Konjiki no Moji Tsukai - Chapter 96: The Conclusion, and Tearful Farewell

WARNING!!!
IF YOU READ THIS BEFORE CHAPTER 95 IS RELEASED, YOU HAVE NO ONE ELSE TO BLAME BUT YOURSELF FOR SPOILING YOURSELF!!!

*cough*. With that out of the way, I shall begin my usual preamble.

Let me start by thanking LL and LB. Why? Because they did something they probably shouldn't have. (I'm still grateful, btw. Just not sure if it was a good choice...)

So, I finally found some time to translate *cough* procrastination *cough*.

Now, Chapter thoughts. This one made me feel several emotions. I'll sum it up:

• Thought 1: This is long...
• Thought 2: Camus is epic.
• Thought 3: The author's starting to get better at writing...
• Thought 4: So much kanji...
• Thought 5: ...I'm halfway to Camus x Hiiro. (I kinda wish Camus was a girl. Not that I'm against homo/yaoi or anything.)
• Thought 6: ...listening to solemn classical music while TLing this was a bad idea. The feels...
• Thought 7: ...*cringe*. Why do I have to purposefully make my English bad?
• Thought 8: ...it's finally done.
• Thought 9: Wait...I have to edit this as well, don't I...?
• Thought 10: ...the notes...why...so many...
• Thought 11: ...I'm sleepy...

Well then. enjoy. (I'm not putting the annotations at the moment. I'm sleepy and I'm going to sleep.)
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Chapter Stats

Source: http://ncode.syosetu.com/n7031bs/96/

Open Trans Contributors:

• Netblazer: 1 line
• Pork Supreme: 2 lines
• XCrossJ: 14/16 Pages
• Pummels: 2/16 Pages

Editors:

• XCrossJ (Editor)
• ELYSION (Semi-proof-read)

Perspective: Third

Tense: Past

Format: XCrossJ

Expressions: Jap

Nicknames: Jap

Edit 1 (4/5/2015): Added Annotations/Notes. Fixed Error (Credit to Commentor: Zworden)

Update 1 (12/5/2015):

So apparently, someone thought that we hadn't translated Chapter 96 and decided to do it themselves.
Well, considering that I do put a report of our progress, I'm surprised that some don't know of which chapters we've done/are currently doing.

Regardless, I felt that they should get some credit for their work, so...here: https://kirikotranslations.wordpress.com/2015/05/11/knw-chapter-96-the-conclusion-and-a-tearful-parting/
With regards to whether they'll join the team or not, I have no idea. They contacted NB so I have no clue as to their current status or even who they are...

Chapter 96: The Conclusion and Tearful Farewell

Camus: 「Jii-chan⁽¹⁾…...stand back. The rest…...I’ll take care of it.」

Upon seeing Camus’ expression as he rushed towards Silva, Silva released a 「Hohou⁽²⁾」, as if admiring him.

Silva: 「Apparently, it seems that there will be no problems should I simply leave it to you, yes?」

Camus: 「Nn⁽³⁾…...you had me worried.」

Silva: 「Nofofofofo⁽⁴⁾! In which case, I shall bring down the other two. You are fine with me leaving you to take care of the main target, yes?」

Camus shook his head at Silva’s proposal.

Camus: 「Uun⁽⁵⁾. Everything...I’ll do it. So just a bit…...please move away.」

Silva: 「Nofo?」

As Silva tilted his head to the side, he obediently followed Camus’ directions, falling slightly behind Camus as he stood, gazing at his back.

Camus intently stared at the Desert Monster.

Camus: 「Sorry...I...didn’t know.」

Desert Monster: 「Gururururu⁽⁶⁾!」

Further narrowing its sharp eyes, it raised a growl as it seemed to be targeting Camus.

Camus: 「...taking on such an appearance...the one in most pain is...Tou-chan⁽⁷⁾, right? That’s why...I.」

Saying this, Camus proceeded to take out a single katana. As one would wonder what he was thinking, he applied the blade to his arm. Following this-

*Tsu-*⁽⁸⁾

In that state, Camus moved the blade, wounding his own arm. Of course, after the sound of tearing flesh was heard, red blood flowed out of the wound.

*pota pota pota*...⁽⁹⁾

Obviously, the blood fell onto the sand near Camus’ feet, abiding by the laws of gravity. Camus returned the katana to its original sheath. As Hiiro and Silva were unaware of the reasons behind his conduct,  they simply watched over him with blank expressions. However, as they did so, the part of blood-dampened sand near Camus’ feet began to gradually spread out.

Camus: 「My blood...has infected it.」

*Gogogogogogogogogogo!*⁽¹⁰⁾

The ground began to faintly shake. It was as if an earthquake had just occurred. Following this, the part of the sand that had become red rose, floating in midair. The amount of sand was equivalent to the size of a single car.

Camus: 「The current me...can only wield this amount of sand, but…」

The sand that had been dyed blood red began to move with a *uneune*⁽¹¹⁾. It gathered above Camus’ right hand, which was extended towards the sky. Following this, the sand soared further up towards the sky, the large mass of sand dividing into finer, smaller parts.

As the split parts were just about the size of marbles, the numbers of the sand marbles were so plentiful it would be rather difficult to count them all. The numerous marble sized parts remained floating in the sky.

Camus: 「... Red Idol. …… Here it comes.」

Camus’ gaze sharply narrowed.

Camus: 「Model-Rain.」

*Hyunhyunhyunhyunhyunhyunhyun!*⁽¹²⁾

The cluster of small spheres shot forward with tremendous velocity, their path of flight aimed towards the three monsters. It was almost as if it were red rain.

Desert Monster: 「Giiiiiiiiiiiii!?」

While raising clouds of sand, the cluster of sand spheres mercilessly pierced the bodies of the monsters as if they were bullets.

Hiiro: 「Hou⁽¹³⁾.」

Seeing the spectacle, Hiiro released a voice of admiration.

Hiiro: (If I remember correctly, blood itself is magic power. When blood is shed onto the sand, one is able to control the sand as they wish, huh…not bad⁽¹⁴⁾, Nitouryuu.⁽¹⁵⁾)

Although the risk of losing blood was present, it seemed that Camus had gained the ability to freely control the sand to his will as compensation.

As the clouds of sand cleared, there were two dead bodies of monsters that had completely been riddled with holes. Furthermore, one more desert monster seemed to have completely guarded the attack with its tail. As such, although its tail had been completely left in tatters, there was not a single scratch present on its body.

Desert Monster: 「Gurururururururu!」

Camus: 「...as I thought, it’s hard.」

As Camus appeared to mutter as he said thus, he raised his right arm, directing it towards the sky. As he did so, the red sand that seemed to have sunk into the desert once again gathered towards him.

Camus: 「However...now, the only remaining one is him, uun, it!⁽¹⁶⁾」

Desert Monster: 「Guraaaaaaaaaaaa-!」

Whether or not it was caused by its anger voltage maxing out, the monster immediately charged towards Camus from its location. As it kicked up the sand, the force of propulsion caused grains of sand to fly into the air.

Camus: 「Model-Wall.」

A red wall was immediately formed⁽¹⁷⁾ before Camus’ eyes.

*Dogoo-!*⁽¹⁸⁾

Although the monster simply charged into it-

Camus: 「If it’s only this much...it won’t break.」

It was as Camus’ words had indicated, even though it had received a rush from the monster that seemed to contain incredible amounts of destructive power, the red wall did not budge at all.

Camus: 「Model-Knuckle.」

As the sand⁽¹⁹⁾ had formed into the shape of a large fist, Camus aimed a punch towards the monster.

Desert Monster: 「Gururaa-!?」

As it had received quite the significant impact, the monster’s face distorted as it was launched away. The monster that had charged into the pile of sand staggered to its feet, grinding its teeth with a *girigiri*⁽²⁰⁾ as the monster’s murderous intent began to swell.

Camus: 「...even this is no good.」

As Hiiro was also observing the situation-

Hiiro: (Even though that should have quite a lot of destructive power, it was unable to destroy the sand Camus was wearing, huh…...I guess that means it must be considerably dense.)

Although the red sand seemed to harbor considerable hardness, Camus was still unable to penetrate the monster’s armor.

Hiiro: (Now then, what’ll you do Nitouryuu?)

Hiiro watched over Camus from a distance. Camus began to once again change the form of his red sand.

As the monster saw this, it also began to similarly manipulate the sand. A large wave of sand assaulted Camus.

Camus: 「...it’s pointless.」

*Byunbyunbyunbyun!*⁽²¹⁾

The red sand began to move while drawing a circle.

Camus: 「Model-Storm⁽²²⁾.」

The sand that began to swirl around like a tornado was directed towards the approaching wave of sand.

*Gigigigigigigigigigigigigigigi-!*⁽²³⁾

Both sides collided, grinding together as if they were blades locked in a competition of close quarters. Then-

*Bushaaaaa-!*⁽²⁴⁾

The side that lost was the wave. Once again, the sand returned to normal as it dispersed. Upon seeing this, Camus solemnly knitted his eyebrows.

Camus: 「...wrong.」

Desert Monster: 「Guru?」

Camus:「It’s wrong. Tou-chan is…...more amazing…...more skilled….more powerful.」

As if he were glaring, Camus directed his line of sight towards the monster with a *ki-*⁽²⁵⁾.

Camus: 「You are…...Tou-chan but…..you’re not Tou-chan!」

The red sand once again changed shaped above Camus’ right hand.

Camus: 「Model-Hammer⁽²⁶⁾.」

This time, two large sledge hammers were formed. Following this, they headed towards the monster’s location with tremendous velocity. One was positioned below, as if it were trying to lift the monster upwards.

Desert Monster: 「Gurua-!?」

As the monster was sent soaring into the skies, what was waiting for it high above was the second sledge hammer. This time, the hammer was swung towards the ground.

*Bakii-!*⁽²⁷⁾

Of course, the defeated monster fell downwards in such a state. However, in front of it was another sledge hammer. This time, the hammer tried to thrust upwards, similar before. 

*Bokii-!*⁽²⁸⁾

As the monster was once again launched skyward, in its path of flight, the other sledgehammer, that was facing the ground, was swung downwards. This was repeated many times.

Desert Monster: 「Gugi-! Gagi-! Ruga-!」

It was almost as if they were playing ping pong. The monster that had just became the ball was violently bounced back and forth between the two hammers. However, because of this-

*Piki…...Pikiki…...Paki……*⁽²⁹⁾

Fissures began forming throughout the monster’s body, the sand gradually being stripped away. In addition, a green fluid began to scatter from the monster’s body. This fluid was the monster’s blood. The monster’s arms bended, its tail was also crushed and destroyed. The fact that its blood began to flow meant that all of the sand that it was enveloped in began to erode away⁽³⁰⁾.

The sledgehammer looming over high in the sky finally slammed the monster into the ground. As its face distorted in agony, the monster tried to desperately stand as its body trembled.

As Camus took out a pair of katanas from his back, he breathed deeply.

Camus: 「......I’ll end this…...Tou-chan.」

In doing so, perhaps feeling fear from Camus’ blood thirst, the monster attempted to escape underground. However-

*Pishii……*⁽³¹⁾

The monster was seeking to dig into the sand with both hands, yet, it stiffened upon seeing the ground. The reason for this was because the land that should have contained heat, due to the current location being a desert, was now, for some reason, adrift with cool air. The ground had been converted to ice.

Hiiro: 「Like I’d let you escape.⁽³²⁾」

As Camus was also surprised, he turned towards Hiiro. As he did so, he saw Hiiro crouched down, writing something onto the ground.

「Frost Conversion」 | 『氷結化』

This was the result of using a Three-Word spell for the first time. The result was being able to transform the surface of the nearby desert into a land of ice within an instant. It’s effective range seemed to be tremendous. From what one could see, even the place where the 『Ashura Tribe』 were fighting further away seemed to have frozen over.

Although it seemed that everyone was puzzled by the abrupt change in the situation, the one who was actually the most bewildered was Hiiro.

Hiiro: (......to think that it possessed this amount of effective range. This is certainly a big surprise.)

As expected, the effect did not encompass the entire desert. Even so, compared to the one-word spell’s range of four tatami mats, the effective range was quite frightening. Although he had maintained his poker face, the fact that his mind was racing⁽³³⁾ remained Hiiro’s secret.

Hiiro: 「Now! Finish it, Nitouryuu!」

As it suddenly occurred to him upon hearing Hiiro’s words, Camus once again placed strength into his entire body. Following this, Camus rushed towards the monster from that position at full speed.

Desert Monster: 「Guru!?」

The monster rose to its feet, as if in a panic. In the face of the sudden change in the environment, as well as receiving Camus’ murderous intent straight ahead, the monster fell into a state of confusion, its body rendered rigid and immobile.

Camus: 「Haaaaaaa-!」

*Bushuuuuuuu-!*⁽³⁴⁾

Desert Monster: 「Guraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa-!?」

The two swords pierced the sphere that was at the monster’s core. Camus’ face stiffened as he clenched his teeth. As he saw blood flowing out of the mouth of the monster who was imitating his father’s face, Camus’ expression darkened as he felt the sensation of taking its life.

As he pulled out the pair of katanas, the monster simply fell on its back with a *dosa*⁽³⁵⁾, its waist bent.

Camus: 「Haa haa haa haa haa……」⁽³⁶⁾

Although it could be said that he had saved everyone from the monster’s terror, Camus’ face was not coloured with a shade of joy. In contrast, his body was trembling, his head was faced downwards, and he wore a melancholic expression.

Desert Monster: 「Gufu-!」

The monster spat out a large amount of blood. The movement of the monster’s core began to calm. At the same time, its sharp, red eyes that was constantly blurred with hostility began to gradually transform into pupils harboring a purple light.

Rigund: 「............Ca…...mus……」

As if it were surprised that Camus was able to take action to such extent⁽³⁷⁾, it widened its eyes. Following this, Camus stared at the sprawled out monster with a feeling of disbelief. The monster only moved its line of sight towards Camus’ direction.

Rigund: 「......Camus」

This time, there could not be any mistake. That voice and those eyes. Without a doubt, they were something that Camus recognized.

Camus: 「Tou…...-chan……?」

The swords that he held in both hands fell to the ground with a *dosu-*⁽³⁸⁾. Following this, he rushed towards the monster that had fallen to its knees.

Camus: 「Tou-chan!」

Rigund: 「......Camus…...sorry.」

Camus: 「Uun…...Uun…...Uun!」

Camus shook his head over and over again in denial. From his eyes flowed a large amount of tears.

Rigund: 「But…...you did good, Camus.」

Camus: 「Tou-chan!」

The two people that were close, Hiiro and Silva, also approached. Following this, although the two’s eyes met and expressed bewilderment, they simply watched over Camus and Rigund silently.

Rigund: 「Sorry…...because of me, you were made to do something this painful……」

Camus: 「Uun…...Uun! Because I’m the chief…...I will protect my comrades…...Tou-chan is the same!⁽³⁹⁾」

Rigund: 「Hahaha…...I see………….you’ve matured. Huh, Camus.」

Camus: 「T-tou-chan……」

Rigund: 「You’ve become…...chief, huh……ha ha, even in that respect, you are my son……」

While faintly smiling, Rigund stretched his trembling left hand little by little, placing it on top of Camus’ head.

Rigund: 「You’ve…...become strong, huh.」

Camus: 「Higu…...gusu……⁽⁴⁰⁾」

As Camus snorted⁽⁴¹⁾, a teardrop fell onto the sand.

Rigund: 「Although…...I was mostly unconscious, I felt it. Your strength.」

Camus: 「......really?」

Rigund: 「Aa, you’ve become stronger but…...even so, in order to reach my level…...you’ve got a long way to go.」

Camus; 「......sorry. It would have been better…...if I released Tou-chan sooner.」

Rigund: 「............ha ha, I’m really happy⁽⁴²⁾.」

Camus; 「Tou-chan?」

Rigund: 「Unlike your mother that passed away earlier…...I was able to see your matured figure before my very own eyes.」

Camus’ mother passed away from illness soon after she had given birth to him. Ever since then, Rigund decided in his heart to raise Camus into a respectable person. However, as the desert monster incident occurred, Rigund was ultimately only able to raise Camus with his own hands for a short period of a few years. For him, that was something that he should deeply regret.

However, as he was able to see the figure of Camus having become a splendid person-

Rigund: 「This…...should be a good tale to tell them⁽⁴³⁾.」

The ‘them’ that Rigund referred to was obviously Camus’ deceased mother. Rigund placed strength in his arm as he began to stroke Camus’ head.

Rigund: 「Listen Camus……」

Camus: 「......w-what is it?」

Rigund: 「The culprit that did this to me was that man……be careful of 《Scar-face》.」

Camus: 「《Scar-face》......」

Camus recalled the individual that had assaulted them while riding on top of the Desert Tortoise’s shell. That person certainly possessed a cross shaped scar on their cheek.

Rigund: 「That guy…...he said he was testing something…….what he was testing, I have no idea but, it can’t be anything good. Yet…...he also said that…...he had no more use for this desert.」

Yet, even so, there was still the possibility that they may come again. Thus, Rigund told Camus to remain cautious.

Camus: 「It’s ok…...I will protect…...everyone.」

Upon seeing Camus’ expression filled with resolve, Rigund blissfully slackened his cheeks.

Rigund: 「Ha ha, you’ve still got a long way to go. Your sand manipulation is still -gufu-!⁽⁴⁴⁾」

Camus: 「Tou-chan!」

Rigund once again vomited blood as his agony began to show. As his breathing grew rough, his feet began to crumble as if it were made of sand.

Camus: 「Tou-chan! Your feet!?」

Rigund: 「Haa haa haa haa…...listen…...Camus.」

Camus: 「Tou-chan!」

Rigund: 「Listen up……*goho goho*⁽⁴⁵⁾! Haa haa haa haa…...become stronger…...go…...surpass me.」

Camus: 「Tou-chan…...un…...un! Un un! I vill…...ged stronger…...I vill, zo…..」⁽⁴⁶⁾

As he discharge a large amount of tears and snot, it was hard to make out what Camus was saying. Yet, Rigund was simply smiling.

Camus: 「I von’t loze…...tu anywan…...I von’t lose-! Dat’z wai...dat’z waii-!」⁽⁴⁷⁾

The area around Rigund’s neck had already turned to sand, dancing in the breeze.

Rigund: 「I’ll be watching over you…...my most cherished son.」

Following this, Rigund’s entire body returned to the sand.

Camus: 「Dat’z waiiii-! Don’t worriiiiiiiiiiii-!」⁽⁴⁸⁾

In this moment, the struggle against the monster of the desert had truly come to an end. Even though it was a conclusion filled with sorrow, Camus had obtained many things from the incident.

As Camus gazed up at the sand dancing in the sky, he strongly tightened his mouth. Although he possessed androgynous features, the expression he was wearing clearly belonged to the face of a man. As he was shouldering what had been entrusted to him by his father, it was the face of a slightly larger individual.

Notes:

(Disclaimer: I am describing the terms used above as best as I can describe them. You’re probably better off checking with Google. With that said, please don’t quote me as I am not a professional.)

1. ^ Jii-chan: An informal/rude way of addressing an elderly male. Alt Trans: Gramps.
2. ^ Hohou: An expression of intrigue.
3. ^ Nn: An expression denoting puzzlement (I think).
4. ^ Nofofo: Silva's laugh.
5. ^ Uun: Different from Un. An expression of denial. Alt Trans: No.
6. ^ TL Note: I’m not gonna bother describing every single noise that comes out of the monster’s mouth. I’m fairly certain that you guys are smart enough to figure out what they mean.
7. ^ Tou-chan: An informal (and rather cute) way of addressing a fatherly figure. Alt Trans: 'Daddy'.
8. ^ *Tsu-*: Japanese onomatopoeia meaning *slice* (I think?). Think of an appropriate sfx that fits the context.
9. ^ *Pota*: Japanese onomatopoeia meaning *drip*.
10. ^ *Gogogo*: Japanese onomatopoeia meaning *rumble*.
11. ^ *Uneune*: Japanese onomatopoeia meaning *meandering* (what the?). Here: http://thejadednetwork.com/sfx/browse/une_une/
12. ^ *Hyun*: Japanese onomatopoeia meaning *woosh* (man, this is corny…). Here: http://thejadednetwork.com/sfx/browse/hyun/
13. ^  Hou: A variant of Hohou. An expression of intrigue.
14. ^ TL Note: The phrase used here is yaruna | やるな which essentially is ‘way to go’. It can also be interpreted as ‘not bad’, thus, I opted for the later as I feel it fits Hiiro’s character.
15. ^ Nitouryuu: Hiiro's nickname for Camus. Nitouryuu | 二刀流 literally means 2 blade style.
16. ^ TL Note: Phrases used here are Hitori | 一人 and Ippiki | 一匹. The difference is between the differentiation. Hitori is used exclusively for humans. Ippiki is used for non-humans (objects/things/stuff). Not 100% sure about what ippiki is used for, but the main point is that Camus differentiates the monster from human.
17. ^ TL Note: RAW is Dekiagaru | 出来上がる. Used formed as ‘completed’ didn’t really fit context.
18. ^ *Dogo*: Japanese onomatopoeia for Light Impact. 
19. ^ TL Notes
• XJ: Sand is not mentioned in the RAW. Making assumptions.
• EL: What can Camus use besides sand? \o/
• XJ: Just making a note of it.
20. ^ *Girigiri*: Japanese onomatopoeia meaning *grind*.
21. ^ *Byun*: Japanese onomatopoeia meaning *zoom*.
22. ^ TL Note: Kanji is tatsumaki | 竜巻 meaning 'tornado'. Furigana states 'storm' ストーム.
23. ^ *Gigi*: Japanese onomatopoeia describing the sound of swords grinding together. http://thejadednetwork.com/sfx/browse/gi_gi/
24. ^ *Busha*: Japanese onomatopoeia describing the sound of sand dispersing (not sure).
25. ^ *Ki-*: Japanese onomatopoeia meaning *glare*.
26. ^ TL Note: Kanji is outsuchi | 大槌 meaning sledge hammer. Furigana is ハンマー meaning Hammer.
27. ^ *Baki-*: Sound of impact. http://thejadednetwork.com/sfx/browse/baki/
28. ^ *Boki-*: Similar to *Baki-*. http://thejadednetwork.com/sfx/browse/boki/
29. ^ TL Note: Cracking sounds.
• Piki: http://thejadednetwork.com/sfx/browse/piki/
• Paki: http://thejadednetwork.com/sfx/browse/paki/
30. ^ TL Note: RAW is hageta | 剥げた. Used ‘erode away’ instead of ‘peel off’ as it fits Eng better.
31. ^ *Pishi*: Hard to explain, depending on which context you use. Here: http://thejadednetwork.com/sfx/browse/pishi/
32. ^ TL Note: The RAW is 潜らせるかよ. I’m using ‘escape’ to make it flow better in English.
33. ^ TL Note: RAW is 内心ではドキドキしていた. It literally translates to ‘mind is thumping’. I chose racing, because...well...a thumping brain?
34. ^ *Bushu-*: Japanese onomatopoeia meaning *slash*. Here: http://thejadednetwork.com/sfx/browse/bushu/
35. ^ *Dosa*: Japanese onomatopoeia meaning *thud*. Here: http://thejadednetwork.com/sfx/browse/dosa/
36. ^ TL Note: Camus panting. Interpret anyway you wish.
37. ^ TL Note: I’m sorry. I’m not too sure about this line. Any who have better interpretations are welcome to suggest them to me.
• RAW: カミュはこれでもかと言わんばかりに目を見開く。
38. ^ *Dosu*: Japanese onomatopoeia meaning *drop*. Here: http://thejadednetwork.com/sfx/browse/dosu/
39. ^ TL Note: RAW is 父ちゃんと同じだよ！This can be interpreted in the following ways:
• Camus will protect his comrades like his father did.
• His father is a comrade that Camus will protect.
40. ^ TL Note: Camus crying. I can’t be bothered trying to explain it now...
41. ^ TL Note: …*cringes at the word snort*
42. ^ TL Note: RAW is 俺は幸せ者だな. Literally means ‘I'm a happy person’. Left much to be desired, thus, the liberal trans.
43. ^ TL Note: RAW is 良い土産話ができたな. Reworked to make it flow better. 
44. ^ TL Note: Rigund coughed mid sentence.
45. ^ *Goho*: Japanese onomatopoeia meaning *cough*.
46. ^ TL Note: Camus’ speech becomes garbled. Here’s the proper English:
• 「I will…...get stronger…...I will, so……」
47. ^ TL Note: Camus’ speech becomes garbled. Here’s the proper English:
• 「I won’t lose…...to anyone…...I won’t lose-! That’s why…...that’s why~-!」
48. ^ TL Note: Camus’ speech becomes garbled. Here’s the proper English:
• 「That’s why~~~-! Don’t worry~~~~~-!」