Chapter 14 is the 14th chapter of Kodocha, as well as the fourth chapter of the third book.
Summary[]
Naozumi turns out to be a fan of Sana, and tells her he has "the same secret as her". Akito feels threatened by Naozumi's appearance, and starts taking karate lessons.
Plot[]
Sana drags Naozumi into a backstage room to privately ask what secret he means. He responds by saying he knows about she and her mom which Sana says isn't that big of a deal, because some people already know, and her mom's releasing a book about it next month. Sana then asks what his goal was in making her think he had something on her, but he explains he just wanted to make an impression, and explains that he's a fan of Sana's (going so far to keep a scrapbook of all her accomplishments, and seeing her Komawari play annually). He has to leave, but tells Sana he has the same secret as her, Sana doesn't know what to think. At home, Sana tells her mom about this, and she says she needs to check something out after hearing of his last name.
Sana invites her whole class to see her in the Komawari play, and much of the class is interested in Naozumi, who is attending as he has every year. Naozumi asks Sana's classmates details about her, and ends up seeking out Akito after hearing about Sana's relationship with him. The two immediately have a rivalry.
The play performs, and Sana's acting impresses everyone. Naozumi asks Akito if there's anything great about him, and when Akito responds no, Naozumi says she's no match for him then. Naozumi then presents Sana with a bouquet of roses, infuriating Akito.
Principal Narunaru and Akito have an interaction with the principal encouraging Akito to take up karate. Akito, who is now self conscious and wants to do something noteworthy, agrees to try, signing up only a few days later. Sana, Tsuyoshi, and Aya visit to wish him good luck, and he's dismissive towards Sana and this upsets her. At the same time, the press has been pushing the idea that Naozumi and Sana are a couple.
At home, Sana's mom tells Sana she learned that Naozumi grew up at Kamura School, an orphanage. Sana talks to him about this the next day, where he confirms they were there for a month as babies, and that he's felt close to her ever since even though they didn't remember it. Sana seems to find solidarity in this, and Naozumi asks if Sana is okay with the publication of her mother's book. Sana nearly breaks down, but remembers Akito telling her how he's there if she needs him and this reassures her. She smiles and reassures Naozumi.
She thinks about how Akito's words give her strength, meanwhile Akito is at karate practice, and her mother's books are being printed.
Characters[]
Author's Notes[]
Cut the Red Tape!: "I just finished moving. There was too much paperwork! I understand they need it all, but it was annoying. I also thought the house prices were way too expensive! Stray cats and dogs get their territories based on their size, so why do humans do it based on their bank accounts? If humans got their land based on their size, things would be much fairer. (Kinda corny, eh?) So, I wished I was born in the primitive age. Well, it must've been hard back then, too. But sometimes I think it still must have been much better than the complicated world we're living in. When I'm angry like this, I can come up with stories easily! So, here's my new idea - Kodocha: Primitive Version. It's the same story, but they talk like a cave men."
Home Sweet Home: "So, moving was annoying, but I really like my new house. (It's not really new, just new to me.) I'm happy because I dreamed about living in a house, instead of an apartment, my whole life. My true dream was not to be a comic book artist, but to get a house and live in an upper middle class life. Things are going well so far and I'm really happy. (I still feel poor though, so I always worry. Somethings going to go wrong...) I found out I have an attic, so I go up there to work on character names, drink, and sleep. (And I caught a cold up there, too.) It's fun! I think I like small, dark places. It would be perfect if I just had a haystack to sleep on. (hee hee)"
Trivia[]
- This chapter was adapted into the episode Two Pounding Hearts.