Hakuouki Drama CD- Shinsengumi Detective Files #1
Title: Shinsengumi Detective Files (Shinsengumi Torimonohikae / 新選組捕物控)
Genre: Comedy
Characters: Souji + Inoue + children; Saitou + Sannan
Since I want to keep the translation open, I can't openly provide download link here. ^^; This is available in Hakuoki community. In case you can't access the post, plz check community policy #3.
Please don't copy-paste the translation elsewhere! Linking to this page is okay.
Keyword:
Taifuku (隊服) - uniform. In Hakuouki, this refers to Shinsengumi's asagiiro haori (pale blue overcoat).
Like Shinsengumi's flag, it's the symbol and pride of Shinsengumi. When Hijikata handed them the uniform, he warned "don't ever lose them or let them get dirty. I will not take this issue lightly".
They call it "taifuku" or "haori", both referring to the same thing. I'll use "uniform" in my translation.
Title call by Souji: Hakuouki drama CD, Shinsengumi Detective Files.
Inoue: Shinsengumi is a group of swordsmen otherwise known as Mibu Ronshigumi. The purpose of this organization is to maintain the security in Kyoko. However, we're also feared as a group of killers who mercilessly slay lawless ronins. Ha ha, quite notorious. We're pretty much disliked by the people of Kyoto.
Although we're diligently doing our jobs policing Kyoto, many still view us as a bunch of outlaws. Stationed at Yagi's house, it can't be helped that we bring Mr. Yagi some trouble.
Well, where is this children's laughter coming from? Playing with kids inside the quarters? Ha ha, that can only be him. Taking a brief rest is nice.
(Children giggling)
Souji: One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten. Are you ready?
Children: Not yet~
Souji: Are you ready?
Children: Ready~
Souji: Alright, where can these two be hiding? Here? Nope. Then, where?
Child1: *giggle*
Souji: I heard something in the closet. That means... gotcha!
Child1: You found me! Sou-chan is good at this. How did you know?
Souji: Who knows? Now, let's find the other one.
Child1: Okay!
(In kitchen)
Inoue: Wait! Don't come into the kitchen unattended! I'm starting a fire now. Stay back.
Child2: Eeh? Why? I have to hide quickly.
Souji: Ah-ha. That saved my time. Let's go check.
(Door opens)
Souji: Gotcha!
Child2: Aww. You found me.
Inoue: Souji, are you playing hide-and-seek with these children?
Souji: Yes! Would Inoue-san like to join us?
Inoue: Nah. Thanks for the invitation. It's embarrassing for a man my age to play with children.
Souji: Really? I don't think age matters.
Inoue: I have to help prepare supper now. We already caused Mrs. Yagi a lot of trouble. It's the least I can do.
Souji: Hmm.
Child1: Sou-chan, can we continue? It's my turn to be "It" now.
Souji: Yes, of course. Inoue-san is starting a fire here, so it's dangerous. Let's go back to the house across the courtyard.
Inoue: Wait a moment, Souji. If you have time, can you do me a favor while playing?
Souji: What is it?
Inoue: There's a uniform just washed, and hung on the pole in the courtyard to dry. Would you keep an eye on it, in case it gets blown away or stolen? If it's gone, the squad on patrol tonight would be in trouble.
Souji: I see. I'll keep an eye on it when playing hide-and-seek.
Child2: Souji~~ Hurry up! Let's go!
Souji: I'll be right there. Catch you later, Inoue-san.
Souji: Now close your eyes and count to 10. No peeking!
Child1: Okay! One, two, three, four...
Souji: Now where should I hide? It's no fun to be found too soon. I think this is a utility room. It's dark and quiet, making it the perfect hiding place.
Souji: Umm... why aren't they here yet? Is it because it's too dark in this house? I'm getting sleepy. Last night was my shift, so I stayed up late. *yawn* I can't stand it, I'm really gonna... (falls asleep)
Sannan: Thank you very much for stopping by. We might still need your help in the future. Please do give us a hand then. Goodbye.
Saitou: Sannan-san.
Sannan: Well, it's Saitou-kun. Judging from this outfit you're wearing, are you training the soldiers in fencing? You're so dedicated to work, as usual.
Saitou: I'm only fulfilling my duty as a Shinsengumi executive. It's nothing worthy of praise. That aside, who was the person you were talking to?
Sannan: Are you concerned?
Saitou: By all means.
Sannan: That's understandable. Jōi rōnins sent numerous spies recently. It's giving us headaches too. However, please don't worry, for the one who just left isn't Shinsengumi's enemy.
Saitou: Is that true?
Sannan: I didn't know you were so suspicious. However, I should say I'm thankful, for it shows your consideration for Shinsengumi.
Saitou: As an executive, it's natural to place the affairs of the organization before everything else.
Sannan: Is that so? Look at Okita-kun, who plays with children whenever he has time. And Nagakura-kun, Harada-kun, Toudou-kun, who linger in Shimabara as soon as they are off duty. It's beyond my imagination how possibly they are placing Shinsengumi in front of everything else.
Saitou: Those were actions taken after they fulfilled their duties to the minimum. And they do not leave internal affairs undone. There's no need to be so harsh on them.
Sannan: It's no big deal to play on off-duty days. However, if they carry this attitude onto working days and become heedless, it'll be hard to handle.
Saitou: That's...
Sannan: Isn't Hijikata-kun troubled by this as well? We're in a phase which we must watch our backs. But the executives, who should become the role models of common soldiers, are in such condition.
Saitou: Vice Commander is? I see. I will advice them to properly fulfill they duty as Shinsengumi executives.
(Saitou leaves)
Sannan: I don't think they will listen to Saitou-kun's advice nicely. What should I do to bring up their self awareness?
Next track.
Personal comments:
1) I think this is the first time we actually hear Souji playing with kids. So sweet! :D
2) Saitou speaks for the others, although he knows how they're doing their jobs- "to the minimum". LOL
3) It's seems that Sannan is satisfied with how Saitou's doing. I used to think Sannan didn't like him, because in the game he was quite heartless to Saitou. He was like "alright, since Saitou decided to die here, we can leave for Sendai now. I'll go pack my stuff." O_o
4) Usually I get the most headache from Saitou's lines, since he's always speaking so politely it's hard to translate. This time the headache doubles, thanks to Sannan. orz Their polite debate is amazing, and charming.
Note:
1) Yagi House (八木家) is the Shinsengumi's headquarters when they were in Mibu. Part of the house was kept intact. Yagi House website. To look around, click on the red arrows on the floor plan. Doesn't the front porch look familar? ;) Compare with this background in Hakuouki.
Admission fee is 1000 yen, which includes a guided tour plus a set of traditional cake and tea. The guide will lead tourists into the room, tell stories about Shinsengumi in this house, and then say somthing like "you're sitting on the spot where Serizawa was killed". Wow.
2) The title, torimonohikae (捕物控), came from the phrase "torimonochō (捕物帳)", which originally means "record of the criminals caught by detectives" in Edo Era. Now this phrase is generally used for detective notes, or detective stories based on ancient times (such as Edo).
Hikaechō also means "notebook". So the title of this drama basically means the same thing.