A note from Sumire: Thanks for bothering to come this far. Tenshi Nanka Ja Nai is a really great manga, and I hope I can convey some of its charm to you. I was a diehard Ten-Nai fan for years before I could even read the words--Yazawa-Sensei's illustrations are expressive enough to understand, but I missed a lot of subtle plot points when I couldn't read Japanese. So now go to your local Japanese bookstore and buy the manga. You won't regret it. Another note from Sumire: Sorry about the inconsistencies in the translation. This is still my first draft. Oh, and italics indicate Midori's inner monologue. Enjoy! Volume 1, Part 1 Page 3 To call it love at first sight would be an exaggeration, but... ever since I first noticed him, he's always on my mind. What I like best about him is the way his eyes seem kind of mean... Page 4 ...but I know deep down, he's really nice. Page 7 If only I could meet him... Friends: Midori! MIDORIIII! Tonko: Long time no see! How's it feel to have three extra days of summer vacation? Kayo: Midori! Is your cold okay? Midori: It's completely gone! Tonko: Come on, come on up! Midori: I just have to drop off my art homework first. Kayo: Gee, Tonko, do you really think Midori'll do *you-know-what* for us> Tonko: Don't worry--if I know Midori, she'll do it. She's so cheerful and energetic... Boy #1: Hey, Midori! Girl: Kya! Midori! Good morning! Boy #2: Oh, so you're still alive! Page 8 Tonko: ...There's no one better for the job! ...if only I could meet him... SIGN: "ART WORKROOM" Maki-chan: Oh, Saejima-san! Is your cold all better? Midori: Yup! Here, Maki-chan, sorry I'm turning it in late. Maki-chan: The jacket design? Nice... Your use of color is beautiful, as usual--your personality really comes through, doesn't it. Midori (thinks):Sensei's as beautiful as usual too. I think I'll grow out my hair too. Maki-chan: It's too bad we don't have an art club. Midori: It's because we didn't have enough members this year--we'll just have to count on next year's new students. Maki-chan: That's right. My high school, Hijiri Gakuen, is brand-new--they just completed it this year. We first-years are the only students here. The campus is so shiny and new... Midori: I'm looking forward to so much--the school events--and just the fact that there aren't any traditions yet-- Maki-chan: Oh, that's right--you're running for the student body council, aren't you? Good luck! Midori: Huh? Page 10 Midori's Class: Midori, please? Tonko: Remember at the end of last semester, they were talking about forming a student council... They were recruiting candidates, right? Midori: Um, yeah... Tonko: That's exactly what's happening! But none of us realized it, so we had to nominate at least one person from our class in a hurry... Midori: Um, yeah... Tonko: Anyway, the candidates will be giving their speeches this afternoon, but we really want YOU to represent our class! A... a speech!? This afternoon!? Midori's Class: PLEEEEEEZE!!! * * * * * PA System: Candidates, please gather in the right wing of the stage. For those giving support speeches, there are microphones below the stage... Tonko: Okay, Midori, good luck! Kayo and I'll do your introduction, okay? Midori: Okay, I got it, thanks. Kayo: She came through for us after all. Tonko: Thank God. Things have suddenly gotten...difficult... Page 12 ...but I couldn't refuse everybody... It's a campaign speech, I wonder what I should say... I'll be in front of the entire school! And when I wonder if HE'll be watching me... I haven't seen him at all today... even though summer vacation is finally over... and even though his height and that pompadour are so striking... Bunta: Midori! Midori: BUNTA! No way--you're in the election too? Bunta: What about you? I wonder what made your classmates flatter you with a nomination. Midori: Wouldn't that be *you*, Mr. Party Animal of the D Group? Bunta: Midori: Oh, but it's so good to see you again--I feel less nervous just looking at you. Bunta: Sorry, this completely stress-free face-- Mamirin: Kôno-kun. Page 14 What a beautiful girl! Bunta: Drawing lots? Boy, this really is a proper election. Mamirin: You there, you take one too. Midori: You know her? Introduce us! Bunta: This is my classmate Yûko Mamiya. She's running for office, too. Midori: Pleased to meet you! Bunta and I have been thrown together by fate since junior high. I'm Midori Saejima from the A Group. Mamirin: Just take a number. Midori: Bu- Bunta... Did I say something wrong? Bunta: Nah, she's like that with everyone. She's really smart, and pretty good-looking, but... she's either stuck-up or just plain unfriendly...If we could just cross her with you... Midori (looking at her number): WHAT!? Bunta: "What?"? Midori: I'm going first!? Bunta: Ha ha ha...You're unlucky--I'm lucky! Midori: Shut up! Bunta: Whoops! Page 16 Midori: I'm really sorry!--I'm such a-- Bunta: sorry! Takigawa: Not at all--it's okay. Don't worry about it! Bunta: Stupid! Midori: Do you know him? Bunta: He's Takigawa from the C Group, isn't he? I only know his name. Midori: C Group! Of course! Tonko and the girls were talking about a cute boy with one-length hair. Bunta: Huh. So he's popular with the girls, then. Midori: I feel good about him. Boys with long hair aren't bad at all... Bunta: Really? A short, athletic cut is what's really masculine. Midori: No! A pompadour! Bunta: jeez, why so suddenly... Why, are you in love with a Rock 'n' Roller? Page 18 Finally! I haven't seen him since we passed on the stairs the day of the end-of-semester-ceremony. And we made eye contact... Bunta: A pompadour--you mean HIM? Midori: No way! That was just a coincidence! I wonder if he heard me just now... it should be all right... But what's he doing here, anyway? He's taking... a number? Five out of the nine candidates will be elected... what if... Page 20 ...we're in the student body council together? MC: The first candidate is Midori Saejima from the A Group. Please go ahead with the introduction. Midori (thinks): Tonko! Kayo! Tonko: uh... The A Group has nominated Saejima-san. Kayo: um... Midori's energetic and cheerful and ochôshimono*--oops! I mean, responsbible-- (*"ochôshimono" has two meanings: someone who's friendly and amusing, and someone who talks badly about people behind their backs. Obviously Kayo meant the first one.) Tonko: Stupid! What are you saying, Kayo? Kayo: Sorry! Tonko: Anyway, she's really great! The whole room brightens up whenever she's around. She makes everyone feel happy! Kayo: Yeah, yeah! Tonko: Midori's the A Group's angel! So its a waste to just keep her for ourselves--we want her to be the angel of the whole school! Kayo: Right on, Tonko! Tonko: So please vote for Midori Saejima! It's just flattery, but I'm happy. MC: Miss Saejima, please go ahead. I don't have any ulterior motives--I really want to do this. Page 22 Midori: I've always loved this place called school. I don't think there's any other place where you can meet so many different people. Just that alone is enough to make me feel excited about coming to school every day. At first, the reason why I chose this high school was just because I liked the uniform... but now, there are so many friends, and teachers, and people I want to meet here. I hope you all feel the same way. If you do, then I think we can all make this the best high school ever, together! This has been Midori Saejima--thank you! Page 24 That was perfect, if I say so myself. [As she's leaving the stage, Midori trips and falls.] Midori: KYAA! [Image] Tonko: MIDORI! YOUR SKIRT! Midori: Huh? The Entire School: RED CHECKERED PANTIES!!! This can't be happening! Page 26 Akira: Heh. Your speech sure was flashy. Bunta: Hey! Midori! Midori! Calm down! Midori: Let go of me! I'm going home! Bunta: Wait! If you go out from here, everyone will see you! [The map illustrates that in order to leave the building, Midori will have to pass by the audience.] Bunta: See? Akira: Sorry. I shouldn't have said that. Page 28 What... I know you're really nice... Akira: Count to three very slowly and then open the door. Okay? Bunta: But-- Akira: I'll take care of it. Here I go! What? Midori: One... MC: Everyone, please settle down! Can he do some kind of magic? Midori: Two... I just don't care what happens already. Midori: Three! Page 30 Akira: SHUT UP!!! So--So loud! Akira: It's nothing to get excited about--an un-sexy butt like that. Wha--WHAT DID HE SAY!? And he's getting a laugh out of them!? But that shout made them all turn that way, so I guess I should be grateful. This is so disappointing. Akira: If you think about it, we're the first students ever to attend this high school. We've got the chance to create history from the beginning. I'm the kind of guy who, whatever I do, I have to see it through to the end. So, if we have any lasting influence on the future of this school, I want it to be that we made it a fun place to be! Page 32 Akira: MR. PRINCIPAL! One year from now, this obscure school will be famous throughout Japan, and mobs of students will be lining up to apply for admission. Let's promise to make this happen! ...by the way, I'm Akira Sudô, First Year, F Group. Please show me your favor. Akira... Sudô... That's a name I've wanted to know for a long time... [flashback] ...Ever since that misty, rainy Spring day... Akira: Ha ha... Ticklish, aren't you. What's that? Your name's Milk? Oh, you're a white cat--you're so dirty, I couldn't tell. Midori (thinks): He's wearing our school uniform. Akira: Okay, I got it, I said. I understand, so don't cry. Page 34 Akira: Don't cry... Let's go home, Milk. That silver motorcycle, shining in the rain... it was so beautiful... Ever since that day, I was secretly waiting for a chance to talk to him. Page 36 POSTER: Vote for Angel Saejima Class: BWA HA HA HA HA! Kayo: This is just too much! It's the best! Midori: Isn't it cute? Tonko: That's our Midori! She's done it! Akira: So you've turned your humiliation into a joke, huh? Are you planning to become a comedian or something? Midori: Maybe I'll become a variety-show idol. Akira: Well, you're a good artist, too. ... for a chance like this... Page 38 MC: And now, the results of the student body council election. The offices are decided by number of votes in descending order: president, vice-president, treasurer, and two secretaries. Will the students whose names I call please line up on the stage. Tonko: Midori--don't worry--I'm positive you can make secretary. Midori (thinks): I hope so. MC: And the president of Hijiri Gakuen's first student body council is... Akira Sudô-kun! Just four more... Please, God, give me a chance! MC: Next, vice-president... Page 40 MC: Midori Saejima-san! Midori's classmates: KYAA! Midori--unbelievable! Vice-president? MC: Saejima-san, please come up on stage. I'm... the vice-president... (She trips again.) Akira: You sure are clumsy, aren't you. Come on, get up already! Page 42 Akira: Your panties are showing. Midori: NO WAY! Akira: Just kidding. This guy is so disappointing... but I'm happy... MC: And getting on with the results... ...from now on, I can be this close to him and see him all the time. Hijiri School Newspaper EXTRA! The Formation of the First Student Body Council!! [group picture] Treasurer: Shûichi Takigawa President: Akira Sudô Secretary: Bunta Kôno Secretary: Yûko Mamiya Vice-President: Midori Saejima (End of Book 1, Part 1)