Original subtitles

Still up?

What do you think?

Amazing, as usual.

Get some sleep.

The editor can only meet me at 3 pm today.

I see.

Don't use your cup as an ashtray.

Sorry.

This guy, Omura, is a bigshot in the industry.

If he likes my work...

Maybe this time.

I hope you have good news for your parents this weekend.

Look at this page.

It took me 3 days.

Wow!

You're really talented.

You're good.

Who do you work for?

Mr. Honjo of "Occult Houser."

No wonder you're good.

And you draw in ink. Not digital.

Using screentone, even.

No one does that anymore.

Mr. Honjo went digital

so he gave me his screentone.

Tried for "Best New Artist"?

A few times with different publications.

I got some honorable mentions.

What about a debut?

Not yet...

I ask all horror and suspense writers.

You've obviously never killed anyone

or even witnessed a murder, right?

No.

That's why the work lacks reality.

The next best thing is to create...

a convincing character.

One that readers will believe.

You're a talented illustrator but your characters...

I've seen them before.

Nothing about them stands out.

I'd consider asking you to work with a story writer

but if the illustrator lacks imagination,

the manga wouldn't sell anyway.

So it's no good, then?

Try for "Best New Artist" again.

Excuse me.

"It's a no go."

"Natsumi"

Hello?

Are you OK?

Keep trying.

So you won't have any regrets.

No... I'm done.

You're really going to quit?

I'd better find another job.

I can't buy you an expensive ring.

Sorry.

I don't care.

Hey, Keigo...

I'm headed to the studio.

In that case,

focus on being an assistant.

I'll support you.

No...

My dream was to make it as a manga artist.

So I'm done.

As I said, as of today...

I resign.

It's nearing 9:30 pm.

Time for Saturday Night Radio.

How are you spending

these long, chilly autumn nights?

It's almost November...

Hey, can someone go sketch a house for me?

A house?

You know the one.

Oh, Miko's house?

Yeah, the typical "happy household."

You mean now?

Can't it wait?

I need it now.

We're all busy on other projects.

I can go.

Nice!

It's my last day.

I'll go.

OK, thanks.

Sure.

Thanks, Mr. Yamashiro.

No problem.

It's a shame.

He's good.

He's good enough for "Best New Artist"

but never managed a debut.

Why not?

He wants to be a suspense writer

but he can't seem to create an evil character.

He's doomed.

He's such a good guy.

Good guys have a hard time depicting evil.

It's just not in them.

Excuse me!

I'm not a trespasser.

I'm an assistant manga illustrator

trying to sketch your house.

Hey, turn down the music.

But... I don't live here.

You were just talking to them.

Keep it down

or I'll call the police.

Coming in...

Hello...?

Your neighbor's complaining.

Funakoshi Family Murdered

Check the Yokohama hospitals.

Roger.

Come in.

OK.

I'll leave it to you.

Excuse me.

What about the weapon?

A sharp blade of some kind but it hasn't turned up yet.

I'm going back to work.

Lieutenant Makabe.

Interview the guy who called it in.

Keigo Yamashiro.

Roger.

I'll bring Seida with me.

Seida, huh?

He has a knack for questioning witnesses.

A way of gaining their trust.

He's the ex-gang member who

somehow aced the police exam, right?

Really?

The other day, he picked a fight with Public Security.

Anyways, don't let him go ballistic, all right?

I don't "go ballistic."

I'm just a hard worker, Deputy Okumura.

Counting on you.

Yes, sir!

What was that about?

Nothing.

About me, right?

Don't hide it.

Let's go.

You shouldn't talk to me like that.

I'm your superior.

You must be tired of the same old questions,

but bear with me.

Sure.

So you're a manga assistant.

Who do you work for?

Hayato Honjo of "Occult Houser."

Occult?

Heard of him? He's super famous.

So you just happened to be sketching that house.

Why do you need a sketch for manga?

Wouldn't a photo be enough?

Mr. Honjo says a house is a character, too.

I don't get it.

Wait.

Go on.

The "aura" of the house itself is important.

Whether it has "character" or not.

All that work for a manga?

I get it. It's in the details.

But why'd you go inside?

The neighbor complained that the music was too loud.

If he called the police,

Mr. Honjo may have gotten in trouble.

I tried calling out at the front door...

Then I saw the living room...

And...

I'd panic too, if I saw that.

So you sketched what you saw?

Let me take a look.

Wow. You're good.

And this?

That's...

Mr. Honjo says my manga characters are weak, so...

I practice by drawing people who catch my eye.

Just at a glance?

Hey, if he's a manga artist,

maybe he can draw the perp's face.

Did you see the murderer's face?

No, I didn't.

I thought you said you saw someone.

I'll hold onto this.

Excuse me.

Nice work. Nice work.

I spoke with Honjo.

Yamashiro has an alibi.

He wasn't at the house yet.

I see.

What?

Something about him bothers me.

Are you OK? You're not hurt?

Thank goodness you weren't attacked.

Whose clothes...

I borrowed them.

Oh.

Are you thirsty?

Or hungry?

No...

Bow!

Be seated.

I'll start.

This was an extremely unusual crime.

Therefore, details such as

the condition of the victims' bodies

must remain confidential.

Lieutenant Makabe?

The victims are

Muneyuki Funakoshi, age 53,

his wife, Yoko, age 50,

their son, Takayuki, age 20

and daughter Anri, age 18.

Between 6 and 10 pm on October 24,

the family was stabbed to death with a sharp blade.

The weapon has not been found.

They were tied and propped up

around the dinner table, post-mortem.

The killer remained for a while,

probably sitting at the same table.

A psychopath.

The motive is unclear.

Could be a random killing or a grudge.

We'll investigate both.

Attention!

Atsushi Henmi, age 50.

Killed a family of 4 when he was 16.

Held in a juvenile medical facility for 12 years.

And now he's out...

I'll check it out.

Good.

Let's go!

Mr. Henmi,

could we ask you a few questions?

Not chasing him?

Go ahead if you want.

If this was a cop show,

we'd have a chase scene right now.

But reality is boring.

Why did you run, Mr. Henmi?

I'm sorry! I'm sorry!

I did it!

I killed them all!

Mr. Henmi.

Are you confessing to the murder of the Funakoshi family?

I'm confessing.

It was me...

Any accomplices?

Accomplices?

No...

What's your relation to the victims?

I don't know them.

Are you sure you killed them?

Yes. It was me.

Why did you do it?

I don't really remember.

I guess I couldn't control my impulses.

So it was impulsive?

Impulsive...

Yes.

Where's the weapon?

I don't remember that either.

Case closed, Lieutenant?

Not yet...

Henmi confessed.

Process him straight away.

I'll report to the Section Chief.

What do you think?

He confessed to the murder,

but doesn't remember how or why.

Deputy wants it done with

and processed immediately.

What? We don't have a concrete testimony yet.

Don't make me repeat myself.

Orders are orders.

Keigo! They arrested the killer.

According to the Kanagawa police,

He confessed to the crime

another family of 4.

It's not him.

What?

His other crimes are also being investigated.

Car trouble?

Are you OK?

No, I'm not.

Was that your car?

Yeah. A lemon.

Did you call a tow truck?

Can you give me a lift?

For just a few miles?

Move over.

Are you sure?

Just a few miles.

We'll give you a lift.

Sorry to crowd you.

Where did you want to go?

Around here, I think.

We're going to a nearby inn.

Is it close?

So it's an inn now...

Are you going camping?

How nice. A family of 4.

Really?

A family of 3 or 5 is just as good.

No, a family of 4 is best.

It can't be 3 or 5.

"Rising Sun"

Is that...

"Rising Sun"?

Yes...

Have you read "34"?

Yeah. It's good.

Don't I look like

the murderer "Dagger"?

Now that you mention it.

Stab! Gush! Scream!

He's so cool.

You can drop me off here.

What? Here?

There's nothing here.

No, this is good.

But...

Just let him out.

Oh wow, lady.

Am I creeping you out?

Hara Family Murdered

It'll take a while.

Yes.

Lieutenant Makabe and Seida?

What are they doing here?

Yo.

What do you want?

Call it a hunch...

Can I take a look?

What for?

A family of 4 killed in a car?

There's a pattern here.

You mean Henmi's murder?

The Funakoshi family last year?

Can I see the car?

Just a little peek inside.

Hey! Who said you could...

I'll scold him later.

Excuse me,

did you check the ceiling of the car?

Ceiling?

May I check it out?

Let me take a picture first.

Bingo.

As usual, your instincts are spot on.

So how'd you know?

Manga? I don't read manga.

Just read it.

"34"?

Like the number.

And a reference to "The Three Musketeers."

It's about a cop

who meets his old classmates at a reunion.

One's a historical criminologist and the other a psychic.

The three pursue

a serial killer targeting families of 4, "Dagger."

They're all 34 years old. Thus the title.

And how is that relevant?

Just read it.

You're clear.

OK.

Hey...

This murder...

And look.

Here.

Are you serious?

Who wrote this?

Keigo Yamashiro. The guy who called in the Funakoshi murders.

The first murder

is modeled on the Funakoshi case.

The next murder takes place on a mountain road,

like the Hara case.

So who's doing this?

A copycat of the killer in the manga,

or possibly the manga artist himself.

There's a third possibility.

The same murderer killed the Funakoshis and the Haras.

Henmi is innocent.

The real murderer is at large.

No way.

Henmi confessed. You heard him yourself.

"I did it."

That was his entire confession.

Are you saying his confession was faked?

If so, this is going to blow up...

I'm going to see Keigo Yamashiro.

Over here.

I reserved this baby bed.

Is that OK?

Sure.

I want to tell your mom and dad the news.

I called them.

Let's tell them in person.

It's been a while.

Make the time, OK?

Hello.

Yes?

We're home. Come in.

So you're going to be a mom.

Let me know if you need help.

I will.

They don't need your help.

They're super rich now.

Aya!

Well, writing a serial isn't easy.

Is it really that hard?

Yeah...

You lost more weight.

He did!

And I'm gaining.

All in my face.

No you're not.

Keigo, take care of yourself.

I will.

It's that terrible manga.

Don't be rude.

You said it was scary, too.

It's OK, Aya.

I think it's scary, too.

I can't believe an introvert like you

can come up with drawings like that.

But you're lucky.

Not everyone gets to make a living doing what they love.

Dad bought up all the copies

from the local bookstore.

Oh, look.

The baby bed? So fancy!

Sorry, it's work.

Hello?

It's Omura.

What did you do?

What?

It's me, Omura.

Come in.

Please tell me.

Is something wrong?

Well...

Who's gonna sit on these sofas?

Calm down.

Yeah, yeah.

Security is airtight.

How many entry points?

Three.

Even residents can only access

the floor they live on.

Rich people are cautious.

Manga artists must make a lot of money.

If the manga sells.

About how much?

If a 500 yen book sells a million copies.

The artist gets 10%.

If he publishes 3 or 4 a year...

Over 100 million yen a year?

There are many good mangas out there,

but few become bestsellers.

So Yamashiro is one of the chosen ones.

Hello. Hello.

My husband is waiting for you.

What a beautiful home.

The furniture is chic, too.

Thank you.

Your taste?

I used to work at a furniture store.

Not any more?

Since his serial began,

he prefers me to stay at home.

I see.

His studio is upstairs.

Right up these stairs.

We're going up, then. Yes.

Thanks. Take your time.

The detectives are here.

It's been a while, Mr. Yamashiro.

Remember me?

Yes.

You work alone?

No assistants?

Mr. Yamashiro is a digital artist,

so his assistants work online, too.

How can I help you?

You heard about the

Hara family of 4 murdered near Kanagawa?

N-no.

They were stabbed in their car on a mountain road.

In their car?

Excuse me.

Will you take a look at these photos?

Look familiar?

And...

This ceiling.

The knife was discovered here.

Just like in your manga.

Exactly.

Are you saying he's a suspect?

No, I'm not.

It could be a copycat.

Does anyone come to mind?

No. No one.

And the murder in episode 1.

It was based on the Funakoshi murders, wasn't it?

How could you?

After witnessing that?

Mr. Yamashiro is a manga artist.

It's quite normal

to be inspired by a violent experience!

I'm not blaming him.

I'm concerned

about the next episode.

In your manga...

the person who found the bodies saw the killer's face.

It's fiction.

What about Dagger?

A character from my imagination.

An original.

Original, huh?

Are you sure you're not hiding something?

Yes...

By the way, what about the knife

found in the ceiling of the car?

Is that the murder weapon?

I haven't decided yet.

No?

We'll decide later today.

May I get back to work?

Sure. Thanks for your time.

Excuse us.

Thank you.

Got it. Thank you very much.

Yes.

Maybe I should drop the serial.

Let's not jump the gun because of a copycat killer.

The editor's counting on "34" to boost sales.

It's selling like hotcakes.

Let's keep going.

But...

Mr. Yamashiro, you were an assistant for a long time.

It's finally your time to shine.

Don't waste this opportunity.

Speaking of the knife in the car ceiling.

What's your plan?

I'll start a rough sketch

of the next episode today.

OK, then.

Excuse me.

Hello. Mr. Yamashiro!

Good evening.

You look pale.

I've been a bit busy.

Beer for the bestselling artist?

Here you go.

Fancy meeting you here!

Welcome.

Were you following me?

Pure coincidence!

Beer for me, too. Yes, sir.

I have nothing to say to you.

I'm off duty now.

I may have been a bit harsh back there,

but I do love "34."

I'm serious.

As a cop,

I suppose some parts are hard to swallow,

but I'm definitely drawn to

the artwork and worldview.

Your beer.

Thanks.

You're amazing, Mr. Yamashiro.

No, I'm not...

It takes tremendous effort and talent to do what you do.

Becoming a bestseller in your field isn't easy.

I respect manga, that's all.

Respect?

In manga,

right is right and wrong is wrong.

It's either black or white.

Evil perishes and good prevails.

But not in "34."

It's pretty gruesome.

Yet, readers love it.

I haven't given you my number.

Call me

if you think of anything.

I really have nothing more to say.

Mr. Yamashiro.

A murder case never ends.

Even if the killer is caught,

the victims' family and friends suffer forever.

They deserve to know the truth.

That's my job.

Call me if you remember anything at all.

Will you call me now?

I don't want to go through Mr. Omura

every time I need to see you.

Got it.

Added.

Excuse me.

Yes?

Are you going rogue on me?

Not at all. I'm drinking by myself.

You're not tailing Yamashiro, are you?

Go home.

I know. I'm not a kid.

That's what you always say.

All right, Lieutenant.

Mr. Yamashiro?

Yes.

I'm a fan of "34."

Thank you.

May I shake your hand?

Uh, sure.

My name is Morozumi. I love "34."

Dagger looks like me, right?

I know exactly how he feels.

Or how you feel, actually.

It's got to be a family of 4.

"The symbol of happiness."

Although not all families of 4 get along.

Thank you for creating such a vivid,

artistic work for me.

I did my best to reenact your work vividly as well.

"First Investigation Division Shunsuke Seida"

But one thing.

You hid the knife in the car ceiling

to create tension in the story, right?

But you didn't think it through.

I have a great storyline for you.

Yamashiro?

My gut tells me he's not the killer.

He has an alibi.

But he's too careful.

He's hiding something.

Are you OK?

You're so pale.

Does the guy who was just here come often?

Who?

Don't know the guy.

But this is good.

Can I keep it?

Where's Mr. Yamashiro?

He just left.

He left? Yes.

Check, please.

Mr. Yamashiro took care of it.

Excuse me. Coming!

But we're not supposed to accept monetary gifts...

Can't sleep again?

You'll get sick.

Never mind.

Go to sleep.

Are you OK?

You haven't eaten much.

What did the detective say?

Nothing!

You should rest.

I don't have time to rest!

I have to finish this!

You don't know anything.

So butt out.

Sergeant Seida!

We got the forensic results from the knife.

DNA from the blood?

Take a look.

Don't be shocked.

Same weapon was used on the Funakoshis?

How did you know?

"Rising Sun" was published today.

Even more shocking.

"It's the same knife Dagger used on his first murder!"

To the letter.

What the heck?

"Chief of Police"

Excuse me.

Chief.

Good job, Lieutenant Makabe.

The case is closed.

I reported to the prosecutor.

Henmi is innocent.

It was my fault. I said I did it.

It's no one's fault.

Mr. Henmi continues to assert that he has no recollection of the events.

Yet he confessed to the crime.

We believe police coercion was involved.

As his lawyers, we plan to investigate.

What about the crime you committed at the age of 16, Mr. Henmi?

You said you had no memory of that crime either,

but you still confessed.

Was that a false confession, too?

16?

I swear I don't remember that either.

Did I really do that?

Sugimura Family Murdered

Stop reading manga on the job.

Hello?

Mr. Omura, it's Seida.

Mr. Yamashiro's not answering his phone.

How can I reach him?

I have no idea.

But he just turned in an episode.

He may be drinking at the station.

That was great. Thank you.

Has Mr. Yamashiro been here?

He paid my bill the last time.

No, not lately.

Is that Dagger?

Dagger? One of his manga characters.

I don't read "34."

Mr. Yamashiro drew this portrait for me.

Portrait? Of whom?

A man sitting next to him.

When was this?

I think it was the day you came.

Sorry.

I couldn't mail it in time,

so I brought it over myself.

The latest edition.

It goes on sale tomorrow.

The editors liked your knife storyline.

And...

We'd like you to do the cover art for the edition coming out in 3 months.

I'd love to.

Who knows how long this will last.

It will last!

And about the film adaptation...

Sorry, I have to go.

Don't forget to make an appointment for your check-up in two weeks.

OK, thank you.

Excuse me.

Thank you.

Take care.

We haven't talked much recently.

Since your serial started.

I said some terrible things to you.

I know you're busy.

Just take care, OK?

How about you?

How are you?

How am I?

I haven't gone with you to the doctor's appointments.

I'm fine.

Good.

I'm glad.

Are you really?

Of course.

Do you want a boy or a girl?

You know already?

Yes, I do.

But I want it to be a surprise,

so I won't tell you.

Hi, Mr. Yamashiro.

I read the new installment.

The knife episode was so realistic.

Someone you know?

Are you his wife?

Yes. Thank you for reading his work.

I'm Morozumi. Co-writer of "34."

I'm an advisor, kind of.

He uses my ideas a lot.

You have an advisor?

Let's go.

Don't be rude.

Why were you at the hospital?

Are you sick?

No...

Are you pregnant?

Yes, I am.

Children are symbols of happiness.

Yes, they are.

That's why you bought a baby bed.

Let's go, Natsumi.

Excuse us.

Who is that man?

I can't continue "34" anymore.

He's a serial killer.

What?

I saw his face... at the crime scene.

My manga is based on him.

He's the character.

He's Dagger.

It's fine.

I'm going to tell the police everything.

I see...

It all makes sense now.

I'm very sorry.

Thank you.

Why did you hide it?

I wasn't sure you'd understand.

I have no talent for manga.

It's hard to admit.

But when our eyes met,

he kind of inhabited me.

And I inhabited him.

For the first time in my life,

I created a truly evil character.

But I'm just a normal guy.

I can't take this anymore.

I told you before,

I'm a fan of "34."

I don't think your encounter with him is the only reason it's selling.

Does he really look like Dagger?

Yes. He said his name was Morozumi.

That's all I know about him.

OK.

We'll catch him.

I'm very sorry.

I'll take responsibility.

Let's worry about that later.

Focus on your next story.

Excuse me.

Sorry I lied.

I knew you had something on your mind.

You used to show me your manuscripts

as soon as they were finished.

I think your manga is amazing.

So don't say you're not talented.

Sergeant Seida agrees with me.

If I drop the serial,

we can't live like this anymore.

It's too big for us anyway.

I have to tell my parents, too.

I think it's premature to drop your serial.

The killer is reading "34"

and recreating the crimes.

I should have never written them.

Don't say that.

You have many loyal supporters.

Please. I want to quit.

Take a break instead.

A break?

It's such a blockbuster.

Dropping it completely will hurt sales.

And you owe it to your readers to finish the story.

So why don't you take a break and see how it goes.

You want to see it through to the end, don't you?

We're dealing with an unprecedented serial murderer.

We need to catch the killer

to regain the public's trust.

Look at the file in front of you.

The Funakoshis were killed last year,

the Haras, this year,

and now the Sugimuras.

All families of 4.

"Further episodes of '34' suspended"

"I want to finish "34"

but I need to take a break.

I'm sorry!"

Why did you stop?

Tell me.

I'll call someone.

Go ahead. Someone will die.

I told the police everything.

About the first time I saw you.

Your name...

Name?

I won't be an accessory to murder.

You kill people too.

In your manga. And you enjoy it.

How is that different?

I don't...

Liar. You enjoy killing families of 4.

One more and I'll catch up to the serial.

So let's finish the story, huh?

OK.

We'll check the security cameras at the bookshop.

You shouldn't go out.

Just focus on your manga.

Lieutenant Makabe!

A delivery man?

An ex-employee of a delivery company called himself Morozumi.

His car was near Funakoshi's house on the night of the murder.

Car?

It was in Yamashiro's sketch.

Furukawa Express...

This is Morozumi's resume.

Shuichi Morozumi?

Itabashi Ward, Tokyo...

Can I write this down?

Sure.

I'm home.

The serial's suspended.

But that won't stop me.

Sorry to bother you.

We're with the Kanagawa police.

Is this Shuichi Morozumi's home?

Did he do something wrong?

Is Shuichi at home?

Not for ten years.

Do you know where he lives?

What he's doing?

Debt collectors come from time to time, so he must be alive.

I see.

Why did you think he did something wrong?

He's a troublemaker.

Troublemaker?

He has a lame leg. An accident.

He got in trouble, left home.

Lame leg?

Do you have a picture of him?

We'd like to see it.

"Shuichi Morozumi"

Sorry.

I'm exhausted.

So much for that lead.

The real Morozumi sold his family register to pay off his debts.

You think Yamashiro's testimony is credible?

How do we explain the weapon?

We have to believe him.

You may believe him, but he lied when we questioned him.

I don't trust him.

We all lose our way sometimes.

Speaking from experience?

The killer's personality... His character.

If we don't have a handle on that,

all we have to go on is the crime scene.

People's behavior will betray their character, every time.

That's what my mentor used to say.

Who are you?

"Nightingale Manor, Kujo Village"

"Kujo Village"

"Suburban Utopia"

"Kujo Village Community"

I'm home.

Not bad, Mr. Yamashiro.

Why did you choose this setting for your story?

Back in 1989, Kujo Village was a ghost town.

Twenty families of 4 lived there.

Families of 4?

Yes.

There was a cult-like community that believed families of 4

were "units of happiness."

My wife thought it was creepy.

I was researching articles on murder cases.

For my serial.

I chose this mountain road on a whim.

Of course, I changed the name on the sign.

All mountain roads look alike.

But his reenactment was so specific.

What?

Morozumi was familiar with this area.

Was he part of that "community"?

"Community or cult?

Happiness is a family of 4"

"Police investigate Kujo community"

"Mass murder"

"Children taken into custody"

"Most not even registered"

"Separated from their families"

Families of 4 were torn apart.

Could be a long-held grudge.

This is helpful.

Can I borrow this?

Of course.

Thanks.

That's enough for today.

Thanks for the tea.

Sergeant Seida?

Sorry to cause you trouble.

Working on a new story?

I can't bring myself to do it. Not yet.

I'm looking forward to it.

OK.

Where are you?

I just left Mr. Yamashiro's house.

He struck again.

A family of 4 in Midori.

Where?

Shin Sugi 2-6.

I'm on it.

Oh, right near the Hara murders,

there was a community that believed that families of

4 were the "units of happiness."

Community?

There may be a connection to this case.

Tell me when you get here. Now, hurry.

Now, hurry.

Roger.

What a shame.

You were so close.

Ow...

There were eye witnesses.

It's Henmi. Yes.

So he killed the Funakoshis too.

He may have had an accomplice.

Bring Henmi in!

Yes, sir!

"Shunsuke Seida Funeral Ceremony"

Mr. Yamashiro?

Why did you come?

I told you it's not safe.

I'll walk you home.

We know Henmi is the killer.

All we have to do is find him.

Seida's death was tragic,

but I'm glad it's over.

Do you really think Henmi is the serial murderer?

We still have to find the guy who

killed the Haras and question him.

Do you really believe that Morozumi is the other killer?

Yes.

Headquarters is determined to pursue Henmi...

But don't worry.

We'll continue to investigate Morozumi too.

Or else Seida will come back to haunt us.

Sergeant Seida...

Because of me...

This is between us, but Seida was an ex-gang member.

He was never arrested,

but he was pretty wild back then.

I got to know him when

I was in charge of juvenile crime.

He's been through a lot.

He was raised by his grandmother.

He had a bad mouth

but wasn't one to blame others.

He was always that way.

He's such a kind person,

I would've never imagined.

You never know about people.

That's why it's scary out there.

Guys like Henmi and Morozumi live right among us.

You focus on your manga.

What?

It's not my cup of tea,

but Seida really liked your work.

Felt a connection to you.

He was looking forward to your next work.

We'll do what we have to do.

So you do what you have to do, too.

That's what Seida would want.

A final episode?

Not a revival of the serial,

but a final episode.

That's music to my ears. Our sales were lagging.

But he wants 50 pages.

How long does he need?

A month.

He wants to do it on paper, not digital.

We'll put a 2-page teaser in the next issue!

Yes, sir!

"Surprise announcement! '34' gets a final episode"

Natsumi.

Will you read this?

What if this really happens to you?

Here it is.

The shocking finale.

Good work.

It's up to you whether to run it or not.

Mr. Yamashiro left the decision to me?

Yes. But you have to run it.

Let me read it first.

"'34' final episode. Who can stop me?"

I'll admit, there may be a link.

But do you really think the killer will walk right into a trap?

It's possible.

Don't be ridiculous!

It's too obvious!

I can't spare any men.

At least send our unit to Mr. Yamashiro's house.

It's such a far-fetched theory!

I know!

But... It's what Seida would've done.

I beg of you!

Seida, huh...

"'34' finale!"

"This story came to me just as I was ready to call it quits."

"I look forward to it.

And this is off the record

but what happens to Shadow? The killer of the century?"

"Don't know yet."

"Don't push yourself too hard."

"Don't become a murderer yourself."

"It's been a while."

"There are 2 species of people."

"Those that can't help killing

those who want to stop them."

So that's how you wanna play it.

Isn't it too risky to use your real family as a decoy?

If it's not realistic,

he won't show up.

Thank you.

I'm sorry for causing all this trouble.

There are so many detectives here.

We have to believe in them.

Keigo, I told you to call us

if you ever needed help.

Thank you...

Mom.

And I want to apologize to you all for my crappy attitude.

This will be the end of it.

What? Henmi sighted in District 13?

Where'd he go?

Not to the shop.

We have back-up, right?

We got it covered.

Keep me posted.

I'll call you right away.

"Detective Seida"

Hello?

Are you at your parents' house?

You went off the script.

What?

You're not a happy family of 4.

Your parents are remarried.

Your sister is a stepsister.

They all want to be happy.

You're the only one resisting.

You hate happy families of 4, too.

Just like me.

No!

Let's stick to killing families of 4.

I chose a real family.

A real family?

Morozumi!

Hey!

Natsumi?

What? Are you OK?

Are we a family of 4?

What?

Just answer me!

Yes. How did you know?

I bet Aya told you.

But, yes. We're having twins.

They think it's a boy and girl.

"Invoice"

"Baby beds: 2"

Natsumi! Don't hang up.

Lieutenant, Natsumi's in danger!

Mr. Yamashiro!

Everyone, get out.

This way.

I'm here.

I'll be right up.

Here you go. Thank you.

Thank you.

It's been a while.

Stand up, Mr. Yamashiro.

Where does he work?

Wow...

So this is his studio.

I'm OK...

Hey, can you turn this on?

Come on. Turn it on.

Hurry up.

Run when you get a chance.

I heard you.

Stop it.

Please!

Morozumi!

Run, Natsumi!

Natsumi!

Stop overreacting.

People don't die that easily.

Killing is hard work, you know.

It wears me out.

Takes me two days to recover.

But you just keep writing,

oblivious to my efforts.

And not a word of gratitude!

I underestimated you. That's my fault.

Kill me first.

You read the finale, right?

I'm supposed to die first.

Stay true to the story.

To our collaboration.

That's right. It's a collaboration.

Open it! Yes, sir!

Follow me!

This way.

Natsumi! Natsumi!

Mr. Yamashiro.

Enough, stop.

No, Mr. Yamashiro!

Lift him. 1, 2, 3.

We'll take him to the nearest ER.

Please question him there.

Roger.

Knife-proof vest.

So, multiple stab wounds, right?

Yes.

Defendant, approach the witness stand.

State your name.

Your date of birth.

Your legal residence.

Is this hard on your neck?

Does it still hurt?

No.

Excuse me.

Hello. Hello.

Hello.

Let me take his temperature.

Thank you.

The prosecution will provide evidence to support the following facts.

First, the defendant's personal history.

He was born

in a community in which families of 4 were "units of happiness."

Education and vocation are unknown.

When he was born,

his birth was not reported.

He had no family register,

so he bought someone else's

and lived under an alias.

Seida.

The suspect that killed Sergeant Seida is still at large.

But you instructed the suspect to commit that crime. Is that true?

Yes.

Why didn't you do it yourself?

It's not my job.

A writer needs an assistant.

Henmi?

Henmi...

What is your relationship with Atsushi Henmi?

"16-year-old arrested for murder of family of 4"

I was a fan of his.

But eventually, he became a fan of mine.

Sorry I had to cancel the order.

Our new house isn't that big.

Don't worry about it.

Getting bigger, huh?

They grow up so fast.

So cute.

Thanks for coming.

Did Natsumi go home already?

Who do you think is on trial right now?

You tell me.

Who...

am I?