Chapter Text
CHECK SUMMARY:
After the release of adollium, a dangerous material that can provide the world an unlimited supply of energy, Tokyo's most notorious detectives Kambe Daisuke and Kato Haru make a return to confront Daisuke's father, Kambe Shigemaru, the head researcher of said substance. However, Kambe Shigemaru refuses to disclose what he knows about adollium; this angers Daisuke, furthering the rift between him and his father.
OPEN TO A FAMILY PHOTO BOOK - BLACK AND WHITE.
A SOFT, MELANCHOLIC PIANO PIECE PLAYS.
In one of the many photos, a mother, a father, and their 8-year-old son are standing closely together in front of the KAMBE FAMILY MANSION.
The 8-year-old boy, a YOUNG KAMBE DAISUKE, stands in the middle with his mother (wearing a PALE-BLUE DRESS) to his right and father (wearing a BLACK BLAZER) to his left. The young Daisuke grins ear to ear. His mother's hands rest on his shoulders, like she's sending him off, while his father's left hand rests on top of Young Daisuke's head like he's giving him the world.
ENTER in the photo.
BEGIN FLASHBACK: EXT. KAMBE FAMILY MANSION - 20 YEARS AGO - IN COLOR
A young Daisuke stands in between his parents, standing a little too stiffly for what should be a family photo.
To reassure him, KAMBE SAYURI stands behind him and guides Young Daisuke's hand to cling to the STRIPED BELT of her pale-blue dress, while SHIGEMARU KAMBE places his left hand on top of Young Daisuke's head. His mother and father look down at their child's stiff form, whispering sweet words to him as a way of coaxing the child to loosen up.
SAYURI KAMBE
(whispering)
Daisuke, smile for the camera!
SAYURI KAMBE (CONT'D)
So that every time you look at this photo...
SHIGEMARU KAMBE
You'll smile and think back to this moment.
SAYURI KAMBE
Our happy family.
Young Daisuke's brows furrow as he looks up at his smiling mother and father, with doubt creeping over him, but he nods his head and smiles nonetheless; the light seeps back into his BLUE-GRAY EYES.
A PHOTOGRAPHER off-screen prepares the CAMERA for the Kambe family photo.
CLOSE UP of young Daisuke letting go of his MOTHER'S STRIPED BELT.
PHOTOGRAPHER (O.S.)
What a happy family indeed! Now, smile for the camera!
PHOTOGRAPHER'S CAMERA POV: Sayuri, Young Daisuke, and Shigemaru all huddle up for the photo, and this time, Young Daisuke is grinning from ear to ear.
DAISUKE (V.O.)
(grimly)
A happy family?
PRELAP: CAMERA SHUTTER SOUND, then a QUICK FLASH.
END FLASHBACK.
BEGIN FLASHBACK: INT. KAMBE FAMILY MANSION - LIVING ROOM - 20 YEARS AGO - NIGHT
Young Daisuke, after hearing his parents' MUFFLED ARGUING, peeks behind the STAIRWAY of the living room to eavesdrop on their heated disagreement. His mother and father seem to be arguing about something--something called "adollium".
SHIGEMARU KAMBE
(to Sayuri)
I'm putting everything on the line for this research.
Sayuri balls up her fists, about to say more--but she knows no matter what she says, her husband won't be bothered to listen. There's a strain in their relationship now; Sayuri has had enough.
SAYURI KAMBE
(resigned)
There's nothing more for us to talk about.
SHIGEMARU KAMBE
(calling out)
Wait! Sayuri!
Young Daisuke anxiously watches the argument play out from behind the stairway. Sayuri storms out the door of the mansion, and Daisuke watches his mother's back wither away from his sight for what is likely the very last time.
Shigemaru can only stand there helplessly as his wife storms out the door. The door SLAMS shut.
CUT TO BLACK.
DAISUKE (V.O.)
Did I even have a happy childhood?
PRELAP: LIGHTNING.
BEGIN FLASHBACK: INT. SAYURI'S APARTMENT - 20 YEARS AGO - NIGHT
At the WHITE FLASH of LIGHTNING, in Young Daisuke's POV of Shigemaru, Shigemaru's back faces Daisuke. Shigemaru holds a BLOOD-STAINED KNIFE while looking down at his murdered wife, Sayuri, on the floor of her APARTMENT ROOM.
Sayuri's pale-blue dress, especially the striped belt wrapped around it, is stained with her own BLOOD that pools all around her.
CLOSE UP of Sayuri's GHASTLY PALE face, trapped in a horrified expression as though she were stuck in time, in the single moment when she was stabbed to death.
DAISUKE (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Did I even have someone beside me?
END FLASHBACK.
BEGIN FLASHBACK: INT. KAMBE FAMILY MANSION - TEA ROOM - 20 YEARS AGO - DAY
KIKUKO KAMBE, Daisuke's grandmother, prepares tea. Behind her RED-RIMMED GLASSES, her GREYISH-BLUE EYES hold a deep sorrow. Young Daisuke, who had witnessed his mother die before his very eyes, now stands there numbly as the truth of the matter dawns on him. He doesn't want to believe it.
YOUNG DAISUKE
(numbly, in disbelief)
Lies.
KIKUKO KAMBE
(resigned)
Shigemaru and Sayuri are no longer in this world.
YOUNG DAISUKE
(shouting)
Lies!
Young Daisuke runs off and screams, agonized, unable to handle the grief of losing both his parents. He flees to an empty corner of the GARDEN around the TEAHOUSE and breaks down, gripping at his BLACK WAISTCOAT like he's hugging himself. He doesn't have his parents to comfort him now; he only has himself.
DAISUKE (V.O.)
(sadly)
Did I...
END FLASHBACK.
START FLASHBACK MONTAGE.
THE PIANO PIECE BECOMES FASTER, MORE INTENSE, BUILDING UP TO SOMETHING...
Daisuke (27), sporting his SIGNATURE THREE-PIECE SUIT, his BLACK AND GREY STRIPED TIE, and SHORT, SLICKED-BACK BLACK HAIR, arrives in Japan with his fancy, expensive, Kambe-branded airplane...
Daisuke's detective partner, KATO HARU (30)--TAUPE-COLORED HAIR, DARK-GREEN TIE, AND A SHORT BEIGE JACKET, in all of his glory--recklessly jumps in front of Daisuke's car right before it can hit a mother and her child...
Daisuke, with a cocky smirk, glances down at his partner, Haru, who is dangling off the edge of Kachidoki Bridge and barely clinging on...
Haru and Daisuke run through the shinkansen train...
Daisuke, while in the panic room in Poliador's embassy, whips off his suit coat in an attempt to hamper the toxic VX nerve gas contained in a briefcase, and Haru comes to his rescue just as the door to the panic room is unlocked...
DAISUKE (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Did I have anyone to stand beside me at all?
... and then many other FLASHES of the cases that Haru and Daisuke solved, one after another, switching to the next, switching faster and faster like a blur...
END FLASHBACK MONTAGE.
THE PIANO PIECE ENDS ABRUPTLY.
Daisuke plays piano in the CENTER, UNDERNEATH an IMAGINARY SPOTLIGHT.
He's wearing clothes from his England days: a RED COAT, a CABLE-KNIT SWEATER, and a LIGHT-GREEN PLAID SHIRT with YELLOW STRIPES. Unlike his default attire, his usual slicked-back look, he has his hair DOWN and UN-GELLED.
DAISUKE (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Who was I, then?
START FLASHBACK MONTAGE.
Back to the FLASHES of Haru and Daisuke's cases, one by one at a slower pace, a lingering pace. They all flash by behind Daisuke in STILL IMAGES as he reflects on himself, on who he is. In each of these flashes, Haru is calling out Daisuke's "name".
HARU
Bastard.
On the STAIRWAY, with his hands angrily grabbing at Daisuke's collar, Haru addresses Daisuke with hostility, with distrust. Just who is this "Kambe Daisuke"; who does he think he is, thinking everything can be solved with money?
HARU (CONT'D)
Kambe!
Haru confronts Daisuke on the STAIRWAY they always seem to meet on; one of them, often Daisuke, would stand tall on a higher step, while the other, often Haru, would stand on the step below. It's as if neither of them can see eye-to-eye. Haru can't ever seem to know what his colleague is thinking; just who is Kambe Daisuke?
HARU (CONT'D)
Inspector Kambe.
A SIDE VIEW of Haru giving Daisuke's POLICE BADGE back to him, signifying their close partnership and their growing trust. They stand together, face-to-face, in front of a beach's sunset.
This is the moment when the two of them finally establish their bond... or rather, that there's a bond there--they still don't know what to label "this" as.
CLOSE UP of Daisuke glancing down, with his hands still resting on the piano keys. His expression is serious.
DAISUKE (V.O.)
I was...
END FLASHBACK MONTAGE.
EXT. BEACH - SUNSET - PRESENT TIME
Once again, the two detectives stand together, face-to-face, in front of the beach's sunset: the very beach where they established their bond. On the sunset's left side is Haru, and on the right side Daisuke.
CUT to Haru (31), wearing a BLACK ASV SUIT underneath his USUAL OUTFIT.
Haru stands before Daisuke, smiling, with his left hand extended to him, this time without the badge; this time, he's simply offering his hand to Daisuke as a partner. It's Haru's indirect way of saying, "Let's carry out justice together", his role as both a hero and civil servant.
HARU
Come on. You're the scion of the Kambe family, aren't you? Something like this wouldn't faze you.
CUT to Daisuke (28) wearing a BLACK COAT, a THREE-PIECE SUIT, a PURPLE HOUNDS-TOOTH TIE, a WHITE SHIRT, and ROUND COLLAR LINKS.
He has his hands in his pockets, and he stares at Haru's outstretched hand with no clear emotion on his face. But his eyes soften nonetheless.
DAISUKE (V.O.)
That's right. I am...
BUILD-UP TO DAISUKE'S THEME.
Daisuke continues to stare at Haru's hand, like he's "pondering" over whether or not to take it. Many seconds pass.
They're friends, so Daisuke's definitely going to take it... right?
DAISUKE'S THEME ENDS.
Daisuke coolly brushes past Haru, refusing to take his hand, all in typical "Kambe Daisuke" fashion. Haru makes a choked sound, like he's shocked at the audacity of his haughty partner.
HARU
Wha-- hey!
DAISUKE
Let's go.
Daisuke's COAT sways behind him, swinging dramatically like it's about to fly in Haru's face as Haru stumbles after him.
HARU (exasperatedly) | DAISUKE (V.O.) (calmly)
Kambe Daisuke! | ...Kambe Daisuke.
QUICK PAN UP to the SKY, where two seagulls fly overhead.
EXT. BEACH - SUNSET - PRESENT TIME
Daisuke and Haru walk along the edge of the beach, with Haru standing behind Daisuke and watching his back as usual.
After “chasing Daisuke down”, Haru has a slightly irritated expression on his face, and he stares at the back of Daisuke’s head the entire time like he’s going to drill holes in it.
HARU
(grumbling)
Just how many times do you need me to chase after you…
HARU (CONT'D)
The last time we were here, my leg was still injured!
DAISUKE
It's been a year since then. By now, your gunshot wound should have healed.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
You didn't say anything about your 'injured leg' whenever we went on adollium cases. Rather, you would recklessly charge into battle despite being injured.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
Do you intend to abuse the ASV suit and your injured leg?
HARU
Damn you!
The two of them stop walking at that moment.
Daisuke still doesn't turn around, but he can tell what kind of expression is on his partner's face. Haru “puffs up”, and his brows furrow in that typical angry expression; Daisuke remains unfazed, even as Haru makes an exasperated sound in response to Daisuke's jab.
HARU (CONT'D)
Seriously! Whether we're in Hong Kong, New York, or somewhere else in the world, you're always —-
Haru clears his throat, calming himself down in seconds.
HARU (CONT'D)
Anyway, shouldn't we focus on getting information out of your father? What do you plan on saying to him once we're in the hospital room?
HARU (CONT'D)
Ah, but... it's been 20 years since you've last talked to him, hasn't it?
A bit of silence. Haru glances down at the sand, lost in thought.
HARU (CONT'D)
Is there anything left to say to someone you haven't talked to for so many years?
CLOSE UP of the BACK of DAISUKE'S HEAD. Another bit of silence.
DAISUKE
It's fine.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
I'm still his son.
...and then Daisuke continues to walk forward, towards the hospital where Shigemaru currently stays.
INT. SHIGEMARU'S HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT
Daisuke and Haru stand at the OPEN DOORS to Shigemaru's hospital room; Haru stands off to the side of the room with more space and quietly listens, not wanting to disrupt Daisuke's confrontation with his father.
Shigemaru can barely sit upright in his HOSPITAL BED and stays lying down, staring at the CLOCK on the wall in front of him; beside the bed is Shigemaru's WHEELCHAIR, as he can no longer walk after "the incident".
A RAVEN-HAIRED NURSE, with her back turned to the two detectives, writes on her CLIPBOARD.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
(stiffly)
It's me.
Silence. Shigemaru continues to stare at the clock.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
Your son.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
Daisuke.
That seems to elicit a reaction out of him; Shigemaru grimaces and makes a startled grunt. But he still can't bring himself to look at Daisuke... his son.
SHIGEMARU KAMBE
What … brings you here?
DAISUKE
I...
HARU
(whispering)
Kambe, do you think he remembers anything?
DAISUKE
Tell me, Father. What do you know about adollium?
The whole room goes silent.
Even the nurse stops what she's doing to watch.
RAVEN-HAIRED NURSE
(hesitant)
Um, I'm not sure if --
SHIGEMARU KAMBE
(cutting in)
-- Is that all?
The nurse goes speechless, too SHOCKED to say more.
DAISUKE
Yes.
SHIGEMARU KAMBE
I see.
Shigemaru still doesn't make an effort to look in Daisuke's direction. Haru leans closer to whisper into Daisuke's ear.
HARU
(whispering)
It's fine, Kambe. It's not like we absolutely need his help...
DAISUKE
Whether or not my father remembers what he did...
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
No one can deny the truth that he was the head researcher of adollium.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
He is the one who started it all.
Haru feels as though this is going nowhere, and is about to tell Daisuke that they should leave, until...
Shigemaru addresses him.
SHIGEMARU KAMBE
The other one. Who is he?
SHIGEMARU KAMBE (CONT'D)
(firmly)
Who is he, Daisuke?
Haru, knowing that this "other one" is him, takes a few steps closer towards Shigemaru's bed and bows his head politely.
HARU | DAISUKE
I'm Ka -- | -- A friend.
HARU (CONT'D)
(annoyed)
Hey...
SHIGEMARU KAMBE
A friend?
A beat of silence, and only a beat; Daisuke doesn't let his hesitation linger for longer than that. Could their relationship even be defined by a single word?
DAISUKE
Yes.
Haru clears his throat.
HARU | DAISUKE
Yes, I'm Kato -- | -- My coworker.
HARU (CONT'D)
(under his breath)
First a friend, now a coworker? Make up your mind already...
SHIGEMARU KAMBE
Kato.
SHIGEMARU KAMBE (CONT'D)
So you are the "worldwide hero".
Haru rubs the back of his head with his hand.
HARU
Oh, is that what they're calling me now?
DAISUKE
(under his breath)
Don't get ahead of yourself, Kato. It's not just your "heroic deeds" that are broadcasted on live TV.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
According to HEUSC, you've lost more fights than you've won them.
HARU
(grumbling)
I really can't stand you and your fancy, know-it-all technology...
HARU (CONT'D)
... Wait.
Haru looks back at Shigemaru with a slightly confused expression, like he's just realized something. Daisuke follows Haru's gaze.
HARU (CONT'D)
Do you already know who I am?
Shigemaru stiffens even more than he already has. If Shigemaru somehow knows who Haru is, even in his poor condition, then...
DAISUKE
Father. What are you hiding?
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
Is it so important that you can't be bothered to tell us?
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
You started this mess. Who do you think will be the one to clean it up?
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
(yelling)
Who do you think cleaned up all the messes you've left behind?
Haru turns to Daisuke with a concerned expression, almost going speechless at the uncharacteristic nature of his words.
HARU
Kambe, you don't have to --
SHIGEMARU KAMBE
Twenty years have passed. And you are still...
DAISUKE
(cutting in)
After all these years, adollium is no longer a secret to the higher-ups.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
And it is no longer a secret to me.
SHIGEMARU KAMBE
(warningly)
Daisuke!
Shigemaru still doesn't face him. But Daisuke will make his father face him, no matter what it takes to do so.
DAISUKE
I have transferred adollium to every nation's research institute.
Shigemaru's eyes go wide as he makes a spasm-like movement with his body, as though Shigemaru's more shocked than what his body can show.
SHIGEMARU KAMBE
(shouting)
You... you were the one to publicize the adollium? How could you? How could you, Daisuke?
Haru goes silent.
DAISUKE
After all, the "only one" in this world who can supervise the adollium is me, the heir of the Kambe family.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
Isn't that right, Kambe Shigemaru?
Haru knows this is only to rile his father up, so that his father can admit all the information in an uncontrolled outburst. And yet...
BEGIN FLASHBACK: INT. KAMBE MANSION BASEMENT - DAY - ONE YEAR AGO
Haru falls on top of the button that would complete the transferring of adollium to every nation's research institute, therefore publicizing it.
No one can deny the truth that it was Haru who accidentally publicized adollium to the rest of the world.
All because of one button...
END FLASHBACK.
INT. SHIGEMARU'S HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT - PRESENT TIME
SHIGEMARU KAMBE
(wheezing)
It was never... adollium was never meant to be publicized! It was... Sayuri wouldn't... Sayuri wouldn’t!
Shigemaru's words incite a FLASHBACK in Daisuke's mind.
BEGIN FLASHBACK: EXT. GARDEN - DAY - OVER TWENTY YEARS AGO
Sayuri Kambe holds Young Daisuke (6) close to her chest, pulling him closer and closer into her embrace.
Daisuke can hear his mother's SLOW AND STEADY HEARTBEAT in this proximity, along with his mother's soft, melodic voice.
SAYURI KAMBE
(muffled)
Who you will be in the future, Daisuke... that is...
SAYURI KAMBE (CONT'D)
... be there... to see it... and guide you...
END FLASHBACK.
INT. SHIGEMARU'S HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT - PRESENT DAY
And then Daisuke is brought back. Back to reality, without his mother there to see it.
DAISUKE
Yes. It was never meant to be publicized.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
As the head of the Kambe family, you never expected anyone to go against your wishes. You never expected anyone to be disobedient.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
Not Mother, and not me.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
Right now, do you still see me as your son?
SHIGEMARU KAMBE
Get out! Now!
DAISUKE
Then, look at me when you say that.
The nurse, who has been silent all this time, slams her clipboard on the TABLE in front of her, causing the FLOWER VASE on top of it to rattle, and speaks up. She does not turn around, for whatever reason none of them know.
NURSE
Sir, if you plan on causing a disturbance here, I will have no choice but to escort you out.
NURSE (CONT'D)
I am legally obligated to keep all patient information confidential, and cannot disclose this information without proper authorization.
NURSE (CONT'D)
Do not ask the patient any more questions than what is necessary.
NURSE (CONT'D)
Do not ask him any questions at all.
Daisuke ignores the nurse; his father has to face him.
SHIGEMARU KAMBE
Do you realize what you've done? What you've done to the world?
SHIGEMARU KAMBE (CONT'D)
War, poverty, death. The dangers of adollium are beyond doubt.
SHIGEMARU KAMBE (CONT'D)
You exposed all there was to know about adollium. You are navigating this world to ruin!
DAISUKE
What about you? Did you really think that if it was under your control, all of this would be prevented?
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
That it would stay as a source of unlimited energy and nothing more would come from that?
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
I did what I had to. Now face me.
Shigemaru, shaken up from his anger, finally jerks his head around in the direction of his son. His eyes are wide, bloodshot-- unstable. He can barely register Daisuke as his own.
SHIGEMARU KAMBE
You are not my son! Who are you? Who in the world are you?
DAISUKE
Aren't you the one who decides that for me, Father?
SHIGEMARU KAMBE
No! You are not my son! I will not let you convince me of anything!
One of Daisuke's hands tenses up, like it's about to tremble, and Daisuke quickly balls it up into a fist.
HARU
(whispering)
Kambe!
DAISUKE
What is keeping you from telling the truth?
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
What is keeping you away from me?
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
(loudly)
What else have you created that I don't know about --
-- A loud SHATTER tears through his words.
Daisuke and Haru quickly glance in the direction of the noise, and there, the nurse stands beside the table with a SHATTERED FLOWER VASE lying right next to her on the floor. Her glare is as sharp as the RED SHARDS that her "accident" left behind.
The only way to describe this nurse, especially at first-glance, is that she is ravishingly beautiful: RAVEN-BLACK HAIR, AMBER EYES, LONG EYELASHES, and BLOOD-RED LIPS. But when she's standing beside a shattered vase, the beauty only adds to her wrathful character.
NURSE
It is time to administer injections to the patient.
The nurse narrows her sharp amber eyes.
NURSE (CONT'D)
Please, let me escort you out.
DAISUKE
No need. We were just about to leave.
Daisuke, unpredictable as always, storms out the door with Haru "chasing after him" once again, like he's being dragged by Daisuke's leash.
HARU
H-Hey, wait!
Daisuke proceeds to ignore him, and Haru shoots the nurse an apologetic glance before following Daisuke--being "dragged" by Daisuke--out of the hospital.
EXT. BOTANICAL GARDEN - NIGHT
After taking multiple steps away from the hospital, the detective duo reaches a botanical garden of sorts. Even outside of the botanical garden, they’re surrounded by LUSH, TRANQUIL, and VIBRANT FLOWERS AND GREENERY, and Haru moves his head around in circles trying to take in all of the sights-- yet Daisuke doesn't seem to pay attention to any of it.
There's a soft SWOOSHING with each step they take; based on the sound alone, one person is clearly taking faster steps than the other, no matter how much the other tries to keep up.
HARU
Hey, Kambe.
More SWOOSHING. Daisuke walks and walks and walks, and Haru tries and tries and tries to catch up to Daisuke to no avail.
HARU (CONT'D)
Kambe, come on...
Daisuke makes his way around the botanical garden like he's been here, like he's seen it all before.
It's not until they start walking further and further away from the beautiful scenery, with the two of them using ELEVATED STEPPING STONES to get to an OPEN AREA, that Haru raises his voice.
HARU (CONT'D)
(calling out)
Kambe!
Daisuke finally turns around to face Haru.
HARU (CONT'D)
Seriously, what's up with you lately?
HARU (CONT'D)
I know you like to walk off without a word, but at least tell me why. I thought we've reached that stage by now.
DAISUKE
"Stage"?
HARU
A-Ah, well, I wouldn't really call it a "stage".
DAISUKE
What do you mean by "stage"?
HARU
I guess... before, we didn't really trust each other. But now we do. Maybe.
HARU (CONT'D)
Something like that. I don't know. It's hard to explain.
DAISUKE
I see.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
Then, which "stage" would you like for us to be at?
HARU
What?
HARU (CONT'D)
Uh.
HARU (CONT'D)
I haven't really thought about that.
HARU (CONT'D)
More like, I don't think we need to be at a certain "stage".
HARU (CONT'D)
It's always changing, anyway...
HARU (CONT'D)
Actually, why are you asking me about this?
DAISUKE
(cutting in)
Stop talking. We have to get moving.
HARU
What? Move where? Kambe? Kambe!
Daisuke, once again, walks off without a word just as Haru expected.
Haru stops complaining, and he even stops making his usual exasperated noises, too; though he can't help but make those expressions he always does whenever Daisuke does something that Haru can't figure out again.
Daisuke twists and turns around every corner, searching for something specific. Of course, Haru has no idea what it is.
HARU (CONT'D)
Seriously, where are we? Why aren't you saying anything?
DAISUKE
You sure complain a lot.
HARU
I wouldn't be complaining if you just told me where we --
Daisuke finally halts to a stop, and Haru nearly bumps into him. Haru can already feel a glare creep up onto his face, until...
DAISUKE
We've arrived.
HARU
We've arrived where?
Haru's face immediately softens once he's met with a GRAVESTONE in a secluded corner of the botanical garden. It's surrounded by FLOWERS and CANDLES of all shapes and sizes and colors.
On top of the gravestone is a BLACK AND GRAY STRIPED TIE. Right beside the striped tie is one part of a STRIPED RIBBON BELT.
HARU
(whispering)
This is...
Daisuke takes short, gentle steps towards Kambe Sayuri's grave, like he's trying not to "wake" her. Then, he gently rests his hand on top of the tie and belt.
DAISUKE
Mother.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
Have you been waiting long?
Daisuke turns to Haru, and Haru notices that there's a sort of "softness" surrounding Daisuke at this moment; Daisuke looks young, sentimental, and... innocent.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
Go.
HARU
Hm?
DAISUKE
Introduce yourself.
HARU
A-Ah, right.
Haru clears his throat, a little nervous.
HARU (CONT'D)
I'm Kato Haru.
HARU | DAISUKE
His coworker -- | My friend --
HARU (CONT'D)
(under his breath)
-- Make up your mind!
HARU (CONT'D)
Ahem. As Daisuke-san's partner, I work together with him to solve crimes. The two of us work for the Modern Crime Prevention Task Force at the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, and--
DAISUKE
(cutting in)
She knows what our roles are. I've already told her.
Daisuke answers with the same snark as he normally does, but this snark doesn’t seem to have any bite to it.
HARU
(to Sayuri)
Seriously, this guy... How should I deal with him?
HARU (CONT'D)
Before, I was disgusted by his materialistic ways.
HARU (CONT'D)
Treating cases like transactions or potential bribes, I wanted nothing to do with him.
HARU (CONT'D)
He always thought that money was the solution to everything.
HARU (CONT'D)
But now?
HARU (CONT'D)
Knowing that the money's just profit from adollium...
HARU (CONT'D)
We use that money to track down illegal adollium dealers all around the world.
HARU (CONT'D)
I guess that influenced the kind of person Daisuke is today.
HARU (CONT'D)
And that is...
DAISUKE
Inspector Kato.
HARU
Huh?
DAISUKE
I’m not the one being introduced. You are.
HARU
Ah, right.
HARU (CONT'D)
(to Sayuri)
In a way, I’ve been influenced too.
HARU (CONT'D)
By Daisuke-san, actually.
BEGIN FLASHBACK.
It all comes in QUICK FLASHES.
During a siege incident, as a member of the First Division, Haru witnesses a hostage situation at a BANK during which the CRIMINAL holds up several hostages and puts all of them in immediate danger.
Haru is given permission to shoot the armed target, but before he can do so, a WOMAN who is presumed to be the criminal’s accomplice approaches him...
She reaches for the criminal’s GUN, points it at Haru, and--
BANG!
Out of fear, in the heat of the moment, Haru SHOOTS...
...and watches in horror as the woman falls to the floor, surrounded by her own POOL OF BLOOD.
EXT. BANK - EVENING - THREE YEARS AGO
After the incident, Haru has a breakdown, potentially from PTSD; he’s SITTING DOWN, and his head is buried into his arms. An AMBULANCE passes by, and Haru’s boss, KATSUHIRO TAKEI, along with his junior, RYO HOSHINO (27), stand beside him.
CLOSE UP of Takei’s MOUTH, the rest of his face SHADOWED.
TAKEI
(muffled)
... was an accomplice... it wasn't your mistake...
HARU
(grunting)
Gggghhnn...
SOUND: STATICKY DISTORTION.
CLOSE UP OF Haru GRIPPING AT HIS SLEEVES, STRUGGLING TO BREATHE.
HARU (CONT'D)
(quietly, to himself)
Ah... ahhhh...!
Multiple VISIONS of the woman he shot, her hand dropping to the floor, the blood pooling all around her—- they torment Haru as everything around him BLURS, and all he can hear is STATIC, similar to a TINNITUS effect after shooting a gun.
INT. INVESTIGATION DIVISION I - DAY - THREE YEARS AGO
Sick of his boss’s self interests, Haru turns his back to Takei and heads for the door… the door out of this position. Out of everything that now and will forever haunt him.
Hoshino stands in front of Haru like a barrier before he can make it out the door, knowing that Haru intends to leave the First Division entirely.
CLOSE UP of Hoshino’s mouth, the rest of his face SHADOWED.
HOSHINO
(muffled)
... If you run away, you'll no longer be a detective, nor a hero...!
CLOSE UP of Haru's GLARE, directed towards Hoshino...
... before Haru throws his FIRST DIVISION PIN-BADGE onto the floor, and shoves Hoshino out of his way.
HOSHINO (CONT'D)
(calling out)
Kato!
CLOSE UP of the PIN-BADGE, which rolls to a stop.
FADE TO BLACK.
HARU (V.O.)
After leaving the First Division, my boss, my juniors... my friends... I was alone in the dark. I became incapable of shooting a gun. I stopped being a hero.
HARU (V.O.) (CONT'D)
I became incapable of being someone at all.
INT. CARGO SHIP TO POLIADOR - NIGHT - ONE YEAR AGO
Daisuke goes against WEINSKI FRANTZ, the bodyguard of an arms dealer, by grabbing hold of Frantz’s BLASTER ARM and temporarily preventing him from sending any other attacks.
The blaster arm then heats up significantly, leaving BURN SCARS on Daisuke’s PALM.
Then Frantz points his blaster arm down and injures DAISUKE’S LEG in the process.
HARU (CONT'D)
(calling out)
Kambe!
Daisuke makes eye contact with Haru, and he seems unnerved despite their current predicament.
DAISUKE
(shouting)
It's the red pipe! Shoot it!
Haru raises his gun with shaky hands, like he can’t bring himself to shoot or even touch the gun; he’s haunted by his past failures.
When Haru shot that criminal’s accomplice in a First Division case… when Haru misfired after that woman pointed that TOY GUN at his face… what if Daisuke is the next one he “shoots”?
HARU (V.O.)
I thought I couldn't save anyone.
Haru’s arms shake even more, and he can’t seem to steady his gun.
He starts to have VISIONS of what would happen if he isn’t able to shoot the red pipe, if he were to misfire; he starts to have visions of Daisuke crumpling to the floor, surrounded by his own BLOOD, killed by his own partner before the actual criminal.
HARU (V.O.) (CONT'D)
I thought, "If I can't save anyone, who am I?"
HARU (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Until he broke me out of it.
DAISUKE
Give me a break.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
For all this time...
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
Before being a civil servant...
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
You've been a hero.
A SMILE sneaks its way to Daisuke's face.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
Your job is to make justice happen, Inspector Kato!
END FLASHBACK.
FADE IN:
EXT. BOTANICAL GARDEN - NIGHT
HARU
Daisuke was watching me all this time.
HARU (CONT'D)
Because of that, he knew who I was, and he knows who I am today.
HARU (CONT'D)
Because of him... I think I was finally able to find my true self.
Haru does not say more; he believes what he said is enough. Daisuke hasn't said a word in the duration of Haru's "conversation".
HARU
(to Daisuke)
So, Kambe. What do you think?
DAISUKE
Of what?
HARU
(annoyed)
Come on! Did you pay attention to any of it?
DAISUKE
The words weren't meant for me.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
But I'm sure my mother would've appreciated your words.
Haru meets Daisuke's gaze with silent understanding.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
I used to meet my mother in her apartment every night.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
We would watch TV together. She said she liked watching the TV shows where the heroes always win.
HARU
And why's that?
DAISUKE
She didn't want me to ever know the pain of losing.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
She thought that if I was strong enough, if I was always a winner, then I would never have to feel pain ever again.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
That was what being a "hero" meant to my mother.
Haru stares down at the ground, wondering what "truth" there is behind such an extraordinary statement. The two of them are silent, for the most part.
HARU
(quietly)
What about now? Do you think that you're strong enough to always be a winner? That you always have to be?
DAISUKE
Yes.
Haru frowns.
DAISUKE
But not by myself.
Haru looks back up again in an instant, his eyes wide. Daisuke is still looking at Haru.
DAISUKE
Were you not the one who helped me solve my mother's case?
A bright, closed-lip SMILE appears on Daisuke's face. It looks like a smirk, but Haru knows the truth.
DAISUKE
Because of that, we are both winners.
HARU
(breathless)
Kambe.
In Haru's eyes, Daisuke's changed since they first met. Almost completely. He shines even brighter than he did before.
But does Daisuke know that?
DAISUKE
It's late. We shouldn't make the others worry too much.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
We'll confront my father another time.
Haru can feel a smile about to slip up his face, a proud smile. But Haru still tries to keep himself composed so as to not be punished by Daisuke's "wrath".
HARU
Right. Let's not make this our first loss as all-time winners.
Haru and Daisuke stand side by side, and make their way out of the botanical garden where Kambe Sayuri rests peacefully.
EXT. TULIP FIELD - NIGHT
Haru and Daisuke stand in the middle of a tulip field. This time, Daisuke doesn't seem to have a destination in mind, which has Haru looking around bewildered.
HARU
Now where are we?
Daisuke brings his hand up to his SINGULAR BLACK EARRING to speak to his AI butler, HEUSC.
DAISUKE
HEUSC, how long will it take for the plane to arrive at our location?
HEUSC
In five seconds, Daisuke-sama.
HARU
Wait, what?
DAISUKE
Set the destination to "Metropolitan Police Department".
HEUSC
Setting the destination now.
HEUSC (CONT'D)
The plane should arrive in three… two…
HARU
Kambe, what are you doing? Hey!
SOUND: RUMBLING.
The RUMBLING of a KAMBE-BRANDED PLANE approaches, and Haru has no choice but to look up and watch in distress as the plane is about to land safely on the tulip garden below.
*Plane landing on a tulip garden: The plane and tulip garden are a reference to Spider-Man: Far From Home.
Daisuke still has his hand on his EARRING.
DAISUKE
I want to have some Ecuadorian chocolates on the way there. Send ten boxes to our location.
HEUSC
Understood. Balance...
HEUSC (CONT'D)
... DELUXE.
HARU
KAMBE DAISUKEEE!
END OF CHECK.
COST BREAKDOWN:
Ten boxes of Ecuadorian Chocolates -- 6,750,000 yen (~ 45,714 US dollars | 39,200 Euro | 63,487,127 Won | 1,198,000,000 Dong)
Notes:
*art credits for this episode:
@stellarharus on twitter
*beta readers for this episode:
@beaballpointpen on twitter
Chapter 2: Penny-wise and Pound Foolish
Summary:
An unofficial, fan-made Season 2 of Fugou Keiji: Balance Unlimited (FKBU). Created by @fugokeijideluxe on Twitter.
*This fic contains illustrations and follows a screenplay/script format. Episodes/Checks will be posted on Thursdays.
--
After adollium, a newly-discovered material, was transferred to research institutes across the globe, Daisuke and Haru are active overseas handling illegal adollium exchanges and related cases. The buddy-detective duo continues to clash over methods and personality; despite this, they soon fall into this familiar rhythm of nabbing bad guys, relying on Daisuke's unconventional methods of his wealth and technology, and indulging in Haru's love for stakeouts, with bits of banter shoved in between.
Their routine goes haywire, however, when they face the emergence of another new material, a former supermodel with a hidden agenda, and shocking revelations that bring the dark truth of the Kambe family to light. While Haru is forced to confront his unaddressed self-reproach, Daisuke has to face the dark truth behind his family's legacy, and together they delve deeper into a case that will challenge not only their roles as detectives but their very sense of identity.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
CHECK SUMMARY:
Shortly after a typical work day with their colleagues at the MCPTF, Daisuke and Haru head back to Haru's apartment, which is where the two of them stay once away from the liveliness of their adollium missions. Daisuke finds an old photo of Haru when he was in primary school, and Haru reminisces.
INT. MODERN CRIMES PREVENTION TASK FORCE OFFICE - DAY
The office is noticeably upgraded. Sleek, expensive OFFICE CHAIRS replace the old and shabby furniture of the MCPTF's basement office: this is Kambe Daisuke's way of showing off his luxurious flair.
And it's clearly a silent, extravagant way of saying "thank you".
Daisuke stands by his NEW AND POLISHED OFFICE DESK. His hands are in the pockets of his classic black suit slacks, and his expression is impassive.
Haru stands in an awkward position by the doorway, his eyes scanning all around the refurbished office with a bewildered expression on his face.
HARU
Don't tell me...
HARU (CONT'D)
Why do I feel like I've just stepped into a rich man's world?
Bewilderment shifts into slight irritation.
HARU (CONT'D)
Kambe!
HARU (CONT'D)
If you keep spoiling them like this, they're not going to do any of the work---gggah!
SAEKI MAHORO (32), who is standing right behind Haru, shoves him out of the doorway with an excited squeal while Haru stumbles and nearly falls forward. She practically jumps the moment she enters the office, her PINK PONYTAIL bouncing with her.
SAEKI
Eh, eh? The office is so fancy now!
KAMEI SHINNOSUKE (27), his BLOND SPIKED-UP HAIR and BLUE BLAZER instantly (and unfortunately) recognizable, enters the office with Saeki and whistles at the sight. He circles his SLEEK BLACK DESK, nodding in clear approval, but approval towards his NEWLY-UPGRADED PC most of all.
KAMEI
Yes, yes. This... is the power of money! Kambe Daisuke's ultimate power! That's the millionaire detective of Modern Crimes for you!
KAMEI (CONT'D)
(under his breath)
Now I can watch AVs in the highest quality!
HARU
You pervert!
SAEKI
Absolutely not! Dai-chan didn't upgrade our PCs just so you could watch adult videos all day!
KAMEI
Saeki-san, you ask him to buy you snacks all the time. Can't you be a little nicer to me?
SAEKI
Hmph! I only suggested that Dai-chan buys them for me!
KAMEI
So? I only suggested that Kambe-san upgrades my PC!
Amidst all the arguing, Haru can only sigh.
HARU
(muttering)
Apparently, your "suggestions" were taken literally...
FIRST DIVISION MEMBER
And expensively.
MODERN CRIMES MEMBER
You rich boys really love spending money, huh? I'll make a gambler out of ya someday!
ARAKI TSUYOSHI, a member of the Metropolitan Police Department's Investigation Division I (First Division), and TEPPEI YUMOTO (43), a member of Modern Crimes, are the last to walk into the office.
The two are vastly different in both appearance and personality: Araki has his BLACK SPIKY HAIR and GLASSES to match his stern and organized personality, while Teppei has his DARK BROWN HAIR in a small PONYTAIL, UNDERCUT style to match his bold and forceful personality.
ARAKI
Do all the members of Modern Crimes like to spend money so carelessly?
DAISUKE
Is there a problem?
ARAKI
Not just with you, if that's what you're worried about. Out of all these slackers, at least you get the work done.
HARU
(grumbling)
Just him, huh?
As Haru grumbles, Daisuke reaches for something in his pocket.
DAISUKE
Sae-san. Here.
Daisuke brings out the "snacks" that Kamei mentioned previously: a SMALL SQUARE-SHAPED BOX OF ECUADORIAN CHOCOLATES.
Saeki theatrically sobs at the heartfelt gesture.
SAEKI
Dai-chan! Oh, Dai-chan!
DAISUKE
You're welcome.
KAMEI
(whispering to Haru)
"Sae-san"? The two of them must be getting along if even someone like Kambe-san is using nicknames.
HARU
Kamei, you're too invested in gossip these days.
KAMEI
It's even more surprising that someone like Kambe-san would think of buying cheap chocolate as a gift! For a coworker, no less!
DAISUKE
That is incorrect information. I had them imported from Ecuador.
Daisuke brings up his left hand to touch his singular black earring.
DAISUKE
HEUSC, the price of the chocolates?
HEUSC
A single bar would cost around 71,000 yen.
TEPPEI
Seventy-one?
SAEKI
Thousand?
KAMEI
Yen?
HARU
For a single bar?
DAISUKE
Correct.
SAEKI
Ahhh!
Saeki frets over the chocolates, even though her lips are stained with them.
SAEKI
Dai-chan, I can't accept this!
DAISUKE
Are the chocolates not to your liking?
SAEKI
With a box this size, I'll eat it all in one go! I won't be able to savor it!
HARU
Hey, that shouldn't be your biggest concern here!
DAISUKE
I see. Wait one moment.
HARU
No! I told you not to spoil them too much!
KAMEI
If Saeki-san gets to ask for more chocolate, can I have a free date with Sacchan?
HARU
I said no! Motoyama-san's not interested!
TEPPEI
Hey, hey, how come only those two got something special? You think I'm going to spend all your money?
HARU
Seriously... does anyone here ever listen to me?
ARAKI
I knew it. The current headquarters is a lost cause.
Daisuke, of course, does not follow Haru's orders and immediately orders more chocolate.
DAISUKE
HEUSC. Order ten more boxes of the same chocolates.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
Make sure they arrive as soon as possible.
HEUSC
Understood. Balance...
HEUSC (CONT'D)
... DELUXE.
HARU
Stop that! You can't keep ordering chocolates!
Just as Daisuke requested, a group of couriers come rushing into the office with ten boxes of Ecuadorian chocolates, stacking them all in Saeki's arms and completely covering her round face. While the other members of Modern Crimes are unphased, the gesture emits a loud SQUAWK of disbelief from Haru. Then, the couriers leave as quickly as they arrive.
Despite Saeki's earlier concerns, she still grants Daisuke with a grateful smile.
SAEKI
Thank you, Dai-chan! I'll cherish these chocolates for the rest of my life!
KAMEI
Are you sure you won't end up finishing those chocolates in one day, Saeki-san?
SAEKI
Hmph!
Haru watches this all unfold with an unamused expression, before turning to Daisuke.
HARU
You really can do anything with your money and AI butler, huh?
DAISUKE
Are you going to suggest I buy you something, too?
HARU
That's not what I meant!
KAMEI
Tsk, tsk. Don't be greedy, Kato-san. Doesn't Kambe-san stay at your apartment sometimes because it makes traveling from place to place much easier?
KAMEI (CONT'D)
Since the two of you have to fly around overseas handling adollium-related cases, you get to use Kambe-san's money all you want!
KAMEI (CONT'D)
I wish I could live a carefree life, too!
HARU
You already do. Unfortunately.
HARU (CONT'D)
And you know that's not it.
KAMEI
Ahhh, everyone's living a carefree life without me. Our director's an acting director, Hoshino's the new chief of the First Division...
KAMEI (CONT'D)
Truly, it's enough to make a man cry!
ARAKI
Hah! I wouldn't call it a "carefree life". It's not like the life you guys are living. Hoshino's working hard every time I see him.
ARAKI (CONT'D)
Unlike you guys, who only do things for your own self interests!
KAMEI
No, no, you've got it all wrong!
KAMEI (CONT'D)
When I say, "carefree", I mean active! Hoshino's a really active guy!
KAMEI (CONT'D)
Seriously, I can't even use the vending machines without bumping into him. He paces back and forth the whole time I'm there, like he can't think of anything else but work...
KAMEI (CONT'D)
And then, when I tell him to do something for me, he doesn't listen!
SAEKI
This must be a common trait between our juniors, Kato-san! How endearing!
HARU
Sure it is.
HARU (CONT'D)
Kamei, you need to be more active in helping Suzue-san. She made new tech just for you guys, so be grateful.
Saeki, on her last few chocolates, grins ear-to-ear at the mention of Suzue.
SAEKI
Suzu-chan's always so hardworking, isn't she? Developing new gadgets and weaponry for Kato-san and Dai-chan...
SAEKI (CONT'D)
And those sleek and sexy bodysuits!
DAISUKE
(correcting)
The Active Support Veil.
KAMEI
For something that's supposed to be an "Active Support Veil", isn't the suit too thin?
TEPPEI
Hah! It's typical of a man to want to show off his muscles.
DAISUKE
The ASV suit is designed to have optical camouflage, enhanced attack power, and reinforced defenses.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
It has nothing to do with showing off.
KAMEI
Well, no matter what the suit looks like, you can't deny that it looks the best on Kambe-san!
HARU
Hey! What about me?
SAEKI
Mmmm, Suzu-chan designed the suits herself, didn't she? That must have been really hard on her!
SAEKI (CONT'D)
That's why Suzu-chan should have a nice, long vacation whenever she's feeling stressed! Sweets, too!
TEPPEI
That's nice and all, but no matter how you look at it, isn't that lady always stressed?
SAEKI
(sighing)
If only she would answer my calls!
HARU
Saeki-san, don't you call her almost every day now?
SAEKI
Of course! How could I not?
SAEKI (CONT'D)
But now she's too busy to answer... huuu... I can't help but worry about her.
SAEKI (CONT'D)
What if Suzu-chan is tired from making new gadgets? Or she feels lonely from being stuck in her room all day?
HARU
I'm sure she's fine, Saeki-san. Don't worry too much.
SAEKI
But, but!
As Saeki continues to fret over Suzue's well-being, Haru sighs and gets up from his seat, which he had been subconsciously reclining against despite his earlier protests.
HARU
I'm done for today.
Haru instinctively turns to Daisuke, knowing exactly where he is in the room without having to check.
HARU (CONT'D)
Kambe. Let's go.
Daisuke stands up from his seat, also instinctively, to follow Haru.
EXT. HARU'S APARTMENT - EVENING
After driving back home, Haru and Daisuke both arrive outside of Haru's apartment with several GROCERY BAGS in hand.
Haru, in typical Kato Haru fashion, struggles to open the front door as the grocery bags nearly spill out of his grasp.
HARU
Hey, Kambe? A little help here?
Daisuke, oblivious, takes the APARTMENT KEY from Haru's hand and walks over to the front door to unlock it.
DAISUKE
Done.
HARU
That's not what I -- never mind.
INT. HARU'S APARTMENT - KITCHEN - NIGHT
Daisuke, of course, is the first to walk into the apartment, and the kitchen is the first room to greet him. He places the grocery bags onto the KITCHEN COUNTER. Haru, who is carrying two grocery bags in each hand, drops the bags to the floor and slumps against the wall in exhaustion.
DAISUKE
Kato. What's on the menu for today?
HARU
You really are demanding, you know that? We just got home and you're already bossing me around.
Daisuke stays silent for a little while, until he sees Haru heading for his bedroom.
DAISUKE
Prepare a meal for me, Chef Kato.
His words are more than enough for Haru to turn around.
HARU
Agh, you really are demanding!
INT. HARU'S APARTMENT - KITCHEN - NIGHT
Haru stands by the kitchen counter, wearing a PINK SWEATER and GRAY APRON on top of the sweater. Daisuke stands awkwardly by the doorway separating the kitchen from the rest of the rooms. He's still wearing his EVERYDAY OUTFIT, but without the suit jacket.
HARU
Wait in the other room. I'll make wappa-meshi.
Wappa-meshi: a Niigata specialty consisting of steamed rice cooked in a dashi broth (made from kelp seaweed and bonito flakes), topped with steamed seasonal seafood (typically fish, vegetables, and pickled foods), and served in a special Japanese wooden container known as a "wappa".
Though Haru tells Daisuke to wait in the other room, Daisuke stays right where he is, and Haru just sighs and turns to Daisuke who is still standing by the doorway.
HARU (CONT'D)
You've tried it before, haven't you? Wappa-meshi?
DAISUKE
Wappa...
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
Wappa-meshi is not part of my palate.
HARU
You can just say 'yes' or 'no'!
DAISUKE
No, I haven't tried wappa-meshi.
HARU
Hmph. Of course it's not part of your palate... it's not something that rich people usually eat, after all.
HARU (CONT'D)
This is a Niigata specialty. And...
HARU (CONT'D)
A Kato family specialty. Hehe.
Daisuke perks up at that, even though his expression stays the same.
HARU (CONT'D)
Just wait and see, Kambe. I'll show you the true potential of Master Chef Kato!
DAISUKE
You're being too proud about it now.
Haru is much too eager about remaking one of his family recipes to care about Daisuke's snarky remarks; he starts preparing the wappa-meshi, and Daisuke, who was once standing by the doorway, now finds himself joining Haru's side as usual.
Daisuke, as usual, stares at Haru expectantly and waits for his instructions, while Haru averts his gaze from Daisuke so he won't get distracted.
HARU
If you want, you can help me chop up some vegetables to add to the Wappa-meshi.
HARU (CONT'D)
Just don't cut your finger again, got it?
HARU (CONT'D)
Those burn scars haven’t fully healed, either. Licking the wound isn’t going to help anymore.
DAISUKE
I thought you said you bought more bandages from the store.
HARU
I did, and then you used them all up!
HARU (CONT'D)
You know that I have to give you proper guidance from now on, don't you? Especially since I've taken you under my wing!
Daisuke narrows his eyes. Like he's annoyed.
DAISUKE
Are you still following my grandmother's orders, even after what happened?
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
I didn't think you were the type to blindly follow orders without any resistance.
HARU
That's not --
Haru clicks his tongue in annoyance.
HARU (CONT'D)
This is something that I decided to do myself. That's all. No one ordered me to do anything.
HARU (CONT'D)
Whatever. Just do what I say and don't get yourself hurt.
Haru goes back to preparing the Wappa-meshi, and the two of them fall back into a balanced silence.
INT. HARU'S APARTMENT - HARU'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Now, with freshly-prepared Wappa-meshi on the TABLE, the two detectives watch TV; Daisuke has his HAIR DOWN, making him look much younger than he is, and much more innocent.
Daisuke savors every bite; on the hand holding his chopsticks, there's a BANDAGE wrapped around his ring finger.
Haru flips through several television channels, eventually landing on a news report about a celebrity being targeted by cyber-bullying. This encourages Haru to turn his head away from the TV and instead towards Daisuke, who remains unperturbed.
HARU
Hey. Have you seen them?
DAISUKE
Seen what?
Haru hesitates for a moment.
HARU
You know. The graffiti. All those things people have been saying about you, after the truth about your family was exposed.
HARU (CONT'D)
They vandalized the gates of your mansion, they demanded that you give them money, they called you an "audacious traitor"...
HARU (CONT'D)
They even told you to die. Aren't you worried about what that did to your reputation?
DAISUKE
I'm not living in that mansion anymore.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
I’ve already left that home.
Haru averts his gaze with a sheepish expression.
HARU
That's right. You stay at my place.
HARU (CONT'D)
Well, it's more like you stay everywhere now. It's always someplace that's freakishly fancy.
HARU (CONT'D)
You even stay in Buckingham Palace. So why do you still visit this shabby, run-down apartment?
DAISUKE
It's because...
Haru peeks back at Daisuke's face with a slightly hopeful expression.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
The meals aren't as satisfying.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
Does Buckingham Palace have Kato family recipes?
HARU
You...
Haru understands the implications almost in an instant, and transforms into the most bashful man he's ever been. He quickly turns away before Daisuke can spot his blush.
HARU (CONT'D)
Heh, I guess you're right.
HARU (CONT'D)
You wouldn't have to worry about anyone vandalizing anything so long as you're staying at this apartment.
HARU (CONT'D)
It's too ordinary. No one would ever think that someone from the Kambe family would be staying here.
Daisuke brings his bowl to his lips and eats-- slurps -- the last of his Wappa-meshi, before setting the empty wappa back down on the table.
DAISUKE
Or a master chef.
Haru grins at Daisuke's words.
INT. HARU'S APARTMENT - HARU'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Now, instead of watching the news, the two of them decide to drink POTATO SHOCHU while watching Haru's favorite police dramas: one of them being "Cry to the Sun!" with his all-time favorite actor, idol, and role-model, MATSUMOTO "CHARLES" KENTARO.
Displayed on the TV screen, Charles and a FEMALE ACTRESS stand face-to-face in a dimly lit office. SULTRY, DRAMATIC MUSIC plays in the background. Charles is wearing his usual GREEN TRENCH COAT with a BLACK SUIT worn underneath, while the woman is wearing a ridiculously impractical PURPLE DRESS.
For the most part, Haru's favorite police/detective dramas include exaggerated caricatures-- or maybe just the blueprint of those caricatures.
WOMAN
Asano, listen to me!
CHARLES
Helen, please! It's not "Asano" anymore! It's "Charles", my professional alias!
HELEN
Please, Charles! I know we're in the middle of a case, and the city's on fire, and a puppy is about to fall from the roof, but I can't keep pretending!
HELEN (CONT'D)
Every time you flash that badge... every time you stare down a perp with that steely gaze... every time you quote, "this is for justice!" with that low and gravelly voice!
HELEN (CONT'D)
My heart... does a thing!
CHARLES
Helen, now's not the time. We're this close to cracking the case. The city needs us! You know that justice doesn't wait for feelings!
HELEN
This isn't just feelings, Charles! What we have can't be described with words!
CHARLES
My first love is justice, Helen. My second love is withholding the law.
CHARLES (CONT'D)
And my third love?
HELEN
Yes?
CHARLES
My third love is my badge.
HELEN
But Charles! We could have it all! Justice, love...
HELEN (CONT'D)
I want to know. I want to know everything about you! Without that badge, just who are you?
CHARLES
I'm someone who chases after the truth, no matter what.
Charles stands up, adjusts his coat, and strides his way to the door, then halts to a stop with his hand on the handle.
CHARLES (CONT'D)
Maybe, after we bring this city to order...
CHARLES (CONT'D)
We can discuss the law. Together.
Charles leaves the office with a dramatic SWOOSH of his coat, leaving Helen all by herself. Helen drops to her knees and onto the ground, lost in her despair.
HELEN
Charles? Charles, please! Charles!
Haru clutches the large bottle of potato shochu and holds it close to his chest, his breath hitching. Daisuke glances over at his partner with a deadpan expression.
On the TV, it CUTS to Helen slumped on the floor after a heated shootout, while Charles hovers over her like he's about to perform CPR.
CHARLES
Helen! Helen, stay with me! Helen!
Helen, on the verge of death, coughs on her own blood before she uses the last of her strength to loll her head to the side; she meets Charles's gaze with a sad smile.
HELEN
You were right, Charles... you chase after the truth. I should have realized that sooner.
HELEN (CONT'D)
But now I've steered you away from that truth. I was only the weight on your shoulder. So I... I can't call myself your partner.
CHARLES
That's not true! You're--
But Helen doesn't respond. With Charles at her side, she DIES, and her body goes limp.
CHARLES
No, no, no... Helen!
CHARLES (CONT'D)
(sobbing)
Helen!
The credits play, and the "Cry to the Sun!" text appears on the corner of the screen. Haru, more than three drinks in, sniffles and blinks away his tears.
HARU
(slurring)
To chase after the truth, no matter what... even after receiving such a passionate confession... he's so dedicated, you know?
HARU (CONT'D)
So dedicated and cool...
Haru mumbles to himself, before suddenly throwing his hands up and exclaiming from his drunken mix of emotions.
HARU (CONT'D)
Ahhh, I really admire him! Charles-san!
Haru rubs the snot off his nose with one hand, which would normally be a disgusting sight to Daisuke if he wasn't also more than three drinks in.
DAISUKE
Mm...
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
(slurring)
I don't understand why she confessed so early in their relationship.
HARU
'S not intended to be realistic, y'know. Stop ruining the experience.
DAISUKE
It doesn't... make sense.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
She confessed to him, even when a close relationship hasn't been established...
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
I don't understand... the point of all that.
HARU
(whining)
Aghhh, you're even more of a pain than the shochu...
HARU (CONT'D)
But I can't say you're wrong.
HARU (CONT'D)
In high school, there were girls who would confess to me all the time... girls I barely talked to.
HARU (CONT'D)
I wasn't interested in love, sssoooo... I would always reject them.
DAISUKE
Have you never been in a relationship with a woman?
HARU
(cutting in)
You don't have to say it like that!
DAISUKE
Have you been alone your whole life?
HARU
Seriously, are you doing this on purpose just to mess with me?
DAISUKE
Ah. So you are interested in men?
HARU
Kambe!
HARU (CONT'D)
Seriously... do I need to tell you my preferences for you to be satisfied?
With a sigh, Haru lowers his head to the table, resting it on its side.
HARU (CONT'D)
Hmph... who's to say I need one?
HARU (CONT'D)
Besides, justice doesn't wait for feelings.
DAISUKE
So you've been pursuing justice since high school?
HARU
(whining)
Kambe... stop asking questions and just let me...
With all the drinks going to his head, Haru conks out, his vision fading to black.
INT. HARU'S APARTMENT - HARU'S BEDROOM - EARLY MORNING
When Haru's eyes flutter open, he groans, lifting his head as slow as possible like it weighs a thousand pounds.
HARU
(mumbling)
Ugh, did I sleep on the table again?
Haru blinks, trying to focus despite the room being all blurry.
HARU
Kambe...?
HARU (CONT'D)
(whining)
Kambbbeeee...
DAISUKE
I'm here.
Daisuke is somehow impeccably dressed in his usual three-piece suit again, as if last night didn't occur at all.
He holds a single PHOTOGRAPH in his hand, depicting a young boy with BANDAGES all over his face: a YOUNG HARU wearing a RED HOODIE and GRAY SWEATER over his ELEMENTARY SCHOOL UNIFORM, holding a KITTEN in his two small, scratched-up, and grimy hands. From the looks of it, it seems that the young Haru was able to rescue a cat from a falling branch.
HARU
H-hey, don't look at that!
Haru stumbles forward, nearly tripping on all the things he had left on the floor last night in his drunken stupor.
DAISUKE
So you wanted to pursue justice even before high school.
HARU
Yeah? And what about it?
DAISUKE
I never said it was a bad thing.
HARU
Then why are you so insistent on this?
DAISUKE
It's like you said. Chase after the truth.
HARU
You know that's not what I meant!
DAISUKE
I want to know.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
You are a civil servant... and a hero to many.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
And you are very, very ordinary.
HARU
Are you dissing me again?
DAISUKE
I have seen you as a civil servant, and I have seen you as a hero.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
But I want to see you when you are the most ordinary version of yourself.
Haru suddenly feels a rush of bashfulness, and a rush of deja vu from yesterday. He covers it up with annoyance.
HARU
Seriously, the most ordinary version of myself? You don't even have to try to find something like that.
Daisuke chuckles under his breath, a rare occurrence for the impassive man.
DAISUKE
You're right. Now I know you've kept the same 'hero' mindset all this time.
Daisuke lets his gaze fall back to the childhood photo, and Haru peers over Daisuke's shoulder to look at it, too.
BEGIN FLASHBACK: EXT. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL YARD/NIIGATA - MORNING
As the children play, YOUNG HARU stands tall and proud before his teacher, with a rescued KITTEN cradled in his arms. The teacher snaps a photo of him and the kitten, smiling proudly.
TEACHER
Look at you, Haru-chan! You're such a brave little boy!
Haru's face splits into a wide, toothy grin.
YOUNG HARU
No problem at all! It's my duty to protect the citizens of the city!
He attempts a stiff, and somewhat wobbly salute, nearly dropping the kitten in his arms. The teacher giggles, crouching down to his level and patting the young Haru's head.
TEACHER
Well done, Haru the Hero! Now, why don't you go play with your friends?
TEACHER (CONT'D)
I'm sure they'd all love to hear about your heroic deeds!
Young Haru lets out a surprised, excited noise, almost dropping the kitten in his arms once again.
YOUNG HARU
Eh? Eh? Does this mean I get to skip class?
TEACHER
Ahaha... not exactly.
TEACHER (CONT'D)
A good hero needs to keep his grades up, after all!
YOUNG HARU
Awww... I guess you're right...
The teacher giggles to herself once again, taking the anxious kitten from the anxious Haru's hands.
TEACHER
Okay, okay. Run along, now.
YOUNG HARU
Thank you, Teacher!
Young Haru bolts for the school yard where his friends are waiting, flailing his arms around to try and get their attention.
YOUNG HARU (CONT'D)
Hana-chan!
YOUNG HARU (CONT'D)
Huh?
Young Haru gasps; what waits for him at the school yard is not his friends, but a BULLY, who is gripping and yanking at HANA's hair.
YOUNG HARU
Hey! What do you think you're doing?
BULLY
Listen to her squeal every time I pull her hair. Isn't it annoying?
Hana lets out a cry of pain as the bully seizes her arm, pushing and pulling her around on the rugged dirt.
HANA
Please! Please stop it! It hurts!
Hana SHRIEKS for help, and the young Haru steps forward like a brave hero.
YOUNG HARU
Get away from her!
BULLY
Hrrraghhh!
The bully pounces on the young Haru with all of his strength, hitting and attacking him to the point where Haru has no choice but to fight back; his hands ball up into fists, and Young Haru launches forward, seizing the bully and slamming him against the dirt ground.
A teacher, Young Haru's teacher, hears the commotion from nearby and runs towards the fighting students, and the bully that Haru is fighting pretends to cry.
BULLY
Someone, help! He's hurting me! I didn't do anything wrong! It hurts!
Young Haru uses the last of his strength to scoot under the bully, so that it would be made clear just who initiated the fight and who was caught up in it.
YOUNG HARU
I told you to get away from Hana-chan, but you didn't listen! You're nothing but a bully! A really mean bully!
BULLY
But I didn't do anything wrong! It was her fault for getting in the way!
YOUNG HARU
You're wrong! The only one at fault here is you!
The teacher catches up to them, attempting to pull the young Haru away. Young Haru thrashes around to try and land another hit, in an attempt to steer the bully away from Hana.
TEACHER
Hey! Stop that!
YOUNG HARU
Let go of me!
Young Haru continues to kick his feet in mid-air while the bully throws punches, and the teacher has to raise her voice as a last resort.
TEACHER
Office, both of you! Now!
INT. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL/NIIGATA - PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE - MORNING
The two kids stand in the very center of the principal's office. The PRINCIPAL (50s, STERN) stands before them, his demeanor so intimidating that the young Haru can’t bring himself to stop shaking.
Young Haru's voice trembles as he attempts to explain his case.
YOUNG HARU
It's not my fault! Hana-chan was getting bullied! I couldn't just stand there!
The principal's expression hardens.
PRINCIPAL
That doesn't mean you should start a fight with your classmate!
YOUNG HARU
But that's what heroes do! They do what’s right!
PRINCIPAL
So you think beating up your classmate is the right thing to do?
YOUNG HARU
… Isn’t it?
The principal sighs and shakes his head in disapproval.
PRINCIPAL
Good grief.
PRINCIPAL (CONT'D)
Unfortunately, your hero speech is not going to save you. I’ll have to speak with your parents about this, Haru-kun.
PRINCIPAL (CONT'D)
Please close the door on your way out.
Young Haru gawks, speechless, then turns to the bully with a bitter glare in his eyes. The bully can only roll his eyes at Young Haru's naïveté.
Just as Young Haru is about to exit the office, with a tight, frustrated expression on his face, he notices that the bully is still lingering around. Young Haru finds a good place to eavesdrop, or at least moves away from the door to avoid being caught.
BULLY
(to Principal)
Hey, mister! You remember the “donations“ my mama and papa mentioned?
BULLY (CONT'D)
Well, they said they’d double the amount if you keep me out of trouble!
The principal’s eyes flicker, a subtle, perceptible shift. He nods curtly.
PRINCIPAL
Yes, I remember.
PRINCIPAL (CONT'D)
(mumbling to himself)
With that large sum of money, who could forget…
The principal then clears his throat.
PRINCIPAL (CONT'D)
Very well. Perhaps there was a misunderstanding. You had no fault in the matter, so you will receive no consequences.
YOUNG HARU
(whispering to himself)
No! That’s not fair!
BULLY
Thanks, mister!
As the bully scurries out the door and past Young Haru, the bully snickers under his breath.
BULLY (CONT'D)
Too bad. Guess some people know more about other people’s “needs”.
He then leaves Young Haru to seethe; Young Haru seethes the whole walk home.
INT. HARU’S HOME/ NIIGATA - ENTRANCE - AFTERNOON
Young Haru kicks off his shoes in a burst of anger, though is respectful enough to set his shoes down by the entrance in the proper manner. Like the elementary schooler he is, he flails his arms around to try and get his mom’s attention.
YOUNG HARU
(shouting)
Mom, mom! I'm home!
KATO SAYAKA, Haru's mom, is in the middle of washing dishes, and it’s not until she turns her head that she gasps at the sight of Young Haru’s injuries.
SAYAKA
Haru! My dear, what happened to you? Why do you have those bruises and scratches all over your face?
Sayaka can’t help but sigh in a motherly fashion, turning away from Young Haru to instead look for bandages somewhere in the KITCHEN DRAWERS.
SAYAKA (CONT'D)
Oh, Haru… did you get into another fight?
SAYAKA (CONT'D)
You know you can’t change them. They decide who they want to be... even if they're not being nice right now.
Sayaka takes out a SINGLE BANDAGE from the kitchen drawer, covering the big, ugly wound on Haru's left cheek--on top of the bandages he already has.
SAYAKA (CONT'D)
All you can do is be kind. No more fighting. Okay?
Sayaka leans in to kiss his bandaged cheek. Young Haru pouts, shoulders slumped. He refuses to argue with his mom, but he can't help but feel frustrated nonetheless.
YOUNG HARU
It's not fair, Mom! Nothing I do matters!
Young Haru clenches his fists.
YOUNG HARU (CONT'D)
That bully... he just bought his way out of trouble! He cheated!
SAYAKA
Cheated? What do you mean?
YOUNG HARU
He bribed the principal with money! His parents' money!
YOUNG HARU (CONT'D)
He's not allowed to do that! That's against the rules! You can't just give people money to make them do what you want!
YOUNG HARU (CONT'D)
And his parents have tons of money, which means I'm the only one in trouble! Even though he started it!
Tears well up in the young Haru's eyes, like he's about to start bawling right then and there.
YOUNG HARU (CONT'D)
Mom... what should I do?
YOUNG HARU (CONT'D)
I thought the heroes always win, no matter who they're up against!
YOUNG HARU (CONT'D)
But the bad guys won. They won because they cheated.
YOUNG HARU (CONT'D)
Does this mean I lost? Does this mean I should just give up?
YOUNG HARU (CONT'D)
But I don't wanna give up, Mom! I don't wanna!
Sayaka shakes her head, placing a gentle hand on Young Haru's shoulder.
SAYAKA
No, you shouldn't give up. It's not like you to give up, Haru.
SAYAKA (CONT'D)
Heroes don't always have to fight alone.
Sayaka chuckles.
SAYAKA (CONT'D)
I'm a hero too, you know.
SAYAKA (CONT'D)
Let's confront the bad guys together.
YOUNG HARU
By fighting them?
SAYAKA
(cutting in)
Not by fighting them!
INT . ELEMENTARY SCHOOL/NIIGATA - PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE - NEXT DAY
Young Haru and Sayaka, like yesterday, are standing in the middle of the principal's office, while the bully and his mother are standing on the sidelines. The principal, as always, greets them all with his stern and intimidating demeanor.
BULLY'S MOM
(to Principal)
And why do we have to be here? My child did nothing wrong!
BULLY'S MOM (CONT'D)
Were the donations not enough? Really, your greed knows no bounds!
SAYAKA
Shamelessly admitting to bribery, even when your child is watching...
SAYAKA (CONT'D)
This is not how things should be.
BULLY'S MOM
So what? The child is too young to know.
BULLY'S MOM (CONT'D)
And what have you done? What could you offer to your child that would make him better off than my own?
SAYAKA
My son is kind. He is never dishonest, and he always wants to do the right thing.
SAYAKA (CONT'D)
With his honesty, and with who he is at heart...
SAYAKA (CONT'D)
He is someone who helps other people.
SAYAKA (CONT'D)
That is far more impactful than using money to make others feel satisfied.
Young Haru grins from ear-to-ear at his mom's words.
YOUNG HARU
Mom!
BULLY'S MOM
(cutting in)
Enough! I am tired of this nonsense.
BULLY'S MOM (CONT'D)
(to Sayaka)
Now, how much do you need?
SAYAKA
Nothing. I want nothing from you.
SAYAKA (CONT'D)
What you are doing is shameful. I want nothing to do with it, and I don't want my child to be involved in this, either.
PRINCIPAL
Unfortunately, Kato-san, your child is the one who started the fight.
SAYAKA
Excuse me?
Sayaka pauses and turns to face Young Haru, who shakes his head over and over again to deny it.
YOUNG HARU
No! Don't trust him! It's not true!
BULLY'S MOM
He is the one with more authority, here! Are you saying you'd believe this foolish child over the higher-ups?
SAYAKA
I...
YOUNG HARU
He was bribed to say that!
SAYAKA
My child is not the type to start a fight.
PRINCIPAL
Kato-san, I understand your concern. However, we have multiple eyewitness accounts from other students.
PRINCIPAL (CONT'D)
We must rely on evidence. Sometimes, children remember events less clearly than others.
BULLY'S MOM
It's also important to consider the reputation of the school. We wouldn't want such an unfortunate event to cause unnecessary rumors, hm?
The principal nods.
PRINCIPAL
Indeed. It would be best if we could resolve this matter quickly and quietly, for the sake of the school and all the children involved.
SAYAKA
But that's...
PRINCIPAL
Please, Kato-san. Focus on what's best for us.
PRINCIPAL (CONT'D)
Perhaps it would be better if Haru-kun reflects on his actions, and we can all move forward.
Sayaka hesitates for a long moment, before she dejectedly bows her head.
SAYAKA
Yes, I understand. I'm sorry for troubling you.
YOUNG HARU
Mom!
PRINCIPAL
Not at all. Please close the door on your way out.
Young Haru's eyes widen in shock, and he glances back and forth between his mom and the school principal before he grows even angrier than he was originally.
YOUNG HARU
(to himself)
None of this is fair...
END FLASHBACK.
BEGIN FLASHBACK: INT. HIGH SCHOOL/PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE/NIIGATA - YEARS LATER
Haru bows his head in apology in front of the school principal. This time, he's facing the bad guys alone. Once again, he's at a loss, and the bad guy wins through monetary cheating. Like always.
HARU
Please excuse my disruptive behavior.
HARU (CONT'D)
This will not happen again.
HARU (V.O.)
It did. Over and over again.
HARU (V.O.) (CONT'D)
I knew then, that it was more than just the schoolyard bullies.
HARU (V.O.) (CONT'D)
But I was too naive to see the darkness inside people's hearts. Even now.
HARU (V.O.) (CONT'D)
And in the rich man's world, I was the loser.
HARU (V.O.) (CONT'D)
So I became a member of the police. That way, I could nab every bad guy that has ever wronged me. I could nab every bad guy that has ever bent the rules, or tried to use money to buy their way out.
HARU (V.O.) (CONT'D)
In this world, if the heroes always win... then they won't ever experience the pain of losing.
END FLASHBACK.
BEGIN FLASHBACK: INT. POLICE ACADEMY - YEARS LATER
An older Haru laughs with his companion back in the police academy, MORIYAMA AKIFUMI. Seeing his good friend laugh, Moriyama laughs as well, as a fond expression grazes his face.
HARU
Come on, Moriyama. You already know why I'm here.
MORIYAMA
You're here to nab the bad guys, aren't you?
MORIYAMA (CONT'D)
You need a good partner to be able to do that!
MORIYAMA (CONT'D)
Someone who sticks by you, no matter what. Even when times get tough, or when the two of you are at odds, you stick together!
HARU
What are you suggesting?
MORIYAMA
Hm, I don't know. What do you think I'm suggesting?
Haru leans forward and pretends to bite Moriyama, chuckling to himself when Moriyama pretends to bite back. Then, he elbows Moriyama in a playful manner.
HARU
Alright, alright. From now on, we're partners. You're not allowed to go back on that, got it?
MORIYAMA
Of course not. Partners stick together, through thick and thin.
HARU (V.O.)
I guess I was too naive to see the darkness in Moriyama's heart as well.
END FLASHBACK.
BEGIN FLASHBACK: INT. POLICE ACADEMY - AUDITORIUM - DAY
Haru is graduating from the police academy, but when he turns his head to where Moriyama should be standing beside him, Moriyama is nowhere to be found. Instead, Haru is left alone in the crowd, and he lowers his head to stare at the floor.
VOICE (O.S.)
Kato Haru!
Haru jumps a little at the sound of his name being called, before making his way over to the front of the PODIUM where he is set to transition from a trainee to an officer.
END FLASHBACK.
INT. HARU 'S APARTMENT - HARU'S BEDROOM - EARLY MORNING
Haru's gaze remains fixed on his childhood photo, his expression heavy with unspoken memories. After a long silence, he closes his eyes, as if reflecting on the memory a bit more and especially on himself.
HARU
I guess I really did pursue justice my whole life.
HARU (CONT'D)
The mindset of a hero, huh?
DAISUKE
Are you questioning my honesty, Inspector Kato?
Daisuke lets a subtle smirk slip over his lips.
DAISUKE
Do you want to "nab me" next?
HARU
(cutting in)
Hey now, I didn't mean it like that!
INT. HARU 'S APARTMENT - HARU'S KITCHEN - MORNING
With the food all finished, the dishes washed, and the glasses of shochu all cleaned up, the two of them are ready to start the day with a hopefully sobering breakfast.
Haru rolls up his sleeves a little, while Daisuke strolls into the kitchen wearing a familiar PINK HOODIE with a STAR in the center, as well as GRAY SWEATPANTS. Although the sweatpants fit Daisuke's size, the pink hoodie appears oversized.
HARU
Hey, that's my sweater! I thought I told you to give it back!
DAISUKE
It's new.
HARU
Liar! That thing's twice your size.
DAISUKE
That's because I don't have my personal tailor here.
HARU
(mumbling)
Don't you mean Suzue-san? And you've used that excuse a hundred times already.
HARU (CONT'D)
Anyways... did you get any sleep?
HARU (CONT'D)
Thanks a lot for letting me sleep on the table. I slept so well I was yelling at you in my dreams.
HARU (CONT'D)
And you better not say you slept in the bathtub again! If you're going to listen to me at least once, you better listen to what I have to say right now!
DAISUKE
Ah. Too late.
HARU
(under his breath)
Kambe Daisuke...!
Then, Haru hears a loud GROWL from Daisuke's stomach, which leads Haru to groan in exasperation.
HARU (CONT'D)
Fine. I'll just have to make natto rice for you, as your punishment.
DAISUKE
No need. I already remember how to make it.
HARU
Huh? Since when?
HARU (CONT'D)
Well, whatever.
HARU (CONT'D)
If you're the one making it, then I guess I just have to punish you with this!
Haru snatches a CUTESY, RED-CHECKERED APRON with TINY KITTENS printed all over it from the KITCHEN DRAWER; Daisuke narrows his eyes, letting out a little sound of disapproval at how childish the apron looks.
DAISUKE
This... is the type of style you prefer?
HARU
Oi, don't get the wrong idea! This is a family member’s apron! I've never worn it before.
DAISUKE
So you want me to wear this as punishment?
HARU
(teasing)
Oh, are you not up for the challenge?
DAISUKE
... Give me the apron.
INT. HARU 'S APARTMENT - HARU'S KITCHEN - MORNING
Daisuke dutifully prepares natto rice for the two of them, his pink star hoodie adorned with the cutesy, red-checkered apron.
DAISUKE
On top of the natto, add some mayonnaise, a soft-boiled egg, and then mix it.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
Top it off with a bit of black pepper--
HARU
(cutting in)
Wait, stop! You're adding too much!
Haru reaches for Daisuke's wrist, grasping it, only for Daisuke to stop sprinkling pepper at just the right amount.
Daisuke turns to Haru with that classic mischievous look.
DAISUKE
You're taking your role too seriously, Chef Kato.
HARU
(deadpan)
Enough with the 'Chef Kato' already...
INT. HARU 'S APARTMENT - HARU'S BEDROOM - MORNING
At the BOWL of NATTO RICE set in front of him, Haru narrows his eyes in a skeptical expression, but he claps his hands together nonetheless.
HARU
Thank you for the meal.
Haru proceeds to bring the SPOON to his lips, and it feels like an eternity has passed before the natto rice finally makes its way into his mouth and he swallows it in one go.
HARU (CONT'D)
(to himself)
Ah... ah? Ah!
In an unexpected turn of events, Daisuke's natto rice is delicious. A shower of praises is about to leave Haru's mouth before he catches himself, just in time.
HARU (CONT'D)
... Hm. Not bad.
Even that's enough for Daisuke to bring his closed fist down, smiling--even grinning--quite proudly.
DAISUKE
Just as I planned.
HARU
"As I planned?"
DAISUKE
I was able to remake the Devil's Natto Rice.
HARU
(fuming)
You... just who are you calling the devil?
HARU (CONT'D)
For your next punishment, I'll make you wear that apron to work!
END OF CHECK.
COST BREAKDOWN:
New office chairs and desks -- 5,500,000 yen
Flat-screen TV for the office -- 1,500,000 yen
Five newly-upgraded PCs for the office -- 4,000,000 yen
Eleven boxes of Ecuadorian Chocolates -- 7,810,000 yen
Total 18,810,000 yen
(~ 127,620 US dollars | 109,500 Euro | 178,400,000 Won | 3,366,000,000 Dong)
Notes:
*art credits for this episode:
@iguana_salad on twitter
*beta readers for this episode:
@beaballpointpen on twitter
Chapter 3: Time is Money, Money is Time
Chapter Text
CHECK SUMMARY: After an exhausting day at work, Haru gets a call from his former partner and First Division member Ryo Hoshino, who invites him to the izakaya to reminisce about the past, as well as to update each other on changes within their respective divisions. As the two spend the evening with drinks, Hoshino learns more about Haru before his time in the First Division, while Haru learns more about the pressure of Hoshino's new role as chief. Meanwhile, Daisuke has plans of his own that leave him and Haru in a pinch.
INT. MODERN CRIMES PREVENTION TASK FORCE OFFICE - EVENING
With a long day's work behind him, Haru lets out a satisfied groan as he stretches. His worn-out limbs crack and pop in protest. Then, with a sigh of relief, Haru pushes himself to his feet and slips on his standard beige jacket, about to head out.
In the corner of his eye, Haru notices a certain coworker trying (and failing) to be discreet, as the man clicks on multiple images of MOTOYAMA (SACCHAN) from the Security Department.
HARU
Kamei.
Kamei startles. His cursor scrambles to click off of the photos, only to click on a random pop-up ad of a CENTERFOLD MODEL. Haru falters for a bit, like he's distracted by the sight.
Kamei, caught in the act, lets out a sheepish laugh and angles his tall body to block the screen.
KAMEI
Oh, Kato-san! I was just wrapping things up for the day.
HARU
"Wrapping things up"? You haven't even unwrapped them. Do something useful before you try to escape.
KAMEI
Speaking of escaping... I'm surprised to see you heading out before me, Kato-san.
KAMEI (CONT'D)
Usually, it's the other way around, and I'm the one getting lectured the next day.
In response to Haru's troubled expression, Kamei snickers.
KAMEI (CONT'D)
It must be something really important if the overworking Kato-san is so eager to leave!
Kamei turns away from his PC screen, leaning closer towards the troubled Haru.
KAMEI (CONT'D)
Well? Were you able to go on a date with that centerfold model I set you up with? She was pretty, wasn't she?
KAMEI (CONT'D)
Who knows, she might even become your new favorite model!
HARU
Oi! Don’t talk about models when we’re still at work!
Haru sighs, thinking back to his earlier "date".
HARU (CONT'D)
The date never came through.
HARU (CONT'D)
She’s taken. Actually, she's not even a model.
KAMEI
Are you telling the truth, Kato-san?
KAMEI (CONT'D)
She sure looked like a model to me... hehe.
HARU
(deadpan)
So, you only thought she was a model because you were busy checking her out?
KAMEI
Aww, come on, Kato-san! I thought I could be a good wingman for you! Think of it as a token of my appreciation.
KAMEI (CONT'D)
Besides, why should I keep all the good things to myself? I so generously gave her to someone who is clearly beneath her!
HARU
Gee, thanks.
HARU (CONT'D)
You didn't think to do a background check before pairing us up? What happened to all those tabloid sites you like to go on? Don't you get all your intel and gossip from there?
HARU (CONT'D)
Seriously, Kamei. I let you have your way, and somehow, you managed to mess up my reputation completely!
KAMEI
You don't have to say it like that!
KAMEI (CONT'D)
Anyways, why are you so eager to leave? If it's not because of a date, then who are you meeting?
HARU
None other than the new First Division chief, Hoshino. He invited me out to an izakaya to discuss work.
KAMEI
Again? That‘s the chief of the First Division for you. These days, it seems like work is his first and only love.
KAMEI (CONT'D)
Though it might scare away the ladies if he keeps this up.
KAMEI (CONT'D)
I should set him up with—-
HARU
(cutting in)
-- Like I said, we’re still at work!
KAMEI
Alright, alright! Jeez, it's not like anyone else is here to eavesdrop.
Kamei's right, for once. Besides Haru and Kamei, the office is completely and uncharacteristically empty. Or rather, besides Haru, Kamei, and Daisuke.
Daisuke sits at his rightful spot in the office, closing his eyes and crossing his arms in deep self-reflection. Or is he taking a nap? Haru doesn't waste a moment on the thought. Instead, he gets up from his seat and walks away.
HARU
Well, whatever.
HARU (CONT'D)
I'll be heading out now. Wouldn’t want to keep the chief waiting.
Haru then points an accusatory finger at Kamei, startling him.
HARU
Kamei! You better finish those reports, you got that?
HARU (CONT'D)
Or else I'll tell Motoyama-san to never talk to you again!
KAMEI
Eep!
KAMEI (CONT'D)
Y-Yessir...
After giving a final goodbye to Kamei and a seemingly sleeping Daisuke, Haru leaves and carefully closes the door behind him. Unbeknownst to Haru, Daisuke opens his eyes to watch the detective leave; he had been awake for the entire duration of Haru and Kamei's conversation.
As Haru shuts the door behind him, Daisuke brings his hand up to his ear to touch his singular black earring, alerting HEUSC.
DAISUKE
HEUSC. I have a favor.
EXT. EXTRAVAGANT IZAKAYA - NIGHT
Outside of the izakaya, Haru fidgets with the cuffs of his BEIGE-COLORED BLAZER, resisting the urge to rip off his tie or even the blazer altogether due to its stuffiness.
HARU
This is the "nice place the First Division drinks at"... it's been too long.
HARU (CONT'D)
It's one thing to get all dressed up for a reunion, but...
HARU (CONT'D)
Is the suit really necessary?
HOSHINO
Honestly, Kato-san. It's about respect for the position.
Haru whirls around to find HOSHINO wearing a LONG SLEEVED DRESS SHIRT and BLACK SUSPENDERS-- an outfit that's a clear attempt to looking professional, but makes Hoshino look like a young boy dressed up in his father's clothes instead.
HARU
You say that, but your tie is crooked.
HOSHINO
Eh! What? That can't be!
Hoshino reaches for his tie, only to realize that he isn't wearing a tie to begin with. He huffs, and Haru smiles.
HOSHINO (CONT'D)
Ahem. I was just playing along. Of course, it was a joke.
HARU
Really? Then why is your face so red?
HOSHINO
It's the cold! Nothing more!
HOSHINO (CONT'D)
(sighing)
Seriously, do you not have any respect for your junior?
Haru chuckles and ruffles Hoshino's hair. Hoshino's face flushes an embarrassing shade of red.
HARU
Even as chief, you haven't really changed, huh.
HOSHINO
What do you mean? Before, I was only second-in-command to Takei-san.
HOSHINO (CONT'D)
Now, I've stepped up as chief of the First Division. Doesn't that mean I've changed a lot?
HARU
Sure, sure. You've really grown.
HARU (CONT'D)
But no matter what badge you wear, you'll always be the same clumsy junior I've known and looked out for all these years.
A louder chuckle, more of a laugh this time from Haru.
HARU (CONT'D)
Guess some habits are hard to break.
HARU (CONT'D)
Now, shall we go?
Haru turns for the entrance of the izakaya covered by A NOREN CURTAIN. Outside, the building is decorated with LARGE SIGNAGE and OUTDOOR SEATING. The izakaya is illuminated by RED LANTERNS. Just before Haru can fully enter the izakaya, Hoshino grabs Haru's wrist from behind him.
HOSHINO
Kato-san!
HARU
Hm?
HOSHINO
Are you... really not coming back to the First Division?
HOSHINO (CONT'D)
One year ago, you rejected my offer. You said you could be a police officer anywhere. You decided to stay in Modern Crimes, and now you and Kambe-san are investigating adollium cases around the world.
HOSHINO (CONT'D)
But a part of me still wonders ... if we could work together again.
Hoshino sinks his head, his voice wavering.
HOSHINO (CONT’D)
One more time. Just one last case...
HOSHINO (CONT'D)
Together.
Haru goes breathless. He hesitates.
HARU
Hoshino...
Before Haru can say more, he's suddenly dragged into the izakaya by one of the servers, breaking the physical contact between him and Hoshino.
Hoshino drops his hand, looks up at the entrance, and sighs.
INT. EXTRAVAGANT IZAKAYA - NIGHT
Haru gawks at what greets him once he's brought into the izakaya. There, he's met with the izakaya's SUBDUED AND ELEGANT atmosphere, compared to the usual bustling nature of a casual izakaya; COUNTERS MADE OF RICH, DARK WOOD; and IMPECCABLY-DRESSED CHEFS. It takes Haru a few seconds before he finally registers that there's a SERVER standing in front of him.
SERVER
Welcome! Do you have a reservation?
HARU
Oh, um...
Hoshino approaches Haru from behind, choosing not to speak about their earlier exchange.
HOSHINO
Yes, we have a reservation.
Hoshino turns to Haru, who blinks in surprise.
HOSHINO (CONT'D)
Now it's my turn to buy you drinks.
HARU
Are you sure?
HOSHINO
I'm sure.
Hoshino smiles, more towards himself than towards Haru.
HOSHINO (CONT’D)
As your junior, it's only natural that I do these things for you.
HOSHINO (CONT'D)
No matter how long it's been.
Hoshino and Haru share a warm smile, before a server escorts them to a counter within the izakaya.
INT. EXTRAVAGANT IZAKAYA - NIGHT
An ELEGANT, BLUE-EYED, BLACK-HAIRED WOMAN enters the izakaya, her HEELS CLACKING and her BLACK DRESS swaying against the floor. The mysterious aura that surrounds her is enough to attract the attention of numerous customers, though when she turns her head in their direction, they all turn the other way.
Her eyes gleam from behind her SUNGLASSES. She brings a hand up to touch her SINGULAR, DIAMOND-SHAPED EARRING, in the same way Daisuke addresses HEUSC.
SUZUE
I have entered the building, Daisuke-sama.
SUZUE (CONT'D)
However, identifying illegal adollium dealers in this environment will require careful observation.
SUZUE (CONT'D)
I am currently monitoring conversations through my audio feed, but my initial scans are... unremarkable.
SUZUE (CONT'D)
Rather, it's a little too lively for me...
Through the communications system of Suzue’s earring, Daisuke speaks.
DAISUKE (V.O.)
Can you isolate the relevant frequencies?
SUZUE
Yes, but...
DAISUKE (V.O.)
Focus, Suzue. Don't get distracted. They could be using signal jammers or decryption.
DAISUKE (V.O.)
Even a trace of adollium could sever our comms. You have the visual database in your interface. Any anomalies are to be reported immediately.
Suzue's sunglasses flash on to display the visual database in her interface. With her sunglasses, she is able to view the profiles of the suspects, as well as information about anyone in the izakaya that she closes in on.
SUZUE
Understood, Daisuke-sama. My safety protocols are active.
SUZUE (CONT'D)
For now, there are no immediate threats.
DAISUKE (V.O.)
And Kato?
SUZUE
(sheepishly)
Well... when I say that it's a little too lively, I really mean...
INT. EXTRAVAGANT IZAKAYA - NIGHT
Haru and Hoshino go from sipping their drinks in silence to casual small talk, though the two of them end up drinking far more than they intend to. This leads the small talk to escalate. Or rather, the volume of Haru and Hoshino's voices.
HOSHINO
(slurring)
You haven't changed a bit, Kato-san!
HARU
(slurring)
Oh yeah? What's that supposed to mean?
Hoshino lets out a short laugh, tightly gripping his glass.
HOSHINO
That drink in your hand! It hasn't changed in years.
Haru laughs as well, tightly gripping his own glass.
HARU
Hmmm, and what about you? You still haven't learned to order for yourself.
HARU (CONT'D)
"I'll have what he's having," am I right?
HOSHINO
Hey, I have faith in your decisions.
HARU
Sure you do! I thought my drinks gave you a stomachache!
HOSHINO
Ggh, hey! Not so loud!
Now the two of them are laughing, letting the rest of the conversation fly by... right through Suzue's ears. Now, she sits at a booth that ensures Haru and Hoshino are in her peripheral view. She gives a slightly strained laugh.
SUZUE
(to Daisuke)
Ahaha... perhaps I should implement noise-cancelling tech for my next project?
DAISUKE (V.O.)
Ignore them. It has nothing to do with the task at hand.
SUZUE
Forgive my boldness, Daisuke-sama, but would it not be more efficient to simply ask Kato-sama and Hoshino-sama to... postpone their festivities?
DAISUKE (V.O.)
You can filter them, can't you? Your equipment should be more than capable.
DAISUKE (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Now get back to work.
Daisuke cuts off the communication between him and Suzue, for the time being. The corner of Suzue's mouth twitches upwards, and she lets out a silent laugh in response to Daisuke's strictness.
SUZUE
(to herself)
Oh, Daisuke-sama. There's a warmth to you, deep down.
SUZUE (CONT'D)
Yes, Daisuke-sama has always been a good person.
SUZUE (CONT'D)
Even if you've changed over time, Daisuke-sama... I hope that you still remember your true self.
Then, after receiving Daisuke's orders, Suzue messes with the audio comms until she is finally able to filter out Haru and Hoshino's voices.
INT. EXTRAVAGANT IZAKAYA - NIGHT
Hoshino slumps his entire upper body over the countertop, his poor posture so close to breaking his back. Meanwhile, Haru sways side to side in his bar-stool in his very drunken state.
Hoshino, who is just as drunk, giggles stupidly to himself as he proceeds to pour more alcohol into his glass.
HOSHINO
(slurring)
Hey, Kato-san! Let's play a drinking game, just you and me!
HOSHINO (CONT'D)
You remember, don't you? When we first met?
HOSHINO (CONT'D)
(giggling)
Of course you do! We would play drinking games all the time.
HARU
Hoshino, you're drunk. It's not the best time to--
HOSHINO
(cutting in)
-- And after work, I'd visit your place! You would cook a meal for me, and make me watch a whole marathon of Cry to the Sun…
HOSHINO (CONT'D)
It all started after we met. Our day-to-day.
BEGIN FLASHBACK: INT. FIRST DIVISION OFFICE - DAY - THREE YEARS AGO
A younger Hoshino (23) stands beside a proud Takei, and straightens out his posture as he’s introduced to his senior, Haru (28). Hoshino flinches a little once someone lays a hand on his shoulder, only to realize that it’s Haru.
HARU
Hey, come on. Don’t be so nervous!
HOSHINO
Yes, sorry! So sorry!
HOSHINO (CONT'D)
Um, ah… introductions! Yes, introductions!
Hoshino, while standing, bows his body all the way down, as far as he can go without straining his back.
HOSHINO (CONT'D)
I am in your care!
It’s so abrupt that Haru flinches, though he brushes it off with a lighthearted laugh.
HARU
No need to be so polite! From now on, we’re partners.
HARU (CONT'D)
Who knows—- we might end up becoming an inseparable team.
Hoshino remains in his bowed-down position, until Takei pulls his head up by the back of his suit collar and lightly scolds him.
TAKEI
Hoshino. What do you say?
HOSHINO
... I understand.
HOSHINO (CONT'D)
I look forward to working with you, Kato Haru.
Haru beams.
INT. EXTR AVAGANT IZAKAYA - NIGHT - THREE YEARS AGO
Several First Division members CLINK their DRINKS together in a toast, a celebration of a job well done, before they all tilt their heads back and down their drinks in unison. Haru's laughter cuts through the commotion, and he wraps an arm around Hoshino who sits beside him.
HARU
(slurring)
One more round of drinks! My treat!
FIRST DIVISION MEMBER 1
Now that's the hero of Japan!
FIRST DIVISION MEMBER 2
A true civil servant!
FIRST DIVISION MEMBER 3
Hero or civil servant, all I care about is more beer!
HARU
You want beer, I'll get you beer! Kato Haru is here to help!
Haru waggles around his BEER GLASS, almost spilling it all over Hoshino's dress shirt-- an indication that Haru clearly needs to be escorted home.
HOSHINO
Kato-san, take your hands off the drinks!
HARU
Huh? Why? Am I no longer of service?
Now that Haru has shifted his focus away from the other members, the other members go back to their usual commotion.
With his drink put down, Haru slumps onto the table, head in his arms, though his gaze is fixed on Hoshino. He's pouting like a puppy in the rain, and Hoshino remains unamused.
HOSHINO
You're drunk and you're not thinking properly. You'd never do this with your money! It isn't like you.
HARU
Really? But this is the clearest my mind has ever been.
HARU (CONT'D)
The First Division is counting on me to be a good leader.
HARU (CONT'D)
Takei-san's counting on me too.
HOSHINO
I know that it was your hard work that led us to a successful case, but you can't get ahead of yourself. You almost got hurt trying to save me!
HARU
Oh, come on. Doesn't that mean I have your back?
HOSHINO
Just don't do it again, got it?
HARU
Alright, alright.
HARU (CONT'D)
(laughing)
Seriously, Hoshino. As partners, you should trust my judgment. I wouldn't be making these calls if they weren't true to myself.
HARU (CONT'D)
So don't worry. I'll be fine.
HARU (CONT'D)
We'll be fine. Yeah?
HOSHINO
Fine. I have faith in your decisions, Kato-san.
HARU
Good.
HARU (CONT'D)
Now let's get back to the beer!
HOSHINO
Hey!
Haru throws an arm around Hoshino's shoulder once more, laughing loudly as the commotion returns to its usual, hectic state.
EXT. ALLEYWAY - NIGHT - THREE YEARS AGO
Haru and Hoshino are chasing down a case suspect through a small alleyway, and are almost out of stamina. The suspect picks up their pace, disappearing behind a corner, before Haru and Hoshino run into a presumed dead end: a TALL METAL FENCE.
HARU
Dead end... figures.
HOSHINO
What should we do?
HARU
What we always do. Hup!
Haru leaps over the wall with not a moment wasted, though he slips and tumbles on his way to the other side.
Hoshino, now that Haru is no longer visible on his end, can only hear a loud THUMP followed by an even louder GROAN of pain from his not-so-careful senior, which only worsens Hoshino's concerns.
HOSHINO
Kato-san!
With no response from Haru, Hoshino quickly-- but carefully-- climbs his way over the fence. Once Hoshino's head peeks out from the top of the fence, he spots an unconscious Haru, who slumps against the wall with faint bruises blossoming all over his arms. The suspect slinks away, but Hoshino rushes over to Haru first.
HOSHINO (CONT'D)
Kato-san, can you hear me? Kato-san!
Haru remains unconscious, lolling his head ever so slightly towards the ground. Hoshino's thoughts all head for the worse, and he sniffles, with his bottom lip quivering.
HOSHINO (CONT'D)
(to himself)
I'm sorry. I'm so sorry! We should have never taken on this case!
Tears spring to Hoshino's eyes.
HOSHINO (CONT'D)
If only... If only I was...!
Haru stirs, wakes up, then rubs the back of his head with a soft groan. Hoshino doesn't notice and continues to weep.
HARU
Hey, hey. Don't cry. I'm fine, see?
As proof, Haru gives Hoshino a shaky thumbs-up, along with a mischievous grin.
He'll be fine. Maybe.
HARU (CONT'D)
Come on, I thought you knew me better than that! It'll take a lot more than a single bad guy to get the best of me.
HOSHINO
You say that, but you have bruises all over you! That can't be counted as a victory.
HOSHINO (CONT'D)
And we let the bad guy escape.
HARU
For now, at least.
HOSHINO
Not so fast! I need to patch up your wounds.
Hoshino takes out, in a clumsy fumble of hands, a few BANDAGES from his breast pocket. Haru blinks in surprise, wondering why in the world Hoshino has first aid supplies on hand.
HARU
You brought bandages? Of that size? How'd you know?
HOSHINO
You know why! You've done this so many times! I have to bring these with me or else you'll bleed out.
HOSHINO (CONT'D)
Honestly, you should take better care of yourself, senpai! What if you didn't have a partner to take care of you?
HOSHINO (CONT'D)
You said you wouldn't do this again. You said you wouldn't be reckless!
HOSHINO (CONT'D)
Kato-san, you idiot!
HARU
Hoshino, aren't you being a little too harsh?
HOSHINO
If you won't look after yourself for my sake, then at least do it for Takei-san's!
HARU
Hoshino...
HOSHINO
What about me? What if I don't have a partner to look after me? What if I don't have anyone working beside me?
HOSHINO (CONT'D)
Isn't that what you promised me? That we'd be an inseparable team?
HOSHINO (CONT'D)
I know I'm being too harsh. I know I'm asking for too much!
HOSHINO (CONT'D)
But is worrying about my partner really a crime?
A beat. Haru and Hoshino exchange glances.
HARU
No, Hoshino, it's not.
Haru, while limping, gets back on his feet. He politely rejects Hoshino's offer to help him up.
HARU (CONT’D)
I'm sorry, Hoshino. I didn't mean to make you worry.
HARU (CONT'D)
Still, I gotta admit, it's not every day I get a lecture from my junior.
HOSHINO
Hey!
HARU
(chuckling)
No hard feelings?
Haru extends a pinky to Hoshino, signaling a pinky promise. Childish, but not unlike Haru to do so.
HOSHINO
I won't tell Takei-san about what happened.
Hoshino extends his own pinky, letting his pinky wrap around Haru's to fulfill their promise.
END FLASHBACK.
INT. EXTRAVAGANT IZAKAYA - NIGHT
Hoshino's head slumps on the table, and he sniffles in his drunk state. While LAUGHTER and ROWDY CONVERSATIONS can be heard in the background, the two officers remain in thoughtful silence.
HOSHINO
I thought that maybe, by working together, it would be the key to understanding myself.
HOSHINO (CONT'D)
But after you left, and now that I'm chief… who am I supposed to be?
Haru's hands clench at his sides, his gaze fixed on the floor.
HARU
(to himself)
It wasn't easy for me, either.
HARU (CONT’D)
I didn't want to leave. It was my mistake in judgment that changed everything.
HOSHINO
I know that. I don't exactly blame you for leaving.
HOSHINO (CONT'D)
But a part of me still wants to be selfish. I still don't understand why you didn't come back to the First Division.
Hoshino tries to meet Haru's gaze, addressing him with a non-confrontational but insistent tone.
The waitstaff weave through narrow aisles of TABLES and COUNTERS, refilling SAKE CUPS. Hoshino and Haru wait for a moment, with NUMEROUS (EMPTY) DRINKS on the counter, before Haru glances up at Hoshino to finally explain.
HARU
It's strange. Writing my resignation letter was painful.
HARU (CONT'D)
But staying put, and letting myself live a normal life after what I've done... that felt even worse.
HARU (CONT'D)
It felt undeserved. Like a constant reminder of what I'm not.
HARU (CONT'D)
The medications, the false promises that I'd recover someday-- none of it made a dent. I wasn't even a shadow of myself.
HARU (CONT'D)
How was I supposed to look you in the eye like that? How could I have been the leader that you all believed in?
HOSHINO
But that's it, isn't it? We still trust you. Everyone in the First Division still respects you.
HOSHINO (CONT'D)
So, I ask again... how about now?
Haru rubs a hand over his face, lost in thought.
HARU
It wasn't just about what you and the others believed, Hoshino. It was always about what I believed in myself-- I couldn't meet the same expectations for myself that I could easily meet before.
HARU (CONT'D)
Our partnership, our teamwork. I never wanted to leave that part of my life behind. But back then, I let everyone down. I couldn't just pretend it never happened and waltz back in.
Hoshino nods slowly, reflecting over Haru's words.
HOSHINO
So, it was more about saving yourself than anything else. I understand.
HOSHINO (CONT'D)
But isn't it better to face something head-on from a place that's familiar to you? Even if it hurts a little.
HARU
It's not about the past anymore, Hoshino. There comes a point where you just have to let go of the past and start fresh.
HARU (CONT'D)
New horizons, right? Even if it hurts a little.
HOSHINO
New horizons...
HARU
So, why not celebrate that? I'm traveling around the world with Kambe, investigating adollium cases, and you're the new chief of the First Division.
HARU (CONT'D)
We're not running away. We're running towards something new.
HARU (CONT'D)
And when things get tough, we can always go back to that familiar place and revisit that part of ourselves.
HARU (CONT'D)
The place doesn't have to be a place. It can be a person, too. So whenever things get tough, you can always go to me.
HOSHINO
You're right.
HARU
Hm?
HOSHINO
Although things are different now, we really are an inseparable team.
HARU
Hoshino...
A BUZZ from Haru's PHONE. Haru fishes his phone out of his pocket, surprised to see Daisuke's contact name "KAMBE" on his phone screen. He answers the call, a little hesitant.
HARU
Hey, Kambe, can this wait until--
DAISUKE (V.O.)
(cutting in)
-- Don't move. Stay right where you are!
While Hoshino is still recovering from the alcohol, Haru sits up immediately, his eyes going wide.
HARU
What? Why? What's wrong?
There's a loud SHUFFLING sound over the phone, followed by Suzue's distressed voice.
SUZUE (V.O.)
Kato-sama, Hoshino-sama, you're being targeted!
HARU
What?
Before Haru can even process the warning, a TRANQUILIZER DART flies through the space between them, and then a SHADOW falls over their table when the dart doesn't land; TWO HULKING, SUITED FIGURES materialize behind Hoshino before one seizes his arm, the other his shoulder, and Hoshino doesn't even stir as he's too inebriated from the alcohol.
Haru, in his own drunken state, reaches out for Hoshino and fails to grab him in time as they try to drag Hoshino's weightless body away.
HARU (CONT'D)
Hey! What do you think you're doing? Let him go!
Haru lunges across the table to pull Hoshino back, knocking over EMPTY CUPS and SIDE PLATES. With this, the whole izakaya erupts into chaos: a SCREAM breaks through the bustling conversations, triggering a chain reaction of SHOUTS and GASPS and CRIES for help.
The crowd builds up in numbers, until Hoshino is practically "crowd-surfing" as they lift him off the ground and trap him into a torrent of panicked customers.
HARU (CONT'D)
(to himself)
What the hell... why him? What do they want from us?
ASSAILANT 1 (O.S.)
After him! Boss's orders!
ASSAILANT 2 (O.S.)
But he's not with the other detective!
ASSAILANT 1 (O.S.)
It's his accomplice we want! Start moving!
While the restaurant guests scramble to their feet, Haru gets caught in the crowd, with bodies pressing in on him from every direction. Right when Hoshino is about to vanish into the crowd completely, Suzue jumps in, and moves with lightning speed towards the assailants.
Suzue vaults over a LOW PARTITION, then lands squarely in front of the two assailants, before she taps on an ELEGANT BROOCH attached to her dress. A LASER-LIKE BEAM shoots out. It's not a visible light, but it creates an INVISIBLE BARRIER that traps the two assailants and holds them captive in a WEB-LIKE BOX.
ASSAILANT 1
Unngh! I can't move!
ASSAILANT 2
My legs...!
The assailants' movements are reduced into something slow and sluggish, and their muscles lock up as if caught in a powerful current. Startled, they drop Hoshino, and Hoshino is forced awake.
Now, with the assailants neutralized, Suzue traces a precise pattern over her brooch. From it, a wider barrier expands, rippling through the crowd. People slow to a crawl, and naturally divert from their paths. One woman tries to force her way through, but her own muscles refuse to obey, compelling her to turn and walk in the opposite direction.
Suzue’s brooch device is an effective trap, though it's only a temporary solution. It won't hold up the assailants for long; no doubt there are more assailants to come. Though Suzue doesn't turn her head to look behind her, she addresses Haru directly.
SUZUE
Kato-sama, you need to evacuate!
HARU
What? But what about you and Hoshino?
SUZUE
They're not after him. They're after you!
(then)
I have him. Go!
Right as Haru opens his mouth to protest, a strong hand clamps down on his shoulder.
DAISUKE (O.S.)
Let's go.
HARU
No, wait... Kambe!
Daisuke doesn't waste another second. He pulls on Haru's shoulder with an unyielding force, effectively dragging him away from the danger. Haru struggles while in Daisuke's grip, only to have a sharp, familiar jolt of pain climb up his leg from a prior injury.
HARU (CONT'D)
Nngh, not now... this old wound!
Daisuke throws Haru's arm over his shoulder like it's second nature, letting Haru lean on him as he drags him towards a less crowded EMERGENCY EXIT at the back of the izakaya and scrambles into the dark alley beyond.
EXT. IZAKAYA - ALLEYWAY ENTRANCE - NIGHT
As the SWINGING DOOR of the emergency exit slams shut, the two of them slump against the wall, though Daisuke's position is more of a standing, leaning one while Haru clutches his leg, gritting his teeth and glaring at Daisuke.
HARU
Kambe! Why did you do that? I could've pulled my revolver! I could have fought!
Daisuke's face is set, his eyes cold and unwavering as he holds Haru's gaze.
DAISUKE
No. Getting out of there was the safer option. You'd only be a liability.
At that, Haru's face contorts into one of rage, the word "liability" striking a nerve. It might just be the alcohol, but something evokes Haru to spin on his heel, heading for the emergency door.
HARU
Watch me.
Daisuke's hand snaps out, snatching Haru's wrist mid-step. With a sharp tug, he spins Haru around, then yanks him forward by the tie to snap his partner out of his recklessness. It's a sharp yank, one that forces them into a sudden, close proximity.
They stare at each other, the tension thick in the night, before Haru's shocked expression contorts into a scowl. Like he's about to spit on Daisuke's face.
HARU (CONT'D)
What? You think I'll only be a liability?
DAISUKE
You will get us killed.
Haru points a accusatory finger at Daisuke and presses the tip of his finger to Daisuke's chest.
HARU
No, it's you who will get us killed! Hoshino and Suzue-san are still in the building! Suzue-san shouldn’t have to fight those assailants on her own!
HARU (CONT'D)
Even more assailants will come looking for me. Something could happen, and I won't be there to stop it. And you're calling me a "liability"?
Daisuke's grip tightens on Haru's tie, bringing Haru down a little more to make up for the slight height difference. Their gazes are unwavering.
DAISUKE
Are you always like this?
HARU
Always like what?
DAISUKE
Always willing to risk your own life. You can barely stand, and yet you still insist on saving others instead of yourself. Are you an idiot?
HARU
Idiot? Speak for yourself, Kambe.
HARU (CONT'D)
You’d rather get yourself out of this mess than spare a single thought about anybody else!
DAISUKE
Excuse me?
HARU
So what if I’m a target? I’m a target whether I do my damn job and make sure everyone gets out alive or not.
DAISUKE
You really are an idiot. You’re beyond reckless.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
Every case, you treat as a suicide mission. Do you even know why you’re considered as a target?
HARU
Tell me, then! Why the hell am I a target?
DAISUKE
Even if I told you, it wouldn’t change anything.
Haru scoffs at that, averting his gaze.
HARU
Right. Not like you ever tell me anything, anyway.
HARU (CONT'D)
I get it, though. You like it when everything’s quick and efficient. My recklessness gets in the way of that.
HARU (CONT'D)
So I’ll listen to you.
Daisuke blinks in surprise, loosening his grip at that moment, and Haru uses that opening to slip away. He hears Daisuke shout behind him as he’s about to run back to the emergency exit.
DAISUKE
Oi!
Haru has one of his hands outstretched towards the exit; he goes wide-eyed once he's instantly met with a swarm of dark figures, looming over him.
HARU
Crap!
They close in on Haru from all directions, and it’s only then that Haru realizes they’ve been found, and that they’re now surrounded.
Before Haru can fully register the shock, a jarring impact slams into his stomach, driving the wind from Haru’s lungs. He doubles over, dropping to his knees, and the chronic pain from his leg flares up even more.
HARU (CONT'D)
Agh!
Haru tries to push through his agony, but through his blurred vision, he sees that Daisuke’s on the ground, too. One of the assailants behind Daisuke is holding some sort of DEVICE, likely a tech-nulling one.
Daisuke is on one knee, an arm wrapped around his abdomen while his other arm attempts to strike back, pushing the assailants as far back as possible to give him more of an opening.
Seeing his usually impenetrable partner in trouble, Haru grits his teeth and pushes himself off the ground, every muscle screaming in protest before he slides in front of Daisuke and blocks him from sight. His hand instinctively goes for his SHOULDER HOLSTERS, and then he pulls his REVOLVER free, before he raises the revolver with a trembling hand.
Haru's revolver, so old-fashioned, comes with a reassuring aid-- he feels the weight of every shot.
This way, Haru can't make the same mistake ever again.
This way, Daisuke is safe.
HARU (CONT'D)
I got you!
Daisuke gets to his feet at the same time, and when he lifts his head, his eyes meet Haru’s back.
The alley’s harsh, scattered LIGHTS illuminate Haru’s form, and his blazer flutters in the wind like a hero’s cape. More assailants are closing in around them.
Daisuke’s face distorts in dawning horror once he sees the BARREL of something in the distance, before Haru does.
DAISUKE
(softly)
Kato.
Everything seems to play out in slow-motion. Daisuke fails to make it to Haru in time, and he can only watch as someone lunges, just beside Haru.
Then a sudden, deafening CRACK echoes throughout the alley.
Daisuke's head jerks up, his eyes locked on Haru. Haru's body tenses, before he finally doubles over, unable to do much more. His revolver clatters uselessly to the ground, and Daisuke calls out to him.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
Kato!
That's the last thing Haru hears-- Daisuke's voice -- before he starts to lose consciousness. It's not long before his consciousness dims entirely, and everything fades to black.
EXT. IZAKAYA - ALLEYWAY ENTRANCE - CONTINUOUS
A FIRST DIVISION MEMBER, with panicked movements, rushes towards a worried Suzue and a barely conscious Hoshino, who is being supported by two other FIRST DIVISION OFFICERS.
FIRST DIVISION MEMBER 1
It's Kambe-san and Kato-san! They're gone! They've been ambushed!
Hoshino, still woozy and dazed from the alcohol as well as his own ambushing incident, snaps his head up at the officer's words. He tries to push forward, but the officers hold him back.
HOSHINO
No... no! This can't-- I was supposed to have his back!
HOSHINO (CONT'D)
I had the power! The authority! Why didn't I use it? Isn't that what a Chief's position is for?
Hoshino throws his arms down and lets them rest at his sides, knowing that it's hopeless to fight.
HOSHINO (CONT'D)
What good is any of this power, if I just stand there while others get hurt?
FIRST DIVISION MEMBER 2
You didn't know this would happen, Chief.
Suzue steps closer to Hoshino, her face twisted into a pained grimace. Her jaw clenches, and she turns to the First Division officers, interjecting.
SUZUE
But I did. I knew. I saw them.
She turns to Hoshino, deeply apologetic.
SUZUE (CONT'D)
Daisuke-sama and I had eyes on you and Kato-sama. We knew you... we knew Kato-sama was being targeted. But when they ambushed you, and dragged you away... I had to secure you, Hoshino-sama.
SUZUE (CONT'D)
I couldn't get to them in time. Kato-sama and Daisuke-sama...
Suzue exchanges a look with Hoshino, a silent promise passing between them, before she turns to the First Division members and sends them an order.
SUZUE (CONT'D)
We must find them as soon as possible!
HOSHINO
But we don't know where they went. We have no lead.
HOSHINO (CONT'D)
We were inside that whole time, and now we've lost them...
Suzue turns back around to face Hoshino, with a proud smile plastered on her face.
SUZUE
Don't worry. Daisuke-sama is always prepared.
Suzue's pointer finger comes up to tap the temple of her SUNGLASSES. A high-resolution grid of a street appears before her, with a blinking blue dot and a rapidly moving red one.
SUZUE (CONT'D)
I've received a signal.
HOSHINO
A signal? What signal?
SUZUE
Before the ambush, Daisuke-sama activated his personal nanotracer. The nanotracer is linked to his vitals as a fail-safe.
HOSHINO
(to himself)
That man really can do anything...
Suzue takes off her sunglasses in one classy movement, her gaze intensely focused as she meets the eyes of the stunned officers. Her voice rings with authority.
SUZUE
We have a live location on Daisuke-sama and Kato-sama.
SUZUE (CONT'D)
The target is moving northeast, speed increasing. We cannot lose them. Not again!
Without waiting for a response, Suzue turns, already throwing a leg over her SLEEK BLACK MOTORCYCLE that's been parked in the alleyway and securing her HELMET over her head.
Hoshino takes a shaky step, attempting to follow, but the officers still hold him firmly.
HOSHINO
Suzue-san! Please be careful!
Suzue nods, exchanging yet another look with Hoshino before she leaves the scene with a burst of speed, disappearing from the alleyway and into the streets in pursuit of Daisuke and Haru.
END OF CHECK.
COST BREAKDOWN:
Haru and Hoshino's drinks, paid for by Daisuke -- 40,000 yen
(~ 272 US dollars | 233 Euro | 377,084 Won | 7,185,540 Dong)
Chapter 4: Born with a Silver Spoon
Chapter Text
CHECK SUMMARY: With both Daisuke and Haru kidnapped, Suzue decides to take matters into her own hands. She infiltrates the enemy base and recruits the semi-problematic Modern Crimes unit for back-up. Suzue reflects on the promise she made 20 years ago and its true meaning.
EXT. CITY ROOFTOPS - NIGHT
High above the city, a mysterious woman moves with grace, as her ASV SUIT-- made in the silhouette of a BLACK, BODY-CON DRESS -- glows brightly in the moonlight. The dress, made of an advanced, luminescent material, pulses a light pinkish-color with each quick, confident stride across the rooftops.
Below, on an enemy base armed with SURVEILLANCE EQUIPMENT, two GUARDS sense a nearby presence. They mumble among themselves about an "unusual movement", before they all raise their ASSAULT RIFLES in high alert.
GUARD 1
It's moving too fast!
GUARD 2
Get into position, now!
GUARD 3
Who's there? State your purpose!
Then, a SCRAPING noise. She doesn't use a gadget this time, but her own physical strength. Before the guards can even lock their rifles onto a specific target, the lady drops from a higher surface: it's a quick, yet silent blur in the night, followed by a muffled THUD as one of the guards drops to the ground. Then another. Then another.
With a swift, precise chop to the neck, a soft thud against the temple, each guard crumples to the ground without so much as a gasp. Then, as the last guard collapses, the mysterious woman tucks a strand of her long, raven-black hair behind her ear and smirks.
The moonlight reveals more of her features, as Suzue Kambe steps out into view and tips her head back to stare longingly at the moon.
SUZUE
(to herself)
Ah... the moon is beautiful tonight. That soft, familiar glow. Like on the night of my first solo assignment...
SUZUE (CONT'D)
Yes, that was when I first met Daisuke-sama. That night, the moon was truly beautiful.
Suzue lets out a faint, almost reflective sigh to herself, a flicker of distant thought in her eyes before she firmly shakes her head in a full shift of her demeanor. Now, a quiet intensity replaces her whimsiness as she peers up at the SKYSCRAPER before her: Daisuke and Haru's location.
SUZUE (CONT'D)
My duty, of course, was sworn to Daisuke-sama alone. But my protection extends to all that are under his care. Kato-sama is no exception.
SUZUE (CONT'D)
Daisuke-sama. Kato-sama. I shall be the one to save you both.
Slinking across the ledge of a building, with fluid grace, Suzue unwraps a detachable GRAPPLING HOOK from around her ankle before she perfectly secures it on her target location: several floors above.
Then, she flings herself off of the ledge and the cable stills, holding her steady. Suzue raises a long-barreled RIFLE stolen from one of the guards and angles it at a single WINDOW on the 30th floor. But before she shoots, she attaches a SMALL, CIRCULAR EXTENSION to the rifle's barrel: one of her custom-made inventions.
SUZUE (CONT'D)
Now, let’s see if we can avoid making a fuss with this new toy... hup!
The scope of her rifle finds its target, and then she shoots, with a faint, barely audible THUMP against that same window. Her gadget doesn't just muffle the sound, but shatters the window inwards with targeted sonic frequencies. No alarm goes off. There's only the soft sprinkle of GLASS SHARDS that fall onto the inner floor.
A proud grin makes its way to Suzue's lips.
SUZUE (CONT'D)
Silent, as expected.
Then, with a powerful push, Suzue swings her body forward from the grip of her grappling hook, using her legs to kick through the rest of the window and land on her feet.
INT. SKYSCRAPER - ENEMY BASE - CONTINUOUS
After ensuring that the coast is clear, Suzue brings a hand up to her diamond-shaped earring, whispering so that none of her words are overheard.
SUZUE
Maho-sama. Yumoto-sama. Kamei-sama. Confirming status, if you would. Is everything running properly on your end?
All that Suzue gets in response is a loud SCREAM, muffled and inaudible. Suzue panics, her voice no longer as much of a calm cadence as it was before.
SUZUE (CONT'D)
E-Eh? Has something happened? Please respond, someone!
INT. KAMBE CORPORATE BUILDING - UNDERGROUND WORKSHOP - CONTINUOUS
In a basement lair, hidden underneath a remote corporate building owned by the Kambe group, it's nothing short of a modern command center. The walls are lined with multiple BLUE, FUTURISTIC DISPLAYS, laying out complex data systems, live camera feeds, and even records of Daisuke and Haru's vitals. POWERFUL MACHINERY is, in contrast, scattered carelessly throughout the basement.
SAEKI (O.S.)
(squealing)
Oh my goodness! A rare collectible was hidden in my snack!
KAMEI (O.S.)
(shouting)
Score! Okawa Runa is doing a live session! Right now!
TEPPEI (O.S.)
(hollering)
Ha-ha! The odds are in my favor! My picks are finally paying off!
The semi-problematic unit, Modern Crimes, and the three members that are the very reason for that "semi-problematic" label, are all hard at work. Somewhat.
Saeki "Maho-sama" Mahoro sprawls herself in a BIG, OVERSIZED CHAIR, over-viewing everything with a half-eaten BAG OF CHIPS clutched in one hand.
Kamei, on Saeki's right-hand side, stands mesmerized as his eyes stay on the numerous lines of code and intel flickering across the screens. Though in reality, he's actually immersing himself in an EROTIC VIDEO that's playing through his BLUE WIRED HEADPHONES.
Meanwhile Teppei, with his back turned to Saeki and Kamei, is hunched over Suzue's elaborate WORK DESK that is cluttered with an assortment of her own GADGETS and WEAPONRY. But Teppei isn't inspecting the gadgets. Instead, he's focused on a CRUMPLED, HANDWRITTEN SHEET of HORSE RACING ODDS, rapidly jotting down notes with his pencil.
SAEKI
Now that I've finished this snack...
KAMEI
Now that the stream's started...
TEPPEI
Now that I've reeled in the cash...
SAEKI / KAMEI / TEPPEI
Why stop now?!
SUZUE (V.O.)
(interjecting)
Ahem!
A soft sigh is audible over the members' comms. Suzue's voice, however, is far from soft: it has an unmistakable edge beneath its surface.
SUZUE (V.O.) (CONT’D)
As delightful as these... personal triumphs seem to be, please concentrate on your job.
SUZUE (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Otherwise, I'll be forced to conduct a permanent, non-negotiable confiscation of all personal--
SAEKI
(interjecting)
-- Ah, haha, ah, no need, Suzu-chan! Understood, fully understood!
Saeki shoves her chips to the side, leaning towards the command center and fluttering her lashes.
SAEKI (CONT'D)
No need for confiscation! Absolutely not! What kind of tactical support do you need? Reinforcements? We're ready!
Kamei nods, with a bit of urgency in his movements.
KAMEI
Right, right! We can deploy a full tactical squad, just for you!
Teppei whirls around and drops his horse racing notes, rushing over to Saeki's left-hand side.
TEPPEI
Alright! What's the emergency protocol? We're locked and loaded!
The basement, once a picture of idleness and laxity, transforms back into fast-paced, coordinated activity; as long as the punishment of confiscation looms over the Modern Crimes members.
SUZUE (V.O.)
Emergency protocol will not be necessary. However, there may be security personnel positioned around the internal perimeter.
SUZUE (V.O.) (CONT'D)
(to herself)
Daisuke-sama's nanotracer signal... it's strong, but there are no active readings within its proximity. Something must have--
SAEKI
(gasping)
-- Suzu-chan! Footsteps! They’re here!
INT. SKYSCRAPER - ENEMY BASE - CONTINUOUS
Suzue's expression turns serious again as she hears the sound of NEARBY FOOTSTEPS, before Suzue darts over to the nearest wall and camouflages herself with the darkness of her absolute black bodysuit. She blends in seamlessly with the shadows, so as the guards round the corner, she's able to hit them from behind with her stolen rifle.
Then, once several of the guards are down, Suzue pounces on the last guard standing, throwing an arm around the final guard's neck and forcing him in a tight choke-hold in the process. The final guard falls with a loud THUMP, and Suzue straightens herself while fixing her hair, which had become a little disheveled during the fight.
SUZUE
(to herself)
You know what to do, Kambe Suzue. This is no different from the many solo assignments you've taken up in the past.
SUZUE (CONT'D)
Every variable, accounted for. Every initiative, planned.
SUZUE (CONT'D)
I must fulfill this promise. Not only to Daisuke-sama, but to myself.
Suzue closes her eyes, reflecting on herself and this promise.
SUZUE (CONT'D)
Yes. I remember now.
SUZUE (CONT'D)
Before the Kambe family, before everything changed... it was, and is only Suzue.
SUZUE (CONT'D)
Back then... have I really changed since then?
As Suzue swiftly smooths her hair, and her fingers brush her temple, a flicker of something distant, something past, ghosts through her mind.
BEGIN FLASHBACK: INT. KAMBE MANSION - CHILDHOOD BEDROOM - DAY - ABOUT TWENTY YEARS AGO
A much YOUNGER SUZUE (6) stands before an ANTIQUE MIRROR, her own small hands meticulously adjusting a FRILLY RIBBON in her raven-black hair. She wears a PINK, DOLL-LIKE DRESS, which bubbles around her waist quite loosely.
Then, just like that, the ribbon settles into the perfect position.
YOUNG SUZUE
(to herself)
Yes! I did it perfectly! Just like Mother and Father always taught me!
Young Suzue is about to jump out of her seat from uncontrolled excitement, but stops herself at the very last moment and clears her throat. She mimics her parents' voices as she speaks to herself.
YOUNG SUZUE (CONT'D)
Ahem. Yes, it must be perfect. Lady Suzue must always be perfect.
The young Suzue steps away from the mirror, with a sweet smile blossoming on her face. She turns to the ORNATE, LACQUERED DOOR to her bedroom as soon as she hears the JINGLE of keys and the door lock CLICK from the outside, and the door opens to reveal her MOTHER and FATHER. Though their faces, in the current Suzue's memory, are shrouded in shadows.
YOUNG SUZUE (CONT'D)
Mother? Father? I'm ready now!
She extends a hand, hoping for theirs. But her parents don't take it. They hover over her, unmoving.
SUZUE'S FATHER
Of course you're ready. You should know your place, child.
SUZUE'S MOTHER
Your father has made arrangements for you. Your talents will be made useful somewhere else.
SUZUE'S MOTHER (CONT'D)
From now on, you’ll be staying with the Kambe family.
SUZUE'S FATHER
And you must, under no circumstances, leave the residence without their explicit approval. Do you understand, little girl?
YOUNG SUZUE
What? But--
SUZUE'S FATHER
(shouting)
Silence! You are expected to act proper, regardless of the name you now carry!
Young Suzue's father takes a step back, his voice dropping to a harsh, inaudible mutter, meant for his wife but easily overheard by the young Suzue.
SUZUE'S FATHER (CONT'D)
(under his breath)
We must prioritize our alliances... maintain good business within the family line... cannot afford another setback just because we have a daughter... and not...
YOUNG SUZUE
Mother, Father! What are you saying?
Her parents turn in unison, turning their backs to their anticipating daughter. Young Suzue's outstretched hand remains still in the air, trembling a little once the young girl receives no response.
YOUNG SUZUE (CONT'D)
Is it a secret? Is it something really bad?
YOUNG SUZUE (CONT'D)
Why are you hiding it from me, Father? Why?
The young Suzue's only met with vague responses.
SUZUE'S FATHER
Our part is done.
SUZUE'S MOTHER
It's for your own good.
YOUNG SUZUE
Mother! Father! Please don't go!
YOUNG SUZUE (CONT'D)
(sobbing)
Please, stay! I did everything you asked me to! I was perfect! So why, why won't you stay?
YOUNG SUZUE (CONT'D)
(whispering)
Stay...
YOUNG SUZUE (CONT'D)
(shouting)
Stay!
Even so, her mother and father, without another word, without a backwards glance, turn and walk away with a CLICK from the door lock outside. The young Suzue is trapped inside her own bedroom.
Young Suzue stands alone in her bedroom, and she grabs her dress in tight fistfuls, wrinkling the once-perfect fabric. Her eyes harden with a new, quiet resolve.
YOUNG SUZUE (CONT'D)
(to herself)
Why?
YOUNG SUZUE (CONT'D)
Why should I be proper for Mother and Father?
YOUNG SUZUE (CONT'D)
I don't like being proper. I hate being proper!
YOUNG SUZUE (CONT'D)
And I hate being called a lady!
YOUNG SUZUE (CONT'D)
I never want to be called Lady Suzue ever again!
For a long moment, she remains still, until a strangled sob leaves her throat and then quickly escalates into a furious SCREAM, like she's letting it all out. Her delicate hands are now sweeping a row of PORCELAIN DOLLS off of a nearby TABLE, and they shatter against the floor in numerous CRACKS.
Young Suzue whirls until she's facing the BED, and then she's grabbing SILK PILLOWS and hurling them across the room, while a CRYSTAL VASE goes flying and smashes against the nearest wall.
Endless tears start to stream down Young Suzue's face, as she throws numerous PICTURE BOOKS onto the floor, kicks over a SMALL, WOODEN TABLE, and finally stomps on a SMALL, CIRCULAR-FRAMED PHOTOGRAPH of her parents face-down onto the floor.
YOUNG SUZUE (CONT'D)
(screaming)
I hate you! I hate you both!
YOUNG SUZUE (CONT'D)
I don't wanna be trapped like this! I don't wanna be alone!
YOUNG SUZUE (CONT'D)
I don't wanna be your Lady Suzue!
YOUNG SUZUE (CONT'D)
Suzue should be... I should be...!
The young Suzue doesn't finish her words. She can only sink to the floor, and bury her face into her arms and knees as she sobs.
INT. KAMBE MANSION - DINING ROOM - NIGHT - ABOUT TWENTY YEARS AGO
Under the soft glow of GOLDEN-YELLOW LIGHTING and HANGING CHANDELIERS, a young Suzue sits in the dining room of the luxurious Kambe mansion. A polished MAHOGANY DINING TABLE stretches from one side to the other side of the room, completely embellished with an EXTRAVAGANT FEAST.
Around the table sit a DOZEN OR SO GUESTS, who are all dressed to the nines in their EXPENSIVE ATTIRE and GLITTERING JEWELRY. A cacophony of loud and haughty CHATTERING fills the air; it seems like the only one not gossiping is the young Suzue.
The young Suzue's PLATE is clean, untouched. Instead of a pink, doll-like dress, the pink in her wardrobe has been replaced with a FORMAL BLACK DRESS. Her expression is utterly blank, and she observes the scene quite tiredly now as she swirls a couple of NOODLES around with her STERLING FORK.
Young Suzue only glances up one time, and that's when a snobbish LAUGH from the head of the table breaches her ears.
WEALTHY WOMAN 1
And how is our Lady Suzue? Learning all about proper etiquette, I trust? Such a sweet, obedient child.
The young girl considers the question, processing it for a moment. Like she's wondering what a "proper lady" would say in response.
YOUNG SUZUE
Ah, yes. Everything is well.
WEALTHY WOMAN 2
Already speaking like a well-refined lady, I see.
WEALTHY MAN 1
She'll make a fine addition to the Kambe line, don't you think?
YOUNG SUZUE
Ah, yes. Fine.
Another GUEST, perhaps sensing her boredom, attempts a more direct approach; though it's not a very good one.
WEALTHY MAN 2
Have you made any friends, dear? I heard the Kambe family has a boy around your age. Perhaps you've met him?
YOUNG SUZUE
No. Who is he?
WEALTHY WOMAN 1
(interjecting)
--Oh, yes! Such a blessing for the Kambe family. Not only do they have a young boy to secure the lineage, but now they have two beautiful children! Why, if the two of you were to stand side-by-side, you'd almost be mistaken for siblings! With your blue eyes and black hair, my my, I wonder if there's a secret affair stirring within the Kambe family that we don't know about! A secret alliance, perhaps? Blackmailing on the side?
WEALTHY MAN 2
Now, now. We shouldn't discuss such matters before a child.
YOUNG SUZUE
(repeating)
Yes, yes. It would not do to discuss such matters before a child.
YOUNG SUZUE (CONT'D)
Now, Lady Suzue has to go. Goodbye.
Without waiting for a response, the little lady gracefully yet eagerly pulls away from her chair, moving with that same balance of gracefulness and eagerness towards the dining room door.
INT. KA MBE MANSION - HALLWAY - NIGHT - ABOUT TWENTY YEARS AGO
Young Suzue rushes through the long and dim-lighted hallway, the loud and haughty LAUGHS from the dining room fading behind her. However, a set of HURRIED FOOTSTEPS echoes from the far end of the hallway, and young Suzue is quick to assume that she's been caught. She freezes, and steps forward tentatively.
YOUNG SUZUE
Hello?
A moment later, a woman rounds the corner, stepping into view. While the young Suzue is still unsure of who the woman is, it is Sayuri Kambe, Daisuke's mother. She's dressed in sophisticated, functional attire: A LONG PALE-BLUE DRESS, accompanied by a MATCHING CHIFFON SCARF wrapped around her neck. It's a big contrast to the luxurious, grand attire of the guests in the dining room.
Sayuri dashes forward, her HEELS CLICKING together, until she nearly collides with the young Suzue in the middle of her daze. Once she realizes her mistake, she's quick to bow despite the young Suzue being much, much smaller in height, and the girl doesn't know what to do but to bow as well.
Now the two ladies are bowing their heads, which to anyone else would look quite comical.
YOUNG SUZUE (CONT'D)
H-hello! I am in your care!
SAYURI KAMBE
(interjecting)
Oh, forgive me! I wasn't aware of my surroundings, and I nearly tripped over my own two feet! I am deeply sorry!
Sayuri lifts her head and rushes over to the young Suzue to hold both her hands, treating her as equal rather than a lowly little girl.
SAYURI KAMBE (CONT'D)
Are you alright? I didn't hurt you, did I?
YOUNG SUZUE
N-No, it's alright, miss! I mean, ma'am! No, ah, madam! Ah!
Sayuri, without hesitation, uses her bowing position to kneel, so that she can speak to the young Suzue eye-to-eye. Her eyes, filled with a calm understanding, meet Suzue's startled gaze, before a warm smile reaches Sayuri's lips.
SAYURI KAMBE
You're the one, aren't you? My son's protector.
YOUNG SUZUE
Son...
Young Suzue, who is still caught off-guard from their interaction, can only stare. Sayuri's smile widens in response.
YOUNG SUZUE (CONT'D)
But I don't know any sons. How should I protect him?
YOUNG SUZUE (CONT'D)
I thought I was here to be a proper lady.
Sayuri giggles.
SAYURI KAMBE
Oh, is that what all the big, bad grown-ups told you?
YOUNG SUZUE
(sheepishly)
Is that not it?
SAYURI KAMBE
Mm, not quite. Follow me.
EXT. KAMBE MANSION - GARDEN - DAY - ABOUT TWENTY YEARS AGO
Young Suzue, whose small hand is enveloped in Sayuri's gentle grasp, is led through the TALL, IRON-WROUGHT GARDEN ARBOR leading to the inside of the Kambe family’s garden.
Once they take a few steps inside, Sayuri squats down to the young Suzue's height, another gentle smile gracing her lips.
SAYURI KAMBE
I‘m Sayuri Kambe. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Suzue-chan.
SAYURI KAMBE (CONT'D)
I've heard so much about you and your many talents.
Young Suzue nods, as though in awe.
SAYURI KAMBE (CONT'D)
Suzue-chan, I want you to do me a favor. A very special one. From one protector to another.
SAYURI KAMBE (CONT'D)
Can you do that for me?
Young Suzue nods once more. A smile breaks through her calm and collected exterior.
YOUNG SUZUE
Yes! I will! Suzue-chan will be the greatest protector!
SAYURI KAMBE
(giggling)
Now, now, let me finish my request.
SAYURI KAMBE (CONT'D)
While that is part of your assignment, Suzue-chan, I want you to promise me that you won't lose yourself along the way.
Sayuri places both hands on Young Suzue's shoulders, her expression stern but not unnerving.
SAYURI KAMBE (CONT'D)
I want you to forget everything your mother and father told you. About being a "lady", about appearances, and always thinking about what the family wants.
SAYURI KAMBE (CONT'D)
I want you to forget all of that. Everything.
SAYURI KAMBE (CONT'D)
You shouldn't concern yourself with these expectations. I wouldn't want you to grow up to be just like...
Sayuri catches herself just in time, her eyes widening.
SAYURI KAMBE (CONT'D)
Ah, should I really be saying all of this to a child? Maybe I shouldn't...
YOUNG SUZUE
(interjecting)
No, I can handle it! Please tell me!
Sayuri's smile falters for a moment, though it quickly returns at Young Suzue's words.
SAYURI KAMBE
Very well. I'm only speaking my thoughts out loud, Suzue-chan. Please don't feel as though you need to understand everything.
SAYURI KAMBE (CONT'D)
But I don't need to worry about that, do I? Your mother and father raised a very smart girl. A very smart girl, indeed.
Sayuri then sighs to herself, as though lost in thought.
SAYURI KAMBE (CONT'D)
They expect so little from girls, don't they? So little value. They've given up their only daughter, wishing they had a male heir to lead the family instead.
SAYURI KAMBE (CONT'D)
To compensate for their lack of a male heir, they hoped that giving their daughter away to another esteemed family would help maintain status…
SAYURI KAMBE (CONT'D)
But know this, Suzue-chan.
Young Suzue looks up in surprise once Sayuri places a hand on top of Young Suzue's head, ruffling her hair in a tender, affectionate gesture.
SAYURI KAMBE (CONT'D)
Even though you are Daisuke's protector, I want you to know that you are more than that.
SAYURI KAMBE (CONT'D)
Before being Kambe Suzue, you were and are Suzue-chan.
YOUNG SUZUE
But I'm not Lady Suzue. Right?
Suzue is granted with a nod and a smile.
SAYURI KAMBE
Of course. You are simply Suzue-chan.
SAYURI KAMBE (CONT'D)
Now, can you keep this promise?
Young Suzue beams.
YOUNG SUZUE
Yes. Yes, I promise!
Sayuri's smile warms further, before she chuckles softly to herself.
SAYURI KAMBE
Thank you, my dear protector. I know I made the right choice, choosing you to protect my son.
Sayuri's eyes then drift off somewhere around her, her gaze softening even more at what--or who--she sees. The young Suzue follows her gaze, and her eyes meet the small stature of a certain raven-haired boy, sitting alone on the GARDEN PATIO and engrossed in a BOOK.
Sayuri, now noticing the young Suzue's intrigue, turns back to the young girl and gives her small shoulder an encouraging pat, before they subtly turn back to Daisuke who doesn't take notice of them.
SAYURI KAMBE (CONT'D)
Daisuke... he's never had a friend to call his own. And sometimes, for boys like him, in families like ours... they need someone special by their side. Not just a playmate, but someone who can truly see him for who he is.
YOUNG SUZUE
Huh? But I see him sitting right there.
SAYURI KAMBE
(giggling)
Yes, I suppose that's true.
SAYURI KAMBE (CONT'D)
What I mean is, he needs someone who can truly understand him.
SAYURI KAMBE (CONT'D)
(to herself)
So many around him only see him as the heir, the future of the Kambe family. I wonder if it is my fault for burdening him like this... for setting up his path before he could even walk.
Sayuri shakes her head to herself, as if she is clearing away the darkness of the Kambe family, somehow. She turns back to Young Suzue, her eyes having a glint of hope in them that are then reflected in Young Suzue's eyes.
SAYURI KAMBE (CONT'D)
You are that someone, Suzue-chan. I know it. You will protect my son, but you will also protect who he is as a person.
SAYURI KAMBE (CONT'D)
I know you can do it. You can protect him from the burdens of this family.
SAYURI KAMBE (CONT'D)
And should he find another friend, or even another family in the future... I still want you to be there for him when that day comes.
YOUNG SUZUE
That's too much!
SAYURI KAMBE
It is, isn't it?
YOUNG SUZUE
But I still made a promise!
YOUNG SUZUE (CONT'D)
So it's not too much at all!
YOUNG SUZUE (CONT'D)
I am that someone! I am Suzue-chan!
Sayuri beams.
SAYURI KAMBE
Don't forget that, okay?
FADE IN:
EXT. KAMBE MANSION - GARDEN - DAY - ABOUT TWENTY YEARS AGO
Young Daisuke (7) stomps across the lawn, as Young Suzue follows just a few steps behind in that same FORMAL BLACK DRESS, though this time her MATCHING BOW is no longer in perfect position. Their movements are a series of waddles, and the young master doesn't bother to look behind him.
YOUNG DAISUKE
Stop following me. It's creepy.
YOUNG SUZUE
But I have to, Daisuke-sama! I promised!
Young Daisuke scoffs, but brushes her words off in a second.
YOUNG DAISUKE
Did Mother send you here? Why?
YOUNG SUZUE
So I can protect you, Daisuke-sama!
That finally gets the young master to halt in his tracks. He whirls around to face Young Suzue at warp speed.
YOUNG DAISUKE
(interjecting)
Wha-- protect me? What do you mean, protect me? I can protect myself! As the future head of the Kambe family, I already know everything about protecting myself!
YOUNG DAISUKE (CONT'D)
I've already protected myself many times! I know more about protecting myself than you do!
YOUNG DAISUKE (CONT'D)
Don't be ridiculous!
Young Suzue sinks her head and pouts, entirely earnest.
YOUNG SUZUE
But I already made the promise...
Young Daisuke groans, a sound far too dramatic for a child his age, before he continues walking-- waddling -- away from the young girl.
YOUNG SUZUE (CONT'D)
Daisuke-sama! Are you mad at me? Are we going somewhere important? Do you need any help?
YOUNG SUZUE (CONT'D)
(calling)
Daisuke-sama!
YOUNG DAISUKE
(shouting)
Yes, yes, I can hear you!
YOUNG DAISUKE (CONT'D)
(muttering to himself)
We're... ugh. I'm getting Hattori.
YOUNG SUZUE
"Hattori"?
YOUNG DAISUKE
My butler. I want him to get my ball out of the tree.
Young Suzue's eyes light up, her earlier concern vanishing and being substituted by pure inspiration.
YOUNG SUZUE
Ah! I have something for this! Wait here, Daisuke-sama!
Reluctantly, the young boy turns to watch Young Suzue scramble towards the mansion. When the young Suzue isn't looking, he shakes his head with a long, defeated sigh, perfectly resembling his father Shigemaru... or just a miniature version of a strict and no-nonsense boss.
YOUNG DAISUKE
(muttering to himself)
Honestly. Do I even need a protector? Mother does that for me already.
A moment later, Young Suzue races back, and she's equipped with a miniature GRAPPLING TOOL that, to the young Daisuke, very much resembles a gun. Young Daisuke's eyes widen, he takes an involuntary step back, and he points at the tool with both awe and disdain.
YOUNG DAISUKE
That's-- you -- wha--!
YOUNG SUZUE
I'll use this tool to get your ball!
YOUNG DAISUKE
(stammering)
N-N-No way!You're not supposed to have that! That looks just like a weapon!
YOUNG SUZUE
It does? But I made it.
YOUNG DAISUKE
You are seriously out of your mind!
YOUNG SUZUE
That's not very nice, Daisuke-sama!
YOUNG SUZUE (CONT'D)
Now, where's that tree?
The young Daisuke groans again, a dramatic sound of resignation. He knows for sure he's going to get in trouble for this, but gestures to the TREE where his BALL is stuck anyway.
YOUNG DAISUKE
It's that one. But you won't be able to reach it, even with that invention--
Young Daisuke gets cut off by a distinct and high-pitched WHIRR coming from the miniature invention, followed by a sharp and silent CLICK as the grappling tool in Young Suzue's hand fires. The hook of the grappling tool finds its way around the ball before it tugs, allowing the ball to drop from the tree.
But it only drops a few branches down, before it gets stuck again.
The young master TSKS, turning away from the tree with a disapproving frown and his arms crossed.
YOUNG DAISUKE (CONT'D)
See? I told you it wouldn't work!
YOUNG DAISUKE (CONT'D)
If I had just called Hattori, he would've handled it by now!
But before Young Daisuke can take another step, he watches in stunned silence as an angry Young Suzue marches directly towards the tree. She begins to climb up the large trunk, regardless of its sharp and jagged edges.
YOUNG DAISUKE (CONT'D)
H-Hey, stop! What do you think you're doing?
YOUNG DAISUKE (CONT'D)
As head of the Kambe family, I-- I order you to stop at once!
YOUNG SUZUE
But I'm protecting you, Daisuke-sama! This is something I have to protect you from!
YOUNG DAISUKE
I'm sure this is not what Mother meant by protecting me!
After a mere second of silence, Young Daisuke makes up his mind.
YOUNG DAISUKE
Fine. I'm going up too! Only because I have no choice!
YOUNG SUZUE
(scolding)
No, Daisuke-sama! That means I have to break my promise!
In an urgency to grab the ball before meeting a potential tumble, Young Suzue secures the hook against the sturdy trunk above her, launches herself forward, and finally grabs the ball with one small hand. She holds the ball up victoriously, with a wide, triumphant grin on her face.
YOUNG SUZUE (CONT'D)
See? I promised!
The young master scoffs, but a little smile still sneaks its way up his lips.
YOUNG DAISUKE
You're seriously out of your mind.
END FLASHBACK.
INT. SKYSCRAPER - ENEMY BASE - NIGHT - PRESENT TIME
After snatching a KEYCARD from one of the many unconscious guards, Suzue slinks through the halls with silent precision, before she arrives at a particularly LARGE AND REINFORCED DOOR. To her convenience, the door slides open once Suzue swipes the keycard through the card reader and she gains access to the room ahead.
SUZUE
(to herself)
A security room!
INT. SKYSCRAPER - ENEMY BASE - SECURITY ROOM - NIGHT
Suzue is quick to slip inside the SECURITY ROOM, where an immense expanse of DATA BANKS and TANGLED WIRES lies beyond. But her eyes immediately dart to the LARGE MONITORS displaying various SECURITY CAMERA FEEDS: one of them, a faint flicker in the corner, shows Daisuke and Haru's HOLDING CELL.
Just as Suzue's about to zoom in, a loud, distressed SHRIEK pierces through her comms, and all the security camera feeds switch off.
SAEKI (V.O.)
Suzu-chan! A threat!
SUZUE
Ah!
Suzue, startled by the warning, stumbles back a step while instinctively reaching for her rifle.
SUZUE (CONT'D)
Where? Did you hear something?
KAMEI (V.O.)
A voice! Many voices!
TEPPEI (V.O.)
They're giving out orders!
Suzue's expression immediately snaps from confusion to complete focus as she whirls around and lifts her rifle, pointing it somewhere behind the SERVER RACKS without a moment's hesitation. The reinforced plating of her ASV suit, her sleek body-con dress, gleams pink along with the dark blue, digital glow of the data banks.
Then, Suzue hears it. A faint SCRAPE along the floors.
SUZUE
(shouting)
Come out!
A shadowed GUARD emerges from behind one of the server racks to Suzue's immediate right, ready to pounce.
SUZUE (CONT'D)
On the count of three.
SUZUE (CONT'D)
One.
SUZUE (CONT'D)
Two.
SUZUE (CONT'D)
Three!
INT. KAMBE CORPORATE BUILDING - UNDERGROUND WORKSHOP - CONTINUOUS
The connection between Suzue and the three Modern Crimes members dies and sputters out, like it's been cut off on purpose by a third party. With no response from Suzue's comms, the three members jump up from their spots, their eyes widening.
KAMEI
Hey, the comms cut off!
SAEKI
Suzu-chan! No!
TEPPEI
There's no way... we really do need an emergency protocol!
Saeki whirls to face the other two members, with panic etched all over her face.
SAEKI
We have Suzu-chan's location, don't we?
SAEKI (CONT'D)
Let's go!
INT. SKYSCRAPER - ENEMY BASE - HOLDING CELL - CONTINUOUS
The only light source that Haru and Daisuke have in their holding cell is a SINGLE SMALL WINDOW. Only the RUSTLING of clothes is heard, followed by a grunt and a sigh, as their ROPE-RESTRAINTS prevent them from doing anything else than squirming and shifting in their chairs.
HARU
Ugh. It's one thing to be trapped in here, but seriously?
HARU (CONT'D)
Did they really have to use the same restraints for both our wrists?
DAISUKE
Quiet. It's what you deserve, for dragging me into this mess.
HARU
Blaming me again, when really, you should've just let me fight and moved on from it already!
DAISUKE
You're the one who hasn't moved on.
HARU
Agggghhhh! You're such a pain!
A bit of silence passes. It's not long before Haru speaks up again after a deep, dramatic sigh.
HARU (CONT'D)
Sorry.
Daisuke doesn't respond, but he doesn't make any rude remarks, either. Haru assumes Daisuke's letting him continue, and he does.
HARU (CONT'D)
It's only because their safety is at risk that I'm saying this.
DAISUKE
I know.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
You already make that clear with every action you take.
HARU
Hey!
DAISUKE
Do whatever you want.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
It's only because your safety is at risk that I'm saying this.
Haru turns away from Daisuke's view, hiding a grin.
HARU
You jerk.
Their moment is cut short as a group of ARMED MEN rush into Daisuke and Haru's holding cell, blocking the two detectives from view as Suzue, Saeki, Kamei, and Teppei charge their way through.
SUZUE
(calling)
Daisuke-sama! Kato-sama!
Spotting Suzue, Haru's eyes widen, and his body makes an instinctive jerk while he's still in restraints.
HARU
Suzue-san! We're here!
Several guards emerge from behind Suzue, and Daisuke finds himself calling out to her.
DAISUKE
Suzue!
Daisuke and Haru try to yank free from their restraints, their wrists rubbing tirelessly against the wooden chairs. But Saeki, Kamei, and Teppei already seem to have it covered as they all lift up the same FIRE EXTINGUISHER into the air and let the gas shoot out, temporarily reducing the guards' vision.
Suzue uses the opening to rush over to Daisuke and Haru, and set them free by untying their wrists; she then bombards them with questions before the two of them can even say "thanks".
SUZUE
Daisuke-sama, Kato-sama! Are you injured? Are your vitals regulated? Has your breathing changed in any way? Should I call an ambulance? I have a direct line to the Kambe medical team!
DAISUKE
We're fine. There's no need for excessive measures.
Daisuke, already pushing himself up from the chair he'd been restrained to, regains his composure and turns to leave, all while smoothing down his rumpled three-piece suit. Haru calls after him, still rubbing his wrists in annoyance.
HARU
Hey, Kambe! Remember to say thank you when we're out of here! And maybe acknowledge the person who just saved your life!
INT. MODERN CRIMES PREVENTION TASK FORCE OFFICE - NIGHT
The news play on Modern Crimes's TV—- unlike the small, rundown TV they'd usually keep in the Modern Crimes office, it's now been replaced by Daisuke into a WIDE, FLAT-SCREEN TV-- which serves as another reminder for a job well done.
KAMEI
(yawning)
What a night... I didn't get to finish that live-stream.
SAEKI
Don't be rude, Kamei-san! Suzu-chan was in a lot of danger before we stepped in!
SAEKI (CONT'D)
But now that it's over...
Saeki giggles and grins mischievously.
SAEKI
Let's all celebrate by eating sukiyaki! Dai-chan's treat!
Sukiyaki: Japanese hot pot.
Haru glances over at Daisuke, who remains undisturbed.
HARU
Kambe, are you really going to let them have this?
DAISUKE
Let them. It's my treat.
HARU
Wait, seriously?
Saeki, Kamei, and Teppei all whoop in joy, like they're already making a toast.
TEPPEI
It's settled, then! Kambe-san is treating us all to high-quality sukiyaki!
KAMEI
Let's send a picture to our Director to show him what he's been missing!
While the three Modern Crimes members all chat among themselves, Daisuke and Haru stand more on the sidelines, where Haru sends Daisuke a skeptical look.
HARU
Feeling charitable today, Kambe? Is this your way of saying thank you?
DAISUKE
They took a small part in being Suzue's backup. If I don't reward them somehow, they'll pester me about it later.
Haru lets out a short laugh in response, leaning one shoulder against the wall.
HARU
Well, yeah. They went through all that trouble, making a nice little gas cloud so that the rich boy could have his big, dramatic exit.
HARU (CONT'D)
And Suzue-san? Did you thank her, too?
DAISUKE
Yeah. She'll have something waiting for her when she returns to the lab.
HARU
Don't tell me you're getting her a new set of tea cups.
DAISUKE
Hardly. I've commissioned a limited-edition quantum computer, the latest prototype from Kambe Research and Development Investment, which is not yet available to the public...
HARU
(mumbling)
Quantum... computing... huh?
DAISUKE
I've also ordered a new set of 24-karat earrings, set in polished platinum with micro-laser engraving.
HARU
Your definition of 'gifts' is really something.
Haru clears his throat.
HARU (CONT'D)
But I wanted to talk to you about something else. Something important.
Haru gestures to the EXIT DOOR.
HARU (CONT'D)
Let's go.
INT. METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT - STAIRWAY - NIGHT
The two detectives stand at the stairway, dimly-lit.
HARU
I know you're hiding something from me, Kambe. Many things, actually.
Haru steps onto the SAME STEP that Daisuke is on, confronting him.
HARU (CONT'D)
Those assailants from the izakaya. Why were they after me?
DAISUKE
As the sole supervisor of adollium, those who want to acquire it or use it illegally will naturally target the person in charge. And, by extension, those they are closely associated with.
HARU
But is that really the only reason?
HARU (CONT'D)
You always have layers, Kambe. I need to know. Is there something more? Something you're not telling me about my involvement?
Daisuke holds his gaze with Haru, his blank expression unyielding. At least, that's what Haru thinks until he sees the slightest shift in his frown.
DAISUKE
You're... emotional. And easy to manipulate.
HARU
You jerk!
DAISUKE
That's not what I think. That's what they think.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
It's not just your "heroic deeds" that are broadcasted on live TV.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
According to HEUSC, you've lost more fights than you've won them.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
Needless to say, you've never responded well to those losses.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
The media sees that, and assumes that you're an easy target.
Haru blinks in surprise, not expecting an actual answer to come out from Daisuke.
HARU
Huh. The world really does operate in black-and-white.
HARU (CONT'D)
But if that's the case, why didn't you tell me about this earlier?
HARU
What, did you think I'd be “too emotional” to accept it?
DAISUKE
What I said was only an assumption.
HARU
Oh yeah?
Haru steps forward. The two of them are still standing on the same step.
HARU
Do you have any other assumptions you wanna bring up?
DAISUKE
Another assumption is... they want to exploit my weakness.
HARU
Ah.
Haru falters. Daisuke‘s face doesn’t shift out of its neutral expression, but Haru can see that Daisuke’s blinking more quickly.
HARU (CONT'D)
Ah... huh?
HARU (CONT'D)
And what does that have to do with me?
Daisuke clicks his tongue in annoyance, before he ends the conversation there and walks past Haru on the stairway.
DAISUKE
You didn't say anything about assumptions related to you. You only asked for assumptions.
HARU
You know I don't have to say anything to imply it! And besides, if I know about your weaknesses, we'll know how to hide them from the public eye.
DAISUKE
I never said I had a weakness. What I said was someone else's assumption.
HARU
(scoffing)
Oh, bite me!
DAISUKE
Hm. I remember now. There was something I needed to do.
Daisuke brings a hand up to his earring, alerting HEUSC.
DAISUKE
HEUSC, order another set of headphones for Kamei, Italian truffles for Saeki-san, and fifteen lottery tickets for--
HARU
(interjecting)
Kambe!
HEUSC
Understood. Balance: DELUXE.
INT. KAMBE CORPORATE BUILDING - UNDERGROUND WORKSHOP - NIGHT
With the room in complete darkness aside from the digital blue light emanating from Suzue's new QUANTUM COMPUTER, Suzue stays completely immersed in her new gift. Her other gift-- her new, CUSTOM-MADE EARRINGS -- glimmer from the light of her computer.
Her fingers dance across a HOLOGRAPHIC KEYBOARD projecting lines of quantum schematics, streams of data, and many other intricate algorithms that only someone as skilled as Suzue could understand.
Suzue leans closer to the display, chuckling like a madman, a mad scientist, to herself.
SUZUE
Yes... this processing power... this is precisely what was needed!
SUZUE (CONT'D)
Every variable, every possibility, finally within reach...
She taps several complicated sequences across the keyboard, and the blue light of the computer brightens even more, resembling her mind's current state. It glows with a renewed energy, and Suzue suddenly feels inspired to make tens, or hundreds, or even millions of new gadgets and weapons.
SUZUE (CONT'D)
With this, I could... yes, I should update the ASV suits...
SUZUE (CONT'D)
New tools... new upgrades to the laboratory's tanks...
Suzue sinks her face into the dashboard, nearly sobbing with joy.
SUZUE (CONT'D)
Oh, thank you, Daisuke-sama, thank you! Thank you for this wonderful gift!
SUZUE (CONT'D)
This... is perfection!
Suzue lets out a loud and booming laugh, lost in her own world of gadgets and other wacky inventions as the darkness in the room becomes a chaotic flurry of movement, and she remains locked in her room for the rest of the night.
END OF CHECK.
COST BREAKDOWN:
Quantum computer for Suzue -- 7,000,000,000 yen
24-karat earrings for Suzue -- 2,000,000 yen
New headphones for Kamei -- 600,000 yen
Italian truffles for Saeki -- 600,000 yen
Fifteen lottery tickets for Teppei -- 7,500 yen
Total 7,003,207,500 yen
(~ 47,667,000 US dollars | 40,813,000 Euro | 65,999,000-67,000,000 Won | 1,257,219,000,000 Dong)
Chapter Text
CHECK SUMMARY: After receiving new intel from an unknown source, Daisuke and Kato travel to a mysterious seaside village located in Okinawa City, plagued by paranormal phenomena. Beneath the town’s rural facade reveals the true purpose of adollium, along with an even more destructive truth. The duo must navigate a web of deception and unsettling locals to expose this true purpose.
INT. MODERN CRIMES PREVENTION TASK FORCE OFFICE - MORNING
Aside from the director, KIYOMIZU YUKIHIRO —- who is now an acting director —- all the Modern Crimes members are in their seats, as they should be. The office’s DESK PHONE RINGS in the distance, and Haru is quick to catch it before any of the other members. He presses the phone close to his ear.
HARU
Yes, hello. This is the Modern Crimes Prevention Headquarters.
UNKNOWN WOMAN (V.O.)
Kato Haru. So it was you who answered my call.
UNKNOWN WOMAN (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Charmed, I'm sure.
At the woman’s deep and seductive voice, Haru can’t help but blush, if only for a moment. But he remembers at that moment that he has a job to do, and he shakes his head before confronting her.
HARU
Ma'am, please state the purpose of your call.
UNKNOWN WOMAN (V.O.)
With pleasure.
From the woman’s end of the line, there’s the sound of a MARKER SCRAPING OVER PAPER, as though she’s drawing an “X”.
UNKNOWN WOMAN (V.O.) (CONT'D)
What was it, again... ah, yes. Adollium. That new material Kambe Shigemaru had been researching. I've heard from many different sources that adollium is derived from seawater.
UNKNOWN WOMAN (V.O.) (CONT'D)
But it's quite dangerous to disclose that information so openly, is it not?
Haru bolts upright, sweating a little from the woman’s confident tone and the mention of adollium. The other members turn their attention to him, due to Haru’s sudden reaction.
HARU
What is this? Why did you call?
UNKNOWN WOMAN (V.O.)
Why, it would have been better to let the elite handle it themselves. Why let everyone else in on the fun? Only the rich would know how to handle adollium, as only the rich have access to knowledge the public does not.
UNKNOWN WOMAN (V.O.) (CONT'D)
And when the public does get access, it's all through the media. But I'm sure you're smart enough of a detective to know just how poorly the public handled it the moment that access was given to them.
HARU
Damn you!
A low and satisfied chuckle is heard over the phone, which frustrates Haru even more.
UNKNOWN WOMAN (V.O.)
Oh, such passion, Detective! "Damnation" was indeed a popular sentiment. But let's not forget the vandalism, news articles, and scandals that followed in its wake!
UNKNOWN WOMAN (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Everything in this world is so political, isn't it?
HARU
Get to the point! What the hell is your motive here?
UNKNOWN WOMAN (V.O.)
(sourly)
Motive? Quite the forward detective, aren’t you?
HARU
This is a waste of my time. Either give me the intel, or I'm hanging up.
UNKNOWN WOMAN (V.O.)
If this was truly a “waste of your time”, Kato Haru, you would've already hung up. The truth of the matter is, you're intrigued by my words.
UNKNOWN WOMAN (V.O.) (CONT'D)
You're intrigued by my words because they're true. Am I right?
HARU
Did you call just to provoke me?
UNKNOWN WOMAN (V.O.)
If to provoke you was what you wanted from the start, I would have gladly indulged. But of course, giving you context was necessary.
UNKNOWN WOMAN (V.O.) (CONT'D)
You'll have to go at night. There’s a small seaside village located in Okinawa City, with reports of anomalous energy signatures and even illegal trafficking.
UNKNOWN WOMAN (V.O.) (CONT'D)
A small seaside village located in Okinawa City, anomalous energy signatures, and the illegal trafficking of an unknown substance… those are the signs of quite an impressive case, are they not? It’s the perfect opportunity for you, worldwide hero.
HARU
Is what you said really true?
UNKNOWN WOMAN (V.O.)
My, my, detectives have so many questions. Aren’t detectives the ones who seek answers out?
HARU
I’m not taking up your offer. Go find another detective to play with.
UNKNOWN WOMAN (V.O.)
Then, how about this?
A sudden GUNSHOT echoes through the phone, and Haru jolts.
UNKNOWN WOMAN (V.O.) (CONT'D)
This is an order, Kato Haru. Either you take up this case, or I expose everything I know about adollium to the public.
UNKNOWN WOMAN (V.O.) (CONT'D)
You think the tabloids have all the answers? Oh, honey. You underestimate the reach of my influence, how quickly word spreads.
UNKNOWN WOMAN (V.O.) (CONT'D)
And in due time, you’ll learn not to underestimate the precision of my aim.
UNKNOWN WOMAN (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Unlike yours.
Haru's eyes widen at her words, a mix of shock and recognition at the mention of his past, but the line goes dead before Haru can say more. Kamei leans his chair closer to Haru, while the other members sitting in the farther chairs only look at Haru to make their inquiries.
KAMEI
Who was that? A woman?
KAMEI (CONT'D)
Her voice sounds familiar. Like something I've heard online.
SAEKI
(scolding)
Kamei-san, please keep your hobbies separate from your work!
KAMEI
No, wait, you've got to hear me out! I swear I've heard that voice before!
KAMEI (CONT'D)
Was it Saito Chie? Miyasato Rin? Or maybe it was Nishimura Rei... ah, but their voices are all high-pitched. That woman's voice was a little deeper, a little more... dominant.
DAISUKE
Regardless of the woman’s identity, she claims to possess important intel regarding adollium.
HARU
"A small seaside village located in Okinawa City, anomalous energy signatures, and the illegal trafficking of an unknown substance."
KAMEI
Okinawa City... isn't that where the director is filming his action movie?
TEPPEI
Oh, yeah! The director wouldn't stop talking about it. Said he was going to add a big plot twist and explosions to make the movie more interesting.
HARU
Not good. If the director's near the area, then this case just became non-negotiable. Whether the intel is reliable or not, we can't risk Director Kiyomizu getting caught in the crossfire.
HARU (CONT'D)
It's decided. Kambe and I are taking up this case.
EXT. OKINAWA CITY - SEASIDE VILLAGE - SUNSET
From above, Daisuke's PRIVATE JET ascends through the twilight sky, as Daisuke and Haru stand below on a DESERTED, DUSTY ROAD in the outskirts of a small Okinawan village.
DAISUKE
We've arrived.
HARU
Barely. I could've used a nap! You and your private jets...
DAISUKE
You sure have a lot of complaints.
When a gentle breeze sweeps in from the SEA, it tugs at the lapels of Daisuke's suit and leads Haru's hair to flutter over his face. Haru shields his eyes with one hand and clutches the straps of his BACKPACK with the other, scanning the unnervingly quiet landscape for clues.
The sky above is cloudless; the sunset paints the horizon in purples and blues; and the lapping of waves on a nearby beach is dead silent. There's also not a person in sight: no traffic, no swimmers, no bustling village. There aren't even seagulls.
HARU
Even the seagulls are missing? It's completely deserted.
HARU (CONT'D)
And here I was, expecting a welcoming party for the worldwide hero and the Kambe family's scion.
HARU (CONT'D)
Not that we ever actually get one for our cases, but still...
DAISUKE
That's not our main focus. We need to secure accommodations for the night and establish a base of operations.
Haru sighs, a defeated sound, and follows Daisuke reluctantly. They make their way through the silent village, where the mist seems to thicken. From what Daisuke and Haru can see through the mist, VENDING MACHINES and BIKES are left abandoned on lonely street corners.
Then, as they approach what appears to be the center of the village, the mist thins enough to reveal SCATTERED FIGURES, people, standing outside their homes. They don't wave or speak.
Instead, their faces, half-obscured by the mist, all turn towards Daisuke and Haru with their eyes following the detectives' every movement, like ghosts observing potential intruders. Haru shivers, and wraps his arms around himself in apprehension.
HARU
Seriously, what the hell is this place? Gives me the creeps.
Daisuke says nothing, his expression unreadable. As they continue through the village, Haru suddenly feels a cold, feather-like touch on his shoulder. He spins around and meets the gaze of a smiling OLD MAN, his eyes crinkling at the corners; Haru's goosebumps now have goosebumps.
HARU (CONT'D)
Gaaaaaah!
Haru stumbles back into Daisuke, who sends Haru an even scarier glare. The old man continues to smile, though his eyes hold a secretive darkness.
OLD MAN
Welcome. Are you here to visit our village?
Haru backs up a step, pulling his shoulder away from the man's grasp and subtly positioning himself closer to Daisuke.
HARU
Uh, something like that. We're looking for a place to stay the night.
OLD MAN
Oh, I'm afraid you can't stay. There's nothing here of interest. Nothing at all.
OLD MAN (CONT'D)
Our village, it prefers its quiet. We wouldn't want anyone to interfere... or interrogate us.
Daisuke, having observed the situation, steps forward.
DAISUKE
We are aware of certain anomalies reported in this village, such as unexplained energy signatures and illegal trafficking.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
This requires a thorough investigation.
The old man no longer smiles. His eyes flicker to Daisuke, his gaze just a bit short of a glare.
OLD MAN
Anomalies? Oh, no. Nothing of the sort. Perhaps it's just outsiders, mistaking the peace for some sort of suppression.
OLD MAN (CONT'D)
Indeed, there's nothing here for you. Things tend to just fade away, or are swept by currents underneath the surface. It's simply a place where things come and go, nothing more.
OLD MAN (CONT'D)
So, there is nothing I can tell you.
HARU
If things come and go in this village, so will we.
HARU (CONT'D)
We're not here to cause trouble. We're here because of the trouble that's already here.
HARU (CONT'D)
We heard that there are people in this village who are illegally trafficking adollium.
HARU (CONT'D)
Do you believe those in control of this trade truly care about the villagers' well-being? Or are they just using you?
OLD MAN
We do what we must to survive.
HARU
You and the other villagers... you just want to live your lives in peace, don't you? We get it. With the discovery of adollium, it makes sense that people would want to exploit that power for their own personal gain. We've seen it countless times.
HARU (CONT'D)
But... living under constant threat, and being forced to hide these secrets... is that really what you'd call survival? Especially when it comes to handling a substance like adollium?
OLD MAN
(angrily)
Do you think adollium is your only concern?
The old man shakes his head in a slow, dejected motion, the mist shrouding his expression even more.
OLD MAN (CONT'D)
No, young man. You cannot make such assumptions and then claim to understand.
OLD MAN (CONT'D)
There is much more at stake. For all of us. Something that could make even adollium seem insignificant.
Daisuke holds his gaze with the old man even in the mist, remaining calm and composed.
DAISUKE
I’ll pay for the information.
Daisuke, without further explanation, pulls out a WRITTEN CHECK to offer the old man. While the other villagers are still shrouded in mist, Daisuke's action emits a collective GASP from the crowd. Daisuke holds out the check like he would hold out his police badge: firm and intimidating.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
Consider it a consultation fee. For your inconvenience.
Haru's eyes widen, and he lets out a barely audible sound, like he's choked up. His jaw actually drops.
HARU
(whispering)
Are you out of your damn mind?
Daisuke, of course, ignores Haru completely. The old man emerges from the mist to see the "fee" for himself, and he can only gawk at the written check in absolute shock.
And on the check, of course, reads: "BALANCE: DELUXE".
OLD MAN
(in English)
Good heavens!
OLD MAN (CONT'D)
(in Japanese)
Just how much are you willing to pay? Five million yen?
DAISUKE
Make it ten.
HARU
(shouting)
Kambe Daisuke! You are despicable!
DAISUKE
(to Haru)
What? I wasn't willing to hear another one of your emotionally-charged speeches.
HARU
You could've just said that instead of offering him ten million yen!
OLD MAN
This is even more than my retirement funds! I barely saved a penny in my youth!
OLD MAN (CONT'D)
Ten million yen! Ten million yen! Oh, it's a dream come true!
After whooping and hollering in joy, the old man relents. He steps into view, hands Haru and Daisuke a ROOM KEY, and points towards a SIDE STREET where the mist is evenly dispersed.
OLD MAN (CONT'D)
There's an old inn, down that lane.
OLD MAN (CONT'D)
Barely used now. Not many beds. No one will bother you there.
HARU
Ah, uh... thank you. We'll be on our way.
With that, the old man along with the other villagers dissolve back into the mist, leaving Daisuke and Haru in the eerie silence. Haru glares at Daisuke, and Daisuke turns away just in time.
HARU (CONT'D)
You just offered him enough to buy the whole village! What was that for?
DAISUKE
(halfheartedly)
Sorry.
HARU
(shouting)
"Sorry" doesn't cut it, rich boy!
EXT. OKINAWA CITY - SEASIDE VILLAGE - OLD INN - EVENING
Daisuke and Haru stand outside the inn, an old, weathered building with a WOODEN SIGN dangling from the door: "YAMAKAWA'S INN". The only light source comes from a FOGGED-UP WINDOW. A few tiles are missing from the roof.
HARU (CONT'D)
Man, this place screams "abandoned" no matter which way you look at it.
HARU (CONT'D)
Well, let’s go inside.
INT. YAMAKAWA'S INN - LOBBY - EV ENING
Daisuke strides into the inn’s dimly-lit lobby, while Haru follows behind, clearing his throat; no one answers. Even Haru and Daisuke don’t say anything for a while, adding to the silence that’s present aside from their FOOTSTEPS and the MUFFLED BREEZE outside.
Once Daisuke reaches the COUNTER, he surveys its cracked and grimy surface with immense distaste. His gaze drifts to the rusty, tarnished BELL sitting on the counter, and his distaste grows even more before he presses the bell with reluctance. It emits a tiny RING, but still no one appears.
Daisuke's brow starts to twitch, a clear sign of his growing impatience and disdain for the inn’s condition.
HARU
Not even a person behind the counter, huh? So much for room service.
HARU (CONT'D)
When that old man said "no one would bother us here", maybe he meant "no one would bother us here because there is no one here in the first place".
HARU (CONT'D)
Seriously, how long has it been since maintenance?
DAISUKE
(muttering)
Unbelievable…
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
I’ll have HEUSC dispatch a full shipment to our location. Immediately.
HARU
Huh? What shipment?
DAISUKE
Basic necessities. Skincare. Proper bedding. This level of neglect is... intolerable.
Daisuke brings his hand to his ear, addressing his AI butler HEUSC.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
HEUSC, dispatch a full shipment of amenities to my coordinates. Prioritize air purification, sanitation, and sufficient bedding for two.
A beat of silence. Haru just stares at Daisuke, expecting the usual fast-and-easy transaction.
But nothing happens. HEUSC’s ”voice” comes through with a distorted crackle.
HEUSC
I apologize, Daisuke-sama. That command cannot be fulfilled at this location.
Daisuke’s posture stiffens, and Haru tilts his head in clear confusion.
DAISUKE
Elaborate. What’s the problem?
HEUSC
(distorted)
Nearby energy field detected. A strong interference... appears to be emanating directly from the ground... its signature is highly... unusual...
Daisuke's eyes narrow, and Haru approaches him, resting his arms on the dirty counter.
HARU
What's wrong? Is your AI butler on the fritz?
Ignoring Haru's words, Daisuke taps his earring a few more times, like he's pushing the static out.
DAISUKE
HEUSC, can you bypass the interference?
HEUSC
Negative, Daisuke-sama. The traces of adollium are too pervasive for me to bypass. It is effectively neutralizing all communication within a confined radius around the village. Local drone deployment, supply drops, and other transactions are currently impossible...
HEUSC (CONT'D)
(distorted)
Currently... impossible...
Daisuke lowers his hand, his expression a rare mix of frustration and defeat. No amenities, no skincare, not even sufficient bedding... it's a rich man's nightmare.
HARU
So, no five-star treatment tonight?
HARU (CONT'D)
Looks like we're stuck with what we got. You and me.
HARU (CONT'D)
(sighing)
... And no sufficient bedding.
INT. YAMAKAWA'S INN - GUEST ROOM - NIGHT
Daisuke kicks open the door to their assigned room, which emits a LOUD CREAK. The space is small, and is dimly-lit like every other room by which a SINGLE LIGHT BULB dangles precariously from the ceiling.
Haru steps in after him, and realizes that there's only a SINGLE FUTON MATTRESS laid out on the TATAMI FLOOR MAT. He casts a weary glance at Daisuke, who surveys the rest of the room in plain disapproval.
HARU
Well, would you look at that. It's just as the old man implied: not many beds. I guess "not many beds" actually meant "one bed".
DAISUKE
This is absurd.
HARU
Welcome to the real world, Kambe. For tonight, you can kiss your diamond-plated suite goodbye.
INT. YAMAKAWA'S INN - GUEST ROOM - LATER - NIGHT
Haru is now spread out on the single futon, wearing a BLACK T-SHIRT AND GRAY SWEATPANTS. He stares up at the ceiling, while Daisuke, by contrast, is curled up on the cold, hard floor beside the futon. He's wearing SILK BLUE PAJAMAS, and his usually gelled-up hair is DOWN, falling loosely around his face. He shifts awkwardly on the floor, as the two of them remain in this awkward silence.
After a long moment of just shifting and mumbling, Haru groans, and glances over at Daisuke. Daisuke shifts again, letting out an equally irritated sigh.
HARU
(grumbling to himself)
This is ridiculous.
DAISUKE
What is?
With a sudden, more exasperated groan, Haru throws his arms up and launches himself out of the futon.
HARU
Gah! I can't take this anymore!
Daisuke props himself up on his elbow, sending Haru a glare.
DAISUKE
Hurry up and get to the point. What is it?
HARU
W-well... this! I can't have you sleeping on the floor like that! It's just not right!
DAISUKE
Why?
HARU
"Why?" Because, you... ugh! Let’s just share the futon.
DAISUKE
Share the futon?
HARU
(embarrassed)
Come on... don't you get it?
HARU (CONT'D)
(rambling)
We travel all the time, so it's not exactly new for us to be in close quarters. I mean, you always sleep in that ridiculously small bathtub whenever you're at my place, which has to be terrible for your back, even if you never admit it, but in this case, the futon is less cramped. And probably better for your posture than a tub. Or the floor.
HARU (CONT'D)
Agh! I'm trying to help you, here! You really are a spoiled brat!
When Daisuke doesn't make a move to get off the floor, Haru exhales loudly, like he's about to complain. Haru snatches his pillow from the futon, then makes a move to stand up.
HARU (CONT'D)
Fine. If you don't want my help, I'll move someplace else. Just don't come crying to me about your back in the morning.
But before Haru can stand up completely, Daisuke's voice cuts through the dim room.
DAISUKE
Fine.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
We can... share a futon.
Haru pauses, then slowly settles back into the single futon with a mix of disbelief and slight embarrassment on his face. Daisuke clears his throat and pushes himself up from the floor, moving with his usual grace onto the single futon.
Now, Daisuke and Haru lie on the futon together, though they're doing everything they can to face away from each other's bodies. Haru's eyes are wide open, scanning around the almost-empty room. He can feel the heat, a nearly unbearable heat, radiating off of Daisuke.
HARU
Seriously, why are you so hot?
DAISUKE
Excuse me?
HARU
(cutting in)
That's not what I meant! I meant your body heat is... ugh, just forget it!
After a long, uncomfortable silence, Haru sinks his head into some part of the futon to hide his blush.
HARU (CONT'D)
(mumbling)
... Why did I agree to this?
A soft, almost delicate SNORE cuts through Haru's words, and Haru glances over his shoulder to see Daisuke fast asleep and facing Haru. Daisuke remains curled up like a peaceful kitten, and he's hogging almost all of the BLANKET from Haru, clutching it possessively.
HARU (CONT'D)
Hey! Are you even listening to me?
HARU (CONT'D)
(sighing to himself)
... Good grief. At least he won't complain about his sore back in the morning.
DAISUKE
(sleeptalking)
Iberico... Ham... million yen...
HARU
(whispering to himself)
This guy's making transactions in his sleep!
Daisuke continues to snore, while Haru senses a faint, rhythmic HUM that begins to permeate the room after surfacing from the ground. A subtle, STATICKY OUTLINE, like the network of cracks or cobwebs, appears on the walls of the inn.
The hum grows in intensity, until it feels less like a sound and more like a heavy pressure weighing down on both Daisuke and Haru's bodies. Haru's eyes grow wide, and he yanks the blanket away from Daisuke, who stirs with a disgruntled groan until the hum grows louder and Daisuke comes to.
HARU (CONT'D)
What the... this isn't adollium, is it?
DAISUKE
No. This is different. These energy fluctuations seem different from typical adollium signatures.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
Our intel mentioned "anomalous energy signatures" in the village. This appears to be the source.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
This isn't adollium. It's some sort of suppression.
HARU
It's like the air's gone dead.
HEUSC
(distorted)
High interference of... Stasium...
HARU
What? What the hell is Stasium?
HEUSC
Anomalous… energy surge… suppression… detected. High probability… interference… sending coordinates to Daisuke-sama.
The static intensifies once more, before it all fades in a matter of seconds. Then, the room plunges back into a state of almost-all darkness, leaving Daisuke and Haru back in the silence.
Daisuke is already out of bed, still a little disgruntled from being woken up but moving with purpose.
DAISUKE
I’ve received the coordinates from HEUSC. Get dressed.
EXT. OKINAWA CITY - SECLUDED FOREST - NIGHT
Daisuke and Haru lurk with practiced stealth in their MATCHING BLACK TURTLENECKS, along with their MATCHING GLOVES, BELTS, and SLACKS. And, of course, their ASV GEAR that's hidden underneath. Their forms blend into the darkness of the night, and their FOOTSTEPS are muffled by the uneven dirt.
The faint crackle of the "stasium's" static outline guides Daisuke and Haru through the secluded forest, until they finally arrive at an OLD, DISUSED FISH FACTORY with no inhabitants in sight.
Around the fish factory, the energy signature pulses stronger and the humming grows louder, deriving from within the factory's entrance.
DAISUKE
(whispering)
This is where the coordinates lead to.
HARU
(whispering)
An old factory?
DAISUKE
Correct.
Haru opens his mouth to speak, but before a sound can escape, Daisuke's gloved hand clamps firmly over Haru’s mouth; the muffled sound of FOOTSTEPS approaches them, and both Daisuke and Haru raise their gaze to spot the sound's origin.
Through the heavy mist, the silhouettes of multiple GUARDS emerge, and they're all carrying LARGE ATTACHÉ CASES to load into the factory. Haru notices two distinct types of cases: one is a SLEEK, METALLIC SILVER, while the other is a DULL, MATTE TYPE OF BLACK.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
It's a mass adollium exchange. And something else. They're bringing in two types of materials.
HARU
But how are we going to get in? There are guards surrounding the whole building!
DAISUKE
We don't have a choice. Let's go.
Haru jerks forward, until he realizes that Daisuke isn't moving with him. He turns at the same time that Daisuke turns his head, sending Haru a look that, by now, he knows all too well, judging from the slight raise of Daisuke's eyebrows. Haru shakes his head, a low groan escaping him.
HARU
No way. Don't look at me like that.
DAISUKE
Inspector Kato.
Haru makes a desperate "X" shape with his arms, continuing to shake his head.
HARU
No, no, no way! I am not going to act as bait again! I'm not doing it!
DAISUKE
You are. You are the only one capable for this particular diversion.
HARU
Don't you dare pull that "only one" line on me, Kambe! I know exactly what you're trying to do here!
HARU (CONT'D)
I'm not falling for it!
Daisuke, now smirking, reaches out to give Haru a mocking pat on the back.
DAISUKE
You have the ASV suit, do you not?
DAISUKE
Don't keep me waiting.
HARU
Do you even have a plan? Hey!
Before Haru can finish complaining, Daisuke shoves Haru all the way forward and into the open. Just like that, he's spotted by all the guards that are already standing there.
GUARD 1
Intruder!
HARU
Oh, crap!
A guard's FLASHLIGHT points in Haru's direction, cutting through the mist. While Haru's running, he leads the guards on a wild goose chase away from the factory.
HARU
(to Daisuke)
Bastard! You owe me for this!
Haru makes a bolt for the mist, drawing the guards's attention away from the factory as several guards let go of their cases to follow him. Daisuke watches his partner run off, nodding to himself before he makes his own move and sneaks into the factory building.
INT. ABANDONED FISH FACTORY - MAIN PROCESSING HALL - CONTINUOUS
Daisuke steps into the dim, cavernous interior of the abandoned fish factory, while the scent of brine and shellfish lingers in the air. The CONCRETE beneath Daisuke's DRESS SHOES is damp in some places, like the building hasn’t been cleaned out, and each of Daisuke’s footsteps emits a WET SQUELCH.
Water drips from the rusted, overhead PIPES. Several CONVEYOR BELTS, thick with grime, stretch far and wide across the main processing hall, connecting to other processing rooms within the factory that have yet to be seen. On the far end of the processing hall stands a row of large MARINE PLATE FREEZERS, arranged vertically within REFRIGERATION BOXES.
Once concealed, and hiding behind several STACKED CRATES, Daisuke brings his hand up to address HEUSC.
DAISUKE
HEUSC. Initiate full audio recording of all target communications.
But HEUSC does not respond, not even with a confirmation. Daisuke drops his hand, and his eyes narrow due to the technical inconvenience. Now, he can only rely on his memory to "record" target communications.
UNKNOWN MAN (O.S.)
Took you long enough, Suko-san!
A guttural laugh resounds throughout the main hall, as two tall men step out into the center from a side entrance within Daisuke's outlook.
The man being addressed, known as SUKO, has SHORT BLACK HAIR, SLENDER EYES, and a LEAN BUILD; he clutches a SILVER ATTACHÉ CASE in one GLOVED HAND. He seems more nervous than his AMERICAN-LOOKING COUNTERPART: a BURLY man with SPIKY BLOND HAIR, ROUND EYES, and a SCAR splitting his right eyebrow. He clutches a BULKY BLACK ATTACHÉ CASE in one hand.
Their footsteps SQUELCH on the concrete floor.
UNKNOWN MAN (CONT'D)
Thought you got lost in the Okinawan seas. You got everything ready? This shipment's pretty heavy.
SUKO
Ready as it gets, Abe-san. But our contact still wants to verify that it's under proper conditions.
ABE
Tch, are you kidding me? "Under proper conditions"?
On a nearby PROCESSING TABLE, Abe sets down his case with an incautious THUD, which results in a disapproving glare from Suko.
ABE (CONT'D)
We've already stored the stasium in our specialized containment units. Heck, we've even kept it in its own little lab, separate from the adollium! And now they're asking us to recheck it?
ABE (CONT'D)
What "conditions" are they even going to check? Whether or not it makes a bomb? Why can't they just use the adollium?
SUKO
Adollium is unlimited energy. But stasium works beyond that. It makes the "unlimited energy" do exactly what it's told.
SUKO (CONT'D)
They say it can make entire cities go silent. Just like that.
Abe scoffs, before gesturing towards his own bulky black attache case.
ABE
So that's the whole purpose of it, huh? Without stasium, adollium's just a glorified bomb.
SUKO
Correct. This is what makes the adollium reactors-- those weapons -- actually work. Safely. Reliably.
ABE
Hah! Guess stasium's more powerful than I thought. It's practically a kill switch.
SUKO
Indeed. This is what they're really after. A refined version of adollium.
Daisuke's face grows pale, his expression becoming grim. He continues to tap on his earring throughout the guards's discussion, hoping that somehow, HEUSC will be able to respond. But even then, nothing happens.
ABE
So that's why we're using it for military applications? To stabilize the fusion reactors? They'll really harness all of this?
SUKO
Abe-san, you really don't know?
Suko unlatches his silver attaché case, revealing the STASIUM that lies inside: inside are several small, glowing VIALS, which all hold CRYSTALLINE, HEXAGONAL ICE SHARDS with a shape and color distinct from adollium. Each one pulses with a soft, internal light, illuminating Suko's face along with his proud smirk.
SUKO (CONT'D)
They'll harness enough stasium to change the global balance of power. Without this, adollium will be out of control. But with it, we'll have precise control. We won't need to worry about the risks. We can just... create.
ABE
And you're okay with that? Making indestructible weapons for the higher-ups?
SUKO
Of course. Isn't that what the renowned Kambe family wanted? They were the ones who made it possible, after all.
At the mention of his family name, the light in Daisuke's eyes trembles together with his fists. He's about to step forward until he hears an EXPLOSION coming from outside the factory, and Daisuke whirls around in seconds once the sound is followed by Haru's unmistakable SCREAM.
Daisuke abandons his cover of the stacked crates and makes a run for the factory's main entrance: Haru's last-known location.
EXT. OKINA WA CITY - SECLUDED FOREST - CONTINUOUS
Daisuke bursts out of the factory and goes back into the heavy mist, where he's met with the daunting aftermath of the explosion. A section of the factory's OUTER WALL has been reduced to ruin, and a cloud of SMOKE comes spilling out. Still, Daisuke is yet to see any casualties; he only notices that all of the guards have escaped, or went missing amidst the chaos of the explosion.
Daisuke's eyes sweep through the chaos in quick, frantic flits, searching for Haru among the destruction as HEUSC remains in its obsolete, malfunctioning state. The intense stasium field from earlier creates a clear, visible distortion in the air, mixing with the mist to summon some sort of BUBBLE.
Right beside that accumulating bubble is Haru, who lies sprawled on the dirt and surrounded by SCATTERED DEBRIS. Daisuke rushes to Haru's side before he kneels beside him and then lifts Haru's head to assess the damage. Haru's conscious enough to loll his head into Daisuke's hand, before he suddenly coughs up blood and turns his head to stop it.
Daisuke's expression shifts into one of uncharacteristic concern.
DAISUKE
Report your status. What happened?
HARU
(coughing)
Ugh, that... that woman! She rigged it!
DAISUKE
"That woman"?
HARU
(grunting)
The one who called Modern Crimes! She gave me the intel! I was on the run, drawing them away like you wanted, and then this woman just appears out of nowhere and throws some sort of bomb to try and paralyze me!
DAISUKE
(to himself)
… Did she use a stasium device?
HARU
Seriously, what the hell is this “stasium”? Mmpfh, hey!
Daisuke doesn't answer. He's too busy analyzing Haru's face and body for serious injuries, and he uses a POCKET HANDKERCHIEF to-- rather forcefully -- wipe the blood away from Haru's forehead.
DAISUKE
That woman led us here so she could have indirect access to their operation.
HARU
So what? We're just doing the dirty work for her, while she gets to have her grand escape by throwing a bomb at my face? What kind of nonsense plan is that?
DAISUKE
We can't stay here for much longer. We need to leave.
HARU
But what are we going to do about the stasium you mentioned?
DAISUKE
They already know we're here. Let's--
On cue, more guards emerge from the mist, and one of them strikes Daisuke from behind by putting him in a choke-hold; Daisuke, having activated his ASV SUIT, flips the guard over on his back in one graceful maneuver.
Daisuke and Haru instinctively position themselves back-to-back. Their wrists meet in a moment-long "wrist bump", before another fight erupts.
Haru, having activated his ASV SUIT as well, launches himself forward at a more muscular guard, throwing a solid punch that connects with the guard's jaw. The NEON-GREEN LINES of Haru's ASV suit start to glow beneath his turtleneck, similar to Daisuke's which glow a LUMINESCENT PURPLE as each of their moves focus on a particular body part.
In the same moment, Daisuke delivers a precise and powerful kick to another guard's stomach, sending the guard sprawling and leaving him unconscious.
Haru, who is disoriented from the earlier explosion, still musters up the strength to slam his elbow into one of the remaining guards's face, before seizing his muscular arm and judo-flipping that same guard to the ground.
For a moment, Haru's younger self in a WHITE JUDO UNIFORM flickers through his mind; the fight inspires Haru to channel the strength of his past self, along with his past skill.
Daisuke uses that opening and surges to his feet. At that moment, a brief flashback of Daisuke's younger self, clad in his BOXING UNIFORM, flickers through his mind as well; Daisuke sends a guard flying through the air, and for a moment, he catches a glimpse of his long-forgotten BOXING MEDALS.
Then, together, Daisuke and Haru exchange a look of silent understanding, before they evolve into a flurry of punches and kicks, flowing together with an almost synchronized grace. Their combat becomes a moonlit dance, and slowly, the both of them exchange a private smile.
HARU
Let's do this.
DAISUKE
Yeah.
It's as though the factory exterior is dissolving into settings of Haru and Daisuke's past, as Daisuke finds himself in a BOXING RING while Haru finds himself in a DOJO.
The sounds of the present battle are drowned out by the ROAR of an audience, screaming and counting down; in the center of Daisuke's conceptualized boxing ring, a younger Daisuke pins another boxer down to the mat, then strikes him with his BOXING GLOVES.
Simultaneously, for Haru, the ground beneath his feet slowly shifts into the polished surface of a JUDO MAT, and the sounds of the present battle dissolve into the sharp CALLS of a REFEREE. Haru, as though he were using his judo moves in present time, ducks under a guard's sudden swing, then uses a classic shoulder throw to send his opponent flying.
The past and present both blur into one, as if Daisuke and Haru's adult selves have fully embodied the precision and power of their younger selves. Then, as the last guard goes down, Daisuke and Haru remain standing-- until one of them collapses to the ground, and the other follows right after.
INT. Y AMAKAWA'S INN - GUEST ROOM - NIGHT
Immediately after their escape and the countless fights, Haru and Daisuke sit together on their single futon to rest. Haru stares at Daisuke with wide, disbelieving eyes, before he raises his voice.
HARU
What do you mean, they're developing something other than adollium? What else is there, Kambe?
Daisuke, having shed his ASV gear for his simple sleepwear, does everything he can to avert his eyes from Haru's fearful expression.
DAISUKE
While you were creating a diversion, I was able to gather more intel from a conversation between two guards-- Abe and Suko.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
Adollium... it's being used for a project.
HARU
Project? Project for what?
HARU (CONT'D)
We're not going to war, are we?
DAISUKE
I don't know.
HARU
(shakily)
Hey, what the hell is that supposed to mean?
DAISUKE
They're manufacturing military-grade fusion reactors. Adollium reactors.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
They're manufacturing weapons that are meant to be indestructible.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
Abe and Suko were exchanging adollium and another substance, which they referred to as stasium.
Haru leans in, his bottom lip quivering with anxiety.
HARU
What is it? What were they saying?
DAISUKE
They might be integrating adollium into reactor prototypes, for military purposes. In regards to stasium, they described it as crucial for stabilizing adollium.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
It allows them to control adollium's output, to prevent unforeseen circumstances in the making of these prototypes. Or, to completely neutralize the risk of adollium altogether.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
They believe that with the use of stasium... more weapons can be made for war. They believe nothing can stop them.
Haru flinches at the word "war", and he lets the news settle for a moment before his breath starts to tremble.
HARU
Neutralize? Control? Indestructible? Is this what the old man meant by "making everything come and go"? This?
HARU (CONT'D)
So this is... a more dangerous version of adollium? Something that can just erase things from existence? Is that what they meant? A substance that just... eradicates everything?
Daisuke offers no immediate response. He goes silent, reflecting on the news himself while Haru begins to tremble, a faint hitch in his breath as though he's about to cry.
HARU (CONT'D)
Damn it... damn it! Why? Why did I…
A heavy silence descends on them, broken only by Haru's gasps as he struggles to breathe, his hands clutching over his chest. He appears to be hyperventilating. Daisuke watches him, with an unreadable expression on his face.
DAISUKE
Do you truly regret it, Kato?
Haru lets out a short and bitter laugh, hollow and devoid of humor as he turns away from Daisuke to try and hide his face.
HARU
Every day, Kambe. Every single damn day!
HARU (CONT'D)
The vandalism. The news articles. The scandals that followed in its wake.
HARU (CONT'D)
They even told you to die! That should've all been for me!
DAISUKE
(cutting in)
Haru.
HARU
Huh?
DAISUKE
Kato Haru. Because of you, I realized that sometimes... your recklessness serves a purpose.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
No one truly knows what justice means. No one can truly say whether what you did was right or wrong.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
Your accidental decision, your recklessness, made me realize that I don't have the answers to everything. I don't need to.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
Same goes for you, Kato.
HARU
But... but why? I pressed the button to release the adollium files, didn't I? I caused ruin to the world. Every trafficking case, every potential weapon, and now this... it's all because of me.
HARU (CONT'D)
Your father still thinks it was you who released the adollium. He believes it was you who ruined everything. The whole world sees it that way. What would they say if they knew it was me?
HARU (CONT'D)
How would they perceive me then? Am I a failure to them? A mistake?
HARU (CONT'D)
Is there... something wrong with me?
DAISUKE
Kato!
Haru flinches and whips his head around, meeting Daisuke's gaze. Daisuke's gaze is intense as they make eye contact, and Daisuke confronts Haru directly.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
You say you caused ruin to the world.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
But you didn't cause ruin to mine.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
Inspector Kato...
Haru's eyes widen, a visible shock running through him. His bottom lip quivers once more, as Haru closes his eyes and lets out a short and shaky breath.
HARU
What are you... saying?
DAISUKE
I'm saying you shouldn't regret such an impactful decision. Your action, unintended as it was, created a necessary disruption to the structure of my world.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
If it weren't for you... my mother's case would have never truly been solved, or would ever feel complete. Not in its entirety.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
And even if it was solved through other means, I still wouldn't want it to end that way. It wouldn't have led me to such realizations...
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
… Or to this.
Haru can't help himself. His expression falters, softens into something vulnerable. He grits his teeth, fighting back his tears and even a sob.
HARU
Damn it... why are you like this?
HARU (CONT'D)
This isn't like you. You're supposed to be mean to me.
HARU (CONT'D)
Damn you, Kambe...
Without thinking, Haru sinks his head into Daisuke's shoulder, causing Daisuke to tense up as a look of pure, utter surprise flashes over his face. Then, to make matters even more surprising, Haru surges forward to wrap his arms around Daisuke's whole body, until his face is buried into Daisuke's chest. Like a drunken embrace. It's awkward and unrefined, yet none of them make the effort to pull away.
HARU (CONT'D)
Daisuke.
Daisuke averts his eyes.
HARU (CONT'D)
Kambe Daisuke... you really are the worst.
Daisuke stiffens as Haru tightens his embrace, unsure of how to react to the unexpected physical contact. He doesn't return the embrace, as it's too embarrassing to, but he makes the effort to stay still and just let Haru cry without judgment. He assumes that a stubborn detective like Haru wouldn't want anyone to catch him in this low and vulnerable state.
That is, until the tightening of their embrace causes Haru to flinch, like an injury had just flared up. He hisses from the pain of his wounds, which allows Daisuke to pull away and clear his throat to try to redeem his lost dignity.
DAISUKE
Kato. Your injuries.
HARU
Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. Just a little banged up. Nothing a good night's sleep won't fix.
DAISUKE
Don't be ridiculous. According to HEUSC, although we lack medical supplies and the appropriate antiseptics, the standard procedure for this type of injury would involve some sort of cauterization.
Haru nearly chokes on his own saliva, before he glares at Daisuke as if he has just suggested dousing Haru in gasoline.
HARU
Cauterization? By doing what? Burning-hot acupuncture? Kambe, this isn't the Edo period!
DAISUKE
It's effective for sterilization. With a hot metal rod, we could--
HARU
(cutting in)
Absolutely not! There is no way you are going anywhere near my skin with a hot metal rod, oh no! I can patch my own wounds, thank you very much! And I can guarantee that it would be much safer and healthier for the soul than your so-called sterilization techniques!
Daisuke simply watches Haru, as a faint, barely perceptible smile makes its way to Daisuke's lips.
DAISUKE
Fine. I don’t mind. But I'll have you know my methods are infallible.
HARU
(sighing)
Yeah, they're definitely faster. And a lot more painful.
HARU (CONT'D)
But... thanks, Kambe. For everything.
Then, a matching smile makes its way to Haru's lips.
END OF CHECK.
COST BREAKDOWN:
"Consultation fee" -- 10,000,000 yen (~ 67,482 US dollars | 57,880 Euro | 94,024,340 Won | 1,780,176,030 Dong)
Notes:
*art credits for this episode:
@iguana_salad on twitter
@stellarharus on twitter
Chapter 6: Life is a Game, Money is How We Score
Chapter Text
CHECK SUMMARY: The blown up remnants of the Okinawan fish factory reveal the existence of a new material: stasium. An interrogation points Daisuke and Haru to the city of Las Vegas, as the next adollium exchange is being orchestrated by a powerful broker known as Takahashi Kashiro. With the stakes now international, the entire Modern Crimes team, along with Suzue and Hoshino, assume new identities to infiltrate Kashiro's exclusive underground club.
EXT. ABANDONED FISH FACTORY - DAWN
The sun has risen just enough to bring the explosion's remnants to light, exposing the BURNT METAL and RUBBLE still scattered on the ground beside the fish factory. Daisuke's three-piece suit and Haru's short beige jacket appear to be floating through the swirling mist, their footsteps no more than MUFFLED SHUFFLING against the dirt.
While Daisuke's movements are fluid and composed, Haru stays on alert, following close behind Daisuke while gripping his backpack straps. As Daisuke quickens his pace, Haru's irritation grows, as it is becoming harder to keep up and watch his partner's back.
As they approach the fish factory, its silhouette emerges from the mist, revealing a section of its outer wall which has now deteriorated to BROKEN, JAGGED DEBRIS. Somehow, the sounds of the village has deteriorated along with it to almost nothing, leaving behind the mist's unnerving WHISTLE.
INT. ABANDONED FISH FACTORY - MAIN PROCESSING HALL - DAWN
Inside the factory, there are no guards present, nor is there any sign of recent activity beyond the blast zone. Instead, the factory's CONCRETE FLOOR is littered with SHARDS OF GLASS, FALLEN ROOF TILES, and SPLINTERS OF WOOD. Daisuke, who has already seen the fish factory before the explosion, simply analyzes the explosion’s impact.
HARU
It's supposed to be a fish factory, but now that we're seeing the inside of it...
HARU (CONT'D)
Where are all the fish?
DAISUKE
There were no fish to begin with.
HARU
That explains it. I was wondering why I didn't see any fish guts lying around.
HARU (CONT'D)
So, it's an undercover adollium and stasium hub disguised as a fish factory. All this just to fly under the radar, huh?
HARU (CONT'D)
At least there's no odor.
Daisuke and Haru step further into the main processing hall, where the twisted bits of a CONVEYOR BELT lay shrewn like dismembered limbs; SUPPORT BEAMS seem cracked and uneven; and the OVERHEAD LIGHTS continue to flicker on and off, with one of the lights dangling out from its frame. The further Daisuke and Haru move into the factory, the more abruptly the temperature plummets.
Daisuke takes measured steps over the debris and runs a GLOVED hand along one of the support beams, observing the FAINT, IRIDESCENT CRACKS there that loop around its surface. The energy outline is so subtle that the only indication of it is the surrounding temperature fluctuations; an intense shudder slithers its way down Haru's spine.
HARU (CONT'D)
This place feels… wrong. Like the air itself isn't real.
Daisuke's eyes narrow, his gaze fixed on the iridescent anomaly that wraps around the support beam. The anomaly becomes even more prominent once the mist starts to thicken and everything else deadens to an unnatural stillness. Even now, Daisuke's tech remains unresponsive, cutting off all communication devices and even his alternatives.
DAISUKE
Residual stasium. These must be the lingering effects.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
The stasium's interference is still active. We have to find its source.
Haru pauses to sweep his gaze over the scene, taking in the cracks's light intensity along with the temperature fluctuations.
Then, he stumbles upon a section of the floor where the temperature drop is most intense and the cracks are more defined. At that section, Haru spots a CRACKED, SILVER ATTACHE CASE amidst the wreckage, and he crouches as if to view it closer.
However, Daisuke gets to it first. He uses his gloved hands to carefully pry the case open (much to Haru's concern). Inside, unlike the surrounding debris, are a few intact fragments of those crystalline, hexagonal ice shards that Daisuke recognizes as stasium, stored within glass vials; unsure of what harm the stasium could do, Haru recoils from the case.
HARU
So this is what caused the explosion. This crystal-like substance.
(then)
This is even worse than adollium, isn't it? Can it really affect everything it touches?
DAISUKE
Not everything. We were able to approach the stasium without any issue.
HARU
(cutting in)
Yeah, because you just touched it without thinking, you idiot!
Daisuke doesn't respond. Instead, his attention is drawn to a set of HURRIED FOOTSTEPS that skitter across what was once the entryway to the factory, and soon Haru's attention is drawn to it, too. They exchange a knowing glance before ducking behind a knocked-over FREEZER, and Haru slowly pulls out his REVOLVER from his HOLSTER.
The person of interest weaves through scattered rows of INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY, and they emerge into Daisuke and Haru's view. It's Abe, one of the guards from earlier, though this time he's alone instead of being accompanied by Suko.
Abe scans through the leftover destruction with an urgency in his movements, as if he is racing against a deadline, until his eyes fix on the opened, silver attache case resting right by Haru and Daisuke.
ABE
The stasium!
Abe lets out a grunt of relief, rushing towards the case without even noticing Haru and Daisuke's presence. He crouches to examine the case's damage, along with the stasium fragments hidden inside.
ABE (CONT'D)
(mumbling to himself)
Damn it. The boss is gonna kill me...
Haru and Daisuke rise simultaneously from their spot behind the freezer, and Abe follows his instinct by jumping back, even skidding to a halt. He's nothing like the strong and outspoken muscle-man from before. Instead, Abe's so stunned that Haru and Daisuke are able to block his path with ease.
ABE (CONT'D)
You! W-who are you? How did you get in here?
Without a moment's hesitation, Abe tries to bolt. But Haru is faster, as he rushes forward and pins the man against one of the rusted conveyor belts. Fortunately for Abe, the conveyor belt doesn't activate the moment he's pinned to it. All Abe can do is remain still as Haru towers over him, securing the guard's arms.
HARU
Looks like we found one of the stragglers. Start talking.
ABE
Let me go! You don't understand!
DAISUKE
We understand more than you realize.
(then)
The stasium. What else do you know about it?
Abe's eyes flick back to the remaining vials, and he bites his bottom lip. Despite all of his muscle, Abe's unable to fight his way out, no matter how much he wriggles under Haru's grip. Even as Abe reaches for the COMMS DEVICE that's strapped to his side, Haru's strength somehow beats his own.
ABE
(in English)
Someone! I need backup!
DAISUKE
(in English)
Give us the information.
ABE
I won't! You can't make me!
Haru slams Abe's arm on the conveyor belt, not to hurt him but to intimidate Abe into talking. Daisuke uses that opening to reach for the case. Abe grunts, but relents.
ABE (CONT'D)
(in Japanese)
It's... it's not mine! That's Suko-san's supply! The dampener! It's supposed to be secured! Seriously, you don't know what you're dealing with here!
HARU
Well, I just got blasted with what we're dealing with here. I got a bomb of it thrown straight to my face from that explosion. Was that the "dampener" at work? The stasium? What else can you tell us?
DAISUKE
You have no choice but to answer. Your comms are useless here.
Abe lets out another grunt, exhausting himself from all of his struggling. He shifts his head around to face Haru.
ABE
Fine. This stasium... this other stuff. I don't know what the hell it is, just that Suko-san's crew handles it. We just move the grapes. Those sea-grape things, the adollium.
ABE (CONT'D)
Look, I was only following orders. The boss didn't want things to get out of control. Otherwise... it'd be pure destruction.
ABE (CONT'D)
You got that? Now stop interrogating me. I don't know anything.
Haru exchanges a certain look with Daisuke, before he's quick to interrogate Abe once again, resting his knee on his back.
HARU
You say you don't know anything, yet you're here, trying to retrieve these specific fragments. Earlier, you were talking about "reactor prototypes" and "stabilization". You were talking about indestructible weapons.
HARU (CONT'D)
You can lie all you want, but you know enough for this interrogation to continue.
HARU (CONT'D)
Who authorized the explosion? And why was this place blown up? We know that a woman was involved.
ABE
Like I know who did it! It was supposed to be a standard exchange, and then... both the adollium and stasium supply were tampered with.
ABE (CONT'D)
We got the order to evacuate. We don't know who did it. The boss said something about a "reset of the supply chain" and that we "needed to move to the next transfer point immediately".
HARU
And the woman?
ABE
I don't know anything about any woman. She's someone outside our supply chain. I don't even know her name. All I know is, she wanted this facility cleared. Screwed up more than half of our supply after blowing this place to hell.
ABE (CONT'D)
Now that the adollium and stasium supply's been tampered with, Suko-san thinks it'll make our Vegas deal more complicated. We were forced to move whatever we had left to the next location.
HARU
Vegas? What Vegas deal?
ABE
I'm getting to it! If you would just let me go--
Daisuke, since Haru's hands are occupied, whips out his police badge. It's an intimidation tactic and a sign of authority all at once. Abe pales.
DAISUKE
We’ll ask the higher-ups if you don’t start talking.
HARU
Tell us everything you know about this Vegas deal, Abe. Dates. Location. People's lives depend on it. Especially yours.
ABE
You have to understand. I can't say a word or I'll die.
Since he's unable to move, Abe's eyes dart to Daisuke, then Haru, like he's weighing his options. Haru uses that moment to finally bring out his inner "good cop", as he leans in and softens his tone.
HARU
Look, Abe. With where things are going, you're in jeopardy no matter what. You've already lost most of your supply, and now you've been caught by the police. All you can do now is to tell us everything. Okay?
Even with Haru's softened tone, he still doesn't let go of Abe or loosen his grip at all. He even rests his hand around Abe’s nape. Abe notices this, but yields.
ABE
Okinawa was just a pick-up point. The next location... the bigger players... it's all in Las Vegas. Some underground club in the Venetian Resort.
ABE (CONT'D)
They were preparing a new demonstration, a big one. For Takahashi Kashiro. He's the one arranging the Vegas end of the adollium and stasium supply chain. He's the real broker.
Daisuke seems satisfied with Abe's answers. He turns towards the former entryway with the case of stasium in hand.
DAISUKE
(to Haru)
We're done here. Let's go.
ABE
Wait!
DAISUKE
Save it for the real interrogation.
ABE
You son of a...
Seeing an opportunity, Abe makes a sudden lunge at Haru, attempting to break free. But Haru pushes his knee down harder on Abe's back, gripping his neck tighter, the force causing the conveyor belt to CREAK ominously.
ABE (CONT'D)
Damn it!
Right then and there, SIRENS begin to WAIL in the distance, growing closer, and all Abe can do is slump onto the conveyor belt, knowing that he has nowhere else to go.
INT. MODERN CRIMES PREVENTION TASK FORCE OFFICE - DAY
The Modern Crimes headquarters, usually full of its members's eccentric shenanigans, is now unusually quiet.
Saeki, who is lounging on one of the office's new COUCHES, organizes a stack of boxes containing IMPORTED CHOCOLATES: all purchased by Daisuke. Kamei is hunched over a LARGE COMPUTER SCREEN, a frown etched onto his face, as he replays the same clip over and over again with no reaction. Teppei clicks his PEN in a mindless pattern, calculating horse-racing odds but struggling to do so.
All three of them make occasional glances at the CLOCK on the wall, as they still haven't received any word from Haru or Daisuke or even Suzue.
That is, until Suzue rushes in, and almost trips over her feet. She looks completely unlike her composed self in this breathless and disheveled state.
KAMEI
Suzue-san?
SAEKI
Suzu-chan!
SUZUE
(panting)
They’re gone! I can't reach either of them!
SAEKI
What? That can't be!
KAMEI
Their last confirmed location was that Okinawan seaside village, right? But all we're getting is static. It's like the whole island's gone dark.
SUZUE
That static is an active suppression field. Whatever they encountered there, it's jamming all advanced Kambe tech and local communications. HEUSC is operating only on a severely limited capacity.
TEPPEI
By "active suppression field", you mean adollium?
SAEKI
But why did you come to us, Suzu-chan? Why not alert the First Division? They have more resources for a search and rescue!
SUZUE
You are correct. But this isn't just a missing persons case or a simple malfunction. It's related to adollium, and another material that I've yet to identify. I'm not sure if the First Division alone will understand the strange nature of this case.
SUZUE (CONT'D)
However, due to its potential risks to national public security, this case will require both the First Division and your cooperation.
Just then, through a picture-in-picture view on Kamei's monitor, Kamei's communication line turns on. It's HEUSC, Daisuke's AI butler, but the audio is still broken and overlaid with an erratic CRACKLE. Daisuke's voice comes out distorted on the other end.
DAISUKE (V.O.)
Acquired intel. Factory... found. HEUSC... intermittent function.
KAMEI
Kambe-san! Is that you?
DAISUKE (V.O.)
Next stage. It's in Las Vegas... Takahashi Kashiro. Tonight.
SAEKI
Eh? Las Vegas?
DAISUKE (V.O.)
Kato... sustained minor injury.
Haru's voice overlaps Daisuke's, also sounding distorted.
HARU (V.O.)
(panting)
Kambe... I'm warning you... enough with the hot pokers!
Then, the line crackles and dies, leaving a stunned silence among the Modern Crimes office.
KAMEI
(stammering)
L-Las Vegas? Hot pokers? What in the world is going on?
The others have little time to respond, as the office's ENTRANCE DOOR swings open and Hoshino strides in, along with his coworker Araki. Hoshino's face is set in a grim line, as though he's also received the news regarding Daisuke and Haru.
KAMEI (CONT'D)
Chief Hoshino's here? This is going to be a messy case.
HOSHINO
I've just received a report regarding the explosion in Okinawa City. Their next location is the Venetian Las Vegas.
HOSHINO (CONT'D)
I'm sure you're aware, by now, that this is different from the usual smuggling cases. The presence of these unknown energy signatures and its dangerous potential has become a matter of national security.
TEPPEI
So what? Are you going to tell us to mind our own business?
ARAKI
Hey! Treat the Chief with respect!
Hoshino places a reassuring hand on Araki's shoulder, and gently pushes him back.
HOSHINO
Thank you, Araki. I'll take it from here.
HOSHINO (CONT'D)
(to Modern Crimes members)
Yes, the First Division does have the authority and resources for these large-scale operations.
HOSHINO (CONT'D)
But Modern Crimes has an established, prior connection to Inspector Kambe and his specialized cases. Seeing as this is one of them, your informal network is necessary.
SAEKI
No way! Us?
KAMEI
Yeah, seriously, we just leave all the work to Kato-san!
TEPPEI
That's the best informal network we have!
ARAKI
Oi, Hoshino. You're really sure about this?
HOSHINO
Unfortunately, yes. It's clear that even with their... unconventional approaches... Modern Crimes has already fallen deep into cases that are far more complex than standard police work. It's cases like these that demand unconventional approaches. Therefore, Modern Crimes will officially be assigned to this large-scale operation, directly supporting the First Division's efforts.
Araki says nothing, and sends Chief Hoshino a proud smile.
HOSHINO (CONT'D)
In the meantime, within my role, I will make arrangements so that both divisions can have a smooth investigation.
Hoshino shares a smile with Saeki, then Kamei, then Teppei, then finally with Suzue. Suzue nods in silent understanding.
SUZUE
Thank you, Hoshino-sama.
INT. DAISUKE'S PRIVATE JET - MAIN CABIN - NIGHT
Daisuke's private jet-- just like any other private jet, but even more luxurious for a detective with an unlimited balance -- consists of CONVERTIBLE LEATHER SEATS, PRIVATE BEDROOMS, and even SMALL, DEDICATED OFFICE SPACES that Daisuke simply uses to contact Haru when they're in two different countries.
However, the passengers are even more eye-catching than the private jet's interior. They are now clad in high-fashion, in preparation for an undercover investigation at The Venetian Las Vegas.
Suzue sits with poise in her leather seat, her stunning figure accentuated by her BACKLESS, RUBY-RED SATIN DRESS, with a HIGH SLIT secured to her left leg; beside Suzue, Saeki wriggles her legs while reclining in her own leather seat, wearing a POOFY, BABY-BLUE COCKTAIL DRESS that matches her bubbly personality. While Suzue scrutinizes her portable INTERFACE, Saeki takes advantage of Daisuke's private jet by popping a few COMPLIMENTARY CHOCOLATES into her mouth.
Across from the two women, Hoshino seems to have traded his usual suit jacket for a DARK, CRIMSON-RED VEST over a FORMAL BLACK SHIRT, paired with new, MATCHING BLACK SLACKS; sitting next to Hoshino is Kamei, who is clad in a pristine WHITE SUIT, complete with a MATCHING WHITE FEDORA HAT that's tilted the slightest bit to his left. While Hoshino averts his eyes from the others and adjusts his RED BOW-TIE in an attempt to calm down, Kamei attempts a confident pose to try and look cool. Of course, it's to no avail.
Teppei, on the other hand, somehow manages to look effortlessly cool while he gazes out the WINDOW from his (self-claimed) window seat. He flaunts his ROYAL-BLUE SUIT by tugging on the lapels, while his signature MAN-BUN UNDERCUT that's now tied into a MESSY KNOT is put under the spotlight of the plane's INTERIOR LIGHTS.
Haru, known to be avoidant of formal attire, starts to fidget in his seat despite looking undeniably striking in his tailored BEIGE SUIT and BLACK TIE. His taupe hair, which would usually fall over his face like bangs, is now GELLED-BACK with a couple of strands still flopping down as part of Haru's typical messiness. Somehow, the new hairstyle still gives Haru a sharper, more serious profile.
Sitting next to Haru, of course, is Daisuke. Although he's wearing a flawless BLACK SUIT, as expected of him, and his hair is immaculately GELLED-BACK like always, he's also wearing a BEIGE BOW-TIE to contrast with-- but also to complete -- his signature "Kambe Daisuke" ensemble. Daisuke sips from a BOHEMIAN CRYSTAL WINE GLASS, which shows just how unbothered he is by the others's simultaneous transformation.
They all sit in awkward silence for a while before Haru can be heard mumbling, or complaining, to himself. Or rather, to Daisuke.
HARU
(muttering)
Kambe, you always pick the most impractical outfits. For someone who has the most advanced tech and weaponry, shouldn't you pick clothes that are easier to run in? And what did you do to my hair to make it feel like hay?
Daisuke takes a slow sip from his glass, not even taking a quick glance at Haru.
DAISUKE
Running away should not be necessary if the operation proceeds as planned. As for your hair, it simply isn't worth saving.
HARU
I still can't believe we just left that guard tied up like that. Now we're flying to Vegas in rented costumes, yet somehow, you're as calm as ever!
DAISUKE
The local authorities were notified. As for the "costumes", they were not rented. They were tailored to meet our exact measurements and specifications.
(then)
That suit looks tight on you, Kato. Should we send it back?
Haru just groans at that. Kamei, listening in, responds with a barely-stifled chuckle.
KAMEI
We've come a long way since welcoming Kambe-san to the task force, haven't we? Now it's free clothes, five-star meals, and a private jet to Las Vegas! Yay-yay!
SAEKI
That's not the point, Kamei-san! We need to have a translator!
SAEKI (CONT'D)
If we don't have a translator, then how am I supposed to ask for free samples at the resort?
TEPPEI
Not a problem. All the English I know has to do with gambling terms, like "bet" and "bluff". 'S perfect for the City of Sin!
HOSHINO
(cutting in)
Hey! We're not going to Vegas to gamble! And we need a translator to maintain our cover, not to ask for free samples!
SAEKI
That's why we have Dai-chan and Suzu-chan, right? They're our personal dictionaries!
HARU
(sighing)
How did we even get here...
Suzue clears her throat, drawing everyone's attention to her in mere milliseconds. Daisuke sets down his glass and stands.
SUZUE
I have finished a preliminary analysis of all the data we received from Abe.
An image flashes across the display of Suzue's interface: TAKAHASHI KASHIRO, an 82-YEAR-OLD man with a stern look and GRAY HAIR.
SUZUE (CONT'D)
Our target, Takahashi Kashiro, is considered a VIP member at the Venetian Resort. Publicly, he's a retired financier with a vast global network. Privately, he serves as a primary supplier and broker for highly sensitive, high-value assets. He runs the auction block, which allows him to connect the producers of these materials with their most influential buyers.
A map of the Venetian Resort appears on Suzue's interface, highlighting a specific area beneath the casino floor.
SUZUE (CONT'D)
Based on our intelligence, Kashiro operates from a highly exclusive, underground club within the Venetian Resort.
The map warps into a hexagonal shape, resembling the shape of some sort of material or substance.
SUZUE (CONT'D)
Furthermore, we have confirmed that the crystalline, hexagonal ice shards that Daisuke-sama and Kato-sama discovered in the Okinawan factory is the true form of a new material. This material is known as “stasium”. It serves as a neutralizer for adollium, which makes it valuable for weaponization.
DAISUKE
The objective is to recover the stasium from Takahashi's underground club.
HARU
And the explosion? Does that have any connection to this new case?
SUZUE
It is as you theorized, Kato-sama. The explosion in Okinawa was planned. It was a controlled demonstration, used by an unknown individual to assume control over the supply chain and potentially force a high-profile exchange. This person is likely a highly influential figure.
HARU
The woman who gave us the intel.
(then)
But who is she? And why did she call Modern Crimes in the first place? Is she just stringing us along, then abandoning us when we're no longer useful?
SUZUE
That, we do not know. We have attempted to trace the call to the Modern Crimes office. But the data packet, including the voice signature and caller ID, appears to have been deliberately corrupted so that no digital trace of it can be found. Her intentions are still unclear. This requires a multi-faceted approach.
HOSHINO
So, aside from a highly-influential supplier and broker, we have an unknown bomber who has just as much influence... that complicates things.
DAISUKE
Which is why we must operate with a higher degree of caution.
HARU
(to Daisuke)
But what about communication? Other than you and Suzue-san, none of us can speak English, and we'll all be spread out.
SUZUE
No need to worry, Kato-sama. I have developed a workaround. Your earpieces are equipped with a real-time translation function for conversational English. It will allow you to understand and communicate with locals, even if you are not fluent.
KAMEI
Oh, sweet! Kambe-san really does have a personal translator! So we just put these in our ears and we're good to go?
SUZUE
In theory, yes.
SUZUE (CONT'D)
However, its processing time is not instantaneous. There will be a slight delay due to local interference.
Haru's face immediately falls.
HARU
A delay? Are you telling me we'll be listening to intel with a ten-second lag?
DAISUKE
Correct. You will speak only when necessary. Our objective is to gather intel. That's all.
Haru's expression morphs from dejection to reluctance, before he responds to Daisuke with a half-hearted nod.
HARU
(to Daisuke)
Then I'll act as a bodyguard. That way, my lack of fluency will be less of a liability.
Daisuke considers this, a flicker of recognition in his eyes, before he finally responds to Haru with not a half-hearted, but a genuine nod.
KAMEI
Oh, I have an idea! To make sure we don't talk over each other, how about some code names? Yay-yay!
SAEKI
Yay-yay!
DAISUKE
Don't be ridiculous. The attire is for blending in, not performance art. We will refer to each other by our names.
HARU
Relax, Kambe. As long as we don't get caught, I don't see a problem with making up names.
HOSHINO
Are you sure you're not just saying that because you want a code name for yourself...?
HARU
Of course not! It adds a layer of security!
Daisuke grunts, but chooses not to argue, even if his eyebrow is twitching with every new code name suggestion.
SAEKI
(in English)
Tiger!
KAMEI
(in English)
Framer!
TEPPEI
(in English)
Greyman!
HARU
(in English)
Chhhharrrlie!
Tiger, Framer, & Greyman: References to Mission Impossible's "Non-Official Cover List", aka a list of codenames for IMF agents.
Charlie: The shortened name of Matsumoto Kentaro's character (or one of his "aliases"), Charles, from Haru's favorite police drama, "Cry to the Sun!".
Meanwhile, Daisuke's private jet begins its final descent on a secluded, high-rise HELIPAD, as the city lights below come closer and closer.
EXT. LAS VEGAS STRIP - THE VENETIAN RESORT - NIGHT
A FANCY BLACK LIMOUSINE pulls up to the rear entrance of the Venetian Resort, and the VALET opens the car door with a practiced smile.
The moment the car door opens, the passengers disembark, with Daisuke leading the way and Haru positioned to his right, acting as Daisuke's bodyguard. To keep up the act, Haru hovers a subtle hand over Daisuke's side, pretending to guide him through the crowd. Suzue follows, along with Hoshino, Saeki, Teppei, and Kamei, who follow in a loose formation.
They are led into a PRIVATE ELEVATOR by a CONCIERGE, bypassing the crowded floors of the resort, before the elevator halts to a stop and opens to reveal a lavish, dimly-lit hallway far from the public eye.
HARU
(whispering to Daisuke)
How do you know this place?
Daisuke doesn't answer. Instead, they arrive at a VELVET ROPE tended by a large, stoic SECURITY GUARD.
SECURITY GUARD
(in English)
Your name?
DAISUKE
(in English)
Daisuke Kambe. VIP access.
The guard then nods without a word, pulling the rope aside. Haru's jaw drops, while the others watch in silent admiration.
HARU
Don't tell me... did you buy the whole building?
DAISUKE
There was no need. I bought it months before.
HARU
I'm sorry, what? Are you saying you have ownership of the entire hotel complex?
DAISUKE
You can book a room for yourself, if you'd like. You won't need to share a futon.
HARU
(scoffing)
Maybe I will, if it's to get away from you!
DAISUKE
During the flight, I secured VIP access for the entire group. Our identities are on the list as high-profile guests for Kashiro's private auction.
Haru shakes his head in exasperation, and follows Daisuke into the dimly-lit hallway.
INT. VENETIAN RESORT - SUB-LEVEL VIP CLUB - NIGHT
Far away from the resort’s public space is Kashiro’s VIP club, where the air is heavy with the scent of cigars and perfume. The PLUSH LEATHER SEATING, the POLISHED DARK WOOD, and the LOW-HANGING CHANDELIERS all blend in with the SOFT, AMBER LIGHTING. Its sensual atmosphere is a sharp contrast to the boisterous energy of the casino above. A CIRCULAR BAR takes over a corner of the lounge, and some guests sit at the STOOLS, making a celebratory toast.
At almost every table, the guests are networking. There’s not a slot machine or roulette table in sight, only a large gathering of the rich and wealthy. Even in the PRIVATE BOOTHS, they continue to check for potential eavesdroppers, exchanging knowing glances and subtle nods.
Daisuke weaves through the room and leads the group with ease, acting as a subtle observer. Haru, once again, takes his place beside Daisuke, adopting a more defensive posture as Daisuke's bodyguard. Haru’s eyes are quick to scan his surroundings, taking note of the nearby security personnel, potential escape routes, and the overall conversations that he can hear from the assembled elite.
HARU
(mumbling to himself)
It’s way too stuffy in here…
Trailing slightly behind, and standing out with his white suit and fedora, Kamei whispers into Haru’s ear.
KAMEI
(whispering to Haru)
Hey, Kato-san...
HARU
(correcting)
Charlie.
KAMEI
Charlie, then. Over by the bar… isn’t that Kawano Yuna? Wasn’t she on last week’s cover of “Paradise Magazine”?
KAMEI (CONT'D)
And sitting next to her is Murata Mieko! Two models from Millennium Entertainment!
At that, Haru can’t help but let his gaze flick to the direction Kamei specified. His eyes land on the models’s beautiful faces, and one model even turns to look at Haru, before sending him a flirtatious wink.
HARU
(stammering)
Ah, gah, wha…
Haru struggles to mold his face back into a professional one, as a faint blush rises to his neck and then his cheeks. Suzue notices this and clears her throat, her tone a strained whisper.
SUZUE
Kato-sama, please focus on your job.
HARU
Ah, sorry…
Haru attempts to reel his focus back in, but Kamei is persistent.
KAMEI
Charlie, to your left! A woman in a black dress!
HARU
(whispering to Kamei)
Framer! Focus! We can’t just…
Haru's words trail off in an instant; his eyes land on a FAMILIAR FIGURE, a woman Haru swears he’s seen before. The woman strides with an effortless grace, her BLACK DRESS swaying behind her towards the room’s GRAND STAGE. Her hair is LONG, WAVY, and colored a STRIKING BLACK that complements the WHITE FUR COAT draped over her shoulders.
HARU (CONT'D)
That woman... it’s her. The bomber…
Once the group is within reach of her, Haru notices the woman's pair of FLOWER-SHAPED EARRINGS along with her MATCHING FLORAL NECKLACE, which also complement her DARK RED LIPSTICK and AMBER-COLORED EYES. As the woman steps forward and onto the stage, she nods to Kashiro, before her eyes meet the crowd with a dangerous confidence.
The crowd's AMBIENT MURMUR FADES, just like that. It seems that the Japanese models, as well as the elites, are here because of this woman: her influence, her connections, and almost certainly her wealth. Without even saying a word, the crowd has given this woman their full submission.
Just as the realization hits Haru, Kashiro taps on the MICROPHONE and speaks.
KASHIRO
Thank you, everyone, for joining us this evening. In a world of rapid change and unpredictability, we are here to discuss the makings of a new material that can bend anything at will.
The crowd's MURMUR RETURNS, and a few LAUGHS of disbelief can be heard in between. However, neither Kashiro nor the woman beside him give in.
KASHIRO (CONT'D)
What was once known as adollium has become a symbol of chaos. It has become a raw, untamed force. But what is raw power without the hand to guide it? If there is chaos in this world, then it is the role of humankind to find a way to control it.
Kashiro gestures towards the heavy, VELVET CURTAIN behind him. Haru and Daisuke both grit their teeth, suspecting something bad.
KASHIRO (CONT'D)
The auction will commence in ten minutes. But first, allow me to introduce the visionary behind this new material. The future of adollium lies with her... Nakagawa Yasuko.
The woman, NAKAGAWA YASUKO (32), glides past Kashiro to step into the spotlight and to boldly snatch the mic from Kashiro's hands.
Her sly, catty smirk catches in the light, and Haru goes breathless as her amber eyes gloss over both him and Daisuke, and then Suzue.
YASUKO
My sincerest apologies, everyone. The old man can be a little boring at times, with his speeches on life and humanity and whatnot. Wouldn't you all prefer something livelier?
YASUKO (CONT'D)
Such as... the betting?
The crowd hangs on her every word, and they react in a way that Yasuko intends, as the mention of betting has them all WHOOPING and HOLLERING in joy. Yasuko shoots her gaze to the velvet curtain behind her, before snapping her fingers.
Just like that, the curtain clears in seconds; with it reveals a SINGLE, WHITE PEDESTAL that displays an OPEN, SILVER CASE containing the VIALS OF STASIUM inside.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
For one year now, research institutes across the globe have been analyzing the properties and potentials of adollium. We know it to be an unlimited source of energy-- a source of incredible power.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
Ah, but... you don't really care about the specifics of it, do you? After all, what can you do with such power? Especially when it's bound to bring ruin to those who use it for their own gain?
YASUKO (CONT'D)
Well, well. There's no need to worry about the irrelevant, as I have developed a new substance that will alter this outcome completely... its name is "stasium".
Haru's eyes widen in disbelief as he listens to the translation in his earpiece. At the same moment, Yasuko stares down at Haru, a silent challenge in her gaze. Yasuko's the mastermind behind it all, and she's not afraid to admit it.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
Stasium is all about control. With control, there are no risks.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
There was an explosion in Okinawa not too long ago... which was really a planned demonstration of the stasium's potential. While the adollium was what caused the explosion, the stasium was what prevented the adollium from causing further damage.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
Yes, it's true that everyone wants to use adollium. It's been said and done. But if you want to use it without risk... whether it's for energy, technology, or even weaponry... it'd be much easier to have an antidote that can erase the consequences.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
Now, does this impress you? So much so that you're willing to... bet for it?
Daisuke clenches his jaw. He glances back at Suzue, who stands behind him, discreetly scanning through databases and files. A subtle twitch of her brow indicates she's reached a dead end.
SUZUE
No good. As much as I try to cross-reference every database and file related to Yasuko, there is nothing. No public records or any known history... it's as if the name "Nakagawa Yasuko" has been erased from existence.
Yasuko turns back to the crowd, her eyes pinning down every possible client and every potential buyer.
YASUKO
For those who have been waiting eagerly, the auction for the stasium will now begin!
HARU
(cutting in)
Hold on!
The entire room stops and turns to look at him. Every conversation ceases, and every eye lands on Haru as though he's the one committing a crime. The sight of Haru, standing there defiantly in his beige suit and black tie, almost seems heroic. Daisuke freezes, and his expression flickers between a glare and a frown.
Even Haru seems shocked at his own actions, as he hadn't planned to call out; Kashiro, who had been standing on the sidelines for the whole duration of Yasuko's speech, responds to Haru's outburst with a cold, apathetic stare. Yasuko, however, looks amused. She addresses Haru with her full attention, tilting her head.
YASUKO
(in Japanese)
And who might you be? A contrarian? I'm afraid this is a private event. It's not meant for trespassers.
Haru nearly stammers on his words due to Yasuko’s assertiveness, but manages to hold his ground.
HARU
What about the people whose lives you ruined in your "demonstration"? Did you sell control to them, too?
HARU (CONT'D)
(shouting)
You're selling a weapon here. That substance is a global threat!
Daisuke, seeing the plan in jeopardy, whirls around and reaches for Haru's shoulder-- but Haru's already making his way onto the stage, approaching their main target with a rashness he's never exhibited before. The rest of the group tries to call out to him, as a vain attempt to prevent Haru from going further.
Haru only stops once Yasuko stands right before him.
HARU (CONT'D)
You're the one who threw that bomb at me, aren't you? The one who called Modern Crimes and told me to go to that seaside village in Okinawa City?
Yasuko's smile widens. She takes a step closer, before seizing Haru's face with one hand, squeezing his cheekbones. Her sharp nails nearly pierce into Haru's skin.
HARU (CONT'D)
(grunting)
Ggh!
YASUKO
Good cop. You have quite the memory. And the face, too.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
I'm afraid, however, that you are also out of your depth. I am not the one who is committing crimes here. In fact, I have all the proper permits and permissions for this demonstration.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
Even if you are a good cop, you're not a very smart one. Now, let us not waste any more time and continue on with the auction. Shall we?
But Haru goes on with his outburst, like he's rambling.
HARU
You talk about control, yet all you've done is bring more chaos. You're going against your own sales pitch! That explosion in Okinawa, it wasn't a demonstration. It was a crime! A crime that you're now trying to profit from!
YASUKO
(cutting in)
Kashiro! Call your guards. I've had my fun.
DAISUKE
(whispering harshly)
Kato! What is your plan here?
Haru doesn't answer, though he curses under his breath as a group of SECURITY GUARDS all barge in through the door, closing in on the group from all sides.
YASUKO
You're Kato Haru, aren't you? The worldwide hero? How cute.
Yasuko gestures to the guards with a slow, lazy hand movement, before she turns back to Haru with that same amused smirk.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
There was no point in having a plan. No plan would have worked. I already know who you are, Kato Haru, and the same goes for your heroic little group.
She throws out her free hand, pointing at each group member once their name is called.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
Kamei Shinnosuke. Saeki Mahoro. Yumoto Teppei.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
Hoshino Ryo.
Hoshino grits his teeth, as sweat beads on his forehead.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
Kambe Daisuke.
Daisuke narrows his eyes, glaring at her.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
… And Kambe Suzue.
For the briefest of moments, Yasuko’s eyes meet Suzue's, and for that brief moment, Yasuko’s lips curl into a grin.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
The auction is about to begin, so we don't need any more distractions. Your work here is done.
Then, her eyes slide to Daisuke, whose eyes narrow even more in a moment of pure, unadulterated wrath. Yasuko fakes a pout, though her amusement is obvious.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
Kambe Daisuke, what's got you in such a state? I'm only giving you the chance to see your grandmother in her cell.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
Kambe Kikuko, and... ah, right! Hattori Jiro, the man who murdered Kambe Sayuri! What a complicated family you have, Kambe Daisuke!
The crowd, entranced in her words, bursts out laughing. It's the most twisted form of "crowd control" there is.
DAISUKE
You... what gives you the right to--
YASUKO
(cutting in)
What's this? The crowd wants to start the first round of bidding? Right now?
On cue, the guards descend on the group, seizing them and dragging them out of the room even as the group struggles and grapples. As though it's some sort of game, the crowd erupts into mixed sounds of excitement and glee, which then escalates into a booming CHANT.
CROWD
(chanting)
Get-them-out! Get-them-out! Get-them-out!
HARU
Damn it! It's no good!
The combined strength of the guards overpowers the group’s, until the last thing they see before the doors close is Yasuko's triumphant smirk.
INT. YASUKO'S PRIVATE FACILITY - SUB-LEVEL PRISON - NIGHT
The group, with STUN GUNS pointed to their backs, is brought to a series of STEEL, HIGH-TECH, REINFORCED DOORS, which all lead into PRIVATE, SOUNDPROOFED CHAMBERS that are WHITE and STERILE. What was once the glitz and glamour of the Venetian Resort has transformed into the dread and dullness of a SUB-LEVEL PRISON: a high-tech facility that Yasuko owns somewhere else in Las Vegas.
As the doors close behind them, locking them in completely, Daisuke turns to Haru, his expression unreadable but somewhat expected of him. Haru sinks his head, his face shadowed by his bangs.
DAISUKE
(firmly)
Kato.
HARU
I know, Kambe. I made another rash decision, and let the important details slip past me.
HARU (CONT'D)
But you know me by now, don't you? You know I'm not the type to just stand there and watch, no matter how many consequences there are in having a say.
HARU (CONT'D)
With that in mind... I still messed things up. For all of you. For that, I'm sorry.
There’s a long silence, before Daisuke speaks up.
DAISUKE
... No need. Nakagawa Yasuko was baiting us. The same outcome would have occurred whether you interfered with the auction or not.
Daisuke's voice becomes a soft, resigned murmur. The rest of the group go silent, like they're all processing what just happened.
After another moment of silence, Suzue speaks up.
SUZUE
We appear to be trapped in some highly-advanced Faraday cage. Everything has been rendered inoperable.
Faraday cage: A cage or enclosure used to block what's inside from electromagnetic/electrostatic fields.
KAMEI
So... we're stuck in here?
TEPPEI
Seems like it.
SAEKI
It's only for a little bit, right? Why else would they leave us in a room with no beds or furniture?
HOSHINO
Maybe we can activate something using the walls?
As if it was set in motion by Hoshino's words, the walls distort into a PROJECTION SCREEN, and two figures emerge from the newly-activated space.
The sterile white room transforms into the layout of a Kambe family estate room, a STUDY, and the projection is so realistic it's hard to distinguish what's real from what's fake.
Just as the projection settles, Daisuke's met with faces he didn't expect to see-- Daisuke’s grandmother, KAMBE KIKUKO, along with Daisuke’s butler, HATTORI JIRO. They stand in front of a projected FIREPLACE, waiting.
Daisuke recognizes Kikuko's SILVER BOB, GRAY-BLUE EYES, and her pair of RED ROUND GLASSES that frame her ROUND AND WRINKLED FACE; he recognizes Hattori's SHORT BROWN HAIR and BEARD, GREENISH-BROWN EYES, and his pair of BOTTOM-RIMMED GLASSES that frame his SHARP AND WRINKLED FACE.
Neither of them speak. They just stare blankly in Daisuke’s direction.
HARU
(whispering)
Kambe... it's them.
DAISUKE
No. It's a fabrication.
YASUKO (V.O.)
Such cynicism, Detective. Surely, you recognize the faces of your past? Perhaps a little prompting will jog your memory. Hattori-san, would you be so kind?
HATTORI
Of course, Nakagawa-san. I will do what is ordered of me.
The projection of Hattori floats towards a projected ANTIQUE DESK. Then, he slides open one of the DRAWERS, revealing a RED-STAMPED ENVELOPE hidden inside. Daisuke's eyes narrow; he recognizes the design.
YASUKO (V.O.)
Riveting, isn't it? Your family was so kind as to disclose the details for me.
Yasuko's implication hangs heavy in the air, and Haru begins to sweat.
HARU
You, and Kambe Kikuko...
HARU (CONT'D)
The two of you... are working together?
YASUKO (V.O.)
There's another Kambe to be added to this equation.
YASUKO (V.O.) (CONT'D)
And it's not Kambe Kikuko.
DAISUKE
Enough of these trivial recollections. What is it you truly want? What is your business with the adollium and stasium?
YASUKO (V.O.)
I merely want to understand you, Kambe Daisuke. Despite your father trying so hard to prevent adollium's publicization, you publicized it anyway. Don't you have any consideration for your father's wishes?
YASUKO (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Or... did you simply want to exploit adollium's true potential?
Haru pales, and he stammers out a response before his reason can take over.
HARU
(whispering to himself)
He... it wasn't on purpose.
He can hear Yasuko's contemplative hum, despite not being physically present to take note of Haru's words.
YASUKO (V.O.)
Really? Did he not have a single alternative plan? Nothing to neutralize, or even destabilize the adollium lest things go south? How pathetic.
Haru grits his teeth.
The projection of Kikuko's eyes flickers with an unreadable emotion, something between disapproval and resignation.
KIKUKO KAMBE
Our focus was always on controlled application. If there is a theoretical substance that could neutralize the risks of adollium, my grandson will no longer persist in this reckless path.
KIKUKO KAMBE (CONT'D)
Daisuke. You have exposed the secrets that were best left buried. Secrets that could unravel the very fabric of our family's legacy. Does that please you to hear?
Daisuke stands calmly, his gaze fixed on the projection of his grandmother. His outward composure reveals no hint of the inner turmoil that these recollections ignited.
DAISUKE
A legacy built on lies and murder is no legacy at all. You murdered Mother to protect adollium.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
Now, you've given up adollium to someone unrelated to you, who claims to control its chaos.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
Does this not contradict your previous words? I thought you said adollium is what will navigate this world to ruin. Yet what you're doing is no different than the reckless path I am taking.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
You are not the real Kambe Kikuko.
KIKUKO KAMBE
As the heir of the Kambe family, you are the sole supervisor of adollium. I trusted you would know how to handle it.
KIKUKO KAMBE (CONT'D)
But you are no different than a foolish boy who would run and hide in his closet, with no mother or father to guide him.
KIKUKO KAMBE (CONT'D)
A foolish boy, indeed.
YASUKO (V.O.)
Because of you, Kambe Daisuke, the world has moved on. Control is no longer a question of possibility, but of who wields it.
Daisuke's eyes flick to Haru for a brief moment, and for that brief moment, he detects Haru's anguish. He continues his exchange with the projected Kikuko, aiming to change the subject.
DAISUKE
(to Kikuko)
Nakagawa Yasuko claims to have developed stasium to neutralize adollium. Do you truly believe this is possible?
KIKUKO KAMBE
The creation of a stable compound... Shigemaru dedicated years to that pursuit, and found only dead ends. In the end, he never discovered a fail-safe for adollium.
KIKUKO KAMBE (CONT'D)
He knew that adollium's existence had been publicized, but not who was responsible. It was Yasuko who approached him and offered my son a second chance-- a way to control what we could not.
A look of genuine fear flashes over Haru's face. The rest of the group gawks at the projected Kikuko in complete shock.
YASUKO (V.O.)
Surprise.
HARU
So you... you're the nurse from all the way back then? That whole time, Kambe Shigemaru was working with you?
(then)
Of all people... he trusted you?
YASUKO (V.O.)
You see? The implications of this new substance are revolutionary. Why run from it any longer? Unlike your crude attempts to merely contain adollium, I have found a way to erase your mistakes completely. Shouldn’t you be thanking me by now?
DAISUKE
You've... been using my father?
YASUKO (V.O.)
Aw, don't be so sad, Kambe Daisuke. Your father is not a bad person. He simply brought balance to the equation, just as stasium brings balance to adollium. This balance is limitless. Can't we all just be grateful that things have been resolved?
HARU
(scoffing)
Resolved? Give me a break. You’re just seeking full control!
HARU (CONT'D)
You blackmailed Kambe Shigemaru into giving you the information, didn’t you?
YASUKO (V.O.)
Why don't you find out for yourself? If you're so insistent on forcing out the truth.
Then, the projection of Hattori flickers in erratic intervals, its image shattering into static. His figure wavers and glitches out, until a perfect replica, a digital projection of Kambe Shigemaru steps forward and into Daisuke's direction.
Daisuke tenses, finding the sight of his father without a wheelchair to be unnerving. The projection continues to flicker back and forth between Hattori and Shigemaru's appearance, as if the two men are blending into one.
HATTORI
Daisuke-sama. You are Shigemaru-sama's child.
HATTORI (CONT'D) | SHIGEMARU KAMBE
You must know who he truly is. | You must know who I truly am.
HATTORI (CONT'D)
A man of control.
SHIGEMARU KAMBE
A man of power.
Shigemaru stands face-to-face with Daisuke, and even Daisuke's outer composure is on the verge of breaking.
SHIGEMARU KAMBE
Daisuke.
SHIGEMARU KAMBE (CONT'D)
I will never be a father that you can be proud of.
SHIGEMARU KAMBE (CONT'D)
Because this world... is no longer our own.
END OF CHECK.
COST BREAKDOWN:
Purchase of the Venetian Resort ("months before") -- 220,000,000,000 yen
VIP access to Takahashi Kashiro's private auction -- 7,500,000 yen
Designer clothes (undercover costumes) and tailor service -- 30,000,000 yen
Celebrity-level hairdresser/stylist service -- 10,000,000 yen
Limo service -- 375,000 yen
Private courier service -- 300,000 yen
Total 220,048,175,000 yen
(~ 1,495,239,892 US dollars | 1,273,851,205 Euro | 2,078,126,121,552 Won | 39,478,281,682,951 Dong)
Chapter Text
CHECK SUMMARY: After a failed attempt to apprehend the mastermind behind stasium’s development, Hoshino and the Modern Crimes team find themselves trapped in a high-tech facility. Forced to play Nakagawa Yasuko’s deadly game, they must rely on their wits to break free. They soon realize they’ve been lured to Yasuko’s VIP party, which is where the final stage of her auction is taking place.
DISCLAIMER: This check contains content that some viewers may find disturbing, including scenes depicting an unhealthy power dynamic between an adult and a child, implied drug use, and mildly suggestive themes.
BEGIN FLASHBACK: INT. KAMBE FAMILY MANSION - YOUNG DAISUKE'S BEDROOM CLOSET - DAY - TWENTY YEARS AGO
The air inside Young Daisuke's large, walk-in closet is thick with dust, though Young Daisuke (8), dressed in a WAISTCOAT-AND-SHORTS set, struggles to breathe for an entirely different reason. He chokes on his sobs as he stumbles into the dark, square recess, falling onto the floor and on top of a PILE OF SHIGEMARU AND SAYURI'S LEFTOVER GARMENTS.
Young Daisuke buries his face in a WHITE DRESS that smells faintly of his mother's perfume, then the SILK-LINED TRENCH COAT beside it that still holds the scent of his father. He clutches the fabric of both garments, pulling the clothes closer to his face as if they are a shield against the world.
As if Young Daisuke is trying to retain what's left of his mother and father, with the warmth that remains in Young Daisuke's world.
YOUNG DAISUKE
(sobbing)
Mother... Father...
YOUNG DAISUKE (CONT'D)
Come back... I'm scared...
Then, the CLOSET DOOR creaks open, casting a wide, beaming sphere of light into the dark and spacious room.
Young Daisuke's head snaps up in surprise, his watery eyes going wide at who he sees. The tall, slender form of a man, a man wearing a SUIT with a BLACK BLAZER, a VEST, and a WHITE DRESS SHIRT, stands silhouetted in the doorway; although his face is shadowed in Young Daisuke's perspective, Daisuke can easily discern the man's SHORT HAIR, BEARD, and STUBBLE.
At first glance, the man appears to be Young Daisuke's father: Kambe Shigemaru.
YOUNG DAISUKE (CONT'D)
(stammering)
F-Father!
Astonished, the young Daisuke is rendered into a sobbing and hiccuping mess, like his heart wishes for his father's comfort.
The silhouetted man steps forward, and Young Daisuke's chest heaves up and down as he sobs, both in relief and in sorrow.
YOUNG DAISUKE (CONT'D)
I'm sorry for hiding, I was just...!
The young Daisuke trails off as the man’s full body is revealed by the light, revealing more of the man's features above his upper body. It is not Kambe Shigemaru, but Hattori Jiro, who is the Kambe family butler.
The smile on Young Daisuke's face falters, until it falls from his face entirely. The hope in his eyes dispels into nothing, and it's replaced by an even stronger sorrow. Young Daisuke recognizes Hattori, his butler, but his mind is too consumed with grief to feel an inch of joy.
YOUNG DAISUKE (CONT'D)
... Hattori?
For a moment, in Young Daisuke's eyes, the image of his butler Hattori briefly morphs into the familiar features of his father once again; Shigemaru smiles at him, then places a hand directly above his own chest.
SHIGEMARU KAMBE
I'm here, Daisuke.
HATTORI | SHIGEMARU KAMBE (CONT'D)
I will always be here.
YOUNG DAISUKE
(to himself)
You’re wrong... it’s all lies…
SHIGEMARU KAMBE
Daisuke…
HATTORI | SHIGEMARU KAMBE (CONT'D)
I will always be with you.
YOUNG DAISUKE
Lies... it’s all lies!
HATTORI
(cutting in)
Daisuke.
In an instant, the soft, familiar features of Young Daisuke's father snap back to his butler, whose smile widens as a low chuckle escapes from his lips.
HATTORI (CONT'D)
Do me and your father look alike, Daisuke-sama?
The young boy says nothing. His eyes are permanently widened, and he trembles while remaining in the same spot, like he's shell-shocked. Hattori, recognizing the boy's fear, kneels down and holds Daisuke's head with a pat. Pat. Pat.
It is a complete contrast to his father's warm touch. The world is no longer being given to the young Daisuke-- rather, his entire world has been taken from him.
HATTORI (CONT'D)
The closet is no place for a young master. Perhaps you might consider flying kites with me and Kikuko-sama in the garden?
HATTORI (CONT'D)
Or perhaps you would like to watch her whisk tea in the teahouse? Help me trim the overgrown branches?
YOUNG DAISUKE
Yes. All of them.
HATTORI
Good, Daisuke-sama. I am pleased by your full understanding.
But Hattori's words do not reach Young Daisuke's ears. Young Daisuke quickly adjusts himself into a kneeling position, and ensures that all the dust has been brushed off of his clothes.
HATTORI (CONT'D)
Daisuke-sama. Do you remember what tomorrow is?
HATTORI (CONT'D)
I should not have to repeat myself. You are Shigemaru-sama and Sayuri-sama's son, after all.
YOUNG DAISUKE
Yes, Hattori. Tomorrow's ceremony.
HATTORI
Now, now, Daisuke-sama. You should no longer say, "tomorrow's ceremony". You must say, "the ceremony is tomorrow".
YOUNG DAISUKE
Why?
HATTORI
"Tomorrow's ceremony." "The ceremony is tomorrow." The two phrases are different, Daisuke-sama.
HATTORI (CONT'D)
They are different, like your father and I.
But Young Daisuke can't accept that the two phrases are different. There's something in his mind that just won't allow the phrases to be differentiated.
YOUNG DAISUKE
(sobbing)
No. No! They're... they are the same! The same!
HATTORI
They are not the same, Daisuke-sama. You must replace it.
While Hattori's voice is low and gentle, his expression seems to waver into something dark and stern. Young Daisuke squeezes his eyes shut, squeezes them tight, and wishes more than anything that his father is the one speaking to him instead.
In the light, it's as though Hattori is looking down on the boy; the light in the room seems to taper into a thin, straight line, shoving Young Daisuke into Hattori's full perception of him and all that he's made of.
HATTORI (CONT'D)
Daisuke-sama, they are not the same.
YOUNG DAISUKE
They are. They have to be the same!
HATTORI
Daisuke-sama. They are only phrases. Do not treat this as a personal matter!
YOUNG DAISUKE
(shouting)
They are the same! Mother and Father are still here! They are still alive in this world! They have to be!
HATTORI
(cutting in)
Daisuke-sama!
Young Daisuke flinches and nearly stumbles back at the volume of Hattori's shout. But he can't fall back. It would only lead to a bigger mess. Hattori keeps his grip on Daisuke's head.
HATTORI (CONT'D)
Your performance has proved itself to be quite disappointing.
YOUNG DAISUKE
No, wait! Please! I promise I will learn to behave! I promise!
HATTORI
I cannot allow you to stray from your duties as an heir. Do you understand?
YOUNG DAISUKE
Yes! Please forgive me! It will not happen again! Please! Please...!
Young Daisuke, in his kneeling position, bows all the way down. His eyes are still in that permanently-widened state; he’s truly shell-shocked.
YOUNG DAISUKE (CONT'D)
(sobbing)
Forgive me, forgive me, forgive me…!
YOUNG DAISUKE (CONT'D)
(to himself)
Mother… Father… please forgive me…!
HATTORI
You know that I am only doing this for your mother and father’s sake. Do you? Kikuko-sama and I are only looking out for you, as it is what your mother and father have done for you all these years.
HATTORI (CONT'D)
So you cannot disappoint them. You must do what is best for your mother and father, Daisuke-sama.
HATTORI (CONT'D)
For the Kambe family.
END FLASHBACK.
BEGIN FLASHBACK: EXT. ENGLAND - CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY - ALLEYWAY - NIGHT - YEARS LATER
Late in the night, in the BACK ALLEYWAYS of Cambridge University, a YOUNG ADULT, COLLEGE-AGED DAISUKE willingly throws himself into a fight. The RAIN falls onto the SLICK COBBLESTONES, and the distant glow of STREETLIGHTS illuminates the fight's participants: two male UNIVERSITY STUDENTS with sturdier builds, WAXED JACKETS, and thick English accents; and Daisuke, who steadies his skinny body against a BRICK WALL with a bruised and bloody face.
Daisuke's SQUARE BLACK GLASSES dangle from the roof of his nose, and like his face, his BLUE, V-NECK SWEATER VEST and WHITE DRESS SHIRT have been dirtied. Since his HAIR IS DOWN and soaked from the rain, the strands start to stick to his forehead. Water mixes with blood.
Daisuke doesn't bother to wipe the blood off of his lip. Or hold his hand close to the bruise on his cheek.
He doesn't feel the need to. He doesn't even feel the pain.
But he wants to.
Despite the fight being a "two-versus-one", Daisuke charges at the two students and is able to block their punches with ease. However, he doesn't retaliate the punches with full force-- instead, Daisuke allows one of their punches to land on his jaw, a brutal, jarring blow. It knocks the wind out of Daisuke's lungs, and he can hear himself CHOKE as his body stumbles back into the brick wall behind him.
Even as the pain shoots through his head, a satisfied smile creeps up to Daisuke's lips. The two university students loom over him, sneering.
UNIVERSITY STUDENT 1
(in English)
Oi, are we done yet? Where’s the money?
UNIVERSITY STUDENT 2
(in English)
Do you really think he’s stopping? Look at him! He’s absolutely loving this.
YOUNG ADULT DAISUKE
(in English)
I have five minutes left. Keep hitting.
UNIVERSITY STUDENT 2
(mocking)
So cute! The lady student wants to fight!
UNIVERSITY STUDENT 1
He really does look like a lady up close!
UNIVERSITY STUDENT 2
Hey, you. Are you a lady?
The second student jabs a finger into Daisuke's chest, enunciating his next words with several hard pokes. Daisuke doesn't budge.
UNIVERSITY STUDENT 2
(in half English, half imperfect Japanese)
Hey, lady. Nani ka itte, ojōchan.
Nani ka itte, ojōchan: Roughly translates to, "Say something, little lady."
Daisuke doesn't say a word. He glares up at them, and his glasses slip just enough to reveal his eyes.
UNIVERSITY STUDENT 1
(in English)
Aw, you scared? You wanna go home?
UNIVERSITY STUDENT 2
(in English)
Pub's open.
UNIVERSITY STUDENT 1
And I heard ojōchan's a heavy drinker.
UNIVERSITY STUDENT 2
Heavy drinker and a heavy smoker. You kiss your mum with that mouth?
UNIVERSITY STUDENT 1
Probably kissed a lot of girls with that mouth--
UNIVERSITY STUDENT 2
And shoved your tongue down their--
Daisuke cuts them both off with a sharp, clean jab to the stomach, forcing them to buckle over before he uses that opening to fit in a few more boxing moves. When their chins point down, Daisuke lands a powerful uppercut that sends them both reeling, then follows the punch with a finishing hook.
YOUNG ADULT DAISUKE
(in English)
Go to hell.
He uses the opening to escape, slipping away into the night once he hears the distant sound of POLICE SIRENS.
He kicks a TRASH CAN on the way out.
CUT TO BLACK.
EXT. ENGLAND - LUXURY HOTEL BAR - NIGHT
As the two other students had guessed, Daisuke finds himself seeking the familiar warmth of liquor. But instead of a pub, Daisuke finds himself craving the taste of WHISKEY at a luxury hotel bar.
When he's back outside, just as he's about to pull out a LEATHER CASE from the back pocket of his pants, an attractive YOUNG WOMAN exits from the bar, as she pulls her BLACK LEATHER JACKET closer to her chest.
The young woman spots Daisuke in the corner of her eye, and struts her way closer to him without a second thought, sizing him up. Her RED-DYED HAIR is BRUSHED BACK to highlight her features, though Daisuke doesn’t take much notice of them.
Instead, his eyes go straight to the young woman’s mouth.
YOUNG WOMAN
(in Japanese)
Rough night, handsome?
YOUNG ADULT DAISUKE
I’m here for a smoke.
YOUNG WOMAN
Oh? You don’t look like a smoker.
YOUNG ADULT DAISUKE
I smoke to indulge.
YOUNG WOMAN
(purring)
To indulge… what?
Daisuke leans in, and swipes a thumb over the young woman's lips.
YOUNG ADULT DAISUKE
My mouth.
INT. ENGLAND - LOVE HOTEL - NIGHT
Though there was no sweet-talking or sensual touches leading up to this, Daisuke ends up booking a room with the very same woman he barely exchanged words with. The whole room is submerged in CIGARETTE SMOKE and some other JUNK Daisuke doesn't care to label. Even after participating in "the act", neither of them care to look at each other.
Daisuke's clothes remain intact and in their proper position. The same applies for the young woman. In fact, neither of them have made a move to undress or touch each other at all.
While the young woman sits on top of the HEART-SHAPED BED, Daisuke stands in front of a FULL-LENGTH MIRROR, dabbing the blood from his face with a NAPKIN before stuffing it in his pocket. He still doesn't look at her. Instead, he stares at his reflection, at the bruised face and empty eyes.
His glasses are lopsided, but not from kissing. His fingers brush over his lonely lips. Then, his hand reaches for his back pocket again, until the young woman speaks.
YOUNG WOMAN
(boredly)
That's it, then? We're done here?
Daisuke adjusts his glasses with the same hand.
YOUNG ADULT DAISUKE
Yes.
YOUNG WOMAN
Nothing more?
YOUNG ADULT DAISUKE
... Yes.
YOUNG WOMAN
(sighing)
You know, I've been with dozens of men. All kinds of 'em.
YOUNG WOMAN (CONT'D)
But you're the only one who's paid me just to kiss me. It's strange.
YOUNG ADULT DAISUKE
Do you want more?
YOUNG WOMAN
What? More of this?
YOUNG ADULT DAISUKE
More money.
That response seems to get on the woman's nerves as she stands up from the bed, her glare hardening like she's seconds away from slapping Daisuke in the face.
YOUNG WOMAN
It's rich boys like you who disappoint their parents the most.
YOUNG WOMAN (CONT'D)
Go home, little boy. Before you waste another woman's time.
INT. ENGLAND - CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY - DAISUKE'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Wherever Daisuke goes, he's submerged in a CLOUD OF SMOKE. A METAL CONTAINER slips off of his GREEN SOFA, but Daisuke doesn't care to lean down and retrieve it. Instead, he throws the negligible weight of his body over his sofa, like he's having a fit. His glasses are off, too.
A slow, horrible efflux of nausea washes over Daisuke in large, overwhelming quantities; that’s how much Daisuke’s inhaled. A smile as slow and horrible as the nausea stretches over Daisuke’s lips, as the euphoria takes charge of his body.
YOUNG ADULT DAISUKE
(to himself, slurring)
Me? A disappointment? Don’t make me laugh.
YOUNG ADULT DAISUKE (CONT'D)
Mother and Father trusted me for a reason. I'm the Kambe family scion for a reason.
YOUNG ADULT DAISUKE (CONT'D)
I have never disappointed them.
YOUNG ADULT DAISUKE (CONT'D)
I have never... disappointed them.
Daisuke holds a hand over his face, failing to stifle his bitter laughter. Tears start to form in his eyes. He’s sweating all over, and his clothes start sticking to his scrawny body.
YOUNG ADULT DAISUKE (CONT'D)
Really… this is all so trivial.
YOUNG ADULT DAISUKE (CONT'D)
Everything… is all so trivial.
YOUNG ADULT DAISUKE (CONT'D)
Don’t you agree? Mother and Father.
A soft, melodic voice breaks the painful silence.
SAYURI KAMBE (O.S.)
Daisuke…
Standing in front of Daisuke‘s tunneled, narrowed vision, bathed in a gentle blur, are Kambe Sayuri and Kambe Shigemaru. Their appearances stay as Daisuke last remembers them: smiling, loving, and expectant. Perfect. Like nothing ever happened to his dear mother and father.
SHIGEMARU KAMBE
Our sweet boy.
SAYURI KAMBE
What happened to you?
Daisuke doesn’t move or flinch. He just stares at them, his eyes as hollow as ever. The hand slips from his face, and goes limp at his side.
YOUNG ADULT DAISUKE
Who knows?
SAYURI KAMBE
This is not what we wanted for you, Daisuke.
SAYURI KAMBE (CONT'D)
This… will not help you.
YOUNG ADULT DAISUKE
Of course it won’t. You think I wanted this?
SHIGEMARU KAMBE
There are better ways to move on.
YOUNG ADULT DAISUKE
(loudly)
I refuse. I refuse to move on. I’ll ask for a hundred, a thousand more dealers if that is what it takes to keep you in this world!
Daisuke shouts to the void, lifting himself off of his sofa and resting on his knees.
YOUNG ADULT DAISUKE (CONT'D)
I miss you! I miss you both so much!
YOUNG ADULT DAISUKE (CONT'D)
(sobbing)
That’s why I can’t… I can’t move on!
YOUNG ADULT DAISUKE (CONT'D)
Mother, Father! I’m scared! I’m so, so scared…!
YOUNG ADULT DAISUKE (CONT'D)
Help me... help me!
Daisuke has reached a point of utter desperation. Since the very beginning, he’s reached it. At the end of his words, as the hallucinations of his mother and father begin to waver and dissolve, his voice breaks down into a strangled SCREAM, before he seizes one of his BOXING TROPHIES from the drawers and hurls it to the floor.
It only takes a second before Daisuke’s hurling, too.
END FLASHBACK.
INT. YASUKO'S PRIVATE FACILITY - SUB-LEVEL PRISON - NIGHT
Once again, Daisuke's father appears as a hallucination, a projection. And the nausea starts to overtake Daisuke once more.
SHIGEMARU KAMBE
Daisuke.
SHIGEMARU KAMBE (CONT'D)
I will never be a father that you can be proud of.
SHIGEMARU KAMBE (CONT'D)
Because this world... is no longer our own.
The projection of Shigemaru extends his arms, requesting an embrace from his son. Daisuke's fists start to tremble.
DAISUKE
Don't.
Daisuke doesn't budge. Shigemaru drops his arms, unblinking.
SHIGEMARU KAMBE
We can end this, Daisuke. We can give Nakagawa Yasuko full control of the adollium. Let her bring balance to the world.
DAISUKE
I will not.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
The hallucinations I had of you and Mother… they were never real.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
I won't listen to what a projection of you has to say.
SHIGEMARU KAMBE
Please, Daisuke. The adollium crisis is now out of your control. You must do what is best for the Kambe family.
SHIGEMARU KAMBE (CONT'D)
For your mother and father.
Daisuke's fists start to loosen. He stops trembling, and meets his projected father's gaze.
DAISUKE
I refuse.
SHIGEMARU KAMBE
And why is that?
DAISUKE
I have moved on from you. Both you, and Mother.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
I will use my own methods to stop the spread of adollium.
The illusion of his father distorts into a flash of digital static, and Yasuko's voice, unseen but present, echoes in the room.
YASUKO (V.O.)
What a nuisance. I've had to halt the auction five times now because of you and your stubbornness. Do you want me to use every one of my resources to deter you?
YASUKO (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Very well. If you insist on making a busy woman even busier, I'll have to make things interesting for the viewers at home.
On cue, the entire room transforms, and the projection of the study dissolves back into the white, sterile prison cell with nothing but walls surrounding the group.
Then, on one of the walls, a METAL TIMER appears and starts counting down from five minutes; its BRIGHT RED NUMBERS tick down from 5:00, to 4:59, to 4:58...
And below the timer, in bold, stark lettering, is the word: BOMB.
SAEKI
No, no, no, no!
KAMEI
She's gotta be messing with us! There's no way!
TEPPEI
But then what do we do? Wait until the timer goes off? What if it's the real deal?
HOSHINO
Everyone, calm down!
YASUKO (V.O.)
You seem so concerned about the world's safety, Kambe Daisuke. So much so that you're trying to control a crisis you have no business being a part of.
YASUKO (V.O.) (CONT'D)
But what would you do if the adollium you released into the world sparked a war? If the material your father developed could really be used to create weapons, isn't a bomb exactly what you should expect?
The countdown continues, the sound of its TICKING amplified with every passing second. 4:40. 4:39. 4:38. It's a masterful display of psychological warfare, Yasuko's specialty.
The team stares at the time bomb in dismay, then at Haru, then at Daisuke.
HARU
Damn it, we're out of options! She's got us all cornered!
HARU (CONT'D)
(to himself)
But why is she doing this? Is this some kind of psychological test? There's no way Yasuko would risk destroying her own property, right? Is she really that reckless?
HARU (CONT'D)
No... it's just a projection. It has to be. Yasuko wants us to believe it's real.
HARU (CONT'D)
She wants to see if we'll beg for our lives, to prove that we're not worthy of handling the adollium crisis! She's trying to humiliate us!
Haru clenches his fists, his eyes scanning the seamless, white walls for a weak point. He's about to slam his shoulder into the nearest wall when Daisuke's calm voice cuts through the escalating panic.
DAISUKE
Kato. Don't waste your energy.
HARU
What else are we supposed to do? Your money won't help us here. Your tech won't, either!
DAISUKE
This is a Faraday cage. It's designed to block external signals, and to keep internal signals from escaping.
Without further explanation, Daisuke turns to Suzue, his eyes holding a question she's already answered in her mind.
DAISUKE
Suzue. What are your readings?
SUZUE
It is as you say, Daisuke-sama. The projections are being transmitted through imaging fiber bundles within the room itself.
HOSHINO
The bomb must be a projection, as well.
KAMEI
I don't really get it, but doesn't it have to do with high frequencies and electric fields? What are we going to do about that?
Haru's eyes widen in understanding. Maybe they really can use Daisuke’s tech, in another way.
HARU
What about our earpieces? We can use them to interfere with the projections.
HARU (CONT'D)
If our plan is to overload the system, then we‘ll have to flood the room with a high-frequency pulse. Everyone’s earpiece can be repurposed to emit the exact same frequency.
HARU (CONT'D)
A fake bomb would just glitch and die out. We can break the illusion.
It's a plan, but not Daisuke's plan. Haru's eyes dart to Daisuke, in anticipation of his response. But just as Daisuke trusts his own judgment, he also trusts Haru's.
DAISUKE
That seems to be our only option.
HARU
Even though it'll fry every piece of our technology?
HOSHINO
We’re already in a Faraday cage, so they’re useless no matter what…
DAISUKE
Then do it.
4:15, 4:14, 4:13... The timer seems to be ticking down at a normal pace, until with an audible CLICK, four minutes are down to only three, then two, then one, then 0:15, 0:14, 0:13...
SAEKI
Oh no, the timer...!
KAMEI
It's gone down to ten!
HARU
(shouting)
Everyone, on my signal!
0:10, 0:09, 0:08…
HARU (CONT'D)
Now!
Following Haru's orders, Suzue repurposes the earpieces to target the frequency and broadcast a powerful pulse, and then a COLLECTIVE, HIGH-PITCHED SQUEAL fills the air. The projected images on the walls begin to flicker at a violent pace, the projection of the metal timer distorting along with them.
0:05, 0:04, 0:03...
The metal timer flashes, glitches, then disappears, leading the steel doors of the prison cell to swing open.
HOSHINO
The doors are open! Go!
As they all head for the doors, the floor beneath their feet lurches; the entire section of the floor they're standing on begins to ascend rapidly, sending all of them stumbling against each other with nowhere else to go.
HARU
We’re too late!
SUZUE
Everyone!
HOSHINO
Hold on!
KAMEI/ SAEKI / TEPPEI
Ah, ah, ahhhhh--!
The platform continues its ascent before halting with a sudden jolt, and the steel walls around them slide away to reveal a vibrant, chaotic, and extravagant scene.
INT. YASUKO'S PRIVATE FACILITY - GAMBLING HALL - NIGHT
Through the facility's high-tech, automated travel system, the group is no longer in a sub-level prison, but rather a gambling hall of considerable length.
The FLASHING NEON LIGHTS from rows of SLOT MACHINES and ELABORATE CENTERPIECES greet them first, then the THUMPING of a LOUD, UPBEAT JAZZ TRACK.
Once again, the group stumbles into a gathering of Japanese models, along with the Japanese elite.
Everywhere they look, there are ELITE CLIENTS and INVESTORS in ELEGANT ATTIRE, sipping COCKTAILS and betting on high-stakes games; there are CELEBRITIES and INFLUENTIAL FIGURES, with CAMERA FLASHES capturing their every glance and turn; and there are JOURNALISTS who are eager to get a scoop on the private lives of public figures, particularly Takahashi Kashiro and Nakagawa Yasuko who stand in the BRIGHTENED CENTER STAGE.
As the group attempts to get back on their feet, a HOST, or a suave man in a GLITTERING TUXEDO, greets them with a wide smile and booming voice.
HOST
Congratulations! You have succeeded in completing the challenge, and earned VIP access to the auction’s after-party!
The group stands, stunned and disoriented, as the host ushers them out of the make-shift "freight elevator" and further into the gambling hall.
Haru, his head reeling, stares blankly at the scene; the other members of the group seem just as lost and bewildered as him.
HARU
"After-party"?
The host gestures to the rest of the room in one smooth, exaggerated movement.
HOST
We've had some technical difficulties tonight, but the auction is still in progress! We're just having a little celebration before the final round of bidding begins.
HOST (CONT'D)
Now, enjoy the party!
The group is left alone in the crowded room, in a sea of people that all belong to a higher class—- with the exception of Daisuke and Suzue. Hoshino, with his eyes scanning the room, then turns to Daisuke. Daisuke doesn't face him.
HOSHINO
So, the final stage of the auction is no longer taking place at the Venetian Resort.
DAISUKE
This was her plan from the start. We're not in the Venetian anymore. This is Yasuko's private establishment.
Daisuke locks his eyes on Kashiro and Yasuko, who stop to answer interview questions for a FAMILIAR-LOOKING JOURNALIST.
The journalist, fairly short and chubby in body shape, adjusts his CIRCLE GLASSES with one hand and holds an AUDIO RECORDER with the other. Up close, he appears to be Haru's friend, MITA AKIRA, who Daisuke and Haru had worked with on a stakeout one year ago; a glimpse of Mita's SMALL, THIN EYEBROWS and STUBBLE leads Daisuke to recognize him in an instant.
DAISUKE
Over there. That freelance entertainment journalist. He works for "Weekly Bunshu".
HARU
"Weekly Bunshu"? Are you talking about Mita?
Daisuke doesn't answer; he's already on the move. He weaves through the partying crowd without a word, leaving Haru and the rest of the group to figure things out.
HARU
Hey, Kambe! Wait up! Our comms are still-- ugh, Kambe!
Haru tries to push forward in the crowd, but his path is blocked by a group of glamorous, wealthy SUPERMODELS. They are all dressed in HIGH-FASHION GOWNS with astonishingly high leg-slits.
MODEL 1
Oh, so you completed the puzzle! I heard you were left with the hardest one. Tell us, how did you do it?
Haru's face flushes. He's not used to this kind of attention. He even stammers a bit, caught between confusion and politeness.
HARU
O-Oh, um... I just...
MODEL 2
(in English)
You are very handsome. Are you new here? You must tell us how it went.
Without any translation devices, Haru's mind goes blank; his fried earpiece goes blank, too. Haru stumbles on another polite response, his tongue tangling over the foreign words.
HARU
(in imperfect English)
S-Sorry... I don’t know…
MODEL 1
(in Japanese)
It's okay, darling. We can just communicate with our hands…
One of the models, giggling, reaches out to playfully poke at Haru's chest. Haru's fluster turns into outright panic. He makes an effort to step back, but another model places a hand on his arm, feeling the outline of his bicep through his sleeve. Haru produces a loud, audible GRUNT, his eyes averting all over the place in an effort to stay calm.
HARU
(sheepishly)
Oh, wow... this is really...
Then, a third model runs a hand up his nape, and in response, Haru lets out an INVOLUNTARY SOUND. He feels the heat of a blush spread to the roots of his hair.
HARU (CONT'D)
This is... kind of...
HARU (CONT'D)
(interrupting himself)
Wait, what am I even saying?!
Haru, completely out of his element, backs away further and shakes his head to snap himself out of it.
HARU (CONT'D)
P-please excuse me, ladies...
HARU (CONT'D)
(calling out to the group)
Oi!
Haru, leaving the models behind, looks desperately in the direction of the group's last sighting-- though they have already dispersed in different directions.
HARU (CONT'D)
Don't just leave me here! Hey!
MORE IN THE NEXT CHAPTER.
Notes:
*art credits for this episode:
@stellarharus on twitter
Chapter 8: Fools and Money are Soon Parted (pt. 2)
Chapter Text
CHECK SUMMARY: After a failed attempt to apprehend the mastermind behind stasium’s development, Hoshino and the Modern Crimes team find themselves trapped in a high-tech facility. Forced to play Nakagawa Yasuko’s deadly game, they must rely on their wits to break free. They soon realize they’ve been lured to Yasuko’s VIP party, which is where the final stage of her auction is taking place.
INT. YASUKO'S PRIVATE FACILITY - GAMBLING HALL - CONTINUOUS
Daisuke moves with a silent, determined grace, a stark contrast to the party's hectic nature. He navigates around a group of laughing guests and a waiter balancing a TRAY of CHAMPAGNE FLUTES; his eyes never leave the back of Mita's head.
Mita, with his audio recorder still in hand, is hunched over a PROFESSIONAL CAMERA STAND. He’s wearing BROWN SUSPENDERS over a GRAY DRESS SHIRT, and a NEWSBOY CAP is seated on his head. Daisuke notices that Yasuko and Kashiro have left Mita's side, right as he approaches Mita.
MITA
Oh, hey! What do you know? It's the millionaire detective, at another high-class event!
Daisuke glances over at the now-empty space where Yasuko was, just minutes ago. A flicker of irritation crosses his face.
DAISUKE
I need you to tell me everything you know about Nakagawa Yasuko. Everything she told you.
Mita's playful demeanor shifts, and he responds with a curt shake of his head.
MITA
No can do, Kambe-san. This is top-tier confidential stuff! And besides, with this big of a scoop, you have to pay big money! This is my ticket to the big leagues!
DAISUKE
(cutting in)
I'm here with Kato.
At the mention of Haru, Mita's posture relaxes, and the excitement returns to his face.
MITA
Well, that's all you had to say! That guy's got a real big heart, you know. When Kato-san pulled me to the side and scolded me for working with bad company, he said, "you should know what's best for you, Mita." It almost made me swoon! Letting him in on a scoop is the least I could do.
MITA (CONT'D)
Kato-san's got a cute side to him. Wouldn't you agree?
Daisuke stays silent for a moment.
DAISUKE
Mita. The intel.
Mita leans closer, his voice dropping to a near-whisper.
MITA
Here's what I got. The auctioneer, Nakagawa Yasuko... she's not just some model. She was the face of Millennium Entertainment! You couldn't find a single headline that didn't have her name! She even had a team of top-notch PR agents, and everyone knew her as the “Monarch Model”!
MITA (CONT'D)
But then, she quit her job a few years ago. Just like that, she was gone. Disappeared right after a major scandal that shook the entertainment world.
DAISUKE
A scandal?
MITA
There was a lot of gossip on her. Rumors of a drug scandal, shady dealings. Stuff like that. The whole media turned against her.
DAISUKE
The media. So she was betrayed by her own industry?
MITA
You got it. But then the agency scrubbed everything. You can't find anything on her now-- that's what makes her story such a big scoop! A brilliant innovator who was wronged by a corrupt system! Now she's back on the scene, making a huge splash with this thing called "stasium". It’s a new product of hers. She's building a whole new brand for herself!
DAISUKE
What else?
MITA
The “Monarch Model” is famous for her genius. Not only in the research world, but in the world of social media! She knows exactly what to say to get people on her side—- connections, you know? Even "Weekly Bunshu" has worldwide connections. But the "Monarch Model" is on a entirely different level.
Mita leans back, pulling away from Daisuke only to place a hand on Daisuke’s shoulder. Daisuke stares, unblinking.
MITA (CONT'D)
There you have it. Go and tell Kato-san he owes me a scoop.
DAISUKE
Mita.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
I’ll make sure you get your inside story… and a cup of Kambe-branded ramen.
Mita beams.
INT. YASUKO'S PRIVATE FACILITY - GAMBLING HALL - BAR - CONTINUOUS
If it weren’t for the presence of the First Division’s chief, Kamei would have run off by now and surrounded himself with a group of glamorous, wealthy supermodels. And, if Kamei was lucky, he could have surrounded himself with supermodels dressed in high-fashion gowns that have astonishingly high leg-slits.
Instead, Kamei and Hoshino are "blending in" by nursing their drinks at the bar. Kamei holds TWO TUMBLERS OF WHISKEY, and he hands one to Hoshino, who stares blankly into the amber liquid like he's lost in thought. Kamei, oblivious, takes a sip from his whiskey glass while his eyes scan over the crowd.
KAMEI
Man... I'm glad there are no more bombs.
(then, to Hoshino)
You know, for someone who's chief, you're not really celebrating your promotion. What's up?
Hoshino sets his whiskey down with a heavy THUD, while his grip tightens over the glass.
HOSHINO
It’s not a promotion.
(then)
I'm only chief... because Chief Takei is gone. It's what I have to do now.
KAMEI
But you're also chief because the Public Safety Commission trusted you. Right? They knew you were the right man for the job.
HOSHINO
No. I was just Takei-san's right-hand man.
(then)
I've always been a grunt, doing whatever the higher-ups commanded of me.
Hoshino, matching Kamei, has his eyes scanning over the crowd. He takes note of the people's confidence, glamor, how they present themselves. Then he looks back down at his drink.
HOSHINO (CONT'D)
I was trained to follow. Not to lead.
Kamei hums, resting his chin on his palm.
KAMEI
Well, that just means you know what it's like to be a grunt. You know what it takes to get the job done.
HOSHINO
That's not enough. Chief Takei was always one step ahead. He knew how to handle the pressure.
KAMEI
But you're not Chief Takei. You just have to be yourself. We all trust you, Hoshino.
KAMEI (CONT'D)
Now let's have a toast!
Kamei smirks and swirls the liquid in his glass, gripping it tight and lifting it up. Hoshino, after a moment of silence, lifts up his glass in response, and they both make a toast as the glasses CLINK together.
Hoshino brings the glass to his lips, taking yet another sip of his whiskey. His cheeks have reddened a little from the alcohol, but since they're only drinking to "blend in", he's attempting to sip his whiskey "in moderation".
HOSHINO
... How do you not get tired of these cases? Or worry about the consequences?
Kamei shrugs, a grin playing on his lips.
KAMEI
It's easy, really. I just tend to... not care what other people think of me.
HOSHINO
(grumbling)
What about Motoyama-san?
KAMEI
Ah, but my lovely Sacchan is the one exception!
HOSHINO
(sighing)
Seriously... I'm surprised you haven't been fired by now.
KAMEI
Come on, the director isn't that strict. But what about you?
(then)
You don't seem like the type to get into trouble. Right?
HOSHINO
No. I don't want to get caught doing something I shouldn't do. Not when I'm supposed to be a leader.
Kamei's grin doesn't leave his lips, as he leans closer to Hoshino's face.
KAMEI
Don't worry, Chief. If anyone catches you drinking on the job, I'll just say it was my fault. I'll get you a fake I.D. and a new passport. We'll flee the country together... just you and me.
Hoshino can't help but let out a breathless laugh, and the tension in his shoulders decreases.
INT. YASUKO'S PRIVATE FACILITY - GAMBLING HALL - CONTINUOUS
Suzue, with a rare urgency in her expression, weaves through the throng of laughing, mingling guests in an attempt to follow Daisuke. She calls out to him, her voice a bit muffled by the surrounding, sometimes syncopated jazz track.
SUZUE
Daisuke-sama! Daisuke-sama!
She calls, but the distance is too great; a figure glides into Suzue's path before she can come any closer.
It's Nakagawa Yasuko, who tips Suzue's chin up with one hand while holding an EMPTY CHAMPAGNE FLUTE with the other. It's a subtle gesture that halts Suzue in her tracks, but even then she stands on guard.
YASUKO
My, my. It seems the little bird is trying to fly after its master.
Suzue's expression hardens. She turns her head to glance past Yasuko, but Daisuke has already disappeared into the crowd; Yasuko tightens her grip, bringing Suzue's gaze right back.
SUZUE
Let go. I need to get to Daisuke-sama.
YASUKO
You're always by that man's side, aren't you? Kambe Suzue. Always loyal, always perfectly in sync with your master's commands. A little automaton, you are. You're very cute.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
Before Kambe Daisuke, you were your own woman. You already had all the wealth and power you needed to survive. And yet you chose to let it all go, in an act of blind obedience.
SUZUE
(sharply)
It is not blind obedience. I follow Daisuke-sama because I believe in his methods.
(then)
My loyalty is a choice. I believe it is my choice to make.
Yasuko lets out a soft, amused laugh, sizing Suzue up.
YASUKO
A choice? Kambe Daisuke is a child playing with toys he doesn't understand.
SUZUE
Kambe Daisuke is trying to solve the world’s adollium crisis.
YASUKO
Oh, but you're wrong. He's not trying to solve anything. Rather, he wants full control. And you, little birdie, will be the first one to get caught in the trap.
Suzue stands frozen, with a face of cold fury. Before she can utter another word, Yasuko's hand, holding the champagne flute, shoots out with an impossible speed; the base of the glass, heavy yet delicate, connects with a sharp, precise THUD against Suzue's temple. The blow is fast and silent, masked by the thumping music.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
Don't resist.
Suzue's eyes widen in shock as Yasuko grips the sides of her neck, before Suzue's body goes limp, and Yasuko catches her with her movements graceful and practiced. She makes a discreet gesture to Takahashi Kashiro, who eyes them in the distance, then quickly approaches.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
Take her to a more... private room.
Kashiro nods, his face impassive, before he guides the unconscious Suzue away and blends into the crowd.
INT. YASUKO'S PRIVATE FACILITY - GAMBLING HALL - CONTINUOUS
A few tables away, Saeki stands by the edge of the bar, her eyes darting through the crowd with a nervous intensity. She's too busy looking for Suzue and the others to take notice of Teppei, who strikes a conversation with a high-roller about their suit. He turns to Saeki.
TEPPEI
Look at that! This guy's on a hot streak!
Saeki shakes her head and pouts. Then, a server approaches them with a TRAY of COMPLEMENTARY SNACKS AND CHOCOLATES in one hand; without a moment's hesitation, Saeki takes a treat from the tray and chews on it, even as her mind is still on her missing group-mates.
As quickly as the server leaves, Yasuko appears in their line of vision. She's alone, her face a picture of feign innocence. She halts a few feet away from them with a hand over her LAPEL MICROPHONE. Saeki and Teppei recognize her from the auction and immediately straighten their postures, keeping their guards up.
YASUKO
You should really keep better track of your partners.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
Especially that little birdie who likes to fly to her master.
SAEKI
"Little birdie"?
YASUKO
I mean the technocrat. Your dear "Suzu-chan". You see, I have a special place in my heart for birdies who fly where they aren't supposed to.
TEPPEI
What did you do to her?
YASUKO
Hm... should I tell you?
Yasuko holds a single finger to her lips and smirks.
INT. YASUKO'S PRIVATE FACILITY - VIP ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Suzue‘s eyes flutter open. Her head throbs with a dull ache, and as she lifts herself off of the floor, she finds herself in a VIP lounge: Yasuko’s VIP lounge. The room is lined from top to bottom in sleek black, with the appearance of a vintage office. Everything is lit under RED AND PURPLE LIGHTING.
The center of the room is cleared; instead of leather couches, tables, or bar-stools, a SINGLE, PIERCING SPOTLIGHT beams over Suzue. She is on her knees in the middle of the light, and her hands are bound behind her back with a THIN, STURDY WIRE.
SUZUE
(to herself)
This room…
KASHIRO (O.S.)
I see you’re still alive. Yasuko didn’t seal the deal?
Then, a group of SHADOWY FIGURES step inside the circle of light. The one in the center is Takahashi Kashiro, the powerful broker, surrounded by SEVERAL OF HIS ASSOCIATES who are positioned around the room. In one hand, Kashiro holds a SMALL, SYRINGE-LIKE DEVICE, with a NEEDLE that glistens in the dark. In the other hand, a CANE.
Suzue loses control of her breathing, as the device's cold, silver surface reflects the glint in Kashiro's eye.
KASHIRO (CONT'D)
Yer wasting my time, young lady. I got more clients to deal with. Where am I gonna get my retirement funds, huh?
(then)
Seriously, that woman should have killed ya off when she had the chance. You youngsters don’t know when to quit!
With Yasuko gone, Kashiro’s whole demeanor shifts from calm and collected to grumpy and impatient. Despite being an old man, well into his eighties, Suzue’s at a disadvantage when her hands are behind her back. Kashiro makes a lunge at her, and Suzue flinches. He pulls back.
KASHIRO (CONT'D)
What’s wrong? Ya scared? This is just a neuro-inhibitor. People love a game with high-stakes.
KASHIRO (CONT'D)
It'll only take away yer ability to move and speak. A necessary measure to keep the game fun.
SUZUE
(whispering)
A game?
Kashiro leans in, his face mere inches from Suzue's, before he reaches out and grabs a fistful of her hair, yanking it. The needle on the device is pointed right at her, its spike ready to strike.
KASHIRO
'S a game, alright.
KASHIRO (CONT'D)
A game where our special guests will be gambling for yer life.
The needle descends.
END OF CHECK.
Chapter 9: Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is (pt. 1)
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
CHECK SUMMARY: With Suzue's life on the line, Daisuke and Haru find themselves participating in a series of deadly card games. The ultimate game, however, is a psychological challenge designed by Yasuko: she forces Haru to face his deepest traumas and guilt from an incident caused by Haru in the past, wagering the truth of his past against Suzue's life.
INT. YASUKO'S PRIVATE FACILITY - GAMBLING HALL - NIGHT
A chilling realization settles over Saeki and Teppei as Yasuko saunters forward, her smile a cruel, victorious thing: Suzue has been captured.
Neither Saeki nor Teppei have the physical strength in them to fight. Instead, Saeki’s face pales, and her bubbly demeanor is replaced by a pure, gut-wrenching dread.
SAEKI
Where is she? What did you do to her?
SAEKI (CONT'D)
If there’s anything we need to do… please tell us!
Teppei holds Saeki back with a hand on her shoulder, reassuring her.
TEPPEI
Easy, Saeki-san. We don’t know what she’ll do to us.
YASUKO
(laughing)
I wonder. I could choose to make my move, or choose to do nothing at all. It’s similar to a game of chance, is it not?
Teppei shoots a menacing glare at Yasuko, but that’s all he can do; he’s bold and forceful in his words, but in a room full of power and wealth that he and Saeki don’t possess, Teppei knows he’s helpless to attack.
That is, until a new voice cuts through the tension.
HOSHINO
Saeki-san! Yumoto-san! What’s going on here?
Hoshino and Kamei emerge from the crowd, their faces etched with a mix of confusion and alarm after recognizing Saeki and Teppei in the distance. Kamei’s eyes land on Yasuko, and reacts by seizing Hoshino’s arm, pulling him back.
KAMEI
(whispering to Hoshino)
That’s her, Hoshino! She’s that model from the auction!
Yasuko’s attention shifts from Saeki and Teppei to Kamei and Hoshino, and she tilts her head with an intrigued expression until yet another voice breaks through the tension; Yasuko’s smirk stretches even more at who the voice belongs to.
HARU (O.S.)
Hey! Wait up!
Despite the voice belonging to Haru, Daisuke is the first to meet the group, and then Haru storms up right after with his clothes rumpled and his hair an even bigger mess. Haru glares at Daisuke without even noticing Yasuko or the rest of the group’s presence.
HARU (CONT'D)
(to Daisuke)
Do you have any idea how much I—-
Haru’s words are cut off as Daisuke halts to a stop and Haru bumps into his shoulder. Haru opens his mouth to gripe once more, until he spots Yasuko who stands in the center of the widely-spread group, her eyes fixed on Daisuke.
YASUKO
So, you’ve finally made it! The whole circus is here to play our game.
She turns to face the rest of the group, her smile unwavering. Then, she activates her lapel microphone for all to hear.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
This could be a game of chance, or it could be a game of skill. Shall we find out together?
A LARGE, FLAT-SCREEN TV above a nearby BLACKJACK TABLE somehow unfolds itself from its mount on the CEILING, drawing the main group’s attention along with the crowd’s. The screen flickers to life, revealing a live video feed. The group gasps as an unconscious Suzue appears on the screen, sprawled out on the floor of Yasuko’s VIP room with her hands tied behind her back.
Kashiro and several of his associates stand beside her. In one hand, Kashiro holds a large, syringe-like device. The syringe is empty.
DAISUKE
(shouting)
Suzue!
HARU
(shouting)
You bastards! Did you drug her?
Through the gambling hall’s speakers, Kashiro’s voice rings out, silencing both Haru and Daisuke.
KASHIRO (V.O.)
Welcome. For the final round of our after-party, we have our new players.
HARU
(to himself)
Another “final round”? What the hell’s going on here?
But there’s no time to give Haru an answer, as the screen cuts to black with a new COUNTDOWN TIMER ticking down and flashing onto the screen.
The MUSIC STOPS, but the laughter of the crowd, the majority, does not. Although every eye is fixed on the massive flat-screen TV, its countdown timer ticking down to zero, almost none of the guests seem disturbed.
Instead, they CHEER, assuming that this is really, and only, a game.
CELEBRITY 1
Let’s go! It’s an escape game this time!
CELEBRITY 2
Who‘s going to win? My money’s on the unconscious woman!
Mita watches from the crowd, sweating profusely.
MITA
(to himself)
Oh man, oh man… this is seriously bad news…!
The main group, rendered frozen in their own positions, watches it all unfold from the TV screen with a mix of shock and dismay. Haru is the first to move. He takes a single, furious step towards Yasuko, while Daisuke continues to stare at the screen, a glint of silent fury in his eyes.
The sight of Suzue in danger has broken through Daisuke’s carefully constructed walls.
HARU
I’m done playing your games, Yasuko! Where is she? Where did you hide her? Answer me!
Hoshino steps forward this time and reaches for Haru’s arm, but stops himself midway. This type of scenario doesn’t need Hoshino’s rationale. Not now. This is life or death.
Saeki and Kamei stand wide-eyed; Saeki’s hand is over her mouth. Her voice, her hands, all of it is trembling.
SAEKI
They’re not even hiding it... they just put her on the TV for everyone to see…
SAEKI (CONT'D)
(tearfully)
Suzu-chan…!
Teppei remains silent, though a bead of sweat comes sliding down his neck.
TEPPEI
She’s gotta be in one of the other rooms. No way they moved her that far.
Daisuke, his voice a low, dangerous rumble, addresses Yasuko face-to-face. Exactly what Yasuko intends.
DAISUKE
What do you want?
YASUKO
Congratulations! That’s the million-dollar question!
Yasuko gestures to the blackjack table that’s positioned below the TV, her amber eyes gleaming with glee.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
As my special guests, you will be gambling for Kambe Suzue’s life in a high-stakes game of blackjack!
HARU
Blackjack? We’re going to play a card game just so you can shatter our dignity?
TEPPEI
(mumbling to himself)
Man, I thought I’d be at the horse races tonight, but if it’s a case like this… I guess there’s no avoiding it.
In an unexpected turn of events, Teppei steps in front of Haru and Daisuke and shoots out his hand, stopping them.
TEPPEI (CONT'D)
Hey! I know this is going to sound like I’m out of my mind here, but this is my game to play!
HARU
What? But—-
TEPPEI
You gotta trust me! When’s the last time either of you gambled?
HARU
Well, we were in Japan not too long ago, so—-
DAISUKE
(cutting in)
We don’t have time for this. If there’s any chance of winning, we’re taking it.
TEPPEI
You made the right choice, Kambe. Not to brag, but I got caught up in a game with the yakuza one time!
KAMEI
(cutting in)
Is that really something to brag about? We’re the cops, you know!
HARU
None of that is legal!
HOSHINO
(shouting)
Just go already! We’re running out of time!
Teppei gets himself in position and takes a seat by the blackjack table, where a DEALER arrives to shuffle the DECK.
The rest of the group stands on the sidelines with the other onlookers, holding their breath as the screen cuts from the timer to the game.
Now, the audience has no indication of the remaining time limit except for Yasuko’s word.
YASUKO
With only five minutes left on the clock, I shall explain the rules for our unknowing viewers.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
The object of the game “Blackjack” is to get closer to 21 than the dealer, without going over. Should you go over 21, the wager is lost… along with your dignity.
Yasuko waits for laughter, and of course, the audience LAUGHS. Right on cue.
Then, the game starts. The dealer places two cards face-up in front of Teppei, then one card facedown and one card faceup for himself. Teppei has a hand of 16. The worst hand in blackjack.
Even worse, the dealer shows a 10 for his own hand.
HARU
(mumbling to himself)
You’re kidding…
DAISUKE
The dealer’s upcard is 10. Yumoto has a chance, however small.
KAMEI
Knowing Yumoto-san, he’s going to risk it.
SAEKI
No way! With Suzu-chan’s life on the line?
HOSHINO
Does he even know what he’s doing?
KAMEI
Yumoto-san will “hit” no matter what hand he gets. There’s no convincing him.
Teppei catches a glimpse of the group’s worried expressions from across the crowd. He smirks, then turns back to the dealer to shout:
TEPPEI
Hit me!
A collective, exhilarated GASP ripples through the room. The dealer nods and deals Teppei another card.
It’s a 5. Teppei‘s hand is exactly 21.
The team stands still, as though they are still processing Teppei’s sudden victory, before Haru lets out a laugh of disbelief.
HARU
(to himself)
This guy… he’s seriously out of his mind.
Teppei leans back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest with a smug grin. He waits for the dealer to turn over his card, and to everyone’s surprise, the dealer has a hand of 20; Teppei won by only one. But the dealer remains impassive.
DAISUKE
(whispering)
So that’s their plan.
HARU
(whispering back)
What? The game was rigged so that Yumoto-san would win?
But Daisuke doesn’t answer in time. Yasuko’s already set on making another announcement.
YASUKO
Are we ready for the next game?
HARU
There’s a “next game”? Just how many games are we going to play?
YASUKO
Let’s see if your luck can hold out for another round. And another, and another, until…
The screen cuts from the game to the main group, closing in on their agitated expressions. In response, the crowd bursts into LAUGHTER.
DAISUKE
No. We’re done here.
SAEKI
You’re doing this to stall us!
YASUKO
Am I?
Yasuko chuckles.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
Yes, I am. It’s for the audience, after all. Why stop at just one game?
CROWD
(chanting)
One-more-game! One-more-game! One-more-game!
The dealer shuffles the cards, moving a little faster, a little more deliberate this time, and Yasuko uses that opening to escape and shroud herself in the crowd. She makes a break for her own VIP room, before anyone can catch her.
Haru spots this, and calls out to Teppei.
HARU
Yumoto-san! To your right!
TEPPEI
Don’t have to tell me twice!
Right when the dealer sets his cards down on the blackjack table, Teppei scatters them all with a rough swipe of his hand, before standing up from his seat and making a run for it with the rest of the group.
INT. YASUKO'S PRIVATE FACILITY - VIP ROOM - CONTINUOUS
The group bursts through a set of DOUBLE DOORS, arriving in Yasuko’s VIP room. Their eyes lock on an unconscious Suzue, positioned in the center of the room, and slumped with her hands bound and her head facing downward.
While the syringe is no longer in Kashiro’s hand, as the old man stands beside her, Kashiro has tilted his cane so that it would be holding Suzue up in a sitting position and so it would appear that Suzue is ‘welcoming’ the group.
Yasuko‘s already standing in the center, and she brings a hand down to play with Suzue’s hair to prove that, due to her passivity, Suzue is truly unconscious.
YASUKO
You're making me resort to Plan B, is that it? The endless rounds of blackjack weren't enough to break you?
Surrounding the group are a dozen of Kashiro’s associates, all in SHARP BLACK SUITS. They blend in where the center spotlight isn’t touching them, and for some reason, they are all staring at Haru. Only Haru.
Haru notices this and hovers a hand over his revolver, though he can’t seem to control his trembling due to a trauma response. Yasuko darts a glance down at Haru’s revolver, then smirks, before her head tilts up again to face the whole group.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
Fine. Plan B it is. Do try to be on your best behavior for this next game, okay? We're still live. There are cameras wherever you look.
Daisuke steps forward in the middle of Yasuko’s words, in spite of her orders.
DAISUKE
What have you done?
YASUKO
(chuckling)
Oh, nothing that would interest you, millionaire detective. My intended audience is the worldwide hero.
The red and purple lighting in the room begins to brighten, revealing more details that were previously shrouded, and Yasuko takes that as her cue; she signals to Kashiro‘s associates, and as they step further into the light, Haru’s met with a row of RED BULLSEYES attached to each of their chests.
HARU
(whispering to himself)
No.
They stand, unmoving, their stances eerily still to imitate targets at a shooting range.
HARU (CONT'D)
No...!
It’s a sick joke, a way to mock Haru’s past trauma: the bank incident. This is Yasuko’s psychological warfare. This is all so Haru and Daisuke can give up all control.
HARU (CONT'D)
No… this isn’t real… this isn’t real…!
Haru’s eyes widen in silent horror as the flashbacks, the intrusive memories, all come rushing back. His breathing is a ragged mess as he recollects the blood, the body, the gun. The gun. The gun.
The gun. Haru’s hand trembles around his revolver, and his ears start to RING.
HOSHINO
(calling)
Kato-san! Don't look!
But Haru can't hear him. Everyone surrounding Haru at this very moment leaves his sight. Everything leaves. Now, it’s just him and the targets.
Not even Suzue remains in the center.
YASUKO
I’ve heard so much about your… difficulties, detective. I’ve heard that the worldwide hero has a problem with knowing who to shoot.
(then)
So I’ve set up a little game, just for you. Just to clear away your doubts.
She gestures to the men, the targets, and shapes her hand into a mocking finger gun to demonstrate the rules of her game.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
I want you to shoot all of the red targets. Not the men. Just the targets.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
Because if you miss…
Like a real gun, Yasuko shifts her finger gun and aims it directly at an associate’s chest; her eyes lock with Haru’s, right as she pulls her thumb back and pretends to shoot.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
Bang!
Even with such a harmless movement and sound, Haru flinches, his body jerking back. Daisuke spots this and is quick to speak, in light of Haru’s trauma response.
DAISUKE
(to Yasuko)
If it's money you want, I’ll pay. Name your price.
Yasuko ignores Daisuke as deliberately as she calls for another associate, who forces a REAL, LOADED PISTOL into Haru’s trembling hands. Haru doesn’t speak. He can't.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
(to Daisuke)
I won’t accept money from a rich man. Not again. You really think a man like you deserves all this money?
(then)
I simply asked you to let me handle the adollium crisis, and you refused.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
You refused me when I took on the image of your mother, your father, your grandmother, and even your lowly butler. Pleading for your permission like a damn beggar.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
I should have known that I would have to ruin a man from the inside-out to rid him of his pride.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
(to Haru)
Now shoot. If you really think you are more capable than me, you better have the strength to prove it. Or I'll make you and the rest of your group my final targets.
But Haru stands frozen, unable to do so much as lift the gun without trembling. In the corners of the room, the TELEVISION SCREENS record Haru’s shell-shocked expression, his horrified face.
Yasuko watches him with a mocking smile, full of condescending amusement. She taps on the side of the pistol, impatient.
YASUKO
(taunting)
What’s wrong? Can’t do it, detective? A brave man like you, the worldwide hero, is afraid to pull the trigger? Or are you afraid because your every action is being perceived by an audience?
The tension in the room is at a fever pitch, just like the TINNITUS effect that continues to violate Haru’s ears. Haru raises the pistol, whimpering. He can’t breathe. He’s desperately reaching out for a moment of clarity, for something familiar, for someone familiar: his partner.
HARU
(rasping)
Kambe.
DAISUKE
(quietly)
Kato.
A voice cuts through the noise of Haru’s head, grounding him. Anchoring him to reality. Daisuke stands a few steps away, beside Haru, his expression calm and unwavering. He extends an arm to the rest of the group, indicating that they need to back away in consideration of his partner.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
(to Haru)
Listen to me. Not her.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
Right now, you are Kato Haru, a member of the Modern Crime Prevention Task Force at the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. You work with Kambe Daisuke to solve adollium-related crimes.
HARU
(to himself)
I’m sorry… I’m such a mess…
DAISUKE
You’re not. Far from it. You are a capable detective, and you can handle a gun.
(beat)
This is Kambe. Kambe Daisuke. I told you once before that you are both a hero and civil servant. Do you remember that, Kato Haru?
HARU
(whispering)
Yes. Yes, I do…
DAISUKE
Do you know why I said that?
HARU
It's because... you've always been watching me.
HARU (CONT'D)
It’s because you see me... for who I am.
HARU (CONT'D)
I am a hero, and I am a civil servant.
Daisuke smiles.
DAISUKE
Good. Now shoot. I’ll be watching.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
Inspector Kato.
HARU
Inspector Kambe…
The words are simple, but to Haru, it’s a lifeline. Haru’s focus shifts from his fear to the targets before him, in front of him. He remembers, at that moment, that he is an inspector. He remembers all the times that Daisuke has put his trust in him as an inspector, a civil servant.
A hero.
Then, the group watches in stunned silence as a series of loud BANGS echo throughout the room, as Haru shoots his revolver with an unexpected, flawless precision and hits every bullseye with pinpoint accuracy.
HARU (CONT'D)
(grunting)
Hhf... ggh...!
Haru lowers the pistol once the last target is shot, right in the center, and he can feel his knees buckle. He takes one last glance at Daisuke, who nods, who validates Haru with a single movement, before Haru finally collapses.
The pistol CLATTERS to the floor, useless, and the entire team rushes to Haru to catch him before he falls.
There’s a glint of genuine disbelief in Yasuko’s eyes; of all her planned outcomes, she did not expect Haru to succeed. Even more so, she did not expect her failure, her failure to break them, to be broadcasted on live TV. She scoffs to try and paint it as something planned, like everything else, as she watches the team huddle around Haru to check on him. Haru's out cold. Suzue is, too.
Yasuko grits her teeth, knowing that her plan, both Plan A and Plan B, has failed. She turns to Kashiro, along with his men, and nods to indicate their next escape.
DAISUKE
(to HEUSC)
HEUSC, arrange for the fastest possible flight path back to Japan.
While the team is distracted by the chaos, their adversaries slip out of the room. For now, the theatrics are over.
INT. JAPAN - PRIVATE HOSPITAL ROOM - DAWN
Several hours later, Haru's eyes flutter open to find he's in a hospital bed. The STERILE WHITE WALLS and the EMPTY CEILING are a stark contrast to the luxurious, flashy interior of the gambling hall. Haru starts to sit up, his head throbbing, before a voice prevents him from doing so.
DAISUKE
Don't move.
Haru whirls his head to face the side of his bed, and finds Daisuke sitting in an armless chair, watching him. Behind Daisuke lies Suzue in a similar bed, her face pale but her breathing steady. Her restraints are removed from her wrists.
HARU
Kambe... did I do something wrong?
DAISUKE
No. You did fine.
Haru averts his eyes, unable to meet Daisuke’s gaze.
HARU
Are we... back in Japan? How?
HARU (CONT'D)
The others are gone... Hoshino, too.
HARU (CONT'D)
And what happened with Yasuko? She was tiring us out with her endless games, then she resorted to psychological warfare, and now... the auction?
DAISUKE
I had my private jet outfitted and on standby at a nearby airfield. With the jet, I brought you and Suzue to this hospital.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
The others are waiting outside. Hoshino returned to the Metropolitan Police Department.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
As for the auction, it collapsed. There won't be a final stage.
(then)
After witnessing Yasuko's defeat, some of the buyers grew bored and impatient. They no longer trust her as a reliable seller. Instead, they see her as a liability.
HARU
So she left with Kashiro and his men? Just like that? Where are they now?
HARU (CONT'D)
I doubt we can even track her. We don't have access to her public records or any known history.
DAISUKE
Yasuko is meticulous, but it's impossible to erase all human interaction. Mita was listening in.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
He knows where she's going. That is... to meet my father.
HARU
That's right. She and your father are working together... but is that really the case?
DAISUKE
I refuse to believe their alliance is mutual.
Haru nods, going quiet for a moment before speaking up.
HARU
You know, her psychological warfare almost worked on me. I guess that's what Yasuko wanted.
(beat)
Heh... I was hallucinating your voice, for some reason. Kinda calmed me down.
DAISUKE
(quietly)
That wasn't a hallucination.
HARU
(quietly)
... Oh.
The two of them sit in awkward silence again, before Haru speaks.
HARU (CONT'D)
Hey. I know I’ve been "touchy-feely" lately, but uh…
HARU (CONT'D)
Could I… ask for a hug?
HARU (CONT'D)
(quickly)
You don't have to if you don't want to. That was-- I mean-- we've been through a lot, and I think we both could use one. Just 'cause.
Haru finds himself blushing, even stumbling on his words.
HARU
(stammering)
I mean, uh. It’s no big deal if you say no. Like I said, it’s a weird question. And I know it's not really your thing. Oh, I-I’m not assuming though, I'm just... asking.
DAISUKE
You’re asking me?
Daisuke averts his gaze, staying silent for a while. Again. It’s not a complete rejection, although Daisuke is normally the type to respond with a curt “no”, or not give a response at all, and move on with his day. Rather, Daisuke appears to be in deep thought, like there is something else on his mind that he needs to attend to.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
Get some rest. That would be better.
Haru scoffs, but a warm smile creeps up to his lips. He clears away the awkwardness a little by changing the subject.
HARU
Nice try. You're just saying that so you could run off and confront your father without me, is that it?
HARU (CONT'D)
Come on. You said I was a capable detective, so shouldn't I prove my capabilities to you one way or another?
DAISUKE
You’re not going to let this go, are you?
It's Daisuke's turn to scoff. He rises from his seat, turns to the door, then makes a "come here" gesture with his hand.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
The others will have to watch over Suzue. Let’s go.
HARU
(scoffing)
You're lucky I don't have jet lag.
INT. DAISUKE’S CAR - DAWN
Needless to say, Daisuke was right about Haru needing some rest (rather than physical touch, though neither of them can confirm that). The possibility of Daisuke speeding or jolting the car forward or slamming on the brakes doesn’t register in Haru’s mind, as he rests his head against the passenger seat and stares out the window.
In the hours between their transit from hospital to hospital, the two of them have changed their clothes.
Haru simply threw on some BLACK FINGERLESS GLOVES and a GRAY HOODIE, wrapped around his waist and worn over a RAGLAN, RED-AND-WHITE, LONG-SLEEVE SWEATER. Daisuke, in contrast, chose to wear a NAVY-BLUE WAISTCOAT over a WHITE DRESS SHIRT and a STRIPED TIE. A new tie, to be exact.
While Daisuke owns multiple of the same tie, the striped tie he always wore is with his mother, beside her grave—- which is where they’re headed to now. Haru notices this and decides to speak up.
HARU
(softly)
We’re going the wrong way, Kambe.
Daisuke keeps his eyes on the road, but his posture stiffens. He doesn’t respond. Haru notices this and turns to Daisuke, with a knowing smile on his face.
HARU (CONT'D)
You know, for someone who I thought only sees things in terms of spending and efficiency, you’re surprisingly sentimental.
Daisuke’s jaw tightens. He still doesn’t look at Haru, though he’s having trouble holding back his reactions.
DAISUKE
I have no idea what you’re talking about.
HARU
I think you do. You’re going to see your mom.
HARU (CONT'D)
You don’t have to admit it, but you’re doing this to clear your head, aren’t you? To give yourself strength before you face your father.
Haru’s words seem to have hit a nerve, but Daisuke doesn’t slam the brakes or speed the car in response. He waits for Haru to say more.
HARU (CONT'D)
That‘s the thing about you, Kambe. You don’t really think of yourself as a champion of justice, or anything like that. You just see yourself as a guy solving problems, with whatever resources you have. You do things logically.
HARU (CONT'D)
But at your core… are you seeing your mother for any logical reason?
HARU (CONT'D)
(quietly)
Or are you doing this because deep down, you want to rely on others?
Daisuke looks down at his steering wheel, a complex mix of melancholy and frustration in his eyes.
DAISUKE
My motives are my own.
(then)
Right now, it’s not just Yasuko we need to focus on. It’s my father. To think he would get involved with someone like her…
HARU
It’s what she does. She preys on people’s weaknesses. Shigemaru wanted to rid the world of his mistakes, and Yasuko used his mistakes to blackmail him.
HARU (CONT'D)
She’s a master of psychological warfare. You saw it firsthand when it came to me.
Daisuke then glances at Haru for the briefest of moments, his eyes softening.
HARU (CONT'D)
It’s not that she wants us to work with her. What Yasuko wants is our full control. She wants us to surrender everything to her.
HARU (CONT'D)
She wants to position herself at the top of a new global power structure, and your father is a part of that plan. Whatever his reasons are, we’re in deep.
HARU (CONT'D)
But we’re in this, together.
Daisuke huffs.
DAISUKE
You talk too much.
Haru closes his eyes as he laughs.
HARU
Well, that’s just who I am.
EXT. BOTANICAL GARDEN - DAWN
The silence of the botanical garden during dawn is broken only by the gentle CRUNCH of leaves under Daisuke and Haru's feet. While the sun is still rising, the glow of a single LAMPPOST illuminates the rest of the path, leading to a secluded area where Sayuri Kambe’s grave is located.
Then they see it. Daisuke stops dead in his tracks, his eyes widening with horror. Haru comes up beside him, and his breath hitches at the sight.
The beautiful, polished marble of his mother’s grave has been DEFACED.
A red, spray-painted “X” overlaps Sayuri’s engraved name, and Daisuke’s striped tie, along with Sayuri’s ribbon belt, has been reduced to BURNT FRAGMENTS. It’s the ultimate act of disrespect, of demoralization.
DAISUKE
(shakily)
What is the meaning of this?
Haru’s face contorts into an expression of shock, some sort of sickened disbelief, as he takes a step closer to Sayuri’s vandalized gravestone and clenches his fists.
HARU
She was here.
Daisuke doesn’t respond, or rather, he’s rendered speechless. He can only stare at the defaced grave, his body rigid.
He reaches out a trembling hand to trace over his mother’s name, over the more damaged parts of her gravestone, before he lowers his head and does everything he can to look away from the horrific sight.
DAISUKE
How… how?
Haru catches a glimpse of the single teardrop that streaks down Daisuke’s cheek, that Daisuke attempts to swipe away with the back of his hand in one smooth, practiced gesture. He catches the way Daisuke clenches his fist, doing everything he can to stop the shaking, only for it to worsen to the point where his entire facade cracks and reveals the raw and visceral pain Daisuke tries so hard to conceal.
DAISUKE
(shakily)
How?
HARU
Kambe…
DAISUKE
(whispering to himself)
How? How did she know? I made sure this place was untraceable. That they wouldn’t touch her. I…
HARU
(softly)
Don’t look. Just… come here.
Without another word, Haru steps forward and wraps his arms around Daisuke’s body, pulling him into a tight and grounding embrace. He adjusts their hugging position so that Daisuke’s face is covered, so that no one can see him cry. Not even Haru.
Daisuke doesn’t flinch or stiffen. Instead, to his own surprise, his body completely melts into the embrace and his resolve disintegrates into immense vulnerability that, luckily, is shielded by Haru’s larger frame. He‘s quick to clutch onto Haru’s sweater, his body trembling, while Haru continues to hold him without judgment.
Although Daisuke chooses not to admit it, Haru’s kindness is something that no amount of money or power could ever provide.
Daisuke squeezes Haru a little too tight, and Haru winces a little, but he continues to stay right where he is. That is, until Daisuke’s shoulders go still, and he begins to pull away; Haru‘s first response, or rather his instinct, is to cover his eyes.
HARU
I’m not looking…
DAISUKE
It’s fine. I doubt you would be the type to judge.
Haru withdraws his hand from his eyes, and when he catches a glimpse of Daisuke’s blank, tear-streaked face, it softens something in Haru's heart just a little. He almost wants to pull Daisuke into another embrace, which is clear from the way Haru hesitates before speaking.
HARU
(softly)
What… what are you going to do? About the grave, I mean.
DAISUKE
I’ll have it restored. Immediately. Whatever the cost.
HARU
And Yasuko…
DAISUKE
She’ll regret this.
Then, a figure appears in the soft light of dawn: it’s one of the caretakers in charge of Sayuri’s grave, a CARETAKER just beginning his morning rounds.
CARETAKER
(calling out)
Hey! Are you two alright?
Daisuke, his face still streaked with tears, turns away, while Haru steps in front of Daisuke and shields him from view.
HARU
We’re fine. Did you see anything?
CARETAKER
I’m sorry I couldn’t get here sooner. The suspect must’ve known our work schedules to be able to pull this off.
(then)
I heard a noise a little while ago. It was quiet, like a drone. And a light in the sky… it looked like a red camera light. It was gone right as I approached it.
Haru’s eyes widen in realization, before he grits his teeth and clenches his fists.
HARU
You don’t think she’s… recording us?
CARETAKER
To think the suspect would vandalize the grave, and be so cruel as to record the act…
HARU
(to himself)
Just what kind of person are we dealing with, here?
Haru glances behind him to check on Daisuke, whose tears have already dried up, before he turns back to the caretaker and nods.
HARU (CONT'D)
We’ll be taking our leave, then. Please let us know if you spot any other suspicious activity.
He turns back to Daisuke and nods as an indication to leave.
MORE IN THE NEXT CHAPTER.
Notes:
*art credits for this episode:
@iguana_salad on twitter
Chapter 10: Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is (pt. 2)
Chapter Text
CHECK SUMMARY: With Suzue's life on the line, Daisuke and Haru find themselves participating in a series of deadly card games. The ultimate game, however, is a psychological challenge designed by Yasuko: she forces Haru to face his deepest traumas and guilt from an incident caused by Haru in the past, wagering the truth of his past against Suzue's life.
INT. HOSPITAL - CORRIDOR - MORNING
Daisuke and Haru creep through a quiet hospital corridor, where the air is sterile and cold and every corner is bathed in a soft, gray light. Daisuke paves the way, while Haru stands behind him like he’s Daisuke’s personal bodyguard.
HARU
Kambe, slow down! This could clearly be a trap.
DAISUKE
It doesn’t matter. We’re going to get our answers.
They’re only a few feet from Shigemaru room when the CLACKING of heels resounds at the far end of the corridor, and a voice halts them dead in their tracks.
YASUKO (O.S.)
Don't bother.
Yasuko steps into view, the perfect picture of a professional nurse in her CRISP WHITE UNIFORM.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
I was hoping I’d save you both the trip. Kambe Shigemaru is no longer here.
Haru’s face twists in frustration.
HARU
You knew we were coming.
YASUKO
(sighing)
Oh, come on. It was you who followed me. You weren’t exactly hiding from my drones.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
But I had a feeling the lost child would want to confront his father after learning of his betrayal.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
And… it’s a pity what happened to that grave.
HARU
(growling)
Yasuko! What makes you think you can do whatever you want?
Yasuko sighs once more, pouting dramatically in response to the detectives' antics.
YASUKO
Honestly, can’t you give it a rest? You’re in for an endless cat—and-mouse game if you keep this up.
HARU
You can’t stop us.
YASUKO
At this point, it would be pointless to stop you. I'll lead you to wherever you want to go. Even towards the truth. But don't blame me if the truth is too much for you to handle.
Daisuke's usual composure, now shattered by the desecration of his mother's grave and Yasuko's mockery, transforms into a raw and furious intensity. His hands clench into white-knuckled fists.
DAISUKE
Where is Kambe Shigemaru? Where did you keep him?
YASUKO
Your father’s been evacuated. Moved to the Third Laboratory.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
And now, it’s just the three of us.
Then, Yasuko lunges forward, pulling two SYRINGES from her pockets with alarming speed. The long, empty corridor becomes a battlefield, and Haru is quick to shove a series of MEDICAL CARTS in the middle of her path. The carts are successful in blocking Yasuko from Haru, but she's agile enough to use the momentum and launch herself over them. She locks her gaze on the two detectives.
Yasuko attacks with a practiced speed, a speed that far surpasses theirs. Daisuke‘s caught in the middle, unable to do anything else but dodge.
HARU
(to Daisuke)
Move!
Haru shoves another cart into Yasuko’s path, this one carrying an IV rack. It rolls towards Yasuko, rams into her, and knocks the syringes right out of her hand.
Haru lets out a grunt of relief, but his relief is short-lived. He's about to turn to Daisuke before a hand grips the back of his neck, and another forearm locks around his throat, gripping tight. Yasuko is behind him, holding Haru in a perfect choke-hold.
YASUKO
You're good, detective. But not good enough.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
No… you've never been good enough.
Yasuko clutches him tighter, and Haru gasps for air, his feet struggling to find purpose. Daisuke gets into a fighting stance, quickly scanning Yasuko's weak spots.
DAISUKE
Let him go.
YASUKO
Or what? You're going to use your gadgets on me? Are you going to hide behind your money and tech for everything?
YASUKO (CONT'D)
Remember, a man who relies on his money alone has no other way to fight.
DAISUKE
Do you think I need money to fight?
YASUKO
(sighing)
Please. Threatening a nurse is so unlike you. So much for being the kind and law-abiding civil servants you all claim to be.
She tightens her grip on Haru, her eyes locked to Daisuke's.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
I told you already. Kambe Shigemaru told you already. This world is no longer our own. Just because your father gave you your power, that doesn't mean he's a good man.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
You can claim I blackmailed him all you want. But that man is a conspirator.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
He’s working with me willingly. We share the same goal, after all: to take back what's ours. No more regrets, and no more consequences.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
Admit it. Tell me the truth. We’re all after the same thing, aren’t we?
YASUKO (CONT'D)
You can claim you're doing this for the right reasons. You can claim you’re doing this ”for the good of the people”. The public will believe anything so long as you have the resources to show it. And once the public is on your side, only then will you be in full control.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
So work with me, Kambe Daisuke. Give me everything you have. Together, with our combined resources, we can bring this world back to what it was-- even more than that!
YASUKO (CONT'D)
Your name will finally be cleared. Your father will finally be freed from burden. Isn't that what you need?
Daisuke stares at Yasuko, while Haru's face is starting to go pale in Yasuko's chokehold. After a few seconds, Daisuke responds, with a cold tone to his voice that shocks Yasuko more than any physical attack.
DAISUKE
No.
YASUKO
Excuse me?
DAISUKE
I refuse. The burden you speak of is the responsibility of those who researched adollium in the first place.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
You claim to want control, yet you do it with a more dangerous tool than the one you claim to fight.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
You don't want to stop the weapon--you want to perfect it.
He lowers his voice, all while stepping closer to Haru and Yasuko.
DAISUKE
As the sole supervisor of adollium, my resources are not a blank check for your ambition. I'm not interested in clearing my name through a corrupted alliance, and I won't trust a world defined by your delusions of a better world through even greater destruction.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
I decline your offer, Nakagawa Yasuko.
Her smile vanishes, replaced by a cold resolve.
YASUKO
You detectives have to make everything so difficult, don’t you?
To remind Daisuke of who exactly he's dealing with, Yasuko tightens her grip around Haru's neck, forcing a strangled cry right out of his throat. Haru's hands claw desperately at her arm, but the pressure is overwhelming, and Haru finds himself losing oxygen at a rapid rate. His face strains in her grip and begins to flush a deep, alarming red.
DAISUKE
Kato!
Haru gasps once, croaking out a weak "Kambe", before Yasuko lets go of Haru at the last second. He tumbles to the floor, choking on his lost breaths.
With his partner weakened, Daisuke lunges forward, throwing a wide-ranged punch at Yasuko. Yasuko is briefly thrown off balance, but she collects herself just in time to jump backward.
YASUKO
Foolish man. You should have stuck to your money.
Then, Yasuko delivers a swift, brutal kick to Daisuke's side. Daisuke stumbles, clutching his rib cage, before he's quick to get to his feet once more and throws himself in Yasuko's direction.
Yasuko dodges Daisuke's next clumsy strike and then delivers a clean, sharp kick to the ankles, using the end of her heels to hit harder. Daisuke sags for a moment, struggling to collect himself from Yasuko's powerful attacks. Yasuko uses this opening to step back to where she came from, away from both men and the rest of the hallway.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
(shouting)
You want justice? You want the truth? Go to the Third Laboratory! Let the words come from Kambe Shigemaru’s mouth! Hear him tell you that he joined me willingly, that he abandoned his entire future for the future I offered!
Her eyes gleam with an absolute confidence, as she stands on the border line that separates the hallway from the rest of the rooms.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
When you hear the truth from the man himself, then you will finally give me what I want! He's waiting for you, Kambe Daisuke!
But Daisuke isn’t done fighting. He runs up and tackles her, slamming her against the hospital wall. They're locked in constant hand-to-hand combat: Daisuke's movements are bold and precise, but Yasuko is all swift, powerful, and evasive, even more so than Daisuke. Even then, Daisuke still manages to land a hit, throwing her against the wall again with his grip on her uniform.
Yasuko is momentarily startled by the force in his attacks, but she uses the momentum to twist free. She lands several quick, punishing strikes to Daisuke's side, forcing him to let go of her. At the sight of Daisuke growing weaker, Yasuko taunts him, even though she's struggling to stay on her feet herself.
YASUKO
Look at you. Even with all your resources, you still have your weaknesses!
YASUKO (CONT'D)
(laughing)
To think they made you the sole supervisor of adollium!
As Daisuke clutches the struck sides of his body, Yasuko steps back, straightening her pristine uniform.
In the same moment, she reaches into a hidden pocket of her nurse uniform before slamming a SMALL, METALLIC CANISTER onto the floor.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
Game over.
Haru, still limp on the floor, tries to warn Daisuke.
HARU
(shouting)
It's another trap! Kambe, run!
Haru's shout comes too late. The canister unleashes a thick, blinding cloud of smoke that fills the corridor as quickly as Yasuko flees, leaving the two men alone once again. It leaves Haru in an even more vulnerable position, his eyes watering and his chest heaving from the lack of air and sheer exhaustion, while Daisuke can feel his knees buckle, as he fights through the smoke to get back to Haru.
HARU
(rasping, to himself)
Crap. Not... again...
Haru tries to push himself up, sees Daisuke struggling in the gray haze, and his vision nearly tunnels to black. The combination of the chokehold, the exhaustion, and the smoke has weakened Haru beyond his limits.
Just when his vision is about to fade out entirely, Daisuke grabs Haru by the shoulders and shakes him.
DAISUKE
Kato. Kato! Oi, Kato!
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
Inspector Kato! Answer me!
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
Don't you dare close your eyes!
It must've been the fury over his mother's desecrated grave and his father's affiliation to Yasuko, but Daisuke no longer attempts to mask his desperation. Haru's eyes flutter open, his body convulsing as he fights to stay awake.
Daisuke doesn't wait. He hoists Haru’s arm over his shoulder and bolts for the nearest exit, leaving the scattered smoke behind.
EXT. HOSPITAL - CONTINUOUS
Haru lets out a sound of protest as he can feel his body being jostled around, but doesn't make an effort to wriggle or twist himself out of Daisuke's grip. Neither of them need to check their next destination, anyway, as Yasuko gave them no other choice.
HARU
(breathless)
Hey, you're seriously heading straight to the Third Laboratory?
Haru feels the urge to add, "While I'm like this? You're heartless!", but Daisuke interrupts him and cuts to the chase.
DAISUKE
You can rest in the car.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
But don't expect to rest for long.
HARU
(scoffing)
Some partner you are!
DAISUKE
You have enough energy to argue, don't you? So you should have enough energy to continue fighting.
HARU
What happened to "don't you dare close your eyes"?
DAISUKE
I did you the favor of transporting you to my private jet. I'm not willing to do it again.
HARU
(shouting)
Kambe... Daisuke!
EXT. BOTANICAL GARDEN - DAISUKE’S CAR - MORNING
The rising sun casts long shadows as Daisuke and Haru stand by Daisuke's car. Daisuke, having hoisted Haru out of the hospital, lets go of him and opens the passenger-side door where Haru will sit. The motion is smooth, casual, and completely uncharacteristic for Daisuke who would normally slide into the driver's seat and expect Haru to keep up.
Haru can't help but scoff, with the assumption that Daisuke is messing with him.
HARU (CONT'D)
Oh, so now you think I’m fragile?
Daisuke doesn't reply. He keeps the door wide open, his gaze level and unyielding, until Haru grows bashful. The silence is more effective than any argument.
Haru lets the silence stretch a little longer before letting out a sigh, and lowering himself into the seat without another retort.
Daisuke closes the door with a soft THUNK before walking around the car and getting in behind the wheel and turning on the engine. Haru tilts his head to face Daisuke, like he's about to say something. Not in protest to his current actions, but to ask him about his previous actions.
HARU (CONT'D)
Did she get to you? Yasuko, I mean.
HARU (CONT'D)
When we fought her, she said you still have weaknesses that she can exploit. Like your mother...
Haru trails off, the thought turning over in his head. He averts his eyes from Daisuke's.
HARU
And me too, I guess. I mean, she went after me first. If I'm the thing that makes you break your focus, then...
He stops again, unable to voice the thought that he is a burden to Daisuke.
Daisuke doesn't look at Haru, but his voice is firm and steady as they speed towards the direction of the Third Laboratory.
DAISUKE
The Third Laboratory. We have a limited window before she finalizes her meeting with my father.
With a powerful surge, Daisuke drives away from the botanical garden.
END OF CHECK.
COST BREAKDOWN:
Full grave restoration -- 2,000,000 yen
Kambe-branded cup ramen for Mita -- 10,000 yen
Standby cost for private jet -- 3,000,000 yen
Total 5,010,000 yen
(~ 32,786.67 US dollars | 28,209.59 Euro | 47,179,363.38 Won | 862,353,312.71 Dong)
Chapter 11: Some Must Sleep, Others Must Spend (pt. 1)
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
CHECK SUMMARY: The hunt for Nakagawa Yasuko leads Daisuke and Haru to the secluded Third Laboratory after she reveals her intent to meet with Kambe Shigemaru. In Shigemaru's abandoned office, they uncover files on Yasuko's past as a Millennium Entertainment model and her involvement in a drug-related scandal. They learn that she is preparing a charity gala to facilitate the illict stasium exchanges. As they attempt to leave the lab with the evidence, they activate one of Yasuko's set traps.
EXT. THIRD LABORATORY ENTRANCE - PERIMETER FENCE - MORNING
A CHAIN-LINK FENCE surrounds the perimeter of the Western-style mansion, leading to the Third Laboratory. Daisuke and Haru stand by the side of Daisuke's car, their clothes rumpled and bruised from the hospital fight. Daisuke brushes off the dust from his navy blue waistcoat, while Haru attempts to straighten out the wrinkles in his raglan sweater.
DAISUKE
The drone trace ends here. Yasuko arrived roughly ten minutes ago.
HARU
Great. I'm going to assume she didn't just walk up to the gate and ask for a visitor's pass.
HARU (CONT'D)
(muttering to himself)
What ever happened to getting a warrant...
Daisuke gestures to a spot on the chain-link fence. The metal is bent back, forming a rough arch large enough for a person to slip under.
DAISUKE
A warrant is unnecessary, given the hole we left.
Haru steps closer to the opening, observing the jagged, cut wire. He remembers when he and Daisuke "broke into" the Kambe family's Western-style mansion and clicks his tongue in annoyance, but smirks to himself nonetheless.
HARU
We went through all that trouble to cut a hole into the fence, use me as bait, and risk setting off an alarm for access... only to leave a convenient entrance for our mastermind.
DAISUKE
She wouldn't go through the trouble of creating a new entry point.
Daisuke glances at the hole, then at Haru. He gives Haru a curt nod.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
Try not to set off the alarms this time.
HARU
(retorting)
But you were the one who set off the alarms!
Sighing, Haru bends down and ducks under the torn fence. Daisuke follows right after.
INT. THIRD LABORATORY - BASEMENT HALLWAY - MORNING
The elevator doors slide open to reveal a hallway with multiple paths. On the SIGN across from Daisuke and Haru, it reads "CHIEF RESEARCHER" with an arrow pointing to the left, and "PREPARATION ROOM" with two arrows (one pointing up and one pointing to the right). To the right is a FIRE ESCAPE DOOR.
Daisuke's eyes immediately lock onto the left arrow: "CHIEF RESEARCHER". Haru spots it at the same time, and they hurry down the left hallway. They spot an office with a small plaque that reads, "KAMBE SHIGEMARU", and they press themselves against the wall near the second to last door.
The door is slightly ajar. Standing in the open doorway, with her back to Daisuke and Haru, is Yasuko. She's still wearing her pristine, white nurse uniform. Inside, they catch a glimpse of Shigemaru seated on a wheelchair, frail and silent.
YASUKO
(to Shigemaru)
It's exactly as I said before. This is your exit. Adollium became your burden, and because of it, your wife was murdered. The consequences of your research broke you.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
But my stasium... it eliminates those consequences. You've seen what it can do. It will neutralize the risks you fear so deeply.
She pauses, walking over to Shigemaru with the door still left ajar and placing a hand on his shoulder.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
That is what I'm offering you, Kambe Shigemaru. A way to finally rid yourself of this terrible weight. You understand that, don't you?
Shigemaru remains still, but nods the slightest bit.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
Even if your beloved son is against it?
SHIGEMARU KAMBE
My son's wishes are not my own.
SHIGEMARU KAMBE (CONT'D)
You will gain everything, Yasuko.
YASUKO
And I will gain the power to make sure this never happens again. I will erase your burdens, allowing you to finally rest.
Yasuko steps away from Shigemaru, pulling out a TABLET.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
Our auction was a disaster, but it served its purpose. Now, for the final act of redemption.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
Three days from now, we hold the charity gala. We'll move the stasium exchanges into the light. The world will see us as philanthropists, not dealers. It's the perfect platform.
HARU
(whispering to himself)
Three days...
Shigemaru sighs, a sound of utter resignation.
SHIGEMARU
(weakly)
You must end this. I beg of you.
YASUKO
(scoffing)
Who do you think I am?
Daisuke and Haru wait for a tense thirty seconds, pressed against the cold wall. The sound of FOOTSTEPS and WHEELS ROLLING fades as Yasuko and Shigemaru exit the area.
Daisuke turns to Haru and gives him a silent nod, before they slip into Shigemaru's office.
INT. THIRD LABORATORY - CHIEF RESEARCHER OFFICE - MORNING
The room is spacious but cluttered, with a LARGE DESK, two FLOOR-TO-CEILING BOOKSHELVES, and DRAWERS within the desk that are chock-full of FILES, BINDERS, and FOLDERS containing technical schematics. Haru moves to the desk, rifling through the open drawers while Daisuke attempts to turn on the computer.
Haru stops, his hand hovering over a small, unmarked MANILA FOLDER tucked into the bottom drawer. On the cover, paper-clipped to the folder, a familiar face stares back from a FADED MAGAZINE CLIPPING.
HARU
(whispering)
Kambe. Look at this.
Daisuke listens and looks. Haru pulls the folder out, opening it to reveal PAPERS labeled "NAKAGAWA YASUKO MILLENNIUM". The paper on the top, a PHOTO, is a stunning young woman, clearly Yasuko but years younger. She beams a radiant smile, posing on a RUNWAY.
Haru quickly scans the summarized text written below the photo.
HARU (CONT'D)
"Former top model for Millennium Entertainment... resigned following severe career damage... drug smuggling accusation..."
Haru flips the page, taking in the full story. Besides the photo, there are old NEWSPAPER ARTICLES dated ten years ago.
HARU (CONT'D)
There's a lot on this woman. She's 32 now, but her life started sliding around age 22, when she was considered past the typical runway age.
HARU (CONT'D)
She got desperate and decided to work with some rich man, a rich investor who promised to elevate her brand with a new cosmetic product--a "skincare pill".
(beat)
Except that investor was exposed as a massive con artist selling narcotics. Yasuko was caught in the middle, accused of drug smuggling. The papers say she had to quit her job.
DAISUKE
I see. So she was looking for an absolute advantage somewhere else.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
And her charges?
HARU
She resigned from her position immediately, but the legal case just... vanished. She never served time.
HARU (CONT'D)
My guess is she leveraged her connections from Millennium Entertainment. They're huge, they had the power to make it disappear, probably to avoid being dragged into the scandal themselves. They used the con man as a scapegoat and painted Yasuko as the victim.
HARU (CONT'D)
Yasuko may have avoided jail time, but she sacrificed her career for her freedom.
DAISUKE
That explains the secrecy surrounding her.
HARU
(sighing to himself)
The cost of doing business.
Haru turns the pages to read more, speaking out loud.
HARU (CONT'D)
There's more. Right after she vanished, she started developing a new compound in secret. The foundation of stasium. She must've spent years turning her humiliation into this weapon.
Haru flips through even more pages that detail Yasuko's extensive private research and illict funding. His gaze fixes on a dense section of handwritten notes, all written in RED INK.
HARU (CONT'D)
This entire file is all highly detailed surveillance-- her contacts, her modeling past, the full account of the legal settlement...
HARU (CONT'D)
But why does your father have all this old information? Her modeling past has nothing to do with adollium or stasium. He started researching adollium twenty years ago, and he's been bedridden since your mother... since the adollium incident.
Daisuke steps closer to inspect the file's metadata, then starts connecting the dots.
DAISUKE
My father's life was destroyed by adollium twenty years ago. He has been haunted by the consequences ever since.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
But even before my mother's murder, he was reluctant to release adollium to the public.
HARU
Was he looking for a fail-safe or countermeasure all that time? Does that mean he had to collect information on people he thought could help create a "fix" to adollium?
DAISUKE
It's possible.
When Haru flips to the last section of the file, he finds a small collection of LETTERS sent from Shigemaru to Yasuko.
HARU
These letters were all sent from your father. But why would he keep the letters he sent? And how did he know her address?
DAISUKE
He could have been using a mail service that returned the letters if the recipient wasn't found.
HARU
Or he kept copies of the letters as a paper trail, if he was doing research on a large group of people. I wouldn't be surprised if he used your family's influence to track Yasuko down and find her private lab address.
Daisuke takes the file from Haru's hand without a word and skims over the text, noting the written dates.
DAISUKE
These letters date back to several years ago. He was seeking a partnership.
HARU
Your father must've been tracking Yasuko since she first published her research on the stasium.
HARU (CONT'D)
So he was planning to partner up with her long before the adollium got released to the public. Did Yasuko ever respond?
In a back-and-forth exchange, Haru manages to snatch the file back to read the final page. While a majority of the letters are from Shigemaru and are dated several years back, there's one letter in particular that is from Yasuko to Shigemaru.
HARU (CONT'D)
Only one letter from Yasuko.
DAISUKE
When was it sent?
HARU
About a year ago. Right after the information about adollium became public.
DAISUKE
(coldly)
My father spent years chasing her, and she waited until the world knew about adollium to mail a response.
HARU
I don't think she mailed the letter, though. She must've delivered it in person.
HARU (CONT'D)
She was working undercover as a nurse, right? So she likely used her position as a nurse to walk right into your father's room and hand him the letter.
DAISUKE
That means she already knew where he was, and needed confirmation that he was desperate enough to meet her.
Haru nods grimly. His attention turns back to the letter.
HARU
(reading)
"Your interest in me is noted, Kambe Shigemaru. After the release of adollium, you need my stasium more than ever. I am prepared to provide you with a solution, but I will need access to the supply chain you built over twenty years. That is the only way I can help you."
Daisuke snatches the file back for the last time, slamming it shut.
DAISUKE
(curtly)
Even if my father reached out to her first, he is not a conspirator.
Haru nods in agreement.
HARU
I don't think your father is a conspirator, either. Yasuko knew he was tracking her, and she used it to lure him into an alliance.
HARU (CONT'D)
But right now, he's working against us. Regardless of your father's intentions, we need to stop the spread of stasium. There's no way we can keep up with the spread of adollium and stasium.
HARU (CONT'D)
If Yasuko gets a hold of it all... we'll be dealing with two world-ending threats. She'll have all the pieces.
With all of their questions answered, Daisuke holds the file to his side, and looks Haru right in the eye.
DAISUKE
Then we eliminate her access to the final stage of her plan.
Daisuke walks to the door, expecting Haru to follow. Then, with one smooth motion, he turns the handle and pushes the door open.
He takes one deliberate step across the threshold. That activates some invisible SWITCH, as the once-empty hallway shifts into a chaotic web of THIN, CRIMSON LASER BEAMS. They criss-cross the corridor at every height and angle, leaving Daisuke and Haru trapped in the chief researcher office.
Without hesitation, Haru slams the door shut, the heavy THUD resounding in the room. His body hits the wall behind him and slides down the wall to the floor, and Haru holds a hand to his chest as he heaves in disbelief.
HARU
What the hell was that? Lasers? She even has control of the lab's security system?
Daisuke, still standing perfectly straight and untouched even after being met with an endless maze of laser traps, turns to look down at his slumped partner.
DAISUKE
Seems like it.
Haru sends Daisuke a glare before he glances back at the door, his brows scrunched in confusion.
HARU
Now what do we do?
DAISUKE
We open the door.
Daisuke responds at the same time he turns back around to open the door, which results in a loud protest from Haru.
HARU
(shouting)
Do you have a death wish, or have you just decided that money can buy you a new torso? Get back here!
DAISUKE
It's a security wire.
HARU
It's a laser grid! I'm seriously going to cut you to ribbons before the lasers do!
Daisuke reaches for a PEN that's been left on Shigemaru's office desk, then hurls the pen into the lasered hallway.
The pen doesn't get sliced. Instead, as it crosses the first beam, the lasers flicker violently then deactivate seconds after. But that doesn't grant them an escape; instead, an overhead ALARM blares throughout the lab, and EMERGENCY RED LIGHTS begin to flash all around them.
Simultaneously, a thick, non-toxic SMOKE begins to pump from the CEILING VENTS, flooding the corridor in seconds.
From the already accumulating smoke down the hall, the sound of heavy SHUFFLING echoes, closing in fast. Haru scrambles to his feet, ushering Daisuke to the door.
HARU (CONT'D)
Run!
As the two bolt out the door, Haru squints through the smoke and spots a faint light indicator in the distance: an ELEVATOR going up.
HARU (CONT'D)
There!
The duo sprints into the elevator, the doors HISSING shut just as the building descends into a heavy fog.
INT. THIRD LABORATORY - ELEVATOR - CONTINUOUS
Even in the chaos of their escape, Daisuke maintains his hold on Yasuko’s file, and he throws it somewhere on the floor as they spring through the elevator. Haru starts jabbing the elevator BUTTONS, but the elevator remains still: they're stuck. Both men lean back against the RAILING, sucking in deep, ragged breaths from their sprinting.
After a few moments of panting silence, Daisuke opens his mouth, likely to formulate a plan, but his exhaustion overpowers his strength. He crumples, his knees buckling.
Despite his own debilitating exhaustion, Haru is quick to catch Daisuke before he falls, catching his partner just before he hits the floor. Haru manages to lower both of them to the ground, before they collapse against the elevator wall.
Daisuke attempts to push Haru away as a final reflex of pride, but he doesn't have the strength to do even that. His head simply rolls to the side in defeat, nudging Haru's shoulder. Haru also doesn't fight his exhaustion for any longer; his eyes give up, drifting shut, and his head also drops to rest against Daisuke's. They drift off together, unconscious and trapped in the elevator.
INT. JAPAN - PRIVATE HOSPITAL ROOM - LATE MORNING
Suzue is still asleep in her hospital bed, until she hears the sound of HURRIED SHUFFLING beside her and wakes up in a groggy stupor. To Suzue’s surprise, Saeki, Teppei, and Kamei are all watching over her with shared concern.
She turns to each of them, calling their names in a soft rasp.
SUZUE
Maho-sama. Yumoto-sama. Kamei-sama.
Suzue tries to sit up quickly but winces, bringing a hand to her temple. Saeki rushes to her side and places a hand on her back, steadying her.
SAEKI
Please stay still, Suzu-chan! You’ve been out for a long time!
KAMEI
Yeah, that stuff they gave you was nasty!
But Suzue doesn't answer, as her eyes scan the room.
SUZUE (CONT'D)
Where are Daisuke-sama and Kato-sama?
TEPPEI
Oh, them? They went ahead to chase after that model woman. Told us to look after you while they were gone.
TEPPEI (CONT'D)
They were pretty insistent on it, too. Didn't even swing by the precinct to drop off the initial report.
KAMEI
Who could blame them? These cases have us running around in circles.
SAEKI
We could ask Hoshino-san to drop it off for us!
Suzue's concern still doesn't relent. Her bottom lip trembles.
SUZUE
Please... please tell me they did not go far!
KAMEI
About that... they, uh... they went to the Third Laboratory. They said they'd call us if they found anything.
Suzue's eyes, still hazy with lingering fatigue, snap into sharp focus. She sits up again, and Saeki lets out a startled gasp.
SAEKI
Suzu-chan!
SUZUE
(panicked)
The Third Laboratory? Why on Earth would they go there? And why haven't you heard from them? Are they still in the lab?
KAMEI
(sheepishly)
It's as Yumoto-san said. They were pretty insistent on going there...
Suzue, now on full alert, tries to climb out of bed. She swings her legs over the side of the hospital bed and tears away whatever hospital equipment is preventing her from moving.
SUZUE
I can't stay here. They need backup! I have to track their movements before Yasuko completely locks them out of the system!
SAEKI
Wait! You can't leave when you're like this! The doctor said "no vigorous activity"!
SAEKI (CONT'D)
You need to rest! Please listen to me, Suzu-chan!
SUZUE
Rest is a luxury Daisuke-sama and Kato-sama cannot afford, which means we cannot afford it either! The Third Laboratory is compromised! They walked right into Yasuko’s trap! We can’t wait for any longer!
TEPPEI
(sighing)
The Third Laboratory, though? That place is way out in the sticks. And we just got back from Vegas! I'm operating on five hours of sleep right now.
SAEKI
(pleading)
Yumoto-san!
KAMEI
Yeah, they're probably fine! Kambe-san and Kato-san can take care of themselves. They don't need us!
KAMEI (CONT'D)
(to Suzue)
Come on, we can at least trust the two of them to--
SUZUE
(shouting)
This is no laughing matter! Daisuke-sama and Kato-sama could be in danger!
SUZUE (CONT'D)
I will not sit here and wait. We have to find them. Now!
Kamei flinches, intimidated by Suzue's sharp tone, but nods so as to not agitate Suzue any more than he already has.
KAMEI
Right! No napping! The Third Lab it is!
MORE IN THE NEXT CHAPTER.
Notes:
*art credits for this episode:
@iguana_salad on twitter
Chapter 12: Some Must Sleep, Others Must Spend (pt. 2)
Chapter Text
CHECK SUMMARY: The hunt for Nakagawa Yasuko leads Daisuke and Haru to the secluded Third Laboratory after she reveals her intent to meet with Kambe Shigemaru. In Shigemaru's abandoned office, they uncover files on Yasuko's past as a Millennium Entertainment model and her involvement in a drug-related scandal. They learn that she is preparing a charity gala to facilitate the illict stasium exchanges. As they attempt to leave the lab with the evidence, they activate one of Yasuko's set traps.
EXT. WESTERN-STYLE MANSION - PERIMETER FENCE - LATE MORNING
A BLACK CAR, driven by Teppei, SCREECHES to a halt near the laboratory's perimeter fence. Suzue, Saeki, Teppei, and Kamei all pull up to the same torn section of the fence where Haru and Daisuke entered earlier. Skeptical, Saeki munches on the small CHOCOLATE BAR in her hand, with a concerned expression on her face.
Suzue slips through the gap first while the MCPTF trio follows, though their movements are reluctant.
INT. WESTERN-STYLE MANSION - LOBBY - LATE MORNING
The group, now inside the Kambe-owned, Western-style mansion, enters a large, cold lobby with neither Haru or Daisuke in sight. But it’s clear that someone had been there recently.
Suzue rushes to the ELEVATOR BANK, but politely taps on the button for the lower floors. There is no response: no elevator comes up. Instead, the panel stays dark.
SUZUE
This can’t be! Daisuke-sama and Kato-sama are stuck in the lower floors!
She points to a nearby STEEL DOOR labeled EMERGENCY EXIT.
SUZUE
We have to take the stairs! For Daisuke-sama and Kato-sama!
The MCPTF trio stops to think about the several FLIGHTS OF STAIRS required to reach their destination, and Kamei starts to sweat.
KAMEI
Surely, there’s another way to do this?
But Suzue ignores Kamei’s protests by shoving him out of the way and throwing open the heavy door in one smooth movement, leaving the trio to exchange sighs of mutual misery before reluctantly following Suzue into the stairwell.
INT. THIRD LABORATORY - STAIRWELL - CONTINUOUS
The sound of HEAVY, RHYTHMIC FOOTSTEPS echoes through the stark concrete stairwell. Suzue, still recovering, leads the way, her determination pushing her forward. Behind her, Saeki, Kamei, and Teppei all pant and grunt, their exhaustion evident.
They descend a couple more flights, opening the door leading into each floor, until Suzue kicks open yet another fire door and immediately encounters the aftermath of Haru and Daisuke’s escape. The room is hazy with LINGERING SMOKE. There’s the sound of an ALARM in the background, which escalates into a repeating, grating BEEP.
SUZUE
This is it!
KAMEI
(coughing)
Suzue-san, are you sure? This smoke…
SUZUE
They’re here! I’m sure of it!
She rushes into the suffocating smoke without any hesitation, disappearing from view.
SAEKI
Suzu-chan, wait! Suzu-chan!
The trio exchange frantic glances, before they follow Suzue into the building as they did previously. As they penetrate through the smoke, they hear a distinct, muffled sound in the distance: SHUFFLING and LABORED BREATHING.
Assuming the sound is coming from Haru and Daisuke, Suzue rushes forward. She reaches the elevator bank that Haru and Daisuke escaped to, and stops short.
It’s not that Haru and Daisuke are struggling to get out. The “shuffling” noises are really frustrated GRUNTS coming from Yasuko, who is manually attempting to pry the elevator doors open from the outside.
TEPPEI
It’s her! That model lady!
Yasuko hasn’t even bothered to retrieve a mask; she has a HANDKERCHIEF pulled tightly over her mouth and nose. Then, with a harsh jerk of her free hand, she succeeds in creating a thin gap in the elevator doors, revealing Haru and Daisuke who lie unconscious inside.
SUZUE
(crying out)
Daisuke-sama! Kato-sama!
Yasuko pauses her struggle with the doors and turns to face the group. She drops the handkerchief, and a look of chilling triumph spreads across her face as she faces the new arrivals.
YASUKO
Now, who do we have here? The whole cavalry’s arrived, with Kambe Suzue as their leader.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
Good grief. Does the Kambe family like to rush into everything without a plan?
Yasuko releases the doors and steps back, allowing the thin gap to close. The concentrated smoke in the area has thinned, enough that those in the room can breathe, but she knows the MCPTF is still compromised due to the lack of visibility.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
Tell me, how predictable can you all be? I gave those two a destination, a little taunt about Kambe Shigemaru’s betrayal, and just like that they follow like loyal little dogs.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
Every trap I set, they rush right into it. I tell them to come to the lab, and they arrive. And when Kambe Daisuke runs, Kato Haru follows right behind.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
You all are so desperate to stop me that you create your own obstacles in the process. Even now, two of your members are unconscious inside this box, yet the rest of you still followed the trail.
Using her free hand, Yasuko gestures towards the elevator with a flourish.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
These dolts came to the Third Laboratory to prove that Kambe Shigemaru was a victim. Instead, Kambe Shigemaru proved who he really is—-a desperate conspirator. They got to see it for themselves!
She uses the same hand to point at the rest of the group in accusation.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
Surely, the friends of these two dull-witted detectives can bring them back to their senses?
SUZUE
(shouting)
Stand back! I refuse to let you near them!
YASUKO
Oh, dear. You really shouldn’t be influenced by your master, little birdie. Or else you’ll end up making the same rash decisions that he does.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
You have always been by his side, Kambe Suzue. Even I know that. Yet your master went ahead without you and got himself hurt in the process. He valued his ego over your precious resources.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
After everything you’ve been through together, he still doesn’t trust you. Doesn’t that frustrate you, even a little bit?
Suzue pauses at that moment. Not once in her life has she ever doubted Daisuke, especially when it comes down to his judgment. But somehow, there is still truth to Yasuko’s words. She hesitates for a split second.
Then, Suzue‘s shoulders slump, and she stares down at the floor.
SUZUE
Daisuke-sama always has a plan.
YASUKO
A plan that puts his partner’s life at risk, time and time again.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
That man has no regard for his partner’s feelings. What makes you think he’ll have any regard for yours?
Teppei and Kamei step forward instinctively, getting into a defensive stance, but Yasuko barely spares a glance at them.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
You’re all talk and no bite. None of you even come close. I already told those two detectives: you follow me, you become my pawns.
She turns back to the elevator, her focus returning to the helpless targets inside. The MCPTF trio can only watch, knowing that their current disoriented state, and their strength in general, is no match to Yasuko’s.
KAMEI
(to Saeki and Teppei)
She’s definitely stronger. And unreal. There’s no way we can fight her!
TEPPEI
And we don’t have weapons or tech to back us up.
KAMEI
No weapons, no tech… it’s a dead end.
Just then, Saeki, still holding the half-bitten CHOCOLATE BAR from earlier, chucks it down the hallway with a surprising force. It hits the floor with a hard THUD, and Yasuko whips her head in an attempt to identify the sound.
YASUKO
What was that? Another one of your friends?
SAEKI
No! It was… I think it was Shigemaru!
Yasuko’s face twists with genuine alarm, since her plan relies on Shigemaru’s cooperation. She turns back to the group, then back to the dark hallway, before she grits her teeth and makes a rash decision to go after Shigemaru.
YASUKO
(snarling)
That bastard!
Yasuko abandons the elevator entirely, brushing past the group to track down the “fleeing” Shigemaru. Now with Yasuko out of sight, Suzue is already rushing forward to try and pry the elevator doors open, just as Yasuko was doing before.
The MCPTF trio come up from behind Suzue and help her with the elevator doors, their earlier reluctance fading in the face of imminent danger, until the doors fly open in a dramatic swing.
INT. THIRD LABORATORY - ELEVATOR - CONTINUOUS
While Saeki and Suzue scramble inside the elevator cabin, Kamei and Teppei are holding the doors open. Saeki is the first to spot it: against the wall, trapped and completely unconscious, are Daisuke and Haru, slumped against each other.
SAEKI
(crying out)
Dai-chan! Kato-san! No!
Saeki gasps, her eyes going wide at the sight. She drops to her knees beside them, and Suzue follows her, frantically checking their pulses. Her usual focus dissolves into distress.
SUZUE
Daisuke-sama! Kato-sama! What did she do to you? Please, answer me!
Kamei and Teppei stand and watch, listening for their breathing.
After a tense minute, Haru stirs, groaning loudly. He blinks, before his eyes land on Suzue.
HARU
(rasping)
Suzue-san? What time is it? And where is Kambe?
As his memory starts coming back to him, Haru immediately fears the worst, and he jolts up from his lying-down position with the thought that Daisuke might be in danger.
HARU (CONT'D)
Kambe!
In growing concern, Haru wildly scans his surroundings, until his elbow knocks Daisuke’s face that’s resting on Haru’s shoulder and Daisuke grunts, furrowing his brows.
Haru clearly couldn’t care less about Daisuke’s annoyance, though, as he sighs in relief and even dares to pat Daisuke’s shoulder to show his relief. Daisuke is glaring daggers at this point.
HARU (CONT'D)
Looks like we got everything figured out, then. Nice job, everyone.
Just like that, Daisuke‘s already back to his usual composed self, nodding at Haru’s words.
DAISUKE
Let’s go.
But Suzue‘s shoulders tense, like Daisuke’s words have somehow struck a nerve in her. Rather, the cold, heavy weight of Yasuko’s earlier words come back at full force.
SUZUE
(cutting in)
No, Daisuke-sama. We stop here.
The entire elevator cabin goes silent. Kamei and Teppei even crane their necks to see if they heard correctly. Daisuke’s eyes widen just the slightest bit.
DAISUKE
Suzue?
Daisuke blinks in surprise once he spots the tears brimming Suzue’s eyes.
SUZUE
You went ahead on your own! Again! You used your lead to run directly into a trap you were clearly warned about!
SUZUE (CONT'D)
All you’ve done is chase down Yasuko, dragging Kato-sama with you without a moment of rest! Don’t you see how reckless this is?
SUZUE (CONT'D)
You’re so focused on seeking out the truth that you… that you don’t even care about the consequences, Daisuke-sama!
Saeki rests a hand on Suzue’s back, but Suzue doesn’t acknowledge her. She sniffles and continues to cry, a rare and uncharacteristic sight.
SAEKI
Suzu-chan?
SUZUE
(to Daisuke and Haru)
Stop and think for a second! You are not in the state to be fighting!
HARU
Suzue-san…
SUZUE
Please listen to me, Kato-sama! That woman hospitalized you, and now she’s left Daisuke-sama helpless! I cannot allow this to go on for any longer!
Suzue pauses, wiping a tear away with a furious swipe.
SUZUE
Daisuke-sama… I have told you time and time again that you are the only person that I follow. That I believe in you.
SUZUE (CONT'D)
(tearfully)
But do you believe in me?
Daisuke, suddenly stripped of his composure, finds himself lost for words. He has no quick answer, only the taste of his own impulsiveness.
DAISUKE
(quietly)
Yes. I do.
The silence that follows is thick with tension. Teppei and Kamei watch it all play out awkwardly as they hold the elevator doors open, while Saeki keeps her hand on Suzue’s back, holding her breath.
That is, until Suzue‘s resolve solidifies and she reaches out to hold both Haru and Daisuke’s hands in hers. Haru and Daisuke both tense up at first, unsure of what Suzue plans to do, but they don’t make any attempt to push her away.
SUZUE
Then prove it! Prove you truly believe in me!
(then)
Kato-sama. Daisuke-sama! From now on, please listen to what I have to say!
SUZUE (CONT'D)
Please let me in on every future plan you make!
Suzue leans in, clasping their hands, and Haru’s face flushes at their proximity. Daisuke doesn’t respond to the proximity, but he acknowledges Suzue’s strong feelings.
HARU
R-Right! Understood!
DAISUKE
Understood.
Now that both of them have agreed to her terms, Suzue turns to Haru and clasps both of his hands this time, transferring her warmth to his flushed face. Her eyes search his face for reassurance. Haru, who is flustered by the sudden, close proximity and Suzue's intense focus, stiffens immediately.
SUZUE
Kato-sama, did you find anything? Anything about Yasuko‘s combat style or tactics?
HARU
A-Ah? Combat style? Oh, uh… Kambe brought the file. We might find something in the research section.
HARU (CONT'D)
(to Daisuke, in a hushed whisper)
Come on, open it.
Daisuke sends Haru a side-glare, but relents and reaches for the file labeled “NAKAGAWA YASUKO MILLENNIUM“. He hands it to Suzue. Haru leans over and directs Suzue to the “research” section of the file.
HARU (CONT'D)
Alright, here's the short version. Nakagawa Yasuko was a top model for Millennium Entertainment, but her career collapsed years ago after a drug smuggling scandal involving some rich investor and a so-called "skincare pill".
Haru reads over the text again, recognizing most of the story until he spots even more information about the “skincare pill”. His eyes widen.
HARU (CONT'D)
Wait. That's not it.
KAMEI
There's more?
HARU (CONT'D)
I only skimmed this part earlier. But now that I’m reading it over…
DAISUKE
What is it?
HARU
These pills weren't just drugs--they were neural enhancers. The con artist was using her as a human test subject!
Haru points to the chemical schematics and notes on the "skincare pill's" composition, reading the notes out loud.
HARU (CONT'D)
"... the compound targets the nervous system to drastically improve reflexes, reaction time, and pain threshold..."
(then)
All without "adding bulk". She's moving and thinking faster than we are. This is years of self-experimentation.
HARU (CONT'D)
She's been chemically enhanced for years!
Haru's revelation brings forth everyone else's attention, as Kamei lets out a startled noise from the doorway.
KAMEI
So that's why she's stronger than two police officers? Because of these pills?
HARU
It's not that she's physically stronger.
HARU (CONT'D)
Her brain is chemically enhanced so that she can process our moves before we can even make them. Her body reacts instantly to her thought. That's why we can't touch her.
HARU (CONT'D)
It's like she's... a personified ASV suit.
SUZUE
What else did you find?
DAISUKE
A charity gala, three days from now. She plans to use the charity gala to legitimize the stasium exchanges and finalize her alliance with my father.
Suzue pulls back from Haru, her gaze sharp and assertive.
SUZUE
Then we have three days to close that gap.
SUZUE (CONT'D)
We rest, we heal, and then we train! Not just a quick run-through, but intense combat training!
SUZUE (CONT'D)
We'll train with and without the Active Support Veil!
As quickly as she pulls back from Haru, she surges forward once again and rests her hands on Haru's shoulders, oblivious to the fact that Haru's now even more flustered by her touch.
SUZUE (CONT'D)
Kato-sama! We will win the next fight, and it will be on my terms!
Haru, unable to deny her logic or her touch, manages a firm if slightly dazed nod.
HARU
Understood. We'll train as much as we can!
INT. MODERN CRIMES PREVENTION TASK FORCE OFFICE - AFTERNOON
The office is buzzing with activity, a stark contrast to the Third Laboratory. Kamei, Saeki, and Teppei have already settled back into their usual shenanigans.
Their director (who is also an acting director) Kiyomizu, a man as rounded as his body, addresses Kamei, Saeki, and Teppei with a carefree smile as he adjusts his pair of RED OVAL EYEGLASSES.
He's dressed in an OPEN BEIGE SUIT COAT, a CREAM-AND-BLUE V-NECK VEST, a WHITE UNDERSHIRT, and a BRIGHT RED TIE with a YELLOW WINDOWPANE PATTERN.
KIYOMIZU
... and that's when I told the special effects coordinator, "More explosions!"
Moments later, a slightly battered-looking Haru and an ever so composed-looking Daisuke enters through the office door, while Suzue helps them inside. Kiyomizu turns and beams at the sight of the group, even in their clearly exhausted state.
KIYOMIZU (CONT'D)
Kambe-kun, Suzu-chan, Kato-chan! Look at you! You're all back from your overseas holiday, I see!
KIYOMIZU (CONT'D)
Did you buy me a Mitsubishi model on your way back?
Suzue steps forward, acting professional despite her exhaustion.
SUZUE
Director Kiyomizu, we have a report on Nakagawa Yasuko and the planned charity gala in three days.
HARU
Yasuko is using the gala as a front for an exchange involving two compounds. One being adollium, and the other being a newly developed substance, stasium. We need a way in.
Daisuke hands over the file on Yasuko and the stasium schematics. Kiyomizu's expression shifts to a rare moment of sternness as he scans the documents, though he brightens again in mere seconds when he returns the file to Daisuke.
KIYOMIZU
A gala, eh? Good thing Kambe-kun is here. Always dress for success, am I right?
KIYOMIZU (CONT'D)
(to Daisuke and Haru)
Well, I won't stop you. Knowing you two, you already know your mission--to infiltrate this gala, get us proof of the exchanges, and start training!
Daisuke nods, and Haru nods after him.
DAISUKE
Understood. We're moving our base of operations to Suzue's lab.
INT. KAMBE CORPORATE BUILDING - UNDERGROUND WORKSHOP - LATE AFTERNOON
The lair is a vast, high-tech space beneath a Kambe property. Beyond the servers and screens, one area is a dedicated training room with PADDED FLOORS, AUTOMATED DRONE TARGETS, and SOPHISTICATED EQUIPMENT all designed by Suzue.
Haru and Daisuke stand across from each other on the center of a padded mat, getting into their fighting stances.
Daisuke is already clad in his spray-on, high-tech ASV SUIT: a sleek, black material that instantly conforms to his body. When active, it pulses with a bright PURPLE glow along the seams and joints.
Haru, feeling like the material is too thin, wears his ASV suit beneath his clothes as a subtle, black layer that pulses GREEN instead of Daisuke's purple. He maintains his usual look: a white shirt, gray pants, and a beige jacket.
Suzue monitors them from a CONTROL STATION, directing the session with a calm but intensely focused expression on her face. Saeki, Kamei, and Teppei sit nearby, wide-eyed, watching it all play out.
SUZUE (O.S.)
(over the comms)
The Active Support Veil will compensate for Yasuko's chemical advantage. It will increase your defensive capabilities and attack power with physical function support. Our goal is to train until the suit feels like a second skin.
HARU
(grumbling to himself)
Feels more like a tight wetsuit, but I'll take it.
SUZUE (O.S.)
Get ready!
Daisuke, without a word, accelerates. He moves faster than any normal human, a streak of purple energy closing the distance between them. Haru staggers backwards, but Daisuke is quick to follow, launching a series of rapid, powerful boxing strikes--straight punches and constant jabs--that are enhanced by the suit.
SUZUE (O.S.) (CONT'D)
Focus on integrating the suit, Daisuke-sama! The ASV should feel like an extension of your intent!
DAISUKE
Understood.
HARU
(panting)
Hey, leave some pointers for me!
Haru, despite the lack of advice from Suzue, reacts with trained instinct and becomes a whirlwind of green energy. The green energy around his core flares from underneath his white shirt as he parries and absorbs the blows, the suit's defensive material shimmering as it instantly distributes the force.
Daisuke fires a powerful right hook, immediately after his series of punches. Haru catches the arm and uses the momentum, trying to execute a shoulder throw. Their audience gasps in shared awe, trying to make sense of each move and where it's coming from.
HARU
Ippon!
Ippon: Also known as "one full point" in judo. It results in an immediate victory for the player who scores it.
Haru successfully flips Daisuke, but the ASV suit--designed to support and amplify--exerts a counter-force that Haru hasn't mastered. It massively amplifies the force of his throw. Instead of flipping Daisuke over in one smooth motion, the suit's unexpected power throws Haru off-balance.
Haru tries to correct the move, but the suit exerts so much force that he finds himself tumbling. Daisuke, caught in Haru's grip, has no choice but to tumble with him.
They both roll over in a tangle of limbs, with Haru landing with a surprised grunt right on top of Daisuke. The purple and green energy of their suits crackles harmlessly as they sprawl together.
Daisuke grunts as he hits the mat beneath Haru, before he lifts his head and responds to Haru's stunt with a menacing glare. Haru sweats, both from embarrassment and the exertion.
HARU
S-sorry... the force is, uh...
Daisuke doesn't respond with words, only the intensity of his glare. In classic Kambe Daisuke style, his glare is composed yet utterly annoyed at the current, undignified situation.
DAISUKE
Hmph.
Eventually, Daisuke pushes Haru off of him. When Haru tries to help Daisuke up with an apologetic grin, Daisuke's glare softens, before he lets out a defeated sigh and takes Haru's hand.
DAISUKE
Did you mistake this for a wrestling match, Kato?
HARU
Heh. Sorry. I'll be more careful next time, if the suit allows me to.
KAMEI
(whispering to Teppei and Saeki)
Did you see that? Kato-san almost pulled him in for a hug!
SAEKI
(whispering)
Everything's so intense! What will happen next?
TEPPEI
(sighing)
They're going to kill each other before the gala even starts.
SUZUE (O.S.)
Remember to synchronize with the suit, not let it control you. Daisuke-sama should focus on making the suit an extension of his intent. Kato-sama, your goal for the next two rounds is synchronization.
HARU
(sighing to himself)
Yeah, yeah... let's get this next round over with.
Daisuke and Haru snap back into position, the pace a bit slower now as they spend the next two rounds working through the limitations of the technology.
INT. KAMBE CORPORATE BUILDING - UNDERGROUND WORKSHOP - CONTINUOUS
In the subsequent rounds, the purple energy of Daisuke's suit now flows only when necessary, as Suzue advised.
Meanwhile, Haru begins to find his rhythm. When he attempts a throw, he dampens the green energy enough to not tumble over his feet or have the suit over-exert on him.
Instead, Haru manages a clean hip toss, sending Daisuke rolling across the mat. After landing and softening his fall, Daisuke rises smoothly, then nods his head in approval.
DAISUKE
(to Haru)
Better. Don’t stop now.
The sparring continues as quickly as it stopped, the two men fighting in less erratic movements and more precise movements as they each learn to command their suits.
SUZUE (O.S.)
Now, deactivate the Active Support Veil!
Haru freezes mid-step, the green glow instantly vanishing from his suit. He turns his head and glances over at Suzue behind her control panel.
HARU
(panting)
Already? But we were just getting the hang of it!
SUZUE (O.S.)
Remember, Nakagawa Yasuko relies on a chemical edge, not a technological one. The Active Support Veil is a defense, but your true advantage is your skill. You should not solely rely on a suit that can be compromised.
SUZUE (O.S.) (CONT'D)
We need to focus on your core strengths. In order to do that, you must deactivate the Active Support Veil. Now!
Daisuke, without comment, deactivates his ASV suit. With a soft HISS, the purple energy of his suit vanishes, leaving only his black three-piece suit underneath.
Haru sighs before following Daisuke's lead, deactivating his suit which leads the green energy of his suit to fade and leaves him in his typical white shirt, gray pants, and beige jacket.
Now, Daisuke and Haru stand facing each other once more, with their powerful, glowing ASV suits deactivated. Now, they have to rely solely on their muscle memory and earlier training.
HARU
(to himself)
Let's do this.
But Daisuke is the one who lunges first, feinting with a high left jab before switching to a rapid right cross. Haru reacts by ducking low, attempting to grab Daisuke's waist, but Daisuke anticipates the move and lands the punch. At the moment, it appears Daisuke is winning.
They circle each other, a controlled dance. Haru tries to close the distance, relying on his grappling, while Daisuke keeps him away with his precise strikes and footwork, conserving his energy.
DAISUKE
You're being predictable again. You've used the same moves since we started training.
HARU
Hmph! Like you're any better!
But Haru resets his stance nonetheless, throwing a flurry of punches in the same way Daisuke does it. Daisuke pivots sharply, using the momentum to send Haru stumbling past. Haru rights himself, grumbling in frustration.
DAISUKE
Still predictable. Try again.
HARU
Why, you…!
Haru's about to lunge forward once again before a series of WHIRRING SOUNDS can be heard in the distance. From hidden panels in the ceiling, FIVE TRAINING DRONES descend on them, their RED SENSORS glowing bright as a quick warning. Haru's eyes widen, and he whips his head side to side to process the new threats.
HARU
(exclaiming)
Drones?
SUZUE (O.S.)
Yasuko will use everything possible to take you down.
SUZUE (O.S.) (CONT'D)
These drones simulate sudden attacks, unexpected assailants, as well as environmental threats.
SUZUE (O.S.) (CONT'D)
Please give it your best effort!
On cue, the drones start to swarm around Daisuke and Haru, firing non-lethal, harmless, high-speed BLASTS OF AIR at them to mimic strikes. With new targets, Daisuke and Haru stop their sparring to dodge and attack the drones instead.
Haru tries to grapple the first drone, but it's too fast to follow. Meanwhile, Daisuke dodges the second drone's attack, then lands a clean side kick that sends the drone spinning to the floor.
DAISUKE
(shouting to Haru)
Don't resort to one approach! Adapt!
Haru watches Daisuke's transition from and to different fighting styles, until an idea sparks. He feints a low tackle to the same drone he's been fighting, making it ascend, then quickly springs up and lands a high side kick like Daisuke did to send it reeling.
Haru turns back to Daisuke, with a proud smile on his face.
HARU
Hah! How about that, Kambe?
DAISUKE
(shouting)
Watch out!
As the third drone comes flying in, Haru ducks under its flight path, then throws another punch when he rises back up. The fourth drone, flying too close to the third, catches the edge of Haru's swing. Just as they begin to ascend again, Haru flings his whole body weight onto the two drones, forcing them to stay near ground level.
KAMEI
Hey! Kato-san's flying!
SAEKI
(fretting)
That can't be safe!
TEPPEI
Least it's badass!
Haru doesn't let go; instead, he uses his grip and his whole body to drag the two drones to the floor, grunting in exertion.
HARU
(straining)
Get... down!
Haru's sheer strength overwhelms the two drones, until they stop shooting out air and eventually sink to the padded floor.
Daisuke watches Haru's stunt for that brief moment before he locks himself in close combat with the final drone, using rapid-fire jabs to keep it at bay. Daisuke’s attention is entirely consumed by his single target now; Haru sees this as the perfect opportunity.
Haru spots an opening and rushes forward, not to help Daisuke, but to exploit Daisuke's tunnel vision. Before Daisuke can react, Haru executes a low judo sweep from behind, bringing Daisuke to the floor and making him land on all fours.
Now that Daisuke is on all fours, Haru uses the opening and moves into a pinning position, locking Daisuke in place. Daisuke remains on all fours in that moment, which forces him to process the unexpected, humiliating move.
HARU (CONT'D)
(grunting)
Forgot we were still sparring, Kambe? External factors, remember?
Daisuke glares up at him, the old annoyance returning. But when Daisuke manages to wriggle his way out, his glare softens in only a few seconds, replaced by a flicker of something akin to approval. He pushes himself up, and then his eyes meet Haru's.
DAISUKE
You're learning. Improvisation is necessary against Yasuko's cognitive enhancer.
HARU
What? Seriously?
DAISUKE
(bluntly)
Don’t let it get to your head.
He offers a hand, and Haru takes it with a beaming smile. The subtle praise from Daisuke, though minimal, boosts Haru's confidence in an instant.
SUZUE (O.S.)
Time!
Saeki, Kamei, and Teppei applaud and cheer from the sidelines. Even Suzue seems to have brightened from Daisuke's praise, as well as the clear indication of Haru and Daisuke's improvement. She approaches them from the control panel and holds TWO BRIGHTLY-COLORED BAGS OF GUMMY CANDIES behind her back.
SUZUE (CONT'D)
Daisuke-sama! Kato-sama! Excellent work! Your progress in just one day is astonishing.
SUZUE (CONT'D)
Daisuke-sama was able to transition his fighting methods in under a second, as Kato-sama embraced the power of instinct!
She leans in with a beaming smile, practically floating now.
SUZUE
If Yasuko were to send any attack at the gala, whether physical or technological, I am confident you'll be able to neutralize it!
Then, Suzue reveals the two bags of gummy candies from behind her back, and Daisuke recognizes the brand faster than Haru.
DAISUKE
(to himself)
Rororo...
Rororo: A reference to the Kororo gummy candies sold in Japan from the brand UHA Mikakuto. The gummies come in fruit flavors like grape, muscat, peach, and strawberry.
HARU
Eh? Rororo?
SUZUE
These are from Maho-sama. A small reward for your excellent progress!
HARU
Oh, thank you, Suzue-san. I appreciate it.
Haru takes one bag with an appreciative smile, then casually stuffs the bag into his jacket pocket.
Daisuke stares at the bag of gummy candies in Suzue's hand. His cold, neutral facade softens, and his eyes betray a hint of wonder and intrigue.
He takes the second bag with a composed nod, though he digs in without much thought, chewing on the gummies.
Saeki, Kamei, and Teppei watch it all play out from the sidelines like they're watching a nature documentary.
TEPPEI
(muttering to Kamei)
Jeez. Only Kambe-kun can look that serious while accepting candy, huh?
KAMEI
(sighing)
Just another day.
HARU
(to Daisuke)
Oi! You could at least say thank you to Suzue-san!
In between his silent chewing and munching, Daisuke manages to slip in a "thank you" to Suzue.
DAISUKE
... I give you my thanks.
Suzue hides her giggle behind her hand, but Daisuke still hears it. He grumbles a little, but is able to move past the loss of his dignity.
DAISUKE
(to Suzue)
The charity gala is still three days from now. Which leaves us more time to prepare.
Then, Daisuke brings his hand up to his single earring to address HEUSC, all while a few of the gummies are still in his mouth.
DAISUKE
HEUSC. Access the charity gala's inventory.
Haru, confused, sends him a look.
HARU
Inventory? Inventory of what? What are you--
DAISUKE
(cutting off)
Purchase the entire inventory of desserts scheduled for service at Nakagawa Yasuko's charity gala.
HARU
(sputtering)
The entire... Kambe! What are you doing? We need to be focused on getting into the gala! What about getting on the guest list and securing our entry?
Daisuke stops and simply stares at Haru, before he addresses HEUSC once more with a softer and more reluctant tone.
DAISUKE
... HEUSC. Acquire access to the gala's guest list. Secure two invitations.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
Ensure the invitations grant us access to all restricted areas, including backstage logistics and the main security feed.
HEUSC
Both transactions will be made. Balance...
HEUSC (CONT'D)
... DELUXE.
HARU
Both transactions? You mean... including the desserts?
DAISUKE
Correct.
SUZUE
As expected of Daisuke-sama!
The sheer absurdity of the two transactions--one for dessert, and another for an entire charity gala--lingers in the air.
HARU
Eh...
Haru's expression shifts into one of bewilderment while Daisuke walks out the room with no other explanation--he's already done for the day.
HARU
Eh?
END OF CHECK.
COST BREAKDOWN:
Purchase of charity gala's dessert inventory -- 165,000,000 yen
Access to charity gala's guest list -- 2,200,000,000 yen
Total 2,365,000,000 yen
(~ 15,477,140.95 US dollars | 13,316,647.07 Euro | 22,271,296,284 Won | 407,078,958,992.84 Dong)
Chapter 13: To Pay a Millionaire's Ransom (pt. 1)
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
CHECK SUMMARY: Under the false guise of a corporate rivalry, Daisuke and Haru infiltrate Yasuko's charity gala. Daisuke confronts his father, Shigemaru, who has more to disclose on the darkness of the Kambe family, while Haru faces off against the chemically-enhanced Yasuko.
INT. KAMBE CORPORATE BUILDING - UNDERGROUND WORKSHOP - EVENING
Haru, Daisuke, and Suzue all stand before MULTIPLE LARGE HOLOGRAPHIC SCREENS, which displays the guest list and the floor plan of the ballroom where Yasuko's charity gala is taking place. The name of the ballroom is the HISASHI GRAND HALL.
Daisuke and Haru are already clad in fancy attire. Daisuke is wearing BLACK GLOVES and has an expensive BLACK BLAZER draped around his WHITE DRESS SHIRT, while Haru has a dapper BLUE BLAZER draped around his BLACK TURTLENECK. They're both wearing SLACKS that match the color of their blazers.
Beside them, Saeki, Teppei, and Kamei are slumped on HIGH-BACKED LEATHER CHAIRS, snacking on Saeki's favorite IMPORTED CHOCOLATES.
SUZUE
(to Daisuke and Haru)
The gala starts in one hour. Security is tighter than anticipated, but the network is now under Daisuke-sama's control.
HARU
(grumbling)
And the catering.
KAMEI
Kambe-san, please remember the extra-large patisserie cakes!
SAEKI
And a melon parfait!
TEPPEI
You can't forget the wagashi!
Wagashi: Traditional Japanese desserts that are used for formal celebrations, like the tea ceremony. Historically enjoyed by the wealthy elite in Japan.
KAMEI
And if you don't feel like buying it, Kambe-san, Kato-san's the one paying!
HARU
Hey! I don't have that kind of money!
SUZUE
Everyone, please concentrate on the task at hand.
SUZUE (CONT'D)
Kato-sama. Daisuke-sama. Your objective is to locate the final stasium transfer point and stop Nakagawa Yasuko.
SUZUE (CONT'D)
The charity gala is open to the public for the main floor, but the stasium exchanges will occur backstage and in the private suites. Daisuke-sama has effectively bought access to all restricted areas, but we still need a credible cover to bypass the social defenses.
HARU
Social defenses?
SUZUE
The guests at this charity gala are extremely guarded. Yasuko has invited a select group of high-influence buyers, which consists of billionaires, foreign celebrities, and corporate rivals.
HARU
Which means they won't share their secrets with allies. They only trust transactional relationships. Got it.
KAMEI
There's less commitment that way. I should do that too.
SAEKI
(mumbling to Kamei)
Kamei-san, you can't make transactions with an empty wallet.
SUZUE
(to Daisuke and Haru)
This is not a friendly gathering. If you enter as a team, you will be ignored.
TEPPEI
Course you will! Rich people can't help but feel threatened whenever they need to share the spotlight or their secrets!
TEPPEI (CONT'D)
If you look too friendly, they assume you've already partnered up and won.
HARU
But what will it do if we enter as rivals?
DAISUKE
We'll be seen as threats to be monitored.
HARU
We just spent three days learning how to trust each other in battle, and now you want us to hate each other?
KAMEI
It's not that you two hate each other! You're corporate rivals! Kambe-san is the cold, ruthless finance mogul who wants to crush the competition with sheer wealth, while Kato-san is the upstanding, passionate bargainer who can't stand Kambe-san's casual arrogance! It's the perfect story!
KAMEI (CONT'D)
Think of it as a buddy-cop movie. Or a rom-com!
Haru frowns in disapproval at this new, polished persona.
HARU
But we're not... I mean, we're partners. I know we didn't start off that way, but I don't think I can pull off treating Kambe the same way I did before.
DAISUKE
Do you not reminisce about your early moralizing days?
Haru's jaw tightens, and he glares daggers at Daisuke.
HARU
Are you mocking me?
DAISUKE
No.
SAEKI
Ooh, I see it! Kato-san looks genuinely upset!
KAMEI
Just keep pushing him, Kambe-san! That'll really get the crowd's attention!
DAISUKE
(to Haru)
Kato. Don't try to collaborate with me.
HARU
Hmph. Why pretend? You dismiss me all the time, don't you?
DAISUKE
Kato. You must look like you are chasing down Yasuko. Not to stop her, but to steal her away from me and deny me her contracts.
SUZUE
(to Haru)
While you and Daisuke-sama will bypass the social defenses, the rest of us will handle the logistics from here.
Haru, not wanting to argue with Suzue, sighs and reluctantly accepts his fate.
HARU
Fine. I'll be the "stubborn rival".
HARU
(to Daisuke)
But don’t get carried away, got that?
Daisuke nods and exchanges a final, tense look with Haru: a true blend of disdain and mutual, unspoken trust. Then, Daisuke brings a hand to his single earring to address HEUSC.
DAISUKE
(to HEUSC)
Let's begin.
INT. HISASHI GRAND HALL - ENTRANCE - NIGHT
A line of LUXURY CARS stretches down the street leading to the Hisashi Grand Hall, and Haru and Daisuke happen to be in one of them as they step out of a SLEEK BLACK SEDAN.
Daisuke maintains a cool, bored expression, while Haru stiffens and nervously adjusts the collar of his turtleneck from all of the unwanted attention Daisuke's sedan is bringing.
HARU
(muttering under his breath)
Alright, Kambe. Remember that I temporarily despise you, and that you're an arrogant, shallow finance mogul who thinks money can solve everything.
DAISUKE
And you are the self-righteous, straight-laced bargainer who believes his outdated morals matter more than reality.
Haru scoffs at Daisuke's casual tone, with an amused smile playing on his lips.
HARU
Let's do it.
Haru attempts to walk ahead, but Daisuke gets into his role immediately by cutting him off and stepping right into Haru's path.
HARU
(shouting)
Oi! Watch it, Kambe!
DAISUKE
(with a raised voice)
Move, Inspector Kato.
The rivalry is convincing, but Daisuke allows a faint, almost imperceptible smirk to touch his lips. He's amused by their banter, and soon Haru shares the same amusement as he stifles a chuckle behind his teeth.
HARU
(only to Daisuke)
Bastard.
They start making their way up the stairs, elbowing each other every so often to really sell the act, before suddenly a loud, collective SQUEAL erupts from a small CROWD near the ROPE LINE. A swarm of people, mostly OLDER, WELL-DRESSED GUESTS, rush forward.
MOB 1
Who‘s that? A famous actor?
MOB 2
He's so handsome!
Haru freezes mid-stride, his "rivalry" facade shattering. His eyes widen in complete shock at what he hears... and who he sees.
He cranes his neck and spots an impeccably dressed MAN with SHORT BROWN HAIR. The man is wearing a RED TIE and an ORANGE-BROWN SUIT SET, and he gives a wide smile to those either passing by or stopping to greet him.
HARU
(stammering)
K-Kambe! Th-that's... that's Matsumoto! Matsumoto "Asano" Kentaro! Matsumoto "Charles" Kentaro!
Matsumoto Kentaro, aka Haru's favorite actor, idol, and role-model, is the star of the notoriously old-fashioned police drama that Haru watches on a weekly, if not daily basis: "Cry to the Sun!".
But what is the lead actor of an old-fashioned police drama doing in a place like this?
Unimpressed, Daisuke taps on his single earring with his finger, addressing HEUSC.
DAISUKE
(boredly)
HEUSC. What is Matsumoto Kentaro's recent professional activity, and his reason for being here?
HEUSC
Matsumoto Kentaro is a former actor, with no productions as of late. He is currently listed as a spokesman for Nakagawa Yasuko's charity gala.
HARU
Kambe! Are you listening? It's the Matsumoto Kentaro!
HARU (CONT'D)
(quoting)
Before becoming a civil servant, you've always been a h--
The sound of CHEERING overlaps Haru's words, as the actor decides to address the entire crowd.
MATSUMOTO "CHARLES" KENTARO
(shouting)
Hello! I am Matsumoto Kentaro! It is a distinct honor to be here to celebrate the power of justice and philanthropy!
MATSUMOTO "CHARLES" KENTARO (CONT'D)
Tonight, we raise funds to ensure a safer, more transparent future for all! Because that is the true definition of justice!
Almost automatically, the crowd bursts into SHARED LAUGHTER, though it's unclear whether or not the crowd is laughing with the actor or at the actor. Haru watches it all unfold, his expression a complicated mix of awe and dread from watching his idol's genuine goodness being used to camouflage an illegal exchange.
HARU
(whispering harshly)
She's using him! Yasuko's using the face of justice to sell her lies! We have to shut this down, Kambe!
DAISUKE
No. We're rivals. We have to split up.
Haru turns to Daisuke and nods, accepting the logic, but when his eyes move back to Matsumoto, the actor is gone. Before Daisuke can turn away, Haru bolts, "splitting up" by tracking down his favorite actor. Haru shouts over his shoulder, but it's already clear what he intends to do.
HARU
Don't worry! I'll find my own lead!
Daisuke watches him go with a defeated look, then calmly adjusts the collar of his blazer and heads further inside the building.
INT. HISASHI GRAND HALL - MAIN BALLROOM - CONTINUOUS
The ballroom is a glittering, golden expanse of CRYSTAL CHANDELIERS, FLOOR LENGTH GOWNS, AMBIENT JAZZ, and PERFECTLY-TAILORED SUITS: exactly what you'd expect for a so-called "charity gala". Haru squeezes through the crowd, searching for Matsumoto "Charles" Kentaro after he'd lost the actor in the sea of high-society chatter.
Then, Haru finally spots the actor near the BAR, stumbling slightly. Matsumoto "Charles" Kentaro, who claims to be the "face of justice", downs THREE GLASSES OF WINE in less than ten seconds.
He's visibly and spectacularly drunk, his spokesperson duties apparently over. He's stumbling, his red tie askew, slurring apologies to anyone who bumps into him.
Haru rushes over to him, ready to discreetly remind the actor of where he is and what he's doing at this event.
HARU
Matsumoto-san!
The actor spins around, his eyes glassy and unfocused. He looks Haru up and down as Haru approaches him, a sloppy smile smeared across his face in assumed recognition.
MATSUMOTO "CHARLES" KENTARO
(slurring)
Oh myyyy, it's you! You! I knew, knew, kneeeeew I recognized that handsome face! You're that young producer! Or was it the stunt double?
Matsumoto throws a heavy arm around Haru’s shoulders, rubbing his cheek against Haru’s as if him and Haru are close friends. The close proximity sends a wave of utter fluster right through Haru, as his face flushes a bright red.
HARU
(stiffly)
N-no, sir. I’m not an actor, I’m…
Matsumoto pats Haru's cheek, making his words trail off.
MATSUMOTO "CHARLES" KENTARO
(in half English, half Japanese)
Nonsense! Tonight, we celebrate! Come! Tell me, what great injustice do you plan to fight next?
HARU
W-Well, I--
MATSUMOTO "CHARLES" KENTARO
Whatever it is, we'll fight it together! Just you and me, buddy!
The actor pulls Haru into the center of the crowd, leaving him with no other choice but to become an unwilling participant in the actor's drunken revelry. Haru is simultaneously thrilled and struggling to maintain his composure in Matsumoto's presence, but he manages to pull away slightly to explain himself.
HARU
Matsumoto-san, I appreciate the compliment, but I need to clear things up.
HARU (CONT'D)
I'm not a producer, or a stunt double. I'm Kato Haru, a police inspector.
Haru bows his head to show respect, though the gesture is bold and unnecessary.
HARU
(shouting)
And I'm a big fan of "Cry to the Sun"!
Matsumoto stops swaying, his eyes suddenly clearing with theatrical clarity. He smiles before suddenly quoting a line from "Cry to the Sun", the kind of moralistic dialogue Haru loves.
MATSUMOTO "CHARLES" KENTARO
"Detectives... before becoming a civil servant..."
Haru's eyes widen in instant recognition. His professional guard drops entirely, replaced by a pure, starry-eyed admiration as a wide grin crosses his lips.
HARU
"... you've always been a hero!"
Matsumoto's grin grows wider, and he places both hands on Haru's shoulders in deep pride.
MATSUMOTO "CHARLES" KENTARO
Ah, so you remember! A true fan, and a true hero of justice! It must be fate that you and I met, Kato-san!
MATSUMOTO "CHARLES" KENTARO (CONT'D)
I can see it in your eyes that you can do no wrong. No... not someone like you.
MATSUMOTO "CHARLES" KENTARO (CONT'D)
It's just not possible. You know?
Haru's eyes brim with tears of joy, and he nods enthusiastically.
HARU
Yes! Yes! I won't let you down, Matsumoto-san!
Across the crowded ballroom, near a VELVET ROPE, Daisuke scans the room for his supposed "rival".
Daisuke spots the commotion near the appetizers and catches Haru right in the center of the room-- the man who is supposed to be maintaining a facade of professional contempt -- being embraced and openly socializing with a drunken celebrity.
The sight is enough to make Daisuke halt in his tracks, his eyes narrowing into a sharp squint.
His expression is utterly unreadable, yet the intensity is clear. Is it frustration, seeing Haru blow his cover due to a moment of unguarded joy? Or is there a deeper, unacknowledged flicker of something else?
Daisuke watches the two interact: Matsumoto is swaying heavily, and Haru is trying to support him without drawing too much attention. He's clearly failing at that.
A MIDDLE-AGED WOMAN in a SPARKLING RED GOWN, who appears to be the spouse of a corporate leader, catches sight of the drunken spectacle at the center of the room. She sighs, then claps her hands.
CORPORATE SPOUSE
(shouting over the jazz)
Oh, enough dreary music! Someone get some swing going! This is a party!
A man appears from behind the middle-aged woman, said CORPORATE LEADER, and hooks an arm around her waist. He raises his CHAMPAGNE GLASS in agreement to his wife's suggestion.
CORPORATE LEADER
Yeah! Let's give the people what they came for! More energy!
When prompted, a JAZZ BAND in the corner of the room launches into a high-intensity, energetic SWING NUMBER. The tempo of the music is fast, and the mood of the crowd shifts from polite chatter to unrestrained revelry.
Attendees of the gala-- a mix of public figures, media personalities, and genuine, unsuspecting community advocates -- rush onto the dance floor, fully embracing the chaos. The already-dense crowd, driven by the upbeat rhythm, transforms into an even denser crowd as they swirl and shove against the periphery of the dance floor.
It creates the perfect cover for Daisuke to slither his way through, now sliding towards Haru with purpose and with a preset path. Even though the ever-growing mass of bodies creates a visual obstruction, Daisuke still spots Matsumoto closing in on Haru and darts through the swarming dancers with ease.
He reaches Haru, not with a polite tap, but with the aggression of their cover as "rivals". Daisuke clamps a firm hand around Haru's forearm and yanks him away from the surprised actor, forcing a loud yelp out of Haru's lips.
HARU
Kambe! What is wrong with you?
DAISUKE
(coldly, under his breath)
That would be my line. You're supposed to be gathering intelligence, not socializing with the other guests.
Haru yelps once more as he feels himself getting yanked away, right into Daisuke's hold and into the whirling chaos of the dancing guests.
HARU
W-wait! Kambe! I was--
Before Haru can finish, Daisuke spins him and pulls him into a mandatory ballroom dance. The move is sudden and aggressive, but it makes sense for their cover. It blends them into the dancing crowd.
They are forced into an extreme, close proximity, and Haru finds himself losing his breath. But their dance has only just begun. Daisuke effortlessly leads the upbeat pace, pulling Haru into spins and turns that match the intensity and vigor of their usual bantering.
HARU (CONT'D)
(breathless)
I told you... to wait!
DAISUKE
Our cover, Kato. You're making a scene.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
If you don't want to waste our time, then dance.
HARU
Dance?! Since when do you ballroom dance?
HARU (CONT'D)
I thought we were splitting up!
DAISUKE
(grunting)
Stop being conspicuous and play your part.
Daisuke executes a sudden dip, forcing Haru to lean back dramatically. Haru goes breathless once again as Daisuke uses the close proximity to whisper only to Haru.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
(whispering)
Several guests are moving towards the east wall.
Daisuke glances at something in the distance, and Haru follows his gaze, spotting a ripple in the crowd. A small group of people—- not the drunken dancers, celebrity-chasers, or volunteers, but guests who clearly look like exclusive corporate figures and public officials —- are beginning to separate from the rest.
They‘re moving towards a specific, unmarked area shielded by a heavy VELVET CURTAIN on the far side of the ballroom. The movement of the select group suggests that this is an entry point to a more restricted area.
HARU
(whispering)
So that's what this is about. You're saying the exchanges are behind that curtain?
DAISUKE
It connects to the main stage. When that curtain comes up, everyone in this building will have clear view of the entire operation.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
They're moving. Let's go.
Daisuke then guides Haru through the crowd by pulling his arm, and Haru nearly trips on Daisuke's carefully polished shoes in the process. They continue to dance their way through, moving closer and closer to the curtained archway while simultaneously blending in, and while Daisuke is simultaneously dragging Haru around like he's a dog on a leash.
INT. HISASHI GRAND HALL - CURTAINED ARCHWAY - CONTINUOUS
Daisuke and Haru, locked in their feverish swing dance, finally reach the archway concealed by the velvet curtain and break their hold once it comes into view. While Daisuke isn't even breaking a sweat, Haru rests both hands on his knees and nearly keels over, sucking in several breaths after their nonstop spinning and twirling.
Daisuke taps his single earring, calling HEUSC.
DAISUKE
Reconfirm access to all restricted areas.
HEUSC
Reconfirmed, Daisuke-sama.
DAISUKE
(to Haru)
This is the restricted access point. Look for a ledger.
HARU
What about our cover?
DAISUKE
We don’t need a cover.
HARU
(deadpan)
So those “social defenses” were a lie?
DAISUKE
I'll handle the secondary objective.
HARU
Your father?
Daisuke nods once, his expression unyielding.
DAISUKE
I'll find out what else Yasuko is holding over him.
With HEUSC's confirmation, Daisuke shoves the heavy curtain aside and strides through. Haru follows, almost stumbling over the fabric in the process.
INT. HISASHI GRAND HALL - HOLDING AREA - CONTINUOUS
The curtain slides open with a silent SWOOSH, revealing a brightly lit, spacious area with a HIGH CEILING, SCAFFOLDING, and WINDOWLESS WALLS. It looks like a makeshift corridor.
They don't see the exclusive guests or public figures they saw entering earlier. Haru steps inside, puzzled.
HARU
Where did everyone go? We saw them walk into this room, didn't we?
Daisuke stares at the empty space, looking all around the room for clues until his eyes land on a few tall, oddly-shaped METALLIC CRATES and ATTACHE CASES.
DAISUKE
This is a stage wing turned into a storage room. It's used as a transfer point for the exchanges.
HARU
There has to be a hidden elevator or staircase nearby, right? Maybe that's the restricted area.
DAISUKE
Then this is where we split up. I'll take the restricted area, where the transactions are taking place. You need to stay here and secure the perimeter.
HARU
(protesting)
Stay here? Why are you always the one making the decisions? You’re expecting me to jump into a fight with a chemically-enhanced opponent! Don’t just drag me into your plans and expect me to be okay with it!
DAISUKE
That’s what the training was for. Was it not?
Daisuke gestures towards the crates, particularly towards the attache cases that sit innocuously on top of them.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
I suspect Yasuko is using this space for her security. Secure the area and block her escape.
Haru opens his mouth to argue, but ends up sighing in defeat and accepting the assignment instead.
HARU
Fine. Go without me.
With Haru's "permission", Daisuke makes his way towards a discreetly marked door hidden behind the SCAFFOLDING, before pausing and looking back at Haru which has Haru looking away in response.
DAISUKE
Brace yourself, Inspector Kato.
Haru's jaw is set, and he does not argue again. Daisuke takes that as agreement as he opens the door and disappears into the following passage, leaving Haru alone with his thoughts in this completely empty stage wing.
MORE IN THE NEXT CHAPTER.
Notes:
*art credits for this episode:
@iguana_salad on twitter
Chapter 14: To Pay a Millionaire's Ransom (pt. 2)
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
CHECK SUMMARY: Under the false guise of a corporate rivalry, Daisuke and Haru infiltrate Yasuko's charity gala. Daisuke confronts his father, Shigemaru, who has more to disclose on the darkness of the Kambe family, while Haru faces off against the chemically-enhanced Yasuko.
INT. HISASHI GRAND HALL - RESTRICTED ANTEROOM - CONTINUOUS
Daisuke breaches the restricted doorway leading to the main exchange point. He enters a small and luxurious anteroom, hidden from the main ballroom. The WHITE WALLS are lined with ORNATE, MIRRORED PANELS that reflect the room's grouping of PLUSH, GOLD-TRIMMED COUCHES. Directly across him, VOICES drift from a LARGE DOUBLE DOOR.
In the center of the anteroom sits Kambe Shigemaru in his wheelchair, wearing a BLACK SUIT. He's motionless, like he's struggling to process the current situation. His back is turned to Daisuke, and he's yet to realize that Daisuke is standing behind him as he heads closer to the large double doors.
DAISUKE
Father.
Shigemaru stops in his tracks. The mirrors around him multiply the image of a father and son, positioned across each other.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
You shouldn't be here. You should be resting in the hospital.
Shigemaru turns his wheelchair to face Daisuke, who approaches his father with an unreadable expression.
SHIGEMARU KAMBE
It's you who should not be here. I never asked you to come.
DAISUKE
I came here to stop the exchange. Nakagawa Yasuko is planning to use the stasium exchange to create a weapons cycle with adollium and change the global structure of power.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
You planned to save yourself by working with the woman responsible for countless criminal operations. You sold her adollium to strengthen her stasium.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
What exactly is your motive?
At the mention of the two compounds, Shigemaru's grip tightens on the arms of his wheelchair.
SHIGEMARU KAMBE
(shouting)
Leave! You shouldn’t be here!
DAISUKE
It's too late to say that now.
SHIGEMARU KAMBE
You think I did this on purpose? You think I was so broken I would sell the future to war? Look around you!
Daisuke takes a glance at the mirrored walls.
SHIGEMARU KAMBE (CONT'D)
You're just like your mother.
SHIGEMARU KAMBE (CONT'D)
Your mother saw everything in black and white. You see only the surface.
SHIGEMARU KAMBE (CONT'D)
Both of you... believe I am the only one to blame.
SHIGEMARU KAMBE (CONT'D)
(snarling)
But now? Now the agenda has changed! Because of you, adollium was distributed to research institutes across the globe!
SHIGEMARU KAMBE (CONT'D)
You betrayed me, Daisuke! My own son!
Daisuke takes a deliberate step closer. Daisuke’s reflection towers over his father’s.
DAISUKE
Adollium was released a year ago, but you were tracking Yasuko for a decade. You wanted a countermeasure for a substance that could put you and the world in danger.
SHIGEMARU KAMBE
Could? The world is already in danger! That is an undeniable truth!
DAISUKE
The danger is more than adollium. Am I wrong?
SHIGEMARU KAMBE (CONT'D)
Enough! I told you to leave!
DAISUKE
Before the release of adollium, I contacted HEUSC. My search of your records brought up confidential military sources-- references to future warfare protocols, special permissions for prohibited goods, and a CIA surveillance list.
Shigemaru finally looks up at Daisuke, and the raw fear in his eyes is reflected all throughout the surrounding mirrored panels.
SHIGEMARU KAMBE
No! Don't speak of things you don't understand!
DAISUKE
I understand enough.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
The Kambe family was developing technology for military purposes. Then, more than twenty years ago, you developed a power source that could be weaponized. That's why the research institutes had to be denied access: you didn't want the world to know the Kambe name was synonymous with weapons proliferation.
Shigemaru shakes his head, agitated.
SHIGEMARU KAMBE
To think... to think I would lose Sayuri to our research!
SHIGEMARU KAMBE (CONT'D)
How could I have known? How could I have known it would lead to this? They were prepared to leak our research on their own-- research that had already led to an investigation into unidentified weapons used in warfare!
SHIGEMARU KAMBE (CONT'D)
I had to! I had no choice but to disclose the information!
SHIGEMARU KAMBE (CONT'D)
(choked up)
If I had known it would come to this, I would have never.... I would have never...!
DAISUKE
But you did. Mother had to pay the price. And now, you're partnering with Nakagawa Yasuko to do it again.
DAISUKE (CONT'D)
(coldly)
Is that what you want? You want to create weapons that can be used with no consequences and build a global arms race with that woman?
Shigemaru slams his fists onto his wheelchair armrests, defeated by the truth but angered by his son's accusations.
SHIGEMARU KAMBE
Get out! Get out, now! Your presence here is making me lose my mind!
Daisuke takes another step closer to his father, and for a moment, a hint of melancholy flickers past Daisuke's eyes.
DAISUKE
Does my presence remind you of Mother? Or does it remind you of the truth you spent twenty years concealing?
SHIGEMARU KAMBE
(tearfully)
No! I just wanted it to stop!
SHIGEMARU KAMBE (CONT'D)
Please, just make it stop! Stop!
This time, the melancholy comes back with full force. Daisuke stops in his tracks once he's within arms reach of his father, and Shigemaru lets go of his wheelchair to punch Daisuke in the chest. Daisuke remains still.
DAISUKE
It's too late... to say that now.
Shigemaru's eyes are now filled with tears.
SHIGEMARU KAMBE
(sobbing)
Damn you! You stupid son!
Frustrated by his own weakness, Shigemaru halts his punches to Daisuke's chest. Daisuke endures his father's punches, unmoving, and he only watches as Shigemaru lets out a strangled cry and aims a punch right at Daisuke's face instead.
INT. HISASHI GRAND HALL - HOLDING AREA - CONTINUOUS
Haru stands alone among the scaffolding and stacks of crates, and he's still reeling from Daisuke's abrupt exit. Haru's eyes scan the space between the curtain entrance and the scaffolding across from it, as he scratches his head.
HARU
(sighing to himself)
Not even a compromise, huh? That's Kambe for you. Leaving me alone in a room full of dangerous substances that could kill me at any moment.
HARU (CONT'D)
(grumbling)
No regards for his partner's safety, I guess.
After a few moments of Haru simply standing there and grumbling to himself, a shimmer of movement catches his eye. Behind a tall section of scaffolding, a figure is crouched, watching him from across the room.
It's Yasuko. She wears a SLEEVELESS BLACK EVENING GOWN with WHITE-COLORED ARM WARMERS. A WHITE FUR COAT drapes over her shoulders.
Before Haru can fully register her presence, she launches into action with a terrifying burst of speed and focus. Haru attempts to dodge, but Yasuko is on him instantly as her first attack-- a sharp, precise kick -- is aimed right at Haru's midsection.
Haru is unable to block in time, and he stumbles back against a stack of crates. He manages to recover, as he gasps out a few words.
HARU (CONT'D)
Yasuko! Cease the... exchange...!
YASUKO
(scoffing)
You think I can simply "stop" an exchange? The moralist is back at it again!
Yasuko swings a hand in the direction of Haru's face, and Haru dodges her precise strike that would have her nails scratch the surface of his skin if it had landed. But as he dodges, he realizes his critical disadvantage: he's unable to activate his ASV suit.
Haru, equipped with a SILVER HEUSC RING, whispers into his comms.
HARU
Suzue-san! I need the ASV suit!
SUZUE (O.S.)
The Active Support Veil can be activated remotely, Kato-sama!
SUZUE (CONT'D)
I have integrated it into your current attire. You have to break away!
In order to give himself enough time for the ASV suit to activate, he needs to make space between him and Yasuko. But Haru struggles to do so as he dodges a spinning heel kick, and feels himself running out of breath.
HARU
(panting)
No time! She's too fast!
Yasuko smirks to herself as she watches Haru struggle.
YASUKO
No tech, no money, no partner. What a shame it is, to be undeserving of your partner's trust.
HARU
(grunting)
So what if he doesn't trust me? I'm capable of holding my own.
Haru is desperately trying to create distance now, but Yasuko is relentless. She uses the scaffolding and crates to her advantage, allowing her to either push Haru into them or toss them in Haru's direction to give her more time before she lunges.
When Yasuko makes another lunge, she snatches the collar of Haru's black turtleneck and yanks him off balance. In the same fluid, impossible motion, she reaches out with her free hand and wraps her fingers around a HEAVY METAL CROWBAR, which had been leaning against a crate just out of Haru's peripheral vision.
She swings it, and Haru yelps, before he's forced to duck and then scramble backwards to avoid getting hit.
YASUKO
(purring)
Trying to hide, Inspector Kato? Like how the former ace of the First Division fled to Modern Crimes for "being too emotional"?
She feints left, then strikes right with the crowbar. Haru attempts to block the attack with his forearm, the impact jarring his entire body. Yasuko circles him now, her eyes gleefully tracking his every flinch and stumbling step.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
Your old mentors, Nakamoto Chosuke and Takei Katsuhiro. What happened to them? They were murdered by the Kambe matriarch and her loyal butler, no? I heard from the murderers themselves.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
Hmm... is that why you despise the wealthy so much? Because they've stolen everything from you?
She aims a kick at Haru's knee, forcing him to kneel on the floor. Haru winces, the pain flaring.
Yasuko leans in and bends her knees to address Haru, her voice dripping venom.
YASUKO
And that incident at the bank, when you shot that poor woman. A civilian, wasn't she? Or so you thought.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
Did you ever find out what happened to her after you pulled the trigger? Or did you just forget her, like every other person you've failed to save?
Haru's eyes flash with raw pain and anger, from being spurred by Yasuko to recall his past trauma. The memories, buried deep, surface violently. They come to him in quick flashes-- his resignation from the First Division, the murders of Cho-san and Takei, the bank incident and his inability to fire a gun -- and Haru responds to those flashbacks by freezing up.
HARU
(straining)
You... you don't know anything about that! You don't know who I am!
YASUKO
Oh, but I do. Just as I know it was you who released adollium's information to the world. Only a culprit would respond so intensely each time the release of adollium is even mentioned.
Haru lets out a half-scoff, half-laugh sound at that, but he's clearly desperate to explain himself.
HARU
So what? You think I did this on purpose? You think I'm the only one to blame?
Just like that, Yasuko has put Haru in a vulnerable position, and she uses that to land a devastating blow with the crowbar, which catches Haru on the shoulder. Haru cries out, staggering against nothing but empty space. Yasuko rests her crowbar on her left shoulder, a sneering smile on her face.
YASUKO
You blame yourself, don't you?
YASUKO (CONT'D)
For damaging Kambe Daisuke's reputation. For the endless threats against him. For making your dear partner clean up the mess that only you made.
YASUKO (CONT'D)
It's funny! You blame yourself for everything, yet you're still playing the hero! How can you be a hero if all you are is Kambe Daisuke's liability?
HARU
(through gritted teeth)
You're wrong. It's because of him that I longed to become a hero again. It's because of him that I...
YASUKO
(snarling)
That what? It's because of him that you forgot you shoot innocents and get people hurt? It's because of him that you no longer think about the life-long consequences of your mistakes?
YASUKO (CONT'D)
(shouting)
Get it together, Inspector! Stop believing this false narrative that others will decide who you are when they're the ones making you into something you're not!
YASUKO (CONT'D)
Take accountability for those you failed to protect by admitting to yourself that you have never been a hero!
With another brutal hit, Haru's body hits the floor. Because Yasuko is always so close, always coming in with an attack, Haru is unable to make space and leave a gap in time for his ASV suit to activate.
HARU
(straining)
Suzue-san... I can't find... an opening...!
SUZUE (O.S.)
Please resist, Kato-sama! I'm trying to find a window! Her attack pattern is too consistent--
Instead of using the crowbar to attack this time, Yasuko throws the crowbar to the side and circles her fingers around Haru's throat, her eyes widening with sadistic glee. She strangles him and hoists him into the air with surprising strength, likely due to the chemical enhancers, and watches him flail helplessly in her grip.
HARU
(to himself)
Damn it, Haru... resist... resist!
YASUKO
Resist? You're not allowed to resist! You ruined Kambe Daisuke's life!
YASUKO (CONT'D)
You exposed the darkness of the Kambe family and forced your partner into a life of ceaseless threat and ridicule! Do you think he would be fighting his father right now if you hadn't interfered?
She squeezes Haru's throat, and Haru whimpers, the lack of oxygen reducing his ability to self-justify.
HARU
(choked up)
N-No... to him, I have always been... a hero...
YASUKO
How could you possibly be a hero, Inspector? You put the whole world in danger just to satisfy your own self-righteousness!
She uses her other hand to cover Haru's eyes, plunging him into darkness. The lack of visibility forces Haru to focus solely on her words, and it's only then that Haru truly struggles to resist.
YASUKO
Think! Just think! Think about that bank incident and what you did! What consequences did you ever receive for shooting that woman?
HARU
I...
Haru grits his teeth, forcing himself to focus on the current moment. But it's becoming more and more difficult as his voice starts to tremble. The same cycle of traumatic flashbacks begins to flicker through Haru's mind, which emits another helpless whimper from his sore throat.
HARU (CONT'D)
Stop it. Stop it! I didn't... I didn't mean to!
YASUKO
And adollium? The global panic that it caused? No one knew you were the one who leaked it. While Kambe Daisuke took the threats, the risks, the blame from his own father... Kato Haru got to walk away clean. What consequences did he ever face for damaging Kambe Daisuke's reputation?
HARU
(to himself)
No... no!
YASUKO
(raising her voice)
None. Nothing. You faced no consequences for any of it. Not for exposing adollium, because no one ever knew it was you, and certainly not for what happened at the bank, because you were deemed "in the right" for shooting an accomplice who pointed a fake gun!
Haru struggles, gasping for air, but Yasuko's grip doesn't budge. The darkness that Haru now finds himself sucked in is forcing him to remember every mistake he's ever made, and he starts to tear up.
HARU
(shakily)
I... I couldn't... no... you're doing this on purpose!
HARU (CONT'D)
How was I... supposed to know?
YASUKO
Think, just think, Inspector Kato! Did you truly ever face the cost of ruining someone else's life?
YASUKO (CONT'D)
No. You didn't. You didn't! That woman, as well as your partner, had to take the fall for the mistakes that you made!
HARU
The mistakes that I made... I made all of those mistakes. All of them.
HARU (CONT'D)
So am I really... a hero?
Haru's body goes limp in Yasuko's grip, and his frantic struggling ceases. Yasuko's words, amplified by the forced darkness and his psychological vulnerability, are close to breaking him. The guilt complex he's been battling all this time has become an inescapable reality, and tears start to stream from under Yasuko's hand.
HARU
I wanted to work alongside Kambe... to protect others.
HARU (CONT'D)
I wanted to protect so many people... just to hurt them in the end!
HARU (CONT'D)
(voice cracking)
So how? How could I possibly be--
YASUKO
(cutting him off)
You're not! You're no hero! The only reason you're a detective is because other people covered up your mistakes! You're nothing but a catalyst for ruin!
YASUKO (CONT'D)
The only way to atone for your past mistakes is to admit them! Right here and now!
YASUKO (CONT'D)
Admit it, Kato Haru! That you are not a hero!
YASUKO (CONT'D)
Admit that you ruined Kambe Daisuke's life and put the world to ruin!
Haru's head hangs, his entire body trembling. He begins to mumble to himself, squeezing his eyes shut, and Yasuko uses that opportunity to take her hand away from his closed eyes.
HARU
No. No! I'm not a liability! I'm not...
YASUKO
You are. Why else would your partner leave you to die? Because he trusts you? Because he trusts your abilities?
HARU
Of course he does! I'm supposed to be... I'm supposed to be his senior!
YASUKO
A senior who was supposed to guide him through life. Yet all you've done is ruin it.
HARU
Then why am I still working alongside him? Why would he make that decision?
YASUKO
Because he has no choice. You were the one who made that decision!
HARU
I...
HARU (CONT'D)
You're right... you're right! I've ruined his life!
HARU (CONT'D)
Please! Please forgive me, Kambe!
HARU (CONT'D)
(voice cracking)
I'm sorry...!
Those words strike a place in Haru's psyche that Yasuko's other words haven't reached-- it breaks him. More and more tears start to spill down his face as more and more flashbacks go through his mind: the bank incident, Cho-san and Takei's murders, Daisuke resigning from the task force, everything that would eventually build up to force Haru to admit the truth.
Yasuko's grip loosens around his throat, and Haru raises his voice to finally confess.
HARU (CONT'D)
(tearfully)
I-It's my fault! All of this... is entirely my fault!
His eyes are still closed as he sobs, as Yasuko listens to his screaming. Warm light swarms the room, but Haru doesn't notice.
HARU (CONT'D)
If I hadn't released that information... if I hadn't been so stupid, none of this would've ever happened!
HARU (CONT'D)
If I had known it would come to this, I would have never.... I would have never...!
Haru shouts to the point where his voice has gone raspy, as he tightens his grip around Yasuko's hand.
HARU (CONT'D)
I was the one who ruined Kambe Daisuke's life! I was the one who put the world to ruin! It was me!
HARU (CONT'D)
I'm not a hero! I've never been a hero! I'm nothing close to one!
Not even the DISTANT CHATTER goes noticed by the inspector as his eyes remain closed.
HARU
I'm not even close to being a civil servant... not after I shot that woman! Not after everything!
HARU
(whispering)
So please... please give me the punishment that I deserve...!
YASUKO
Wake up.
As the last, gut-wrenching word leaves Haru's lips, a soft and almost imperceptible WHIRRING begins to fill the stage wing.
High above them, the massive red curtains that separate the stage wing from the main ballroom begin to rise-- what caused it is unknown, but Haru, in his current state of insecurity, wonders if Daisuke had triggered the mechanism for the gala's main event because he believed Haru couldn't do it.
Because he wanted to reveal who the "bad guy" really was, in contrast to the so-called "philanthropist".
YASUKO (CONT'D)
Wake up and face the truth, Kato Haru.
The sudden, blinding light of the ballroom floods Haru's vision. He blinks, dazed, his eyes full of shed and unshed tears. He is hovering above the floor of the stage wing, still held in place by Yasuko, and standing directly center stage.
HARU
(dazed)
What... what?
With a mortified expression, Haru slowly turns his head to face the witnesses to his grand revelation.
Before him, stretching into the vast expanse of the Hisashi Grand Hall, is a sea of stunned faces: corporate leaders, celebrities, community advocates, and volunteers. They all stare, silent, at the weeping, broken man on stage.
HARU (CONT'D)
(weakly)
Huh?
A bright, single SPOTLIGHT hits Haru, highlighting his tear-streaked face. A bank of TELEVISION CAMERAS and CAMERA PEDESTALS are all set up for the gala's broadcast, and are all aimed directly at Haru.
Because Kato Haru is the very center of this broadcast.
HARU (CONT'D)
(voice cracking)
Huh... huh?
Yasuko's expression shifts from predator to distressed philanthropist in an instant, as she drops Haru to the floor and points down at the defeated "bad guy".
YASUKO
This man... this police inspector... he's the one responsible for the global release of adollium! He came here tonight to sabotage the charity gala!
The crowd's silence intensifies into a wave of MURMURS and outright hostility. Somehow, even in the large crowd, Haru spots Matsumoto Kentaro at the very moment he lowers his head and decides to leave the ballroom. Haru catches a glimpse of his dejected expression before he does so.
HARU
(to himself)
No... this wasn't... this wasn't the plan...
YASUKO
He is a criminal who exposed a global weapon, and now seeks to sabotage its only cure!
Security guards begin to rush towards the stage, and Haru curls into himself in despair, unintentionally speaking to the HEUSC ring as he covers his face with his hands.
HARU
(voice cracking)
No... no! Don't perceive me! Go away!
SUZUE (O.S.)
Kato-sama? What's wrong? Kato-sama?
HARU
(wailing)
Don't look! Don't look!
HARU (CONT'D)
I'm sorry, Kambe! I'm so sorry!
HARU (CONT'D)
I failed... I'm a failure!
Haru holds his head with both hands, struggling to breathe.
He's sent into a full mental breakdown as everyone else watches.
INT. KAMBE CORPORATE BUILDING - UNDERGROUND WORKSHOP - CONTINUOUS
Suzue is at the main console, attempting to connect to Haru and Daisuke's comms.
SUZUE
Kato-sama? Daisuke-sama has successfully activated the stage wing mechanism to--
HARU (O.S.)
(sobbing)
I'm sorry. I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!
Suzue's face drains of color as she hears the sudden, unfiltered audio spike from Haru's comms--his desperate apologies and pleas.
HARU (O.S.)
This isn't... I'm not like that. I'm not like that! I'm not a criminal!
HARU (CONT'D)
I didn't... I didn't mean to leak the adollium!
SUZUE
(shouting)
Kato-sama? What's wrong? Kato-sama!
Suzue leaps from her seat, as Saeki, Kamei, and Teppei all watch with the same concerned expression. Urgently, Suzue connects to Daisuke's comms, searching for answers.
SUZUE (CONT'D)
Daisuke-sama! Something has gone terribly wrong!
INT. HISASHI GRAND HALL - RESTRICTED ANTEROOM - CONTINUOUS
Right when Shigemaru attempts to throw another punch right at Daisuke, Daisuke dodges. He continues to dodge every punch that's thrown his way. He's received all the answers he was looking for, so there is no need for him to say anything more.
Daisuke, having activated the stage mechanism during his confrontation with his father, is unaware of what had actually occurred until HEUSC alerts him. HEUSC's robotic voice somehow manages to sound distressed.
HEUSC
Daisuke-sama.
DAISUKE
HEUSC. What is the immediate situation? Do we have access to the main stage?
HEUSC
... Affirmative. Stage curtains are fully raised, activated by your previous command.
HEUSC (CONT'D)
However, Kato-sama is currently exposed on the main stage, being publicly accused by Nakagawa Yasuko for the global release of adollium. His confession of guilt is being broadcasted live.
The realization hits Daisuke like a physical blow. His eyes, usually so composed, go wide with genuine shock. He didn't activate the curtain to expose Yasuko--he activated the curtain and exposed Haru, a move that Yasuko had planned for.
DAISUKE
(muttering to himself)
The stage mechanism. I triggered the main event.
HEUSC
Daisuke-sama... I'm afraid this was a grave miscalculation.
Daisuke falters in response to HEUSC's words, and he lowers his guard at the same time Shigemaru lands a punch to Daisuke's jaw, forcing his head to turn to the side.
Deep down, Shigemaru knows the truth about "who is to blame". Or rather, that Daisuke is not the only one at fault, or even at fault at all. But the current state of his psyche-- his soul, his mind, his spirit -- takes over his reason.
SHIGEMARU KAMBE
(yelling)
It's because of you! It's because of you that Sayuri is dead! It's because of you that I lost everything!
SHIGEMARU KAMBE (CONT'D)
(to himself)
Yes, it has to be you... it has to be you, you're the one to blame, all of it, all of it is because of you...
SHIGEMARU KAMBE (CONT'D)
You're a fool! That's who you are! Only a fool would make the same decisions as you! Only someone who has no regards for others would choose to--
DAISUKE
(shouting)
Suzue! Deploy the ASV suit immediately! Kato is compromised!
Daisuke escapes from the restricted anteroom, abandoning the confrontation with his father. Now, he realizes that the immediate threat to Haru's safety-- physical, mental, and psychological -- is far more important than any answer his father could give him.
Now, Daisuke fears what-- what of Haru-- he will encounter on that stage wing.
END OF CHECK.
COST BREAKDOWN:
Daisuke's outfit (tuxedo) -- 2,500,000 yen
Haru's outfit (blue blazer, turtleneck) -- 1,200,000 yen
Accessories (shoes, watch, cuff-links) -- 1,000,000 yen
Tailoring fee - 300,000 yen
Total 5,000,000 yen
(~ 32,721.23 US dollars | 28,148.61 Euro | 47,085,192.99 Won | 860,632,048.61 Dong)
Notes:
*art credits for this episode:
@iguana_salad on twitter
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