"Ouran High School Host Club" August 2011 Special Chapter

This special chapter isn't what I expected from the preview teaser, but it does fit in perfectly with our "Spooky One-shots" Fall theme.  This little ghost story is a nice transition from summer to fall, so all is forgiven, though, I really wanted TamaxHaru happy married love-love short.  Can you imagine how "stoopid" a pregnant Haruhi chapter could be?  You'd have craziness from Tamaki, Renka, and nutty Tamaki's Dad to deal with on that.  Anyhow...on to the links:

Ouran High School Host Club January 2011 Special Chapter

Update:  Files updated to correct the spelling of various locations and people talked about this chapter.  Big thanks for zronoa for the information.
------------------------------
First of all, I would like to thank the cleaners for helping me get this out so promptly.  You guys are wonderful and generous with your time and talent.

Now, just a warning: this special chapter does not move the story forward.  There are no big revelations or character developments.  Rather it's like an extra-long chapter of a normal Ouran story.  When I first saw that's what this was, I was rather disappointed because like so many of you, I wanted a graduation, a proposal, marriage, kids, or something along those lines.  Disappointment can happen when 3 months of anticipation goes unfulfilled.  Anyhow...I got over it after I finished the translation and started typesetting and the final image editing.  With respect to other Ouran chapters, this one is on par with what usually happens in an Ouran chapter -- the Host Club comes to the rescue of some special guest.

Merit in "Ouran" and "The Scarecrow of Oz," Plus, Other Fun Stuff

Here's some bits from an e-mail discussion I had with Corgi about "Ouran" and "The Scarecrow of Oz."  This might, also, give you some insight into the thought that goes into translation.

Black Text = Corgi
Red Text = Kuroneko003

Please feel free to add to the conversation or make you own comments.  I really like "The Scarecrow of Oz" and found a lot of meaning in it.  Furthering the discussion about "Ouran" is welcomed too :).
-------------------------

Page 6: 'Merit' - heh.  Reminds me of Haruhi's discussion with Kyoya during his fake assault.  I keep thinking there's implications to the word-as-translated that I'm missing ever so slightly.

Indeed, there is more packed into the words than can come through in English.   But I think the discrepancy is cultural and I feel bad that I can’t get it across in English without writing an essay.  In this case there seems to be two themes about merit – what’s useful to a person and what’s useful in the competition.  Silvy Rose in her choice of a familiar wanted a companion and in her experimentation to heal the humans.  Whereas, Lillian Berry is wholly focused on the competition to become the next chief witch.  Interestingly enough, Lillian is so conceited that she thinks Silvy too thinks of nothing but the competition.  This is classic wisdom vs. vanity ;p.  It seems that Lillian will always continue to lose to Silvy, even though Silvy isn’t actively competing.  I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS ASPECT OF THE STORY :)  This is why I think it a good story for children.  I wonder, though, about the other witch who sought power…maybe there will be a sequel???

Oh, it's not just here - it's how Haruhi uses it too.  It's clear, but it also seems deeper than just 'merit' suggests, if that makes sense.

Ouran High School Host Club Chapter 78 Final Version

There were a lot more errors in my translation than I expected :(.  Fortunately, though, Natirein did a complete translation too.  This final translation is a my original translation cleaned up using Natirein's translation as a reference.  All hail the greatness of Natirein!!!  I really am grateful she joined the team!  Anyhow...here's Ouran 78.

Link to Ouran High School Host Club Chp 78 Final Version (retired)

"Orange Chocolate" Chapter 1 is up next.  The Japanese in that series is no where near as complicated as Ouran fortunately, though, I did get some help with some of the slang :)  ETA Friday or Saturday.