#mitsunaru

Masterpost

Note, while this was the final article in the main set for the original trilogy, there are still a couple of extra ones to follow up!

Final Farewell

Phoenix and the others have come to the airport to see Edgeworth off on his journey. It’s time to say goodbye to Ace Attorney too. A special chapter written for the fanbook! 

Pearl: Mr Nick, this way! Hurry up! 

Maya: Good luck, Prosecutor Edgeworth! 

Edgeworth: I’m very grateful you came all the way to the airport to see me off.

Pearl: Uhm. How long until you come back…?

Edgeworth: I don’t know for sure… roughly in three years, I expect?

Phoenix: That’s quite a while. Will your inspection really take that long?

Edgeworth: In all likelihood. I plan to tour legal communities around the world.

Maya: As a memento until we meet again, please give me that fluttering thing on your chest! 

Pearl: Kyah! I want one too! 

Maya: Ah. Of course, one for Nick too. That’s three of them.

Edgeworth: No way! Without this, people won’t know who I am…

Maya: Pleaseee! Or, alternatively, how about the second button from your shirt?

Edgeworth: T-the second button…?

Maya: See. Pearly can have the first button, and Nick can also get the third one!

Edgeworth: No way! Wouldn’t my shirt end up all fluttery?

Maya: Well. That’s fine, isn’t it? It would match your fluttering chest

Edgeworth: But, it’s hardly as though “fluttering” is the theme by which I live my life. 

Maya: I could have sworn you lived for the fluttering. 

Pearl: Ah. Please bring me a souvenir when you go on a trip too, Mr Nick! 

Phoenix: B-but I don’t plan on taking any trips.

Maya: I’ll show some restraint… with that old badge on your collar. 

Edgeworth: Don’t fight, there’s only one to go around. That old badge, I mean. 

Phoenix: Nah… Without this, nobody would know who I am.

Maya: …Stingy. 

*****

Pearl: I still don’t see him yet… The whiskered Detective. 

Phoenix: You’ve got some good in you too, you know. Offering to take him with you like that.

Maya: So Gumshoe is finally expanding overseas, huh? I’m so jealous. 

Edgeworth: Apparently his salary got cut again yesterday... I just so happened to overhear.

Phoenix: “Just so happened”... whose fault was it in the first place, huh?

Edgeworth: 'A leisurely trip overseas is a dream come true…' He said, with tears welling in his eyes.

Phoenix: Still, that’s pretty generous of you. You’re covering his travel expenses too, right?

Edgeworth: D-don’t say such weird things. I managed to pull some strings and get it classed as a business trip.

Maya: You prosecutors sure can do anything, huh? 

Phoenix: It’s kind of late, though. Shouldn’t you give him a call?

Maya: What if he’s still at home eating dinner?

Edgeworth: He had better not be! Boarding for this flight starts in 10 minutes. 

Phoenix: But. We are talking about Detective Gumshoe, after all.

Edgeworth: It can’t be helped… I’ll contact him. 

Gumshoe: It… It’s all gone wrong! I’m finished! 

Edgeworth: D-detective! Why… are you still at home?! 

Gumshoe: It’s nowhere! I can’t find my boarding pass! 

Maya: A crack appeared on Prosecutor Edgeworth’s forehead…

Edgeworth: What… What the hell are you doing?! 

Gumshoe: It’s been two hours now…. Uhooooogh! 

Edgeworth: Hm? What is it?! 

Gumshoe: Huh? What do you know? It was wedged under the phone receiver! 

Edgeworth: How on earth… Did it end up thereeee?!?!

Maya: Woah… A crack appeared in Prosecutor Edgeworth’s phone…

Gumshoe: It’s okay! I’ll be right there! Once I’ve finished eating! 

Edgeworth: Tch! You had better pray your next performance review… never comes! 

Maya: That’s rough, huh? Even as a prosecutor. 

Edgeworth: I-it seems he… won’t be able to make it.

Phoenix: How do I put this? Your voice is pretty loud. I could hear every word.

Edgeworth: …Hmph.

** * * *

Larry: Hey! *cough cough cough cough*

Maya: Ah! That voice… that’s Larry! 

Phoenix: You’re being flaky. I thought you were in bed with a cold?

Larry: What’s with you, huh? Were you planning to just slip away without a word? Edgy! 

Edgeworth: Are you… okay? Your face is extremely pale.

Larry: Yeah. I caught a nasty cold. From my girl Nobimubayai. (1)

Maya: Nobi… Huh? Which girl is that?

Phoenix: You’ve been going in a different direction recently, haven’t you?

Larry: Don’t be so cold! I even brought a present!

Maya: Huh!! That’s so thoughtful of you, Larry. 

Edgeworth: But… no matter how I look at it, it’s like a handbra…?

Larry: No. It’s a “poem”. My gift to you. 

Edgeworth: T-thank you for the effort… but I’m not in the mood to listen to a man’s poem. 

Phoenix: It’s alright. Go ahead and recite something that’ll really get under his skin.

Larry: Alright. Listen carefully… Ahem. 

Sa d to see you go 

Yo ur next dawn is near 

Na rly tears to wipe away 

Ya nk that trumpet 

Phoenix: What’s this? Why have you written it so weirdly?

Larry: Hm? Ah. There’s a trick to this “poem”. Like magic. 

Pearl: Magic trick…?

Larry: Pick out the first letters on each line of the poem, and read them vertically. 

Maya: Okay, so… “sa” “yo” “na” “ra”... Ah. I see! (2)

Edgeworth: W-what an absurd display of passion. F-fine then. I suppose I should say thanks. 

Maya: Hah… Ah! Prosecutor Edgeworth, your eyes are welling up! 

Phoenix: This guy… He’s just not so good with those “heartwarming” presents. 

Maya: Ah… Come to think of it, Shu Takumi didn’t show up in the end, huh?

Pearl: I was really looking forward to seeing him again after so long. 

Phoenix: He did say something like, since this is the last time, I’ll say my goodbyes! 

Larry: No… Actually, it looks like he said his goodbyes properly.

Phoenix: W-what do you mean?

Larry: Well, I’m not entirely sure. But he said the hint was “poetry”. (3)

Phoenix: Hm… I do like Shu Takumi and his… magic tricks. 

Maya: Well, maybe you should read it again. Start from the beginning. 

Phoenix: Anyway. It’s about time. I can hear the announcement. 

Edgeworth: Well then… I suppose I should head out soon. 

Phoenix: A temporary farewell, then? …Take care, Edgeworth.

Larry: Hey. I’m counting on you guys. Now, and in the future.

Edgeworth: Hm. Just because the curtain falls on this story… doesn’t mean our lives come to an end.

Phoenix: …That’s the way it is, huh?

Maya: The perfect way to wrap things up, as always. Well then, have a safe trip!

Notes:

(1) I just wrote out the katakana here in romaji. Sadly I don't really get this joke! It's similar to the other girlfriend name, though.

(2) I clearly had to mess around with the poem a bit. That said, this isn't too far off the vibe of what the original meaning was.

(3) Yeah so I know my own limits and attempting to not only understand, but translate, cyphers in Japanese is that limit I'm afraid :')

Masterpost

Big Phoenix lore!!

Note: This one is also pretty untranslatable. However, as they were actually discussing the specific kanji involved within the dialogue itself, I've just added a few extra notes there, rather than at the end.

Shiwasu (師走)

December is also known as “shiwasu” - a month so busy even the teachers are running around. Speaking of Phoenix’s mentor, it’s obviously “that person”- 

Maya: …Hah, hah. I’m back… Hah, hah. 

Phoenix: Welcome back… Wait, what’s wrong? You’re all out of breath. 

Maya: That’s ‘cos I kind of ran back. You look busy too, Nick. 

Phoenix: I was doing a big clean-up. The year’s almost over, after all. 

Maya: Hmm. It’s really cold outside. It definitely feels like the shiwasu.

Phoenix: Ah… You’re right.

Maya: Huh? What’s wrong? You suddenly looked distant. 

Phoenix: Speaking about the shiwasu. It made me think of an important memory…How can I put it, something moving?

Maya: Oh! I have a feeling this is going to be “romantic!” 

Phoenix: It’s a story from back when I was still a rookie. 

Maya: Woah. I wanna hear! I wanna hear! 

Phoenix: When I hear “shiwasu”... that’s right. The “shi”(師) character makes me  think of my teacher - Mia for me of course. 

Maya: That’s true, you’re right. 

Phoenix: Mia was always so calm, you know. You can’t even imagine her running around in a panic, right?

Maya: Yeah. I don’t think I ever saw her run around in a panic. 

Phoenix: Exactly… But actually, just once. I saw her running around. At full speed.

Maya: Really? 

Phoenix: It was around this time of year. I was working for this law firm while I was studying for the bar exam. 

Maya: So you were like a live-in guest, Nick..(1)

Phoenix: Then, it was finally the day of the exam. Somehow, I realised I’d forgotten my admission ticket. 

Maya: Hm… You’ve always been the type to end up in tight spots, haven’t you?

Phoenix: Just when I thought ‘it’s all over!’ …I heard a voice. It said “Phoenix”. 

Maya: Ah! Could that have been…?

Phoenix: It was Mia… She had my ticket. 

Maya: Is that so…?

Phoenix: She was out of breath and couldn’t speak for a bit… Honestly, I was stoked. 

Maya: Aaah. I see. 

Phoenix: Though, there was still about half an hour until the exam started. She was probably really worried about me. 

Maya: …….

Phoenix:...........

Maya: So? What’s so moving about that?

Phoenix: Huh? 

Maya: I mean. It’s obvious, isn’t it? It was “shiwasu” after all.

Phoenix: N-no! I mean, that’s why Mia did that for me…

Maya: Ah. Could it be, Nick? You don’t actually know what “shiwasu” means?”

Phoenix: Why would you say that?!

Maya: Listen. “Shiwasu” doesn’t mean that attorneys run. In that case, the “shi” character in “shiwasu” would be the same “shi”(士) as “bengoshi” (弁護士) (attorney).(2)

Phoenix: I know that! The “shi” character is obviously the “shi” (師) from “shishou” (師匠) (teacher), right? Like a sensei. 

Maya: What are you talking about, Nick? The “shi” in “shiwasu” is the same “shi” in “reibaishi” (霊媒師)(spirit medium), isn’t it?

Phoenix: …Yes?

Maya: That’s why “shiwasu” means “spirit mediums run”. 

Phoenix: No way! That’s just some kind of local rule in Kurain Village! 

Maya: Huh?! Then, why are teachers running around? I want to hear your theory, Nick. 

Phoenix: Well, that’s it. You know how they say “it’s so busy at the end of the year, even the teacher is running around like crazy”... 

Maya: Haaah. Let’s keep cool heads here. Wouldn’t the busiest time for a teacher be school admission season?

Phoenix: Then- then- why are spirit mediums running around in December?! 

Maya: That’s obvious, isn’t it? Because it’s cold. 

Phoenix: ….”because it’s cold”? 

Maya: Even you know that, Nick. It’s chilly in Kurain Village, you know?

Phoenix: W-well… I guess so. 

Maya: That’s why, once December rolls around, we always have to run whenever we need to go outside. It’s part of our training too. 

Phoenix: Hah….

Maya: My big sis was trained as a medium too. Whenever December came around, she’d run around with me. Ever since I was little.

Phoenix: Hm… Ah! S-so. The reason Mia was running about that day was…

Maya: I guess her old habits kicked back in. As a “medium”. 

Phoenix: I-I see…

Maya: So, there was no need to run about in the first place, was there?

Phoenix: Huh?

Maya: Didn’t you say there was still half an hour until your exam started?

Phoenix: ……….

Maya: ………

Phoenix: ……….

Maya: Just kidding.

Phoenix: Huh?

Maya: I’m sure that back then, Sis wasn’t running around as a spirit medium, but as your mentor. Just for your sake, Nick. 

Phoenix: …Ah, right. 

Maya: I was actually a little jealous. So I went and said something mean.

Phoenix: .....Well, should we get back so the big clean?

Maya: Yeah! 

Phoenix: After all, it is the month of “shiwasu”. I’m also pretty busy.

Maya: But that’s why. If lawyers are busy, “shiwasu” should use the “shi” from attorney. Let’s get that straight!

Phoenix: Sure, sure.

Notes (the second) 1) I wouldnt make too big a deal out of this. It's not super literal and I doubt it's meant to mean anything.

2) The second character in shiwasu (師走) is 走 for 'run'. This is where all the jokes about running are coming from.

I think this one is a really interesting show of Phoenix's kind of... avoidant personality type.

Masterpost

Some lore about Phoenix's hobbies and Kurain this time.

Seasonal Wardrobe Change

The season has changed, and now it’s finally early summar. People think that Phoenix and the others always dress the same, but they must change their clothes occasionally… right?! 

Phoenix: Good grief… I’m back. 

Pearl: Welcome back! Have some cool barley tea. 

Phoenix: Thanks, that’ll perk me up. 

Maya: So? So? How did it go? Did you get the case?

Phoenix: No, well… They turned me down, in the end. 

Maya: Huh?! How come? 

Phoenix: That’s anyone’s guess. I even went all the way to the Detention Centre to interview them this morning. Turned out to be a waste of time. 

Maya: That was the suspect accused of murder, right? And they were the one who called you in the first place. 

Phoenix: It sucks. This month has been a total bust. 

Maya: Totally. What do you think, Pearly?

Pearl: Uhm… Maybe it’s because you look a little tired?

Maya: Nick. Did you have too much fun during Golden Week?

Phoenix: …And whose fault is that exactly? 

Maya: But hey, me too. I’ve been on a bad luck streak recently. 

Pearl: What about you, Mr Nick?

Phoenix: Hm, let me think. I guess the only thing that happened recently is I won a T-shirt at a raffle.

Maya: Oh, really? What was that for? 

Phoenix: I bought a CD. It was a bonus prize. 

Pearl: Mr Nick, what kind of music do you listen to?

Phoenix: Some punk rock lately. Galaxy Demon Killer Panthers. 

Maya: That’s a pretty low brow kind of name.

Phoenix: That’s the kind of music it was. The T Shirt design was also pretty low effort.

Pearl: But, that’s great, isn’t it? You’re on a roll, Mr Nick! 

Maya: It’s the demons. 

Phoenix: Come to think of  it, it’s already June. I guess it’s the time of year for 'sky’s out thighs out'. (1) 

Pearl: Uhm. What exactly do you mean by “sky’s out thighs out”? 

Phoenix: ….It’s not really a big deal worth explaining. 

Maya: Well. If you think about it from a shrimp’s perspective, I guess it’s kind of like switching from panko breadcrumbs to tempura batter. 

Pearl: …Ah! So that’s what you mean! 

Phoenix: That’s a pretty terrible metaphor though.

Maya: Alright, Pearly. Let’s break out our summer wardrobe today! 

Pearl: Yes, Mystic Maya! 

Phoenix: Summer wardrobe… But, don’t you always just wear that? 

Maya: Heh heh heh… You’re so clueless, Nick. 

Pearl: We actually have special summer outfits too. 

Phoenix: Hm… What’s the difference?

Pearl: I think it’s the material! I’m not fully sure, but it’s cool to the touch...

Maya: Exactly! 

Phoenix: What kind of “material” is it, Maya? 

Maya: Huh?! Well… It’s that, uh… polypropylene? 

Phoenix: What’s that supposed to mean?

Maya: It kind of looks cool, doesn’t it? Polypropylene? It’s cute too.  

Phoenix: Let me guess, you just want to say polypropylene, don’t you?

Maya: Hm… Yeah, sometimes I just have an urge to say polypropylene out loud. 

Phoenix: Anyway, polypropylene is a synthetic fibre. 

Maya: But you’re hardly one to talk, Nick. 

Phoenix: Huh? How come?

Maya: You never wear anything except that blue suit and pink tie, right?

Phoenix: I change my undershirt every day. 

Pearl: Of course you do.

Phoenix: Well, I should probably start changing to summer clothes too. 

Maya: Polypropylene?

Phoenix: It was super hot in the detention centre today too. I ended up taking my jacket off. 

Maya: It’s pretty hot in the office too. Why don’t you take it off now?

Phoenix: Ah, god. Glad to finally have that off. 

Pearl: Ah! Mr Nick…

Phoenix: Hm? What is it, Pearls? 

Pearl: You can see the writing in your T-shirt through your white shirt! 

Phoenix: Ah, damnit! I ran out of time this morning, so I just threw my shirt on over the T-shirt.

Maya: Nick,  could it be… You went to the detention centre after that?

Phoenix: That’s right… what does it say? 。

Maya: “KILL YOU!!!”...In huge letters, clear as day.

Phoenix: Huh?

Pearl: Uhm. Did you go to the visiting room and meet a client like that?

Maya: Makes sense why they’d turn you down as an attorney. 

Phoenix: Ah! This is the Galaxy Demon Killer Panthers T-shirt! 

Pearl: …I knew it, Mr Nick. You really had some luck! 

Maya: It’s the demons.

Note:

Obviously, the original doesn't say "sky's out thighs out". What Phoenix actually says is just a phrase for 'changing seasonal clothes'. However this was an issue since Pearl didn't understand the meaning of the phrase. But, any normal way of translating it would not plausibly be misunderstood by a kid of Pearls' age here. Thankfully I managed to think of one expression that still conveyed the right idea. I thought it was also a funny nod given this is the illustration where Phoenix's thighs are indeed out.

Masterpost

This time, the squad make plans for Golden Week. Look at the end notes if you'd like to read a rant about Shu Takumi's niche references driving me insane (they only get worse)

Initial note: Golden Week is basically a week of consecutive public holidays, which is very rare in Japan. Since most people have time off, it's the busiest time for travel and going on daily outings.

Golden Week

With the long holiday weekend just around the corner, Maya and Pearl are busy making plans. What kind of Golden Week do Wright & Co Law Offices have in store?! 

Maya: Uhm, well we definitely can’t skip the zoo and theme park. 

Pearl: Oh, and the circus is coming to town for a regional tour! 

Maya: We can’t forget that! We also have hikes and picnics. 

Pearl: I’d love to cook some curry rice over the campfire! 

Maya: Oh, that sounds great! Then, we’ll have a barbeque after that. 

Pearl: Would it be okay if we go cherry and strawberry picking the next day? 

Maya: To our heart’s content! …Oh, there’s an event at the children’s ninja museum! (1)

Pearl: I heard a mermaid is coming to the aquarium! (2)

Maya: Come to think of it, we should also do some shopping at the department store. 

Pearl: It looks like they’re putting on a Steel Samurai show on the roof of this supermarket..

Maya: You should have said sooner, Pearly! 

Pearl: But when would be fit in the Ultra Course at Hazakura Temple?

Maya: Hm… Maybe after we visit the graves in Kurain village? 

Phoenix: …Hey. What are you two all excited about? 

Maya: We’re deciding on our plans for Golden Week. 

Phoenix: How many weeks do you think it lasts? There’s no way you can fit all of that in! 

Maya: But Nick! You’re always so busy, you never take me anywhere! 

Phoenix: Ugh… W-well first of all, don’t you have a bit of overlap with these plans?

Maya: What do you mean by that?! 

Phoenix: You know I’ve always thought it was kind of weird, what’s the difference between a hike and a picnic anyway?

Maya: Well, that depends on how you look at the “lunch box”, doesn’t it?

Phoenix: How I look at it…?

Maya: A picnic is where the lunch box takes centre stage. During a hike, it’s just a stop along the way. 

Pearl: That’s so wise of you! 

Phoenix: A-anyway. You were talking about shopping at the department store? Just get it done while you’re at the supermarket. 

Maya: What are you on about?! You have to go to the department store if you want stylish clothes for summer! 

Phoenix: You say stylish, but… Don’t you always dress like that?

Maya: …Huh. Now you mention it, I guess you’re right. 

Phoenix: (She admitted it) 

Maya: Anyway, Pearly! When does Golden Week start this year?

Pearl: Uhm… From May third to ninth, I think, roughly. 

Maya: Well, then let’s remember it as “the week that was free for five to get sick, ‘cos seven ate nine”! (3)

Phoenix: That’s a totally unnecessary mnemonic.. And ridiculous. 

Franziska: Golden Week…? We don’t have that in Germany.

Edgeworth: That said, Japanifornia doesn't have much in the way of public holidays. 

Phoenix: What are you two here for?

Edgeworth: …I’m just tagging along with Franziska. 

Franziska: I had a strange hunch. It told me I should come here today. 

Maya: Alright, with this minute by minute schedule, we’ll definitely pull all of this off! 

Pearl: I also heard that the whiskery detective and Larry are also joining us. 

Maya: Make sure you keep a copy. I’ll send it to you later. 

Pearl: Got it. These are for Mr Prosecutor Edgeworth and Miss Franziska. 

Edgeworth: Hm….

Maya: Well then, you can count on me!

Phoenix: This year, I was actually thinking of challenging myself to see how many hours I could sleep straight. 

Edgeworth: That might be a bit much even for you, Wright.

Phoenix: Just imagining being out in the middle of all those crowds is giving me a migraine. 

Franziska: Such frailty… You truly live up to the “Golden” name, Phoenix Wright! 

Phoenix: What’s that supposed to mean?

Franziska: … “Golden Weak” 

Phoenix: …….

Maya: Could it be, did you come all the way from Germany just to say that? 

Franziska: Yes, I suppose… Somehow, I feel refreshed. 

Maya: Ah, by the way, Shu Takumi said he’s super busy right now, so he can’t make it.

Pearl: Making video games sounds really tough.

Maya: With that in mind, please cut us some slack this month!

Pearl: Well, have a great Golden Week! 

Note:

(1) I need to spell out the anguish Shu Takumi caused me with this reference. So the original sentence here is 忍者の里にナンジャ - or somrthing like 'Nanja in the ninja village'. It took me. So long. To figure out what the hell this was in reference to. It turns out to be this one specific ninja experience for kids place (link here). At least, I believe this to be the case with other context. I even had to check its page on Japanese wikipedia to make sure it existed at the time Shu Takumi wrote this. I ended up translating it as 'ninja museum' or whatever because honestly, this is such a niche thing it felt like the best I could do. I gather that this is also kind of famous for its food offerings.

(2) So, this ninja village is SPECIFICALLY located in a shopping centre called Sunshine City in the Ikebukuro ward of Tokyo. This formed part of the anguish. Anyway! Sunshine City also has a pretty famous aquarium in it - which is probably while the topic drifts to that.

Fun fact: I once lived about 10 minutes away from Ikebukuro and know it pretty well. Ikebukuro is kind of like the yaoi capital of Japan. So, do what you want with the information that Phoenix and the entire gang seem to have spent at least a day there...

(3) I had to change the dates of Golden Week slightly to make this work. Basically, Maya is making a number pun based on the sentence “ヒトに刺しゴロな”1週間 which effectively means "a week for stabbing people". Each syllable sounds like the numbers 1-7. My attempts to localise it into English don't work as smoothly, but I tried to fit in some kind of pun that was suggestive of violence, at least.