Translated by Cass. I'm translating from the Chinese version of the manga and while I try to translate as accurate as possible, some phrases just doesn't sound right in English, so I've kept to the spirit of what was said instead. ( ) = words not in speech bubbles. * = flashback scene Scarlet Chapter 4 : Expectation ------------ 5 Scarlet Chapter 5 : River of Flames -------- 52 Scarlet Chapter 6 : All Red ---------------- 94 Scarlet Chapter 7 : Wish ------------------- 144 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. Sarasa, whose base is Sakura Island on the southern area of Kyuushuu, is planning an alliance with the northern Kazuno. After much suffering, she finally earned their respect. At that time, she learns of Momonoi's intention to suppress Sakura Island. Sarasa's group sneaks into Suou, obstructs the iron hand of Momonoi, and gains the support of the people. However, their cooperator, Renko, is captured... 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. Basara 14 - Scarlet 4 : Expectation Pg 7 Momonoi: Blow everything up! Bomb the wooden horse Tatara is hiding in, and my useless son! ----- BASARA MAP Sarasa/Tatara's Travel Sakura Island / Kyuushuu / City of Suou <-- Tosa, Shikoku / Kyoto ----- Pg 8 Sarasa: The smell of gunpowder... Sarasa: Explosives! Run! It's a trap! Hurry! Escape with Renko! Sarasa: Renko! I'm here to rescue you! Nachi: Hozumi! Come over here now! You'll be killed if you stay there! Pg 9 * Young Hozumi: Father... * Young Hozumi: Father... I drew a portrait of you. * Young Hozumi: My teacher said that I'm a good artist. * Young Hozumi: When I grow up... Can I become an artist? Momonoi: Stop... Stop... Soldier: What?! It's too late to stop now, sir. Sarasa: Is everything ready? Let's go! Pg 12 Commoners: Argh! Momonoi: (Hozumi!) Kaku-ji: Damn! The escape route is blocked! Pg 13 Hozumi: Follow me! There's an underground water tunnel that way! I used it to get here. Hozumi: It leads to the palace. Sarasa: Ok! Everyone, jump inside! Soldier: We captured their horses but we couldn't find the bodies of Tatara and his gang. Momonoi: (Hozumi... escaped?) But during that explosion, where could they have escaped to? Men, launch a search for them! Momonoi's Advisor: Young master is travelling with Tatara's gang now. Should we be careful, in case he gets hurt? Momonoi: No! Show no mercy! Pg 14 Momonoi: (Hozumi! You have caused me to lose face!) Burn everything! Raze every single house to the ground until Tatara shows up! Crowd : Momonoi has gone too far! The people have lost faith in him now. Crowd : I can tell from everyone's faces. No matter what he does now, it will only cause an adverse reaction from the people. But that fool is still ignorant. Soldier A: The people of Suou will not let him continue to destroy this city. Soldier B: Its time we stop listening to his orders. We shall pledge our allegiance to the Red King! Soldier: For the Red King! Pg 15 Sarasa: Renko, some water. Renko: Tatara... Thank you... Thank you for taking care of me. Hayato: If not for Hozumi, we could not have entered the palace so easily. Kaku-ji: It's pretty dark, I don't think the palace guards will look here for us. Hozumi: Tatara, Hozumi: I'm grateful to you all for saving Renko. But you should go. Pg 16 Hozumi: I never asked for your help. So don't think that I'm part of your group. Hayato: What did you say?! Sarasa: Hayato... I understand. What are your plans? Hozumi: When the sun sets, I will leave this city together with Renko. And find a doctor to treat her injuries. Asagi: *heh* Artists are always so naive. Asagi: I've seen your paintings in Kyoto. Normally these can only be found in the homes of the powerful or the rich. Asagi: The only reason why your paintings receive such special treatment is because they were drawn by the hands of Momonoi's son. But now that your father has disowned you, do you think people will still buy your paintings? Pg 17 Asagi: Your artistic talent is worthless now. You have no choice but to join us. Sarasa: Asagi! Asagi: I'm sorry. I was only speaking the truth. *giggle* I'm used to speaking my mind with Tatara, no matter how harsh the truth may be. Hozumi: Leave! Hozumi: No matter how hard it is to survive, I will never resort to violence, unlike you. ---------------- Tamu's Corner 1: Nachi's file Born on 2nd of December. Blood type O. Height... very tall. Hair is naturally this messy. Hobby... fishing for whales. A bit afraid of his mother. ------------------- Pg 18 Renko: Hozumi, you shouldn't have said that. Renko: Hozumi... Hozumi: I'm sorry, Renko. I've caused you to suffer. Renko: No. Renko: The one who is suffering right now, is actually your father. He doesn't have any one he cares about with him now. Pg 19 Renko: Hence, I am very lucky. Hozumi: I hate it... Renko: What? Hozumi: That I can't put my arms around you. Renko: It's okay. I'll put my arms around you then! Hayato: I'm hungry. I'm going to look for the kitchen. Nachi: I'm going too. And take a look around. Kaku-ji: Be careful. Kaku-ji: Tatara... Pg 20 Kakuji: Are you crying? Sarasa: Why are you asking me that? I'm not crying! Sarasa: I'm not going to cry. Sarasa: (I don't expect to be welcomed in any town, but even so...) Sarasa: (It's painful to be rejected. We are different from the Emperor and the Red King.) Sarasa: (We don't enjoy fighting with swords!) Kaku-ji: Stop brooding, Tatara. Listen to that sound. It's the sound of Momonoi's soldiers destroying the city of Suou. Pg 21 Kaku-ji: Listen carefully. If you can ignore it, then throw down your sword, go back to the fields & become a farmer! Sarasa: Kaku-ji... you sound just like Nagi! Kaku-ji: Really? (Were my words that profound?) So long as you believe in yourself, Tatara, everything will turn out okay. Sarasa: (I do believe in myself... but sometimes, I still hesitate...) * Shuri: Don't hesitate. You mustn't lose. You have to believe in yourself. Sarasa: Shuri... Pg 22 /quietly stealing the food/ Soldier: Hey! What happened to the bread and turkey meat? Asagi: The Red King's palace. I'm getting a little mad just thinking about how that guy used to live here. Nakijin: Shuri, where are you going? Momonoi isn't in any of these rooms. Shuri: Then let's check the hall. Pg 23 Asagi: (Shuri!) Shuri: (Asagi!) Why?! Shuri: Why are you here? Asagi: Whoa! Pg 24 Asagi: You never change. Every time I see you, you charge forward like a raging bull. Shuri: Shut up! Since you're here, then Tatara must be inside this palace too! Asagi: You may be right. Nakijin: Shuri, who is this guy? Shuri: He's the one who orchestrated my downfall. And he's always setting traps around me. Asagi: I'll add one more crime to your list. Very soon, someone you trust the most will become your enemy. Pg 25 Asagi: I'm looking forward to it. Shuri: Wait, Asagi! You bastard! Nakijin: Shuri, sh-- sh--! It's dangerous! Shuri: Damn it! If we don't act now, Tatara will attack this place. (We have to kill Momonoi, in order to take back Suou!) * Asagi: Someone you trust the most will become your enemy. Shuri: (Who is the one I trust the most?) Pg 26 Asagi: (I never expected Shuri to be here too.) (What a surprise!) (It's such a coincidence.) Asagi: (The show is about to start.) Asagi: (Get hurt! Hurt. Hurt. Before you die, Red King!) Pg 27 Villager A: Sakaki! Villager A: We're thinking of forming a resistance group to fight against Momonoi & his army. Do you want to join us? Sakaki: I only want to complete the underground water tunnel. Sakaki: You don't need me in the resistance, nor do I wish to join it. Villager A: He's a coward. Villager B: Did he really used to be one of the Red King's able assistants? Hozumi: Renko, are you okay? Renko: I'm fine. Hozumi: Do you think we should go to Kyoto or a totally new place? Pg 28 Renko: Kyoto... it's so far away... Renko: Hozumi... Are you hurt?! You're bleeding... Hozumi: Huh? Oh... (That's because my arms are broken.) Hozumi: That's paint. That's just red paint... Hozumi: Renko...? It's just paint. What's wrong? Renko: Nothing. Nothing... Pg 29 Villager A: Momonoi must be in the palace hall. Villager B: All his men were ordered to look for Tatara. Security in the palace will be weak. Villager B: It is a good opportunity. Villager A: There's enough of us to subdue him. Villager A: Come on, men! Let's kill Momonoi! Hozumi: (Red uniforms...) (They used to be the Red King's soldiers, huh? Father...) Pg 30 Hozumi: (Father...) Renko: I know what you are thinking. Hozumi: Renko. Renko: Do as you wish! I'll wait for you here. Renko: But please be careful, because you can't use your hands. Hozumi: Renko... Hozumi: I know... I'll do my last duty as a son by informing my father of this uprising. Pg 31 Hozumi: I'll be right back. Renko: (drums...?) Renko: (The dance of death. The white clad harbinger of death rides again.) Pg 32 Renko: (But who is he taking...?!) Renko: (Red paint... red paint...) Renko: (like the colour of blood...) Hozumi... (Red...) Renko: Hozumi... Pg 33 Momonoi: What! You still haven't found Tatara or my son? What a bunch of useless fools! Soldier A: Someone must have hidden them. And the commoners seem to be getting rebellious. Momonoi: Then throw all the rebels into jail! Momonoi: Argh! Pg 34 Momonoi: What are you doing? Those uniforms... You're not my men! Soldier B: We're tired of following your orders. To you, this is only an ordinary city in the desert. Soldier B: But to the Red King and us all, this is a wonderful and prosperous city! Momonoi: Don't tell me you are still thinking of that man! Soldier B: We are more loyal to the Red King than ever before! Soldier B: Die! Momonoi: Men! Help! There are traitors among us! Pg 35 Sarasa: What's happening out there? Let's take a look! Nakijin: Shuri... Shuri: In the hall! Damn it! Quick, let's saw away these bars! Hozumi: Father! Pg 36 Soldier C: Momonoi's strong! Soldier C: Fire the arrows! Hozumi: (Father...) Hozumi: (If I can move my arms...) Hozumi: (And if I have a sword...) Hozumi: (Will I fight?) Pg 37 Momonoi: Hozumi?! * Nakijin: If anything was to happen and his only son wasn't there to support him, don't you think he would be very pitiful? Pg 38 Sarasa: (Hozumi!!) Hozumi: ...That's why, I told you before, Father. Hozumi: You caused too much bloodshed. One day, you will face retribution. I knew it. Pg 39 Hozumi: When I was very young, Mother died. You were so gentle towards me then. Hozumi: When I said I wanted to be an artist, you encouraged me. Hozumi: (Why couldn't we remain the same as we were then?) Hozumi: (Why can't people stay the same...) Hozumi: (Ah... I have to go...) Hozumi: Renko is... (Because... she's waiting for me...) go... to Kyoto... (Renko is...) Hozumi: Ren... (Kyoto...) Pg 40 Hozumi: (Kyoto, it's so far away like a dream. I never thought this day would come.) Momonoi: No! Pg 41 Momonoi: You... You killed my son! If I am going to be defeated by the Red King, then I'll bring down the city of Suou with me! Momonoi: Light up all the explosives! Sarasa: Renko! Renko: We have to inform the people of Suou! Renko: Can you do me this favour... Tatara? Sarasa: Okay! Everyone, let's go! Pg 42 Soldier C: Momonoi! Haven't you realised your son's good intentions? Stop destroying this city! Shuri: Hey! What are you all doing? Soldiers: Red... Red King!? It's the Red King! Soldiers: When did you return to Suou? Momonoi: (The Red King?!) Pg 43 Shuri: Momonoi, do you know a man called Unten who was running for presidency in Okinawa? Momonoi: Unten...? That double-crossing traitor? I don't know him! Shuri: Nakijin, you've heard what he said. You can kill him now. Nakijin: My brother had no dealings with such a man. Shuri: In that case, I shall kill you with my own hands! Thank you for looking after Suou in my absence! It is time for you to retire! Pg 44 Sakaki: Momonoi was sent here by the Emperor himself. If the Red King was the one who killed him, there might be repercussions. Why not let a mere commoner dirty his hands instead? Shuri: You are always looking after my interests. Pg 45 Shuri: Sakaki. Sakaki: I've been waiting for your return, Red King. Pg 46 Hozumi: I want to bring Renko to Kyoto. There are cherry blossoms and during the winter, the city will be covered in snow. Hozumi: Kyoto is such a beautiful city! Hozumi: But I only see the beautiful parts. When I'm with Renko, I can see everything, both the good and the bad. And she can spread the news to all of Japan. Hozumi: Let's go to Kyoto together! Pg 47 Hozumi: Let's go together! Hozumi: Next time, we shall go there together... Pg 48 Sarasa: Renko... Sarasa: Why...? Sarasa: (Why did the both of you...) Kaku-ji: Tatara, this is Hozumi's painting. Pg 49 Kaku-ji: What a happy, peaceful expression. The painting on the wall seems to envelop Renko in a tight embrace... Sarasa: (Such a thing cannot be happiness.) Pg 50 Sarasa: (That isn't happiness at all.) Asagi: Tatara, flags are being raised in the palace - red flags. Kaku-ji: The Red King's power has been restored...?! Hayato: Tatara... Sarasa: (Renko looked a bit like my mother.) Sarasa: (Why did the both of you have to die? There was no reason at all!) Sarasa: (When will these cruel times end?) Pg 51 Sarasa: (Ah... That's right. This is why I fight.) Sarasa: (It's because I'm doing this, that's why I can enjoy fighting.) Sarasa: (The time for me to fight the Red King face-to-face ...has come.) Pg 52 Renko: (If this is a world where everyone has the right to know the truth and can speak freely without having to fear for their lives, wouldn't that be great?) --- END OF CHAPTER ---