Original subtitles

"...And so, I want to become a doctor like my father."

"So that I get to help people who are suffering from illnesses."

Alright, that was quite well-done.

So next, Tarui-kun.

Yes!

"My Dream" by Tarui Shotaro.

"My dream for the future is to become a superhero."

"To be really full of self-discipline."

"To be able to use my own special fighting techniques..."

"...so I can help people who are in trouble."

"I'll defeat the bad guys..."

"And eventually, marry a beautiful lady."

- What's he saying? - Alright, alright, everyone, be quiet...

...He's not done yet. Tarui-kun.

"I chose this dream..."

This was the essay I wrote during 6th grade...

My classmates may have laughed at me, and the teacher scolded me for it...

...but I was actually quite serious.

(Present)

I did want to help people who are in trouble. (Present)

And punish the bad guys.

That shot was just a warning. Release her immediately!

That's right. Don't make this crime any worse than this...

Shuttupp~! Lower your gun, you rascal!

Well, this is me, right now.

Don't provoke him! This person is an atrocious killer!

That's right! I will seriously kill her!

Why did this happen to me?

This is the story about the biggest crisis of my life.

=Mou Yuukai Nante Shinai= ('I Don't Want to Kidnap Anyone Anymore')

OHNO Satoshi

ARAGAKI Yui

SATO Ryuta

KANJIYA Shihori

YASUDA Shota TAKASHIMA Masahiro

NARIMIYA Hiroki

EMOTO Tokio KIMURA Ryo

YAMAGUCHI Sayaka NAKAO Akiyoshi

KANAME Jun

TAKAHASHI Katsumi

KITAOJI Kinya

Original Story by: HIGASHIGAWA Tokuya (from the novel

"Mou Yuukai Nante Shinai") Screenplay: FURUYA Kazunao

Music: SEGAWA Eishi

Planning and Organizing: NARIKAWA Hiroaki, TAKIZAWA Koichiro

Strategic Planning: TAKIYAMA Madoka

Producers: TAKAMARU Masataka, EMORI Hiroki

Directed by: SATO Yuichi

(5 days before)

Translation and editing: Earthcolors

Special thanks for the raws: Yyets.com, \( -o_o-)/

Welcome, Sliderman.

Here will be your final resting place!

Gottsuwaruda, release the hostage!

Rubbish! From now on, I will transmutate this woman!

In this evil-infested world, the power of justice is infinite...

...Warrior of Light, Sliderman!

Let's go!

Hey, you Green... Hey, Green, you listen...

The villain monster can't stand out more than the hero, you idiot!

But his attacks are too lame.

It's ruined... it was all ruined.

I've been doing this job for 27 years, your ass is fired, you got that?

Hey, Yellow. You're fired, too.

- Even me? - You know why...

Why would a villain help out the hero? Idiot.

That's right. No thanks to you, jackass.

- You really humiliated me, you twerp. - Oji-san... you too...

- What the-? Don't touch me. - You, too... Try to be a little more...

I'm Tarui Shotaro. 29 years old from Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture.

Because of my dream, I moved to Tokyo seven years ago.

And being a victim of circumstance, I now got fired from my work.

- So you're an actor. - Yes.

So there'll be occasions that I'll go and do some shooting...

...But right now, I'm on a bit of a break.

So then, I'll look for someone else.

- Other people have better conditions. - But...

It's because of the gloomy recession, you see.

I've already decided to close this business.

These are gloomy times, you know.

Frankly...

...you have a gloomy face.

(For non-payment of room rent, check out your things at the side)

Komoto-senpai?

Hey, Shotaro, how're ya?

Well, I'm in a bit of trouble.

Hold on a sec... Hello.

Yes, the one you ordered last time? Next week is no problem.

Oji-san, teach me how to get the treasure.

Yes, that's right. Yes, I'll be in touch. Yep yep.

Thanks... have a nice day, yes yes... bye now.

Have you brought money, you guys?

- Here. - Ok.

Don't take it, just tell us.

Fool! If I tell you, you'll tell the other guys.

One should come to me and properly pay 500 yen.

Komoto-senpai is someone from my hometown highschool...

He's a self-proclaimed jack-of-all-trades oddball.

("Magic of the Rainbow Stone... Get a gem!!") He's

a self-proclaimed jack-of-all-trades oddball.

He's a self-proclaimed jack-of-all-trades oddball.

So really...

Except for you, I have no one else to rely on.

See? It's because you're too much a nice guy.

That's the reason why you got fired... tragic indeed.

But I also...

...wasn't too happy with that job.

The guy playing the hero was too lazy. Sliderman...!

It's like this, Senpai...

Slider...

...Man... See?

Before he says '-der' in 'Slider, ' his hands are tilting like this, see?

It isn't interesting at all. He should tilt his arm at a 35 degree diagonal angle.

Then, he can say... 'Man!'

'Man!'

Is this what you meant by becoming a hero...

...ending up as a tokusatsu* geek? (*live action of 'hero vs. monster' fantasy drama)

Aren't you gonna be 30 soon? Are you gonna keep doing this forever?

Not exactly forever...

Well, as long I am able to, I guess.

You really haven't changed a bit, you're still delving into your fantasies.

- Green monster is comin! - No, please don't touch it, that's important to me!

I know that. I know that.

I don't mind at all if you're gonna live with me.

But you must pay me rent on time.

Don't worry.

In exchange, I'll give you a job.

This is the job you were talking about?

Yeah. I just bought this baby, you know.

Are you sure I can do this by myself?

You got nothin to worry about.

You'll just peddle these within the town.

This way you won't be encroaching in anyone's territory...

...and you won't run into some violent gang.

- There are people like that in this town, right? - You should watch out for them...

Old-time racketeers called the Hanazono Clan, ...Right now, there's 10 of em.

- Hanazono Clan. - Yeah.

They've been extorting money from the vendors in this town for a long time.

But if there's a mess, they will settle any trouble.

Don't worry. Here...

...this will be your protection amulet from Akama Shrine.

And here's the agreement.

It's important so I already placed your thumbprint here.

- Wait, when did that happen? - Last night when you were sleeping.

"I agree to pay for raw materials, and other operating costs..."

"...30% of the profits from the sales resulting from this stall goes to Party A..."

Good luck.

"Sweet potatoes~... grilled on hot rocks~"

While selling baked sweet potatoes...

...Senpai's words about "continue living like this forever" lingered in my head.

But even if I'm anxious to be spending the last winter of my 20's...

...I can't help it if the only thing I think about all the time is to become a hero.

Excuse me, that poster. Can you give it to me?

That thing... "Human Machine Saotomen."

- What... what's that? - This one... "Human Machine Saotomen..."

It's a rare collector's item, you see.

The hero Saotome's involvement with love is the center of this avant-garde work...

- In all three stories, they ended with a vision... - What?

You see, whether I'm awake or asleep...

...heroes are all I ever think about!

I just wanted a chance...

...even a slightest chance to be reborn.

Please help me! Some bad men are chasing after me!

Uh... What? What is it?

What happened? What's wrong?

C'mon, let's get away from here.

- Who were those guys? - They're the old-time racketeers around here...

The Hanazono Clan?

My vehicle is over there.

This way. This way.

No, not that one. That one over there.

Sweet potatoes?

C'mon, faster. Get inside.

- What? - Wait...

What? I'm supposed to hide in here, right?

Hey, Onii-chan!

Hold it right there, will ya?

S-sorry. Uh, I-I wasn't...

- Gimme two. - Pardon?

- Two orders of sweet potatoes! - Yeah, two!

It's what you're selling, ain't it?

I-I'll be back.

Shiro-kun (White), eat up and it'll be fine.

Yeah, I'm so sorry, Kuro-chan (Black).

You don't have to say that.

- Uh, here. - What took you so long, ya rascal!

Ah, hot, hot!

Huh? Haven't seen you before.

- Uh, actually... - Shiro-kun.

Somethin else's more important than that right now.

Give him a break for today.

- So freakin hot, ain't it? - Damn hot.

Thank you... I really appreciate it.

Well anyway... why were those guys chasing you?

Did you do something to piss them off?

Not exactly.

Uh, no, it's okay...

...if you don't want to talk about it.

By the way, I'm Tarui Shotaro. Nice to meet you. And you are...?

I'm Hanazono Erika.

Wow, what a nice name!

Hanazono...

Wait a minute.

By 'Hanazono, ' you mean...

...the Hanazono of the Hanazono Clan?

Well, yeah.

- Shiro-kun, c'mon, let's go. - Kuro-chan.

Let me get this straight.

You are the daughter of the head of the Hanazono Clan?

- Second daughter, actually. - Okay.

So you're saying those two guys just now are your henchmen who were...

...escorting you off to school.

It's inconceivable, right...?

A college student over the age of 20 who's still being escorted.

I get it...

You were trying to throw them off and fled here...

...then I got dragged in the middle of it.

Not exactly 'dragged' since you chose to run away with me.

I see.

Okay, you can get off here.

- You mean here? - That's right.

Because I can't afford to pay if you get me into further trouble.

I'm not really causing trouble...

No, okay? Look, I'm at work here. Okay? I'm working.

Also, this... this... this.

C'mon, get off quick. Goodbye!

I really want to go somewhere.

Yeah, so go there on your own.

That's why I worked so hard to escape.

Uh, I'm sorry but...

...it's no use crying.

Uh, look, I won't go with you.

I re-really won't go. I'm absolutely 100% serious.

When a lady is crying, men would usually say... "Let's go if it can't be helped."

- But you're not even crying. - Come on, let's go.

99 Medical University Hospital, Yokohama.

I'm not a freakin taxi!

So then, we lost sight of Miss Erika.

If we report this, Pops-san will kill us, right?

Fine, I'll go along with you.

You'll help us? We are so grateful!

Pops has sure spoiled Erika too much.

Even letting her go to college.

- Let's go. - Yessuh!

- Get her shoes. - Miss, here are your shoes.

Well, well.

Still the same, huh? Great day to start drinking, right...

...Big Sis of Hanazono Clan?

Coming into contact with everyone in the region is also important in your work.

You shouldn't be setting a bad example to this young cop here, Miss Defective Detective.

Are you jealous?

Considering you're surrounded by these stupid minions of yours.

You better be careful with her.

She hasn't had a man for 3 years, she's dyin to have one right now.

You want me to shoot you dead, bitch?

Go ahead, I dare you.

What's going on between those two?

I've been recently assigned here, you see.

They've known each other since elementary school days.

They've always been rivals.

What the heck are ya starin at?!

Yessuh. Excuse us.

What're you doing, Junko-san?

Trying to see if this is real money.

You know about it, don't you?

Lately there's talk about counterfeit money floating around in this neighborhood.

- I wouldn't know. - Don't tell me...

...the Hanazono Clan has something to do with this?

If you're suspecting us, investigate it more closely, then we'll talk.

Excuse us.

Ouch.

- You've worked hard. - Hello.

- Good job. - Good day, Miss.

Wadda ya know. It's Satsuki-san, lovely as always.

Hello, Yasukawa-sacho (president). Taking a stroll with your boys?

We just came from a meeting, now we're heading back home.

I'm glad. It's good you didn't get into any trouble...

...going through these streets while wearing such god awful clothes.

- What the hell! - It's okay, it's okay.

C'mon now, don't be like that.

Your old man and I used to be brothers in the same gang.

For many years, I've been doing business in the neighboring town.

Well, the difference is my town is a bit bigger than yours.

Ours is not so extensive like yours.

It's the time-honored tradition, isn't it? It's a good thing.

- Right, boys? - Yessuh.

Well, if you have any trouble...

Please don't hesitate to come to me.

We're always ready to help out.

Alright.

Why did I come?

Excuse me.

Excuse, can we buy 3 potatoes?

We saw you through the window, it looked so delicious.

Go ahead...

I mean... sure! Sure, sure, go ahead.

Today sure is cold, isn't it?

So it's better to eat hot baked potatoes.

This here, it's 150 yen per gram, okay? It's 150 yen ($2).

Hey, wait, wait... You!

You got a business permit for this?

- No. - I see...

Well, then I'll report you to the police.

Wait. Wait, you're wrong! You're mistaken. These stuff... they're for free...

I'm a volunteer.

What the heck.

You should've said it sooner. Get outta my way.

Were you waiting for me?

I thought I'd give you a piece of my mind before I go home.

So what is it?

What do you mean 'what?'

Since I've met you, I've run into trouble.

You also took hours from my work... So it's now messed up...

I went through a lot of trouble for this one, too!

I'm sorry. I'll reimburse it, okay?

Gimme a break. You think money can solve anything, don't you?

That's not what I meant...

Just because you're a daughter of a Yakuza boss, you can act all spoiled.

That's why it means nothing to you when you're being nuisance to other people.

You really gotta be kidding me.

If you wanted to go to the hospital, then you

should've let your henchmen bring you here.

Well, I'm sure you're gonna say it's because of some sick person.

I bet you're gonna say it's because of some sick person, right?

You have no right to talk about things you know nothing about.

- I know nothing about what...? - I wanted to come here...

...so I can visit my little sister in the hospital.

So why did you have to escape...?

Because...!

My sister and I have different fathers.

It's complicated, okay?

The eldest daughter, Satsuki-oneechan is the child from papa's previous marriage.

I'm the daughter from papa's second marriage. Then they divorced.

My little sister Shiori was born from Mom's marriage to another man.

That's why it's hard for me to go to the hospital...

...just try to imagine my circumstances!

How could I understand it...? It's too damn complicated.

- I mean... - You're right.

I'm sorry... For raising my voice.

I was denied to meet with her.

The doctor says if she doesn't get surgery soon she'll be in great danger.

But we have no money to pay for it.

Why don't you talk to your Dad?

Because Papa is still mad at my mom.

After my mom left, he had always...

...told me to forget about her.

After Mom remarried and Shiori was born...

...I got to meet with them several times.

That, too, has always been a secret.

That's why...

...I can't go and ask for his help.

So what about your mom's second husband, Shiori-chan's father?

He died from an illness.

Right now, Mom is the only one taking care of Shiori...

So there's not enough money.

Well, it can't be helped.

Well, anyway, I'll send you home.

It's okay. I'm a nuisance, right?

No. Well...

You were awhile ago... But now I know your circumstances.

I don't have money...

...but if there's any other way I could help, I'll be glad to.

So then...

...please kidnap me.

So you weren't able to fetch my daughter.

It's already past her 7 pm curfew.

Let's see who's right or wrong. Stand before me.

Pops-san, pl-pl-please just... ...give us a break!

Calm down, Pops. There are only 6 henchmen left, are you gonna reduce it to 4?

Besides, the festival is coming soon.

You think like me, eh? When it comes to running the business.

- I'm gonna let you off in behalf of Satsuki. So hurry and look for Erika.

- Yessuh!

Enough with this noise. You and your racketeer bossy quirks.

Street peddling is street peddling.

This part of our world, I sense it's getting quite tough nowadays, you know.

That's why it's bad to put on airs going around acting like the Italian Mafia and all.

Why can't I freely practice my interests?

Fine, fine, whatever... I'm just gonna go out for awhile.

- Wait. - What?

Got something to ask you.

Takazawa was able to raise this money.

You want to be kidnapped?!

I want to save my sister. Please help me!

I don't think I wanna get involved...

Shotaro-san told me about you.

That one can really depend on Komoto-san for anything.

No, I'm only looking out for my kohai.

He says you do a lot of strange things...

That your work may not be so decent and even borders on illegal...

...and yet you've remained calm about it. - Shotaro.

No, I mean it in a good way.

- I clearly explained to her how amazing you were. - Look, Nee-chan...

Illegal and bordering on illegal are not at all the same thing, okay?

I would never do anything that's illegal.

But what if the other party were the bad guys?

Stealing from such people so that you can use the money to save an ailing child...

...wouldn't it be cool? It's just like in the movies.

Yeah well, "those guys" you're talking about happens to be YOUR family.

Besides, kidnapping someone like you...

...it'll definitely won't run smoothly.

You're worried about the police investigating it, right?

It'll be okay since my dad hates the police so much.

Yeah, well. It looks like it's gonna work.

The cops wouldn't likely interfere, right?

Aren't you way over enthusiastic about this? No matter how difficult life is...

No, no, not really... It's just that I have a

dream of becoming a hero of justice, that's all.

But when I said that the operation costs 5 million yen ($65,000)...

...didn't you say that it's too cheap for a ransom money?

Miss.

Sorry for what happened earlier.

No need to apologize. You were only doing it for Pops' sakes.

Sorry for being nosy but I think that Miss shouldn't do it if she doesn't like it.

Don't you worry about me.

Of course, I can't help it.

Miss should be worried regarding the matter we were talking about.

Sorry. Right now, I have to pay a visit to the office.

- At this time? - I'm gonna do a little investigation.

Is it about the counterfeit money?

Seiji has been looking into it.

This issue's too much of a big deal... I still can't talk about it to Pops yet.

Please don't worry about it. Pops-san won't hear of it until you solve it.

- Be counting on you. I'll be going then. - Yes.

I think 30 million ($390,000) is a reasonable ransom.

Divided by three, that'll be 10 million ($130,000) for each person, isn't it?

Senpai, wait, it's a bad idea.

You're still undecided? Geez.

Isn't the Akama Shrine the setting of the legend of "Hoichi the Earless?"

That's the ghost tale about torn ears.

- You know about it, huh? - My dad had told me...

...that it's quite easy to tear off an ear.

If I go home now, he'll more likely wanna talk to the two of you...

...which I think you're gonna regret.

Wai-wait... are you threatening us...?

Well, if you're not gonna help me, then...

Okay okay.. just give us one night to think it through.

Also, if there's no other way... we will consider it.

Wait, what do you mean 'consider' it...

Well then, allow me to stay here for today.

If you're thinking of doing something perverted, you'll become like this.

My Captain Geizer... you broke it!

- Thanks for the hard work. - Miss! Has Miss Erika come back already?

Not yet but don't worry about it.

It's better if I be the one who escorts her, right?

Miss Erika and I have this thing between us, you see...

I get it, Kan-chan. First, go home and sleep.

If so, Miss Erika will come back?

At least it won't worsen the situation.

I understand! I'll go home and sleep! Please excuse me!

That Kan-chan... each time I see him he's become even more idiotic... Is he okay?

I'm also worried about that guy... But more importantly...

...is she really alright? Miss Erika, I mean.

A 21 year old daughter who did not come home for a day...?

It shouldn't be a big deal.

Maybe she went to her mom.

If so, then that's fine.

Anyway, what about that thing we talked about?

- Hirado. - Yes.

This one is the fake bill.

There is a slight difference with the phoenix and the background.

At first glance, it's almost the same as the real one.

It seems an amateur didn't do this kind of work.

So you mean a professional did this?

I'm suspecting the Takemura Printing Co. At the corner of 1-chome.

Originally the owner of that company was poor.

But recently he seems to have acquired some sort of strange fortune...

He's painting the town red with counterfeit money, huh?

I wanna have a talk with him, Seiji.

But the neighborhood has really changed, right?

Before I think this was a pretty peaceful place...

...now it seems stuff like counterfeit money are starting to circulate around here.

Times have become more difficult, so unlike the old days...

You sound like an old man, Yamabe-senpai.

Please stop referring to me as 'senpai.'

When we were in school, you didn't call me that.

That's because I didn't dare get close to you.

You were famous for beating up anyone you meet

on the street who dares to look you in the eye.

Such youthful enthusiasm, huh?

I heard you.

I heard how Takazawa-aniki was able to raise some money.

It's kinda humiliating, really.

That Pops had to rely on his men...

...to invest money in stocks in order to get financial support.

In this world...

It's only natural for a "child" to take care of one's "parent."

It's precisely why Pops-san has the Hanazono Clan.

You take this bond of brotherhood too seriously.

I'm just an old-fashioned type of guy.

Even if you say that...

Hard times are coming. When it's time for Takazawa to take over...

...the way we do our business will also change.

Have you decided it? Marriage, I mean.

I haven't yet laid down the details yet.

Pops is not getting any younger either.

I will not allow our family business to be ruined.

Congratulations.

Is that all...

...you're gonna say to me?

We're here.

Takemura-san.

Takemura-san.

Seiji.

Hey wait!

Taxi! Taxi!

Here.. here.

Let's go, hurry.

Hey... Stop! Hey!

- Where is he? - He got away. Sorry.

That guy seemed to have been informed that we were coming so he escaped.

Seiji, come here.

Yes.

It's the fake money alright, we now have proof.

So what then? The guy has fled, should we notify the cops?

Let's look into this matter more closely first.

Someone else might be involved here.

Ow... Ow!

Ouch.

That hurts.

Huh?

Don't tell me...

(Hostage!!)

Regarding the kidnapping sham, I've decided to go along with it.

- Really? - But yesterday you said you didn't want to do anything illegal...

Last night I thought about it at a family diner...

I finally realized this would not be considered as a criminal act.

Even if the other party will call the police...

...they won't be able to find any clues regarding it.

Somehow that seems kinda far-fetched.

Also, I wanna help out that sick kid.

I'm so worried I couldn't eat nor sleep well.

- What about you? - Fine by me, as long as Senpai needs my help...

So it's decided then. Let's quickly hatch out the plan.

- Your breakfast is ready! - Oh, wow, breakfast eh?

Here.

And here you go.

I don't eat breakfast so feel free to ask for more.

Oh, I just remembered, I'm done eating at the diner.

Shotaro can have mine.

Please eat a lot, Shotaro-san.

So what will be the plan?

Well, first, we have to make a threatening phonecall to inform about the abduction.

It's okay if you don't know what to say. I'll write a script for you.

So both of you better give a good performance.

- Sounds exciting, isn't it? - Yeah.

Are you okay? You don't look happy about it.

He's just feeling the pressure. Right?

Here. Eat up for more power. Alright?

Here, there's still some more.

Good work.

Good morning, Miss.

It's unusual for you to be here, Seiji.

I'm here on a little errand.

Okay, here's your script.

W-wait... aren't these words a bit too ruthless?

"If you do not pay the ransom, she will wind up dead."

When making such threatening phone calls you have to be ruthless...

If you can't make the other side bend to your demands...

...then Erika-chan will scream. That will make em listen to you.

Wait, I'm not sure if I can say these lines properly...

Just get ready as we go along... Alright!

Erika-chan, get ready with your mobile phone.

- Yes. - No, this is gonna be bad...

- I'm switching it on... - Yeah!

From Papa.

You see, he's really worried, right? That should work in our favor!

- Alright. Here goes. - Yeah!

Erika! Why you lil... you're not yet married...

...and yet you don't ask for your parent's permission...

- Hey! Why the heck did you hang up?! - The guy's goin off like a mad dog.

- I can't do this... it's just not my thing... - It's too late to back out now!

C'mon, it'll be okay, just do it now!

Uwaa~! Wai-... It's r-ringing, it's ringing.

No, YOU answer it. You're supposed to be the kidnapper.

Kay.

How awful of you, Erika... suddenly hanging up on me like that.

Papa ain't mad at all.

Okay? Now come back home.

"Hanazono Shugaro-san?"

Huh? Who're you?

"I have your daughter with me."

If you want her back, then you must provide me with 30 million yen.

30 million?

By noon tomorrow, I want you to be ready with the amount in 10,000 yen bills.

"I'll contact you again tomorrow to give you the delivery method..."

If you don't comply, you will never again...

Hey, you listen!

Did you know that the one you've called to blackmail is the head of the Hanazono Clan...

...which has been ruling this town for three generations?!

Of course.

I see. If so, ya better get ready.

I will find you to the ends of the earth...

I'll use my own hands to tear off your eyeballs and rip your belly apart...

Then I'll chop off your limbs and cut off your head...

...and feed them to the dogs, ya bastarrdd~!

Wait! Was that Erika just now?

Papa, it's me.

Erika, are you alright?

Right now, I'm ok. But I'm surrounded by scary people.

It-it'll be okay! Papa will absolutely save you!

Please, Papa.. I believe in you...

It hurts!

Erika?! Erika~!

Hey! What the heck's with that ruckus?

You understand now, Hanazono-san?

If you want to save your daughter, do as I tell you...

I get it, I'll make sure to provide you the 30 million...

...then you will give me back Erika!

Then one last thing, if you report about this to the police...

This transaction is just between you and me.

Yes. So by noon tomorrow, be ready with the money and wait for my call.

Erika...!

First stage cleared~! Well done!

Mann~, I was so scared... Your Pope's one freakin scary guy.

But you're good, you sounded like a real kidnapper.

Yeah! As expected, he's an actor indeed.

You can make a good criminal any time.

How could that compliment possibly make me happy? Honestly.

But the thing that's more important is the delivery method...

Yeah! We have to now move to the second stage.

I have prepared various ways for that.

You already have a good idea?

Come with me.

In short, the most dangerous time is during the payment of the ransom demand...

Because this is the time when the other party gets close to you.

Well, that's certainly true.

Moreover, what if the other party is no amateur?

Especially if he has men who can be planted within the premises...

I don't think he's gonna let you escape so easily.

So what should we do then?

So this is the part... ...where this baby comes in~!

Come, come here... Listen now.

Got this surplus from a Chiba fisherman, with

maximum speed of 20 knots.. Our secret weapon..

...It's called "Bontenmaru!"

- It's a boat? - It's a boat?

What brings you here, Miss?

I feel too restless even at home.

- I don't blame you. - What is that?

I got these from the safe at Takemura Printing.

- Why did you do that? - I was thinking...

...that if we don't have any ransom money at hand, we can use this.

You mean, we're going to pay the kidnappers with fake money?

It's better than using newsprint, isn't it?

Yeah, I think you're right.

This is only to be used just in case. So for the meantime...

...I'm keeping it here.

Fortune-teller?

Excuse me, what're you doing?

With all due respect, sir...

...your outlook is looking very ominous.

Money-wise, you'll be in a spot of trouble.

I see signs of financial difficulties.

Are you sure? Uh...

...if you don't mind me asking...

I'm done collecting evidence for Milady... I'll be taking my leave now.

Good day, sir.

Or a magician?

- Welcome back. - I've returned.

Huh? Where's Komoto-senpai?

He's preparing the stuff needed for tomorrow.

- I told him I wanna help but he said no. - I see.

Yeah, well, you got no choice, right? I mean, it's better you don't go out...

...if someone sees you, then it's gonna be bad for us.

- So how did you do? - Oh, I found a good location.

I see.

So...

...It's tonight, huh?

What... what's wrong?

No, I know it's too late to say this but...

...even if I wanted this to happen...

...I can't help but feel anxious, I guess.

Well, you ARE tricking your own family...

...but it's for saving your sister's life, after all, right?

I'm the worst, right? I can't even do anything to help on my own.

No, it's not like that.

Ever since I was small, all I've been doing is to study...

At home, I was usually told not to worry about anything and to take it easy.

Well, that's how parental love is, right? It's actually a good thing.

What you said was right, Shotaro-san...

...I've always been spoiled.

Papa, and his men... everyone in the Clan are working hard.

Even Sis... she's free to marry anyone she wants but she can't even do that.

I've always wanted to change...

And not be this way wherein I'm always the one being protected.

I'm the lowest, aren't I?

Deceiving my family like this.

But you get to save Shiori-chan, right?

So it's totally not that bad.

I mean, there are a lot of other bad guys in the world.

Well, I came to Tokyo because of a dream I had...

In the end, I achieved nothing.

So here I am, still living an unstable life.

You want to be a hero, right? Shotaro-san.

Yeah. Not some 'tokusatsu' type of hero.

But a real hero.

I'm very serious about it.

I'm gonna be 30, right?

And still, to say that while being jobless at my age...

...that makes me far worse.

You're right. You ARE the worst.

But I do know a good person when I see one.

Hey, you have to keep that turned off.

Please put out your phone, Shotaro-san.

If something comes up, I'll call you immediately.

And if you're a real hero, you will surely come and help me, right?

Uh, yeah.

So, then, I'll be counting on you.

That's exactly 30 million.

I'm grateful, Brother...

...for granting me this favor.

Please don't mention it, Aniki.

Well, for this amount, I do have to ask you to sign a loan contract.

- Here's the form. - Of course.

Otherwise, this agreement will not go smoothly, ain't it?

Funny you should say that.

Ten years ago, I lent you 10,000 yen ($130) which you haven't paid me back yet.

Was it you?

It was during a festival, I had to help out one of my men...

...I'm sure you can overlook that debt.

And by the way...

I also lent YOU 1,200 yen ($15) when we were in a ramen

restaurant, and you haven't paid me back up to now.

Well, pretty soon after that, I treated you at a cafe, right?

You said you wanted to eat neapolitan pasta and choco parfait.

When I was 19, you borrowed my Walkman and you haven't even returned it.

Well, you haven't given me back my Agnes Lum* photobook.

(*sexy gravure model of the 70s)

Arrgh... my precious Agnes!

- Pops-san, please calm down. - I know that.

You came here to borrow money but ends up quarreling...

...you shouldn't be like that, Aniki.

Your years are beginning to show.

Bloody fool, I ain't goin senile yet.

But pretty soon, your retirement is just around the corner.

I can help take care of your two daughters.

Hey. I may indeed owe you money...

Even so, don't you even think of bringing my daughters into this, Yasukawa.

C'mon... can't you take a joke?

If so, then good.

- Takazawa, let's go. - Yes, sir.

Contact the Hanazono Clan using that flower shop over there.

There'll be no problem as long as you follow what I told you to do...

Wait, is it really alright to wear this outfit?

What were you thinking, going off to Yasukawa?

Borrowing money from such a person...

...you won't know what kind of payment he would want in return!

Most important thing here... ...is to save Erika.

But Pops-san...

It will put the honor of the Hanazono Clan in an awkward position...

Seiji, better listen you fool... are you trying to criticize Pops-san's opinion?

No.

Also, you Miss, try to hear us out please.

Pops-san has decided this because his grief cannot take it.

It's almost 12 noon, they'll contact us pretty soon.

Excuse me pleassseee... Helllloooo~!

Kawashi Flower Shop is here~.

What does he want?

- Hey. - Yessuh!

- Uh... you have a delivery. - Here, Pops-san!

Those flowers... its name is "Erica.*" (heather flowers)

Why? Why on earth...

- Sit here, ya bastard! - What is it...?

Hey, you... what's with those flowers you just delivered?

Uh, so-some... someone ordered it.

How? Who ordered it?

He directly placed an order at the store...

That's all, hah?!

He said to deliver it here by noon.

By noon, eh? What else!?

He looks...

An Afro? Are ya messin with us?

Pops, here's a letter attached on the flower pot.

It says, "Later at 3 am..."

"...bring the money and the flower pot..."

"...at a family diner at 31st St."

Also... ...they only want Miss Satsuki to deliver it.

Miss?

What do you think, Pops? I don't really mind.

It's risky to go alone. Someone should go with you.

That person can hide at the back seat of the car.

I will go! Miss Erika and I have always...

- Takazawa, you go with her. - Yes, sir.

Hey, ya bastard!

Stand the hell up, will ya!

Get out... doncha come back, ya hear?!

Senpai, I bought all the things we need.

- Also, I bought our dinner. - Yeah.

- What's the matter? - There's something wrong with the TV.

When I used it awhile ago, it was fine but...

It's old, it's not in good condition anymore.

I was hoping to watch a program today.

I also wanna watch an anime...

You fools! It's better if you eat and rest...

You have to psych up for our production for tonight, ya got that?

Fine~.

- Hello? - "It's Hirado."

- "I want to ask Miss about something." - What is it?

Although I was against the idea of Yamabe-aniki...

I'm thinking we should hand out the fake money instead to the kidnappers.

Why? Though it took some pains, we already have real money to give out.

But then, it means we owe money to that Yasukawa.

Let the kidnappers take the fake money, and give the real money back to him...

Is Seiji against it?

Yes. He says it might place Miss Erika in jeopardy.

I also think that way, too.

Yasukawa Group may be a pain...

...but we gotta think first of Erika.

Guess you're right.

Sorry for saying stupid things.

"I'm sorry as well if you're bothered by our family matters."

It's okay. So, good night.

Wake up, Shotaro. C'mon, get up, it's time.

Uwah... it's 2 am already?

Yeah, we have to be there at 3.

- C'mon... hurry up. - Yes.

Good work.

You'll be going pretty soon, right?

- I'll let Takazawa-aniki use something that I brought... - About him...

He hasn't arrived yet. We can't contact him, too.

What the hell?

There's no more time. We won't wait for him anymore.

So instead of Takazawa-aniki, I will...

- Seiji. - Yes, sir.

You go with her.

Understood.

Seiji, let's go.

Yes.

Yeah!

Here we go... Good luck, team!

Yes!

We'll be arriving 10 minutes early at the restaurant.

You enter inside then, after 5 minutes, I'm going in.

I wonder what those 2 guys are doing at the back.

Shiro and Kuro are probably following your Pops' orders.

So I assume they're going to tail those kidnappers in secret.

Running smoothly so far... In a minute, we'll be there on time.

That's good... but about Shotaro-san...

Throwing up will make him feel better.

Erika-chan, you, too can rest if you want.

I'm actually curious about running a boat.

You wanna try it? I'll let you take the wheel.

- Okay, just for a bit. - Well, then, try it.

Here, you hold this one.

- Easy, isn't it? - Yes!

By the way, did Hirado talk to you?

About using the fake money for the ransom?

So that fella told you about it?

Of course, I objected. However, when he said that, something made me worry.

I thought that the money that was borrowed from Yasukawa Group could be fake.

So I checked each of the bills.

I managed to take a nap but still my eyes are tired.

- You've worked hard. - Actually, I did... literally.

Maybe Takazawa had overslept, huh?

He probably did.

Hey, Shotaro, we're almost at the site.

- Standby now! - Uh, okay.

This way.

Would you prefer this table?

Sorry. This is a delivery for Hanazono Satsuki-sama.

I was asked to deliver this here at 3 am...

...by an afro guy.

'Afro' again?

Let's head back.

Hey hey, what're you doing?

I'm just taking a commemorative photo with my phone.

We can't afford to take pictures at this time... Come on!

Ah, I forgot!

Translation and editing: Earthcolors

Special thanks for the raws: Yyets.com and \(-o_o-)/

"Transfer the money inside this attache case..."

"You must walk towards Inari Bridge where a tag has been placed."

Will you be ok, Miss?

We've come this far... so let's get it over it.

Is it here?

- What did it say? - To throw it down here.

"There's a rope tied to the railing..."

"...attach the brief case with it..."

"...and drop it down below the bridge."

"After you drop it, use the flashlight as a signal by blinking it..."

"...towards the building in front of you."

"The hostage will be released by daybreak."

Allow me.

Quick, hide.

What's that sound?

Alright, hang on, ya'll!

Hey!

Shit!

- Seiji, get the car! - Yes!

- Hey, you okay? - Yeah.

Shit!

It seems that signaling thing with the flashlight was just a ruse, huh?

To divert our attention to the other side.

How about the picture?

It'll take a moment, I will have it developed soon.

- Don't people use digital cameras nowadays? - Sorry.

I'm an old-fashioned type of guy.

Did you see where they went, Miss? We'll catch them now!

- You're too slow, ya morons! - They already got away.

Also... let's hope Miss Erika will come back safe and sound.

Erika.

Not yet... just wait a little more, okay?

We're sorry!

Seems we got outsmarted.

"By daybreak," eh?

If we wait until morning, we can't make a move.

Miss... Pops-san... it's gonna be okay.

Until Miss Erika comes back, we'll stay right here with you.

Yeah... It'll be alright.

Please, you should have told me sooner if we've already arrived.

It smells so bad down in there.

Sorry.

That's usually where the fish catch is placed.

More importantly, what is inside that case?

We have to check it now.

If it's filled with newsprint, then all our efforts are wasted.

We did it.

It's a success... this kidnapping sham.

Let's drink to our success once we get back to my place.

It's only 4 am... quick, let's make a toast.

- Shotaro, you want some beer? - Yes.

You want, Erika-chan? ...What's wrong?

Now that I have this... Shiori will live...

...I'm so relieved.

It's good that it worked out well.

Shotaro-san and Komoto-san, thank you for your help.

I only need 5 million for the operation...

...you can divide by two the remaining 25 million.

Well... Nevermind me.

Why... why is that?

When Erika-chan said she wants to save her sister, it really moved me...

I only wanted to help.

And besides, it's wrong to take all that 30 million.

As they say, "...ill gotten, ill spent."

I think it's much better if you give the remaining money back to your family soon.

Well, I dunno about Shotaro...

You should get your cut, cuz mine is a completely different matter.

No... Of course, I don't need it either.

I did it for justice.

Are you really sure?

How about 50,000 yen? 50,000 ($650).

You fool!

Don't say stuff that'll disgrace this moment of celebration...

Dang it.

Okay then, here's to our successful mission... Cheers!

Cheers~!

Is that mine?

Found it.

Woah... what is it you're doing?

No, I wasn't doing anything. I just woke up.

Why was I sleeping here?

Well, I fell asleep here, too.

Where's Komoto-san?

He's not here.

Let's see... we came back before dawn.

Yeah... we celebrated the success of our plan.

Then...

I changed my clothes because they smelled...

Yeah, yeah, we changed our clothes.

And then...

No way!

It's gone! The potato van is gone!

What does this mean?

Komoto-senpai took away some of the money.

You mean he drugged us?

So he could do it while we were asleep.

I can't believe what a low-life he is... He has lost my trust!

You shouldn't give up so easily. If the two of us will look for him...

It's no use. We don't even know where he is.

But maybe we could find some clue.

The key to "Bontenmaru" is not here.

Looks like he abandoned the boat.

But he might come and get it later.

Or maybe he's hiding the money in there?

Look.

Komoto-senpai?

It's stuck because of the blood.

I'll look for a tool.

Found it!

A knife.

What the... Who's that?

- Takazawa-san? - Ta-Takazawa?

Why? What happened to Takazawa-san?

It's you, Erika-jan.

- What are you doing here? - Junko-san!

The police received a report an hour ago...

...that something happened in a boat somewhere in this area...

...That's... what... I... heard...

- Ryugawa-san! - Uh, it's not what you think...

Hey, you!

Stay back!

Play along.

- Freeze! - Erika...

Erika... Wait, let's talk okay?

Rubbish!

From now on, I will transmutate this woman.

Did he just say "transmutate?"

I'm gonna kill this woman!

That shot was just a warning

Release her immediately!

That's right. Don't make this crime any worse than this...

Shuttup~! Lower your gun, you rascal!

Don't provoke him! This person is an atrocious killer!

That's right! I will seriously kill her!

Don't move!

Stay back!

Erika!

You did a good job steering this boat.

Komoto-san taught it to me last night.

So you're a fast learner, huh?

Why... why did this happen?

The guy in the storage.

Do you know him?

He's Takazawa-san. A member of Hanazono Clan.

How did a member of your Clan end up here?

I don't know... I know nothing of this.

What will we do now?

The cops think I'm a fugitive already.

We got no choice.

Pops-san, you should get some sleep.

- No. - But..

There's one person at the helm, and another on the deck.

This is not enough of a clue to identify the culprits.

- Excuse me. - Yes.

- Hello? - "Sis."

Erika, where the HELL are you?

Tokyo Bay.

Tokyo Bay?!

I don't know what to do anymore.

Idiot! What the heck were you thinking?

Did you even think how worried we were about you?

I'm sorry.

Why did you do such a stupid thing?

Explain it clearly, Erika.

Is it something you cannot say to your father?

Because he's not related to your younger sister.

Was that the reason?

I didn't know what to do.

Stupid. You really ARE stupid!

Even if you didn't do such a thing...

...Pops would've paid for the operation.

This is for her operation.

It's not suitable if I give it to them myself.

Despite the harsh words you said about your ex after she left...

...you still can't let her go, huh?

Although we've parted ways, I'm still originally her husband...

...I simply cannot do nothing.

You're lying. Papa and Mama are...

In a relationship between two adults...

...one cannot simply draw a line between love and hate.

Anyway, this fake kidnapping thing is the least we should think about.

Takazawa is dead and we don't know why.

Maybe in the middle of it, Takazawa-aniki...

...got to find out about this Komoto guy...

...and as a result he was killed by this man before he could report him to the police.

Or maybe he was in it right from the start.

At any rate, that guy's the most suspicious since

he ran away with some of the money, I'm sure of it.

Hey you.

This Komoto guy, you know where he went?

Uh, no... I don't know anything...

Oh, come on!

This is you, right?

Sorry.

You also seemed to have been tricked by this Komoto...

If you willingly answer our questions... then we won't make things difficult for you.

O-Okay... I'll cooperate as much as possible...

...but if you can untie me first...

Fine!

- What will we do, Miss? - First off...

I'm gonna report back to Pops. I'll tell him what happened.

Alright.

Uh...

Am I going with you?

What do YOU think?!

You're gonna cooperate, ARENCHA?!

Yes!

Miss Erika is safe!

Thank goodness!

That's really great!

Guys, you should be mad at her.

This girl had been playing with us all along.

Yes, but at least Miss has returned to us safe and sound.

That's right.

I'm very sorry. For being a nuisance.

Please don't say that!

Welcome back, Miss Erika!

Miss.

Pops, your other daughter has returned.

Hey, Erika.. apologize.

Papa. Forgive me.

Go and rest up.

Don't fool us like that again.

Yes.

Shiro-kun.

Okay then, I'll go ahead.

You too should apologize.

Here.

I'm sorry! I'm truly sorry!

No need to apologize.

No, well...

...I was just told to do it.

Is this boy tryin' to look down on me?

Pops! Pops!

I was genuinely regretting it.

I knew I shouldn't have gotten involved in this kidnapping thing.

So why did this Komoto kill Takazawa?

We don't know yet. When we didn't hear from him

last night, maybe he was already dead by then.

You're probably right, Miss.

But I think... Aniki could've been killed after the ransom had been delivered...

Probably that would've been around 4 am.

During the ransom delivery...

...Miss Erika was likely hiding in the boat's storage area.

If so, then she would've of course seen the body.

Then the three of them returned to Komoto's place at 4 am.

While the two were sleeping, Komoto fled...

...and met Takazawa by the boat and killed him.

That scenario best fits the incident.

For Aniki's sakes, I want to catch this Komoto.

We don't know if they were in cahoots together or there was a rift between them...

But in any case, finding this Komoto... should be our top priority.

About this, Pops-san.

Should we use this to pay for the operation?

Although her approach may not be appropriate...

...Miss Erika only got this money in order to help her sister.

You're right.

But we should think about that later...

- Seiji, you must look into that other matter first. - Yes, sir.

You've always been serious... I didn't expect

you could do something like a fake kidnapping.

That was quite an elaborate plan... even using a flower shop and express delivery.

It was Komoto-san's idea.

He also asked me turn off my cellpone because you could use it to trace my location...

After we made the threatening phonecall, I turned off the power.

So now, he's the one who's hard to find.

Sis... I think it wasn't Komoto-san who killed Takazawa-san.

- What makes you think that? - He left me with 5 million yen...

...because he knows I need it for the operation...

That means he didn't want...

...anyone to die, right?

I definitely think he deceived us...

But I don't believe he's the type who'd kill someone.

I wouldn't know... But I will soon, in time.

You stay alert if she goes out.

- Yessuh... - Uh, but...

...what about the other guy.

When he wakes up, you can let him go.

Looks like that guy doesn't know anything.

Alive. I'm alive!

Takazawa.

It's too noticeable in the daytime.

When night falls, the guys at the office will come and carry him home.

Kanta, you stay and watch over him.

A-All by myself?

What dya think?!

Aniki... scary.

- Hello? - "Shotaro-san? Are you ok?"

- It's not safe anymore.. I'm heading back. - "Wait!"

- I want you to go with me. - "What?"

But the guys are guarding the hallway... I can't get out of the house.

Hold on a sec.

Why do you want to go out now?

"Because I'd like to find out what really happened."

Why don't you just ask your Dad or your Sis to do it?

I want to solve this myself.

It's because of my foolishness that this thing had happened.

"Why ask for my help?"

"Stop relying on me."

I don't want to be dragged into this anymore!

Shotaro-san.

I already told you, right?

I'm nothing but a useless person.

I can't even help anyone.

In any case, I don't ever wanna get into anymore dangerous situations.

I also now know...

...that I can never be a real hero.

- Sorry, I gotta go. - "For me..."

Eh?

For me...

Shotaro-san is a hero.

"From the beginning, you helped me..."

"Even if my request was absurd, you gave me a ride to the hospital."

"You also helped put up a kidnapping sham..."

And helped me save my sister.

You really made me happy.

But...

...I'm sorry if I troubled you for it.

Stop!

Sliderman is here.

Here is your final resting place.

What? In this evil-infested world, the power of justice is infinite...

Warrior of Light... Sliderman!

When I was a child

My dream was to become a superhero.

I came to Tokyo to become a real hero.

In the end, I wasn't able to fulfill that dream.

I've been living an unstable life up to the last winter of my 20s.

I just wanted a chance...

...even a slightest chance to be reborn.

"If you're a hero, you'll surely come and help me, right?"

Yep, Hanazono Clan here.

"The daughter of the family has escaped."

Shiro-kun, where's Miss Erika?

She's in the room, of course.

Miss... Miss!

Miss?

- Excuse us. - We're coming in.

What does this mean, Kuro-chan!?

She ran away again! Quick, we gotta find her!

Look for her! Hurry, hurry!

The coast is clear.

I thought when heroes come to save the day, they enter in a grand way.

I don't do that when I fight my battles.

Nevermind, let's go.

Anyway, first of all, we can't find Komoto-senpai.

Shotaro-san, do you think Komoto-senpai's a criminal?

Well, if it's about killing a person, I really don't think he's the type who'll kill.

Because... he and I are both the useless type of person.

Is that so.

Well, first off...

...we gotta go and search for him.

- Hello? - "It's Hirado."

"Miss, can I talk to you for awhile?"

This way. This way.

She escaped again? Are ya shittin me?!

- We're sorry! - Go and look for her, quick!

Yes!

If you found her together with that guy... Don't let him go.

Yes!

Kuro-chan, let's go.

Let's go.

That guy... he's not gonna be let off this time.

Sorry, Pops-san.

I'll also go and look for Miss Erika.

Seiji.

I'll never allow anyone to make fools out of the Hanazono Clan.

How many years have you been with us?

Well, it has been 15 years.

I see.

- What is it, sir? - No, nothing.

- I'm gonna look in here for a bit. - Okay.

He didn't likely come here. Let's go over there.

Okay.

Shotaro-san.

Miss...

I thought it would be bad if the cops come in here to search our place...

...so I opened it to hide the money somewhere else.

What's the meaning of this?

- He's not anywhere. - I think he already fled far away from here.

Kato! There they are!

Wait, wait!

- Straight... you go straight. - Uh.. o-okay...

- Kato, go down! Catch that bastard! - Y-Yes!

That was close!

What the hell, man!

Darn it!

That was close.

Hello?

Hello, are you okay, Shotaro-san?

"I managed to shake him off. How about you?"

I'm okay but...

It might be better if we don't move around town too much.

Of course since you're the one who called me an atrocious killer, right?

I'm sorry.

I just realized something...

When we fled in the boat this morning...

...the key was in the ignition of the Bontenmaru, right?

Of course, it's there. How else would you be able to start the boat?

No that's not it...

It means that before we escaped, Komoto-san had used the boat.

But I wonder why.

No, I think that...

...he was initially gonna flee with the boat...

...but he found the dead body in there so he didn't continue.

I think that sounded a bit far-fetched.

Yeah, true.

How about you, Shotaro-san?

Did you notice anything from yesterday up to today?

Not really.

I had to look for my mobile phone somewhere in his apartment.

When I was on the boat, I also had a strange feeling that something was not right.

What's wrong?

Nothing.

"Shotaro-san?"

I see...

That's right.

Komoto-senpai tricked us.

Of course he did... he took the money, right?

That's not it...

All that time.

That ransom delivery.

It wasn't just the 3 of us.

What do you mean?

I know it now.

Thanks to the Tokyo Tower.

Tokyo Tower?

We need to talk.

It's important.

This is definitely the place.

- Miss! - Did you receive my voice mail?

What... are you here on another errand?

No. Actually...

...it was Miss Erika who called me.

- She did? - Yes.

I was looking for her when she ran away.

Then she called me and said she needed to talk.

"I have to tell you something."

"Come to the boating dock after you hear this message."

Maybe... Erika will also tell you the same thing.

Komoto-senpai!

I never expected you'd come to help me, Shotaro.

Shut up, you traitor!

You betrayed us, didn't you!

No, I-i-it was a misunderstanding, Shotaro!

I also was used by that guy.

You were acting all noble... then in the end, you go and took off with the money!

Uh...

...about that.

Huh?...You're not gonna untie me?

I knew it!

The mastermind all along is Yamabe, isn't it?

What do you mean by that?

You're saying I'm the mastermind?

It means you knew all along.

You killed Takazawa, didn't you?

Hold on a second here. Why think that all of a sudden?

Where's the fake 30 million yen?

- It's in the foot locker... - No, it's not!

Hirado found it gone just awhile ago.

That fake 30 million yen... you tried to trick us into using it, didn't you?

Seiji.

Miss.

I'm too busy to do something like that.

I think Miss is not thinking straight.

No matter how you look at it...

...it's highly unthinkable that I could be the killer.

I took the fake money to my place.

Cuz I thought that it would be bad if the fuzz discovers the money.

If you doubt me, I'll show it to you.

Also, how could I have killed Takazawa-aniki?

He was killed...

...after the ransom delivery at 4 am.

Wasn't I with you and Pops-san that entire time?

I guess that's true.

So it's too impossible, right?

For me to kill Takazawa-aniki.

No, it's not impossible.

Miss Erika.

Takazawa-san got killed before 4 am.

Then his body was hidden in the Bontenmaru.

Miss.

You yourself went inside the storage area of the boat after 3 am, right?

During that time, you didn't find the body.

That's wrong.

You're the one...

...who was instructing Komoto-senpai to trick us, right?

When and where did you meet that Yamabe guy?

Last year...

I was a low-time hoodlum that got into a mess, and he helped me out.

Since then, he would often come to me and help him with his work.

So you went to him, too, and told him about me and Erika-chan?

Yeah... I didn't want to cause any trouble so...

...I called him that night.

It turns out... Yamabe was in favor of it.

You think we should go ahead with the kidnapping sham?

I'd say you go along with what Miss Erika wants.

But even if I go ahead with it...

...I wouldn't know what to do.

I'll tell you what to do tomorrow.

And then? Yamabe emailed me his instructions the next day.

How could I go against him?

So, unwillingly...

...I had to help out with the kidnapping sham.

- That's not the only thing. - What?

I already know about it.

That you deceived Erika-chan and me by manipulating us, didn't you?

No.

Oh, really? If you're not gonna admit it...

Okay, okay!

I will tell you, just don't put me back down!

I know most of it.

From behind my back, you shifted the clock, didn't you?

But Yamabe instructed me to do it!

He told me to move the clock forward by 3 hours.

I also broke the TV...

And then I tweaked the clocks while the two of you slept.

- And also my mobile phone. - Yes.

Wake up, Shotaro, c'mon, it's time.

At that time...

...it was actually 11 pm.

Erika's phone was also turned off.

- Was it because of that? - Yes.

That's why when we arrived at the delivery site...

...the actual time was...

...around midnight.

And your proof for that is...?

Shotaro-san has...

...found a clue.

I remember that time...

...seeing Tokyo Tower from the boat.

When the tower's lights turned off...

...it had to be at 12 midnight.

When I realized it today...

...I'm now totally convinced that you tricked us.

Yeah, I also think that was quite a clever and meticulous plan, no?

That guy tricked us... you shouldn't be admiring him.

Sorry.

Well, goin back to the plan...

An attache case fell from the bridge.

The person who did that was Yamabe, wasn't it?

I don't know who that person was.

Come to think of it... How did you find out that Yamabe was an accomplice?

When I became aware that the clocks were shifted...

...I also realized one evidence.

- What is it? - Well, maybe...

...if he wasn't the one, he wouldn't have provided

something that would reinforce the trick.

Seiji-san's evidence is the picture that he took.

- This? - Shotaro-san can be seen on the boat.

You have to be standing on the bridge at 12 midnight to shoot that picture.

I see. And the fake 30 million yen at that time...

You had 2 identical brief cases...

So during the first time it was handed over at 12...

...what Erika grabbed was the counterfeit money.

But for me, the actual deal has yet to come.

You mean the second ransom delivery at 3 am?

Yeah! During the first time, I was relaxed when it was the three of us.

After we got back to my place and drugged you both to sleep...

...I went back to the boat alone.

And at 3 am, I repeated the same thing one more time.

Hey!

Then you forgot your key in the boat.

Yeah, because I was in a hurry.

Yamabe told me to come here...

...and to take the money with me.

"I don't want my share..." You only said that to sound cool.

No..but... I did leave 5 million yen right?

I just had to think about the sick child so I didn't take all of it.

All that talk about helping your kohai, you were willing to let me die than help me.

C'mon, now...

Then when you came here...

...why did he tie you up?

That's the thing!

After I did everything he told me to do...

He's such a jerk... going around deceiving everybody.

And who're you to say that?

Sorry okay?

I didn't know it would turn out like this.

Enough with your excuses... Anyway, we have to hurry.

"Hurry?"

Oh, you mean we have to hurry and escape from here!

That's not it... We're gonna catch Yamabe.

What? Why should we do that?

Komoto-senpai, don't you even know why?

Huh? Oh... For coming up with the kidnapping sham...

...and tricking you both so he can take the money...?

That's not it!

We've become accomplices to a murder!

Murder?! What're you talking about?!

You will use that trick...

...for your alibi so you won't be suspected.

Shotaro-san and I...

...thought the ransom delivery was at 3 am.

Drink up. C'mon, Shotaro...

But the truth was after we got back to Komoto-san's place...

You killed Takazawa-san and hid his body in the boat's storage area.

Am I correct, Seiji-san?

Miss Erika.

I was wrong about you.

I had a feeling our bluff would work.

Seiji.

And that Shotaro.

With that gloomy face of his...

...I surely underestimated him.

You're lying! You're lying, right?

You mean I took part in helping out a murder?

No, you were only being used but we can't let him get away with it, right? Anyway...

...I'm gonna tell Erika-chan that you're safe.

Turn that off!

Shotaro.

Amateurs like us mustn't get involved in things like this...

When I got tied up by Yamabe, he had a pistol with him.

Pistol?

"Hello".

Shotaro? Sis and I...

TURN IT OFF!

...we're with him.

Erika!

Erika-chan?!

Sis!

Sis.

I will really shoot you next time. So you better shut it.

Erika-chan! Erika-chan!

Hey, what happened?

Please give me your car keys!

Also, I'll be needing a weapon.

Hey, wait, calm down, Shotaro.

We're not used to this kind of thing... It just can't be helped.

So you're saying we should run away?

I know that... somehow I can't become a hero.

But if I choose to run away...

...it means I'm gonna end my 30 years as an empty shell.

Sorry.

Shotaro.

Translation and editing: Earthcolors

Special thanks for the raws: Yyets.com, \( -o_o-)/

Why? Why did you kill Takazawa?

Takazawa-aniki...

...was betraying us.

Inside the printing office, I found a notebook...

It was written there that the fake money was

commissioned by Takazawa-aniki and the Yasukawa Group.

So I went to question him.

That fool.

I told him to never leave any evidence if he escapes.

Aniki.

What exactly were you thinking?

I wanted that nuisance to disappear.

"Nuisance?"

Pops-san, of course.

If that old man does things the old-fashioned way...

...I can't freely do the things I wanna do.

After I inherit the Clan, I'm gonna join forces with Yasukawa...

...and unite our groups together. - Aniki.

In these troubled times, a business like ours will not survive, right?

Good work.

Good morning, Miss.

The 5 million that you gave to Pops-san which you said you got from your investment...

They were all fake, weren't they?

You got a lotta free time, don't you, bastard?

You want Pops-san to use it... so he'll be arrested for it.

So what's it to you?

Don't stare at me like that.

After I take over...

...you, too will be able to reap some benefits.

So then, I'm heading back to the Clan.

Drop dead, shitty bastard.

Seiji~!

Takazawa-aniki always had... Pops-san's trust.

As well as...

...yours, Miss.

- I... - Always the 3 of you...

...so I have decided to protect the Clan from Aniki!

Still, it wasn't right to kill him!

You've created this mess, and you even got Erika and another guy involved...

Seiji!

Shotaro...! Take this.

Get inside. Hurry up!

Seiji!

Miss... Release the ropes from the dock.

Why don't you kidnap me instead... Let Erika go.

Miss doesn't know how to run this boat, right?

You'll never get away.

Erika-chan!

Shotaro-san!

Shotaro-san.

Erika-chan!

"My dream for the future..."

"...is to become a super-hero."

"Warrior of Light... Sliderman!"

"To be full of self-discipline."

"To be able to use my own special fighting techniques."

"So I can help out people who are in trouble... Defeat all the bad guys..."

"And eventually, marry a beautiful lady."

Shotaro-san!

Shotaro-san!

Get back!

Shotaro-san!

Shotaro-san!

- Sho...! - Shut the hell up!

Seiji!

Pops-san.

Drop it!

Sis.

We got saved by a monster.

What monster?

I thought I was gonna die.

Shotaro-san?

- Thank God you're okay! - Actually...

...I don't think I'm okay.

You're one funny guy... Never expected it from a wuss like you.

The powers of justice is infinite.

What the heck was that about?

That... was my signature phrase.

Shotaro!

Hey, are you okay?

Uwah~ You look awful.

We have troubled you...

You got involved in our mess.

No, not at all.

Us too... We also apologize for the trouble we caused.

But Pops, how did you find out?

I went to Seiji's apartment and met these guys there.

Seiji!

Why did you do such a stupid thing?

You were aware of it... Pops-san.

Seeing you like this, I realize it now.

That I'm too reckless, right?

Fit to be just a mere underling.

No.

I'm now aware of my own misjudgment.

Aniki!

You said you wanted to protect the Clan...

Why did you have to resort to this...?

He already told me why!

I don't think that's the only thing.

Sis.

Seiji-san did it...

...perhaps because of you.

What do you mean?

Miss.

I'm gonna say it.

Uh, excuse me.

Sorry but I took this...

...from Yamabe-san's place.

Seiji.

I'll give the eldest daughter to you.

Anyway, I'm not interested in that kind of woman.

I said it, right?

In a relationship between adults...

...one cannot simply draw the line between love and hate.

You fool!

You said you did it for the Clan!

Thus, this major incident I got involved in was over.

Yamabe was arrested.

Those involved with Takazawa in the making of counterfeit money...

...the boss of Yasukawa Group...

...as well as Takemura of the printing company were also caught later on.

For Komoto-senpai...

...he should have been beaten half to death but they forgave him.

Instead, he has been put to work by the Hanazono Clan.

("Pizza-flavored fish balls") ("New taste of Italian cuisine... Teppanyaki pasta")

Since he brought this upon himself, I hope he'll learn his lesson.

No, I wasn't complaining...

- Hey... How's it going? - Hello, Miss!

Satsuki-san! I'm selling like crazy!

Hey, ya haven't sold anythin yet!

You're supposed to call her "Miss!"

- You shoulda know your place! - That's right, noob!

Noob~!

Moreover...

Shiori-chan's operation was successful.

She's also recovering well and growing stronger, they say.

You know, Sis...

I don't remember clearly...

But during my operation, I dreamed that you were watching over me.

Really?

And about me...

Warrior of Light... Sliderman Z!

Slider Victory!

Hey, you... your moves were too stiff out there.

Do it right, will ya?

Sorry.

Oh, hello! Good work!

Here, have some coffee now.. Go ahead, go ahead.

Good job. Good job.

Oh, thanks.

Those were sharp moves, Senpai. You were awesome, as expected!

Really? You weren't bad yourself.

Compared to the other guy over there who can't manage the moves at all.

Right? Right?

In the next gig, you try to deliver the moves properly.

Idiot.

Tokita-kun, would you like to work for me?

Please work exclusively for me.

- No, I'm not sure I can. - Why not?

- I'm a free man (noncommittal). - You mean 'freeter?'

Well, nothing has changed much.

I don't think a person can change so easily...

But I do know one thing...

That still...

...as long I stand firm on my resolve, I will surely become a hero.

Komoto-senpai. Yes.

How did you get this car?

No, it's a rental car.

Actually, I promised Erika-chan... that we'll be hanging out together today.

Really, eh?... Tryin to make an impression?

So awful of you to worry about how you look

while your Senpai is out here doing odd jobs.

No, you shouldn't look at it that way...

Just think of how it would make you become a better citizen.

I don't need to hear that!

What? You just wanna hook up with Erika, doncha?

No, no, of course, I'm not thinking that we'll hook up...

Well, after this, we're just going to talk.

Shuttup!

Don't give me crap, Shotaro.

Hey.

I'm going.

Take care!

Thanks for waiting!

Is it really okay now?

I might get yelled again by your dad if you didn't ask for his permission.

It's okay. I was able to persuade Papa to let me move around freely from now on.

Then, that's good.

And I also told Papa...

...that I'm quitting college so that I can help with the work at home.

Really?

I was majoring in economics.

So from now on, I will offer my skills to help protect the Hanazono Clan.

- I see. - So...

Before I become too busy, I'm gonna enjoy my free time as much as I can.

Okay... Well, I know a great place that we could go to.

- Hold on a sec, ya rascal! - Excuse us.

- Wai-wait..what is it? - What's the matter?

- It's Pops-san's orders. - Move it, Nii-chan!

- Wai-wai- - Wait a minute!

Thank you for waiting!

What did I do?

Nothing. We were told that you want to work for us.

You have a starting status of a minion... therefore, you're 100 years too early...

...to be hanging out with Miss Erika, Shotaro.

- Komoto! - Good luck.

Today, you will undergo extensive training.

And just in time for the festival, we're gonna need more manpower.

I can't wait to break ya in, Noob.

- Noob~! - Noob~!

The Hanazono Clan is a good place to build character.

We warmly welcome ya!

But... what do you think?

Shotaro-san.

So then, get to work.

We got lots of things in store for ya.

Warrior of Light!

Slider... man!

Hey, wait, ya rascal!

Ow! Oww!

What about the car?

Let's go~!

THE END Thanks for watching~!