

...What do you think? Of course.

Sarasa:

Then,

...later tonight...

Kakujî:

Oh, Shôta.

You're finally up.

You've been alseep for several days...

Shôta:

Where's Tatara?!

Kakujî:

He went to Kazuno.

Kakujî:

What happened to all of you?

Where's Hayato?

Shôta:

Hayato...

...was taken...

...to a very cold place.

Chacha:

Eeh?

Shôta:

We were...

...umm...

...kicked out of Masunaga's Fort.

Hayato:

We won't go back empty-handed.

No matter what, we have to see their leader.

Shôta:

So at night, we climbed the sea cliffs,

...and snuck inside.

Shôta:

After that, after that...

Shôta:

No!

Tatara.

Shôta:

That place is...

Masunaga:

You must not break your promise.

You must not go out at night.

Shôta:

That place is...

...a den of ghouls!