Sunday, July 23, 2006

   [Manga] Strawberry Panic! Chapter 10
[Posted @ 5:05 PM]
I had done a brief summary of Strawberry Panic! Manga Chapter 10 around 2 weeks back and basically, I had already highlighted the important points there. =)

But here's a more detailed review of Chapter 10 and sorry for being sooo late lol. So let the angst begin XD.

Disclaimer:

I do not scan, so i don't claim credit for it, i got the scans from Yamibo, so please do not ask me where i got my scans again. PLEASE.

If you want to download the translated chapters of Strawberry Panic! Manga, go to Dynasty Scans .

Click on the scans and a new window will open and bring you to the larger and clearer version.

Please do not hotlink on forums, just paste my blog url and direct them to the Strawberry Panic! Page section, thanks.



In Chapter 10 of Strawberry Panic!, 'An Eternity's Oath', it's the opening ceremony of the Etoile Battle as the couples went up on stage one by one to swear their vows to their partners and to display their vows via action. Basically, the older sisters have to swear to protect/help their younger sisters on stage and the crowd will determine the popularity of the 'displays of affections' by cheering and throwing flowers in the baskets to support the couple.

The St Lulim girls at the gathering were amazed by the turnout. Kizuna asked Lemon what they were doing and she explained that they were exchanging vows and having a popularity voting. Lemon then wondered why isn't there an 'Astraea Quiz' for the younger sisters this year as it's essential for the younger sisters to be knowledgeable about Astraea Hill. Kizuna said that she's a transferred student so she doesn't know much about Astraea Hill ...



Lemon was suddenly reminded of St Spica's Amane and Hikari group and said that Hikari's a newly transferred student too and moreover, the year's organizer of the Etoile Battle was St Spica ... So is it because of that, that they took the 'Astraea Quiz' out?! While Lemon's musing about it, Tsubomi interrupted and asked what does Lemon mean by that ... because even if this year St Spica's not careful, winning would still be a breeze. Moreover, they were going to win with 'Triple Crowns'.

Confused, Kizuna asked if there were three Etoile? Tsubomi explained that there are three rounds in the Etoile Battle. In the First and Second rounds, those in the top few would then be allowed to go to the next round. So if a couple should top in all three rounds, there would be a little leverage for that couple. In conclusion, the couple to top all three arounds would be crowned 'Etoile'. Lost in her own dream world, Tsubomi continued that, well of course it's no easy task however for this year's St Spica, it's not entirely impossible.

Next up, we have the St Spica's couple, Amane and Hikari. Shion, the Emcee of the Etoile Battle asked if Amane would declare to always protect and help Hikari. Amane swore that she would. Amane looked beside her, saw Hikari very jittery from the tension and was glad not that only she was nervous, Hikari was too. [I can't see Amane nervous at all!! LOL. She looked so calm and cool.] Shion asked Amane to display her affections with action.



Amane did the unexpected as she carried Hikari, bridal style and swore to protect Hikari like what she's doing now. The crowd went wild lol, throwing flowers and stuff. Shion was like hm, as expected from the Prince of St Spica =). Shion quieted down the crowd and asked the next question, which was to love her forever and to swear to give all her unconditional love to only Hikari. [Really sounds like wedding vows lol] I reckon Amane did as the crowd went wild once again.



Meanwhile, Nagisa managed to make it back to the gathering of the Etoile Battle and was noticed by Chiyo. Chiyo ran towards Nagisa and said that they have been searching for her. Nagisa replied in an unreadable face that they were still in time isn't it. Chiyo nodded and said that although they barely made it but it's in time. Besides, Shizuma Onee-sama's waiting for Nagisa so Chiyo asked her to hurry up. Nagisa nodded with a deadpan expression and left. Chiyo noticed something strange about Nagisa but didn't say much but asked Nagisa go for it.

Suddenly, Shizuma grabbed Nagisa's wrist and was relieved that she managed to make it in time. Shizuma asked if Nagisa's worried for being late and that because she's nervous that she went to the bathroom isn't it? Nagisa agreed uncertainly. Shizuma poked Nagisa's face and told her not to have such a grim expression. [LoL kawaii~] It's their turn, Shizuma told Nagisa to relax and just follow her and let her lead. Nagisa's expression became gloomy. Shion introduced Shizuma and Nagisa to the crowd and asked Shizuma to declare to always protect and help Nagisa. Shion continued to ask Shizuma to display her affections with action.



Shizuma kneeled down in front of Nagisa, like a knight asking the princess for hand of marriage. The fangirls went craaaaaazzzy and Shion got worried lol, saying as expected of Shizuma-sama! [LoL!] Next question, Shion was a little tentative on whether she should ask it ... [This shows Shion's a really fair and justice person, she won't really pick on the weakness of people] Shion got herself up and asked Shizuma to forgive her in her mind and went on with the questioning. Shion asked Shizuma if Nagisa would be the only partner and to swear to love her forever this life and other world?

[Kinda like till death do us part but in this case, even in death and reincarnation they would be together. Spooky but sweet lol] In Shizuma's mind, she repeated, 'This life and other world?'. In Nagisa's mind, 'Only partner?' A replay of Shizuma announcing to everyone in last year's Etoile Battle to give all her unconditional love to her irreplaceable deceased sister, Sakuragi Kaori. Looking at Shizuma's hesitating expression, Nagisa thought to herself, no matter how dense she was, she understood that that's another person more suitable as a partner for Shizuma. However, she didn't want to know ... didn't want to know about it!!



To Nagisa's surprise, Shizuma grasped Nagisa's hand and swore to everyone that Nagisa would be her partner, this life and forever. The crowd went wild, throwing the flowers and stuff. But, Nagisa's expression was blank. After the opening ceremony, Shizuma praised Nagisa for being wonderful on stage and told her not to mind about being late earlier. Grinning, Shizuma told Nagisa to do her best for tomorrow as it's the real deal then she left. Looking at Shizuma's retreating shadow, Nagisa wondered to herself why didn't Shizuma told her about it ... [I reckon Nagisa's talking about Sakuragi Kaori.]



Chiyo also praised Nagisa Onee-sama that she was wonderful. Nagisa smiled but then sighed and told Chiyo that she had something to ask her about Shizuma Onee-sama. Chiyo replied that she doesn't know much as she had not enter high school yet and told Nagisa that probably Tamao would know more. Nagisa said that, yeah everyone knew about it [Sakuragi Kaori] and Tamao was careful not to tell her about it. Nagisa thought to herself why would Shizuma want to be with someone like her ... what was Shizuma thinking ... she didn't understand at all. Nagisa yelled 'I don't understand!!' and ran off leaving Chiyo calling for her behind. - END -

I believe Nagisa's doubting Shizuma's love for her and she couldn't understand want in her Shizuma would like. She's losing her self-confidence, probably felt cheated, lied to, betrayed by people around her. Everyone knew about it but noone told her about it, not even Shizuma as she treated like nothing happened. I wonder how will Shizuma calm Nagisa's wary heart down XD. Chapter 11 would be coming this August~

Oh yes, it's Stefanie Sun Yan Zi's birthday today!!!

Happy 28th birthday YanZi!!!!

[Signing off @ 8:25 PM]
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