Original subtitles

On the night of Christmas Eve,

my father was murdered by someone.

The person arrested as the primary suspect

was Tomoya Endo.

Tomoya was the son of Rikiro Endo, a man who received the death penalty

for murdering a family 22 years ago in Higashikayama.

However, my father left me a letter that spoke of false accusations.

Rikiro, is not the person…

that's responsible for the murders.

He was transferred to a hospital where he ultimately died.

It might have been suicide.

Then Mr. Someda died.

We're going to go and meet Tatsuo Mikita, a person whose name was in the letter.

The defense attorney in the Higashikayama case?

He said he wanted his son to focus on living his own life,

and he abandoned his request for a retrial.

Excuse me, but do you know what happened to Uta?

I believe their name was Tsujii.

Chief.

It seems that Matsukaze's father used to be a police officer.

I'll personally handle Ms. Komugi Yamashita.

PUBLIC PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE

Ms. Komugi Yamashita?

I'm Anan, a public prosecutor. Nice to meet you.

I'm Yamashita.

- And you would be? - Hello.

A guardian, perhaps?

Something like that. I'm Matsukaze, an attorney.

I'm afraid that I'll require Komugi to come alone.

I'll have to ask any guardians to wait here.

Let's go then.

Could I ask just one question?

- What is it? - Why do you need to talk to Komugi?

Is it to question a member of Mr. Haruo Yamashita's family?

No, that doesn't seem likely.

In which case, perhaps you wish to talk to her about Mr. Someda's case.

That's correct.

The investigation requires Komugi's cooperation.

- Then why are you the one-- - You asked for one question.

Did you not?

You don't need to overreact.

I'll only ask Komugi a few questions and that'll be it.

Overprotective,

aren't you?

Shall we go now?

Komugi?

Your cooperation is voluntary, so you can leave if you want.

Also, absolutely do not sign any statement

that contains things you didn't actually say.

Make sure the record only contains things you actually said.

Got it?

Yes.

I wanted to check

just how much of the full picture she's managed to uncover.

The important thing is

to ensure that her perception of the letter is that it's a forgery

created by Someda.

If the letter is seen as a forgery,

then even if Haruo Yamashita left other pieces of evidence

pertaining to the truth behind the Higashikayama incident,

they will also be suspected of being fabricated and have less credibility.

Understood.

If Tomoya Endo ends up being acquitted,

it will leave a stain on your record.

You'll go down in a flash.

Someda took his own life, right?

That was by all means a suicide.

He couldn't bear the weight of his own sins, so he chose death.

It wasn't me.

Didn't I tell you?

I'm a coward.

I've been told that Mr. Haruo Yamashita was an excellent police officer.

I'd like to offer my sincere condolences for your loss.

Thank you.

Getting to the point,

I've read the letter that's presumed to have been written by Mr. Haruo.

Excuse me,

that letter was most definitely written by my father.

So that's your interpretation of it.

Let me state my view.

I believe this letter was written

by Mr. Someda at Tomoya Endo's direction.

Based on the circumstances.

But Mr. Someda said that my father wrote--

Someda had the skills.

Skills required to mimic someone's handwriting.

The last time you met Mr. Someda,

what did you talk about with him?

At the time…

Komugi!

- I'll wait here. - What?

I have to let the regulars know the shop's closed today.

Those were

his last words.

Was that really all?

Are you sure?

Yes.

Most likely, after Someda was alone,

he responded to a call from that person.

If that's the case, then this girl

doesn't know that Someda talked to him on the phone.

I understand.

On another note, were you aware of it, Komugi?

Of what?

Of Mr. Someda's substance abuse.

I heard from him.

- That in the past, he-- - In the present too.

What?

The autopsy revealed as much.

Given that fact, how about this theory?

Mr. Someda needed money to fuel his addiction.

So he took Tomoya's offer and wrote the letter in Mr. Yamashita's name.

But he'd known you since you were little and didn't want to hurt you,

so he decided to tell you a lie.

A lie about the letter

having actually been written by Mr. Haruo Yamashita.

Well?

Don't you think that sounds more plausible?

Based on the circumstances.

How about it?

Did that perhaps change your…

perception of your father's letter?

No, it did not.

That letter

was entrusted to me by my father.

What's your basis?

I can just tell.

That's my basis.

Mr. Someda said he thought of my father as an actual sibling.

That's why him forging that letter

is out of the question.

Please include that in the record.

You're a good daughter to have such faith in your father.

I couldn't help but be moved by your dedication.

Take care now.

I can just…

tell.

"I can just tell,"

is it?

Yes, hello?

Oh, hello.

Yuki? Is this a good time?

You remember that gift we received at the end of last year?

That letter was entrusted to me by my father.

From Aunt Shoko over in Takamatsu.

I was thinking we should gift them something in return…

Komugi.

You must be a good child that cares for your parents.

Not like me at all.

Because I am a failure of a daughter.

Mom, I did it!

THIS CERTIFIES THAT YUKI ANAN HAS PASSED THE BAR EXAM

You really passed it?

Wait, is it okay to tell your dad about this?

I think their son took the bar exam too, didn't he?

This woman cared less about my life

than she did about keeping that man in a good mood.

Your dad hasn't come to visit at all recently.

I'm sure he must have found someone else.

This woman was that man's mistress.

And the child that the two of them birthed was me.

You have to stay with me, Yuki.

Or else, I… won't be able to bear it.

I will never reach an understanding with this woman.

Mom.

I'm going to get married.

After that, I kept working without rest.

YOU ARE HEREBY APPOINTED TO THE SPECIAL INVESTIGATION DEPARTMENT

Special Investigation Department at the Yokohama Prosecutor's Office?

That's a quick promotion.

I guess it is.

It reeks in here again.

Do you even clean the drain?

- I do. - How did you get it to stink this bad?

- I'll clean it. - It's fine.

Don't you have paperwork to look over?

Like always.

Do you have to say it like that?

What? Am I wrong?

Oh, but I do have this thought a lot.

That the person I married wasn't Yuki,

but just a woman that was a coworker.

I'm busting my ass over here too,

but I guess my coworker's just too gifted.

Yuki…

It must have hurt so much to get divorced like that.

Do you see now?

You didn't have enough charm.

Women need to be lovable above all.

And yet, you poured all your time and effort into work.

But I still…

don't want to become

like you, Mom.

Don't you think so, Yuki?

Should I go with a gift set?

Hello? Yuki?

- Yuki? - Sorry, but I have work to do, Mom.

I'll call you later.

Komugi.

I will need more time to get Komugi Yamashita to believe

that the letter was forged.

Is that so?

I apologize.

Nothing to apologize for.

Although, I'll admit that it did disappoint me a little to hear that.

Let's move on to the next step then.

We'll use him…

and get Tomoya Endo

to admit to paying Someda and making him forge that letter.

How?

I received an intriguing piece of information, you see.

I'll send it your way.

I hope you won't disappoint me this time.

Mr. Someda was still using drugs?

For a moment there, I felt like my mind

just went completely blank for a moment.

But…

You decided to trust Mr. Someda.

I do understand.

I know that I have no real basis for it.

But…

But even then…

I want to believe him.

Maybe what Ms. Anan said was right.

But…

Even if that's so, I feel like I have to make sure.

I want…

to know it all.

And after I know it all,

I want to say it.

That I trust the people…

who were dear to me.

PROSECUTOR YUKI ANAN

NO SUBJECT, NO TEXT ONE FILE ATTACHED

RELATION TO SUBJECT: FATHER NAME: MASAKATSU KUZE

Hello.

I've got a lot more fun stories.

- Would you like some coffee? Just wait. - Sure.

- I'm so glad you're back! - What?

I thought I was going to die.

He talked about his grandson for two whole hours!

I'll keep it at that since Mr. Matsukaze is here,

but my grandson really is a prodigy!

How many kids can name 100 different types of seashells, huh?

He's the guy from the texts.

These are all the days I met your dad at court.

- Here you go. - Thanks.

He handled the case that Mr. Haruo attended in court.

Oh, right!

I'm the other attorney that Mr. Haruo Yamashita

came to see in court.

You're the one?

A pleasure to meet you.

I'm Narukawa.

The other lawyer that Dad went to see…

is this person?

Hello there.

I'm Kamii from Weekly Jidai, who got filed a complaint

for trespassing on a crime scene.

Any developments in Haruo Yamashita's case?

And also,

about that lawyer Matsukaze who's defending Tomoya Endo.

Isn't he the son

of your former superior,

Mr. Kuze?

RELATION TO SUBJECT: FATHER

Oh, you need to do better if you're a police officer.

Your expressions are just giving everything away.

I can read your agitation all too clearly.

You know what it's like?

"Something happened in the past between me and Mr. Kuze!"

Hey!

It's like you're yelling it out.

Look. I'm just a poor reporter that's trying his best to make ends meet.

I got good at observation since it helped put food on the table.

"Put food on the table."

Doesn't that phrase paint a good picture?

What do you want?

I brought something for you today as a means of apology.

No need to be alarmed. You won't find three million yen in here.

Oh, that's the amount that Mr. Haruo left to Komugi.

It's just a little joke.

One that lets you know the things I know.

A funny little joke from a reporter.

Please.

Take a look.

It will be on the shelves this week.

I wanted you to see it first.

So you're Mr. Haruo Yamashita's daughter?

Yes.

I heard about you from Mr. Turtle Glasses here.

Turtle?

I'm sure you've been through a lot.

I never met the man, but I just know it.

I'm sure he must've been a caring and bighearted fellow.

I'm more reliable than I look, I promise. Tell me if you ever need help.

No need to hold back.

"Ms. Yamashita" doesn't quite feel right.

Can I just call you "Miss"?

Let me introduce myself.

I'm Toru Narukawa.

I'm a defense attorney, despite the look.

Although you two probably have more years of experience than me.

- What? - I left my previous job to become one.

- I used to be a public prosecutor. - Public prosecutor?

My agency is in Ginza and my son is the representative.

But my son only cares about damn civil cases!

Don't you think he should've walked in his father's footsteps?

Right? You think so, right? He's got no competitiveness!

His wife's family runs a huge corporation,

and just recently, he got adopted into the family as an official heir!

To put it in plain terms, we've got deep pockets!

What's wrong?

- Did someone turn you to stone? - Well…

- It certainly felt like someone did. - Well, that's enough of that.

Let's get to business.

I'll lend you a hand.

Why would you help us?

I think this Tomoya Endo kid…

wasn't the one who did it.

But that said,

I don't think he can get out of being prosecuted.

I'd like to know how you plan to approach things, Mr. Matsukaze.

Would you mind telling me?

Mr. Narukawa.

Everything I'm about to tell you is strictly confidential.

I know the drill.

Too bad it didn't go anywhere.

We'll have to try again.

Chief?

Seriously?

- What is it? - Take a look.

"Mysterious Death of Ramen Stall Owner a Link to the Higashikayama Incident.

The victim was the owner of a ramen stall that Haruo Yamashita frequently visited."

Did our information get leaked?

More importantly, look at this part.

"Detective A was in charge of the questioning,

and he was also involved in the Higashikayama case."

Mr. Akazawa?

"He has also conducted harsh interrogations in the past,

leading some to voice misgivings about him potentially crossing the line."

You did it! Admit it!

Who do you think cares more about you?

Me or that lawyer?

Listen closely.

Make the right call.

Akazawa.

Don't you think you're going too far?

They won't submit unless you go that far.

Submit, you say?

What's up with you?

Suspects pretty much always lie.

You're the one who taught me that, Mr. Kuze.

That man likely isn't the culprit.

Akazawa, you need to make the right call

about what the truth is.

Don't set someone up as a criminal!

Set someone up?

What you're wielding against those suspects isn't justice.

It's senseless violence!

Akazawa.

I'm always watching you.

PROSECUTOR ANAN

- Yes? - Could I have some of your time?

I went to go and see Mr. A.

You mean Akazawa?

I wanted to see his reaction.

You're unbelievable.

I'm excited to see the public's response.

If this one sells well, remember to treat me to some sushi.

- From Azabu, the one Brad Pitt visited. - Okay, sure.

Thanks.

MYSTERIOUS DEATH OF RAMEN STALL OWNER A LINK TO THE HIGASHIKAYAMA INCIDENT

- Where did you-- - Does it matter where I got it from?

Did I not clearly instruct you?

Not to let the public know about

the relation between Someda's death and the Higashikayama case.

I apologize.

Let me confirm something with you.

Are you really doing your job?

Once this is published, people will soon figure out who "Detective A" is.

That's the kind of age we live in now.

What do you think will happen when they find out?

Even a small ember can set an entire forest ablaze.

In the past, you could've pressured the publisher into erasing such articles,

but now that would just make for another article.

Are you trying to say

that you want me gone before that happens?

No.

Quite the opposite, in fact.

You're quite skilled at what you do, Mr. Akazawa.

I looked into the cases you've handled in the past.

DETECTIVE A WAS IN CHARGE OF THE QUESTIONING

You've gotten confessions out of countless suspects,

getting them to plead guilty, have you not?

I have no objections to you taking some rough measures.

Isn't that your forte?

I even got to hear your strategy for this case,

so it's been a fruitful day, I say.

Thank you for your help too.

Don't mention it, really.

- Miss! - Yes?

I promise that we'll find the truth of the matter

that your father arrived at.

Okay.

Okay then, I'll be back tomorrow!

- You'll be back? - Tomorrow too?

But he seems reliable.

- Don't you mean weird? - Weird indeed.

But it's true that it's tough doing those meetings with Tomoya alone.

We still haven't talked to all the people in Mr. Haruo's letter.

We're falling behind.

What happened to Uta?

I believe she was taken in by a relative.

Do you have that person's contact info?

I believe their name was Tsujii.

Hey.

Tomorrow,

could we go and visit that Tsujii person that took in Uta Hayashikawa?

Kouta Tsujii.

TATSUO MIKITA KOUTA TSUJII

Would you please come with me?

I can't. I have a meeting with Tomoya Endo.

How about you, Hasami?

Oh, sorry. My schedule is full tomorrow.

I see.

I'll go on my own then.

Except we don't even know what kind of person this Tsujii is.

What if he's not cool?

Oh, I'm a bit worried about you going alone.

Who would be a good person to accompany you?

- Did you think of it too? - Yes.

- Right? - Yes.

- It's decided then. - Stay cool.

What?

Miss!

- That was so loud. - So sorry!

It took some time to pick my clothes.

How about it? Don't I look dapper?

Let's go. Let's just go.

- Miss! - Please be quieter.

- Hey, nice throw! - Yes, I did it.

Here you go. Nice catch.

Okay, I got it.

- I'll try it. - Swing all the way.

There you go! That's good.

- Okay, got it. - The ball felt a lot faster.

Hey, that was a good one.

Your throws reach pretty far now.

- Want to learn how to throw a curveball? - Wait, really?

Yes.

- Nice throw! That was a good one. - Nice catch.

- All right, come at me. - Okay, here I go.

- Nice ball. - Nice catch! Good one.

- My turn. - Go ahead.

Are you really doing your job?

I have no objections to you taking some rough measures.

We'll rearrest Tomoya Endo on a murder charge.

We need a warrant.

Apply for one immediately.

Understood, sir.

Whatever it takes, we'll make Tomoya Endo submit!

- Yes, sir. - Yes, sir.

MYSTERIOUS DEATH OF RAMEN STALL OWNER

Just who gave this article to Anan?

Akazawa.

I'm always watching you.

Mr. Kuze…

That's a cute little charm you've got there.

What a cute kitty cat.

I got it as a gift.

Oh, that's nice.

- I'm a cat person too. - Oh, really?

I have two as pets.

You get a lot of fur on you if you hug them.

I think it's around here, right?

TSUJII

There we are! This is the place.

Mr. Tsujii is the cousin of Yasunari Hayashikawa,

who died in the Higashikayama incident.

He's also the person that took in Uta Hayashikawa.

Which means one of the people inside this house might be

Uta Hayashikawa.

No need to make that face, Miss.

You've got nothing to worry about.

Yes?

Sorry to disturb you while you're busy.

I'm Narukawa, an attorney.

Am I correct in assuming this is Kouta Tsujii's residence?

Yes, that's correct.

What do you want?

Do you happen to know a person named Haruo Yamashita?

What if I do?

I take it that you've met Mr. Haruo Yamashita.

Perhaps he came to this house.

Yes, so what if he did?

Well, I wanted to talk to you about Mr. Haruo Yamashita,

as well as the person you took in, Uta Hayashikawa--

I have nothing to say to you.

I don't think he's coming out.

We might have to try again some other time with a better strategy.

But that's…

What's gotten into you, Miss?

I'm tired of it.

I'm tired of disappointing myself.

That's why I'll do whatever I can.

Miss…

I HAVE A PROBLEM PEOPLE MISTAKE ME FOR UTA HAYASHIKAWA

I am

Haruo Yamashita's daughter, Komugi Yamashita!

Could you hear me out just for a little while?

I HAVE A PROBLEM PEOPLE MISTAKE ME FOR UTA HAYASHIKAWA

Mr. Tsujii!

Miss, let's throw in the towel for today.

Mr. Tsujii!

Right now, I'm planning your defense against the arson allegation,

assuming the case goes to court.

Hence, I would like you to keep silent no matter what you are--

Forget about all that.

I have a favor to ask.

What is it?

Go and meet my old man.

Can I ask why?

Why?

You need to ask that?

Obviously, because I want to know

the truth behind the Higashikayama incident.

I don't have enough time or manpower to dig into the Higashikayama case.

First, let's focus on your--

Real good at lining up excuses, aren't you?

You just don't have the guts.

The guts to go and talk to my old man!

If only I was talking to Kamii.

I hate it.

That look in your…

eyes.

Those eyes, filled to the brim with pity.

I bet you feel sorry for me, don't you?

The son of a criminal that doesn't even have any smarts.

That's why

you feel like you have to save me.

You must have lived a privileged life.

Right, Mr. Attorney?

Must be nice.

Let me have it.

That life of yours.

Won't you?

Tomoya, did you ever play catch with Rikiro?

What's with that question?

Can you throw a curveball?

My father vanished without a trace when I was in grade school.

Mom and Dad got a divorce.

Let's both live respectable lives, okay?

He never taught me that curveball like he promised.

I don't even know whether he's alive or dead.

What I feel towards you

is envy.

Mr. Rikiro Endo

may be in a detention center, but he's still alive.

You believed in your father's innocence

and tried to gather evidence by making contact with Haruo Yamashita.

If I was you,

I couldn't have done all that.

That's why I am envious of you.

I will do what I can to allow you a reunion with your father.

That's why I ask you to please trust me.

So? What did you want to talk about?

Uta Hayashikawa…

Am I her?

My father visited you here once, right?

What did you talk about with him?

Also, I heard that you took in Uta after the incident.

Do you think…

I look similar to Uta Hayashikawa?

Uta and you?

You don't really look alike.

- The name's Tsujii! - Please keep your voice low!

Your father only visited once

to check on Uta sometime after the Higashikayama incident.

Then, could you tell me where Uta Hayashikawa is?

We have a warrant for Tomoya Endo.

Got it.

Are you really doing your job?

Did I not clearly instruct you?

Not to let the public know about

the relation between Someda's death and the Higashikayama case.

About that lawyer Matsukaze who's defending Tomoya Endo.

Isn't he the son

of your former superior,

Mr. Kuze?

That man likely isn't the culprit.

Akazawa.

I'm always watching you.

Chief?

I'm calling it off.

What do you think's gotten into him?

Matsukaze, where's Mr. Kuze?

What?

Aren't you his son?

Then, could you tell me where Uta Hayashikawa is?

Look, this is Uta.

She's studying abroad at a university in Singapore.

Is that all you wanted? Then leave already.

I knew it.

I'm not Uta Hayashikawa.

Knowing everything won't put you at ease.

I'll tell you.

- Still hiding something. - Stop.

- That's enough! - I still have to keep moving forward.

Subtitle translation by: Saim Ul Hassan