Original subtitles

A SHOCHIKU FILM

An ENTERTAINMENT PRODUCTION CARROT CLUB Production

THE INHERITANCE

Produced by SHIGERU WAKATSUKI MASAKI KOBAYASHI

Based on the Novel by NORIO NANJO

Screenplay by KOICHI INAGAKI

Cinematography by TAKASHI KAWAMATA

Production Design by SHIGEMASA TODA

Music by TORU TAKEMITSU

Sound by HIDEO NISHIZAKI

Lighting by AKIRA AOMATSU

Edited by KEIICHI URAOKA

Starring

KEIKO KISHI

TATSUYA NAKADAI

SO YAMAMURA, SEIJI MIYAGUCHI

YUSUKE KAWAZU, MARI YOSHIMURA

MINORU CHIAKI, MISAKO WATANABE OSAMU TAKIZAWA

Directed by MASAKI KOBAYASHI

It's been a while, hasn't it?

I almost didn't recognize you. You're quite beautiful now.

I'm not flattering you.

You seem even younger than back then. Am I wrong?

Honestly, I was admiring your looks for a while.

I thought you were a movie star or a model.

No, maybe the daughter of a wealthy executive.

Is that so?

I'm sorry.

If you're not in a hurry, let's not just stand here and talk.

I doubt you have any errands to run anyway.

I've always wanted to talk to you.

What a rotten day it's turning out to be.

My leisurely stroll is ruined.

And now...

I'm unexpectedly seated across from this unpleasant man.

I was like a child two and a half years ago.

No, it feels like a century ago.

He reminds me of my old self.

An eager young office girl, always running short of cash.

A tiny one-room apartment.

It looked like a concrete crypt or a wooden box.

He reminds me of everything that's gone.

Everything that's been lost.

The horrid smell of flesh.

My humiliation.

My purpose in life.

The wound I'm so proud of, almost healed-over now.

Everything from back then.

I'm meeting Hirota from Fuji Bank tomorrow at 11:00.

I'm leaving here at 10:30.

I'm having lunch with him.

If Yamazaki calls from the factory, have him call me at the Tokyo Hotel.

Osaka Electric's general manager and another man will be here at 1:00.

If I'm not back by then, politely ask them to wait for me.

CANCER CAN BE CONQUERED

Fujii.

I don't want tea.

What do you want?

Here's a draft of the contract with Osaka Electric.

The executive director wanted you to look at it today.

What time is it now?

Five past 2:00.

I'm leaving at 2:30.

I'll look at it while I'm out. Can I bother you to come to Azabu tonight?

Mr. Fujita, in charge of vehicles, please.

Mr. Kawahara is leaving at 2:30.

Mr. Kawahara, the company president, had suddenly changed in the previous weeks.

He was agitated and openly exhausted and ill-tempered.

He'd always been selfish, but not like this.

His energetic selfishness came from his passion for his work.

I used to find him attractive.

Now I knew the reason he'd changed.

Fujii, the Secretarial Chief, had carelessly dropped a book.

Mr. Kawahara kept several other books, all covered, on his side table.

I'd bought the same book and read it in secret.

What if he really had cancer?

What if he was aware he had cancer?

The book said there was no cure.

I thought his fears were ungrounded.

He always kept quiet about it,

but I was sure he was going in for another hospital visit.

Do I... have cancer?

No, it's probably an ulcer.

But you'd better have surgery sooner rather than later.

We've known each other for 40 years. Ishimoda, tell me the truth.

Dr. Shimura told you the real results, didn't he?

At my age, I won't go to pieces if I find out it's bad.

I'd need to prepare things. I'd be relieved to learn the truth.

Why didn't you see a doctor much sooner?

Let's say I have an operation.

How long will I have to live?

Three months?

Oh, no. Definitely not so little.

Six months?

This isn't measured in quarters. You'll live a lot longer.

A year?

Yeah. You'll live that long, in the worst case.

You don't sound too confident.

Can I give you an accurate diagnosis?

Most likely, six months. At best, a year.

Welcome home, sir.

Where's Satoe?

She left early this evening. She said she'd be a little late.

Shopping again?

Sir...

your secretary, Miss Miyagawa, is waiting for you in the drawing room.

It's dark. Have the bulb replaced.

Yes, sir.

Why don't you have a drink?

Is it okay for you to drink that much?

It's too late to worry if it's okay or not.

That's what I found out today.

I've got cancer.

I know.

You knew?

Pathetic, isn't it?

I used to think I had only my work and myself to rely on.

I've immersed myself in work for 40 years.

Now it's my 11th hour.

I'm no better than spent trash.

So stupid.

Once I'm in the grave, nothing matters.

I'll have nothing to do with any of this.

But still...

Was it, "Life is only complete when you're enclosed in a coffin"?

People used to have such smart sayings.

That must be your wife.

Don't bother. Sit down.

Mr. Kawahara.

Somebody! Help, somebody.

Mr. Senzo Kawahara's wife, Satoe, got home when he was vomiting blood.

She used to be his secretary when I was hired.

She was a cousin of Fujii, the Secretarial Chief.

Rumor had it that Mr. Kawahara was won over by her cold beauty.

With her calm demeanor, I thought,

she looked like she was born to be a presidential wife.

Welcome home, Madam.

- Who? - Huh?

Those...

Somebody! Help, somebody.

Doctor. Call a doctor.

What did you do to him?

Dear. Senzo.

Her cold glare,

as if I were the assailant.

His profile, that of a lonely man sneering at himself.

These images haunted me.

He had an operation two days later.

He lost two-thirds of his stomach.

His lymph node was removed. His stomach was attached to the duodenum.

On the night of the surgery, my confused emotions were running wild.

I couldn't bring myself to go straight home to my small, bleak apartment.

Idiot! Hold on to your girl.

With stock prices staying high, investors remain cautious.

The market saw more sales in midday.

This led prices to waver.

Pharmaceuticals, bearings, machines, communication.

Many sectors that had previously risen ended up dropping.

Next, specified stock in the Tokyo market.

Turn off the radio.

Tokyo Marine Insurance: 121 yen, steady.

Yusen: 64 yen, steady.

Is Satoe concerned about my will?

One third of my wealth automatically goes to my wife.

I don't have any other heirs.

The way it stands, she'll get it all.

Yes, sir.

When she heard I had no specific will, I imagine she was relieved.

Mr. Kawahara, please don't misunderstand me.

I'm only doing my duty as your legal counsel.

Real estate.

Securities.

Cash. All together...

300 million yen, I'd say.

The law secures one third for the spouse, 100 million.

Shouldn't that be enough for a 30-year-old woman to live on, Yoshida?

You can say it's enough or you can say it's insufficient.

I see.

No wonder Satoe is worried about my will.

Anyway, I'll give some thought to the wording of my will.

I'm just lying here with nothing better to do.

That'll be a good way to kill time.

I can live for another six months.

No, now I have maybe five months left.

I've known I have cancer.

It doesn't matter.

I didn't ask you to gather here to argue about it.

She's late, isn't she?

Yes.

I'm sorry I'm late.

This is unacceptable. What took you so long?

The traffic was bad. I apologize.

You mustn't forget to factor that in.

If I say "my will," it'll sound like a big deal.

I've got a favor to ask.

It's embarrassing.

But a coffin is waiting for me, so I can say this plainly.

I don't have any legally recognized children.

But I do have children.

To top it off, I've got three of them.

Some may be dead.

But there's no way all three are dead.

So I want you to find my children.

I don't mean to legally acknowledge them and their heirship right away.

Some may have grown up to be scoundrels.

But if any of them are suitable, I'd like to add them as heirs.

Maybe you can't find them. Maybe I won't like any of them.

Then their share can be donated to social welfare.

Looking to the future, Satoe, wouldn't you want your own heir?

You'll inherit the legally guaranteed portion, anyway.

If things don't work out, you can take your share and go.

I hope you don't disagree.

- Fujii. - Yes, sir.

I ask you, not as my Secretarial Chief, but as Satoe's relative.

Yoshida, have Furukawa look for this one.

If you find my kids, be mindful.

Never let them know they could be my heir.

Devise a way to bring them to me.

Spend as much money as you need.

But you need to start as fast as you can.

My time is limited.

Your deadline, let's say, is a month from now.

You said "three children" earlier. Am I wrong?

I have a good idea where the third one is.

I'm going to hire my own people to find this one.

Now, let me tell you about my three children.

He thinks I'm stupid.

He laid a hand on a maid, had a kid, and now wants to name her an heir.

- What are you going to do, Satoe? - What do you think I should do?

Isn't this one of his momentary whims?

He won't like any of them.

You'll end up with everything. That's my gut feeling.

I don't think so. He said he'd donate their shares to social welfare.

I don't know why, but...

he looks at me with hostility ever since the surgery.

His eyes tell me that he hates me.

Really? It always seemed to me he was crazy about you.

He wasn't crazy about me.

He was crazy about my body, I think.

He's insanely jealous about its future after his death.

What a dirty old man.

Maybe the old man felt you were his wife in body only.

Anyway.

The old man will search for the oldest on his own.

The other two may never be found. How does that suit you?

What do you mean?

For example, I'm tasked with finding a seven-year-old girl in Kawagoe.

What if I guarantee you I can't find her?

Can you guarantee that?

If you wish.

Jun-ichi.

Please make sure to find the child you've been given.

If she's only seven, I'll be her guardian.

I see. You'll be in charge of her share.

Make sure to find that child.

Make sure he likes her.

Make sure he comes to hate the child he's searching for himself.

There's still one more left.

Mr. Kawahara might find the boy himself. I don't think we'll find the other two.

What?

I think his wife will make sure.

She'll come to tempt you as early as tomorrow.

I'm willing to bet.

With her youth and beauty, for the last seven years, she's sacrificed herself -

Or rather, she's devoted herself to her husband.

Mr. Kawahara, I hear, is quite demanding of his women.

Mrs. Kawahara must've made her own calculations, I imagine.

You think so?

Oh, no.

You can say her legally guaranteed share, one third, 100 million, is "enough."

What about the remaining...

The 200 million?

As Mr. Kawahara briefly mentioned, it'd be best donated to social welfare.

Yeah.

What a waste, though.

It'll only make some bureaucrats rich.

That's what usually happens when you donate to public welfare.

You think that'd be okay?

I don't think it's right.

I'm for making donations, though.

What should we do?

There's a simple solution.

We'll establish a new Kawahara Foundation.

I'll join the board to supervise it.

I can put you in charge of managing this new foundation.

You mean...

I don't need to go look for the girl I'm supposed to find.

No, you must do your best to find her.

Come back with proof that you searched and couldn't find her.

Wait until you find out how Mrs. Kawahara handles it.

You once said you wanted to strike out on your own.

How much would it cost?

Let me see.

A million yen.

No, two million, maybe.

Maybe I can help you out.

It's a deal, then?

Don't say that.

There are no emotional ties between us.

I can't ask for your help.

Emotional ties?

Mrs. Kawahara, I meant that sincerely.

I'd like to get closer to you, even in the smallest matters.

Also, to be honest...

I want you.

I even want to help you.

We don't find her.

We'll each give something to one another.

That'd be the best solution.

Hey, girlie. Pretty, aren't you?

You look so cool.

IIZAKA SECTION 6 NUDE STUDIO

What's with you, late again?

Because of you, I had to work 10 extra minutes.

I know how you feel, Rumi.

I had a fight with Mom again on the way out.

Do you think I can work as a sales girl at a department store like my sister?

She's always saying, "You don't know how your parents feel."

I didn't ask her to give birth to me.

Isn't it a crime to have a kid when you can't afford her allowance?

Could you do any better, Mari?

You spent the night with A-Bomb again, didn't you?

Don't insult me. I saw him only once.

Come on, hurry up. Everybody's waiting for you.

Do you have this girl here?

Mayumi Kamio.

Mari's her stage name, I guess.

She's on set now.

Next, turn this way.

Lift that leg.

A little higher.

Look up.

What a scary look.

Smile. Show us some teeth.

Oops, sorry.

Aren't you Mari Kamio?

I came from Tokyo on important business.

Can you get away when you take a break?

Mr. Furukawa, I've been deceived by men many times before.

I bet you have.

I meant to deceive you, too.

I was planning to tell them I'd searched, but couldn't find you.

Then at least two million yen would've landed in my pocket.

So I'm worth more than two million yen to someone?

I was planning to pocket that two million yen.

But, listen.

Since I met you, my resolve has weakened.

So now you also think I'm worth more than two million yen?

You're flattering me.

I do want the two million yen, to be honest.

But to rob you of the chance to earn hundreds of millions?

I'm beginning to think it's too cruel.

100 million?

Yes.

A fortune of that magnitude may end up in your pocket.

Sounds like a fairy tale.

I'm only saying you have a chance, all right?

So the others don't want me around, do they?

You're right.

Your share is, at best, one third of it.

One third or one 30th,

I think it's worth trying.

You'll help me, won't you?

You've got nothing to lose.

It's a dangerous gamble for me.

I promise I'll share 50 million with you.

You promise?

Don't you trust me?

I can't trust you.

But then again...

I almost wouldn't mind it if you played me for a sucker.

I swear it.

If you don't believe what I say, my body will vouch for me.

You mean it, Mari?

Shall I bring a beer?

Yeah.

And some hand towels.

We're not strangers anymore.

Do you trust me now?

I trust you.

No regrets, even if you deceive me.

Don't say that.

Can you tell me the details now?

Who wants to make me a millionaire?

Your father.

Didn't you know?

Not the father you have now.

Your mother's previous husband.

Your real father.

Enjoying nightlife again?

Just a little.

I'm going to sleep now.

I'm home.

Another European novel?

Listen, Sis.

What is it?

Mayumi, I have a problem.

Would you write a love letter for me?

Come on, please.

I don't know what I'll do if he leaves me.

But when I want to write a letter myself, look...

So please write what I say.

Ready?

Dear Mr. K.

It's better this way.

Dear Mr. K.

The way you've been acting recently

is too cruel. Period.

I just can't bear it. Period.

I love you so much.

Dear Mr. K.

I can't go on living like this.

My life is hopeless.

Sayo.

The man who came this morning, Mr. Fujii, he's back again.

I asked him to wait in the back.

Did you have a child you never told Shusaku about?

He was talking about a child who'd be seven this year.

Well, no, I think it's about my late sister's child.

Really?

It sounds like important business.

You gave birth to Mr. Kawahara's child, didn't you?

Yes.

It seems she doesn't live with you.

That's right.

Where is she now?

You won't regret telling me.

Well, probably...

Where is she?

Please don't tell my husband about this.

Of course I won't.

You don't need to worry.

Where is she?

Probably in Numata.

Numata? In Gunma Prefecture?

Yes.

With a relative?

No, she was adopted.

LONELY-LIGHT, PURE-HEART CHILD

Poor girl.

She must be happy to have a relative visit her.

There was no point in going to the office without Mr. Kawahara.

But I had to go there.

Among the low-ranking employees,

rumors were circulating about the cancer and the potential heirs.

I didn't mix with them, but I couldn't help overhearing.

"How long will he live?"

"Who will be the next president?"

The ambitious executives had already started scheming.

I was sometimes sent to Mr. Kawahara's house

for him to stamp documents with his seal.

They'd pester me and ask about his condition.

Oh? You changed your hairstyle.

Looks very good.

I've been careless. I just noticed.

That's the first time you've given me a compliment.

Is it?

Maybe it is.

Aside from your work for the company, I've got a personal favor to ask of you.

Don't worry about the office. You're the president's secretary.

While I'm lying around here, you can come here every day.

Yes, sir.

And what is this favor you speak of?

I want you to find someone.

Who will I be looking for?

While I was in Manchuria, a woman gave birth to my son.

An illegitimate child, you can say.

A government bureaucrat, Keigo Narimune, adopted him.

He should be 20 years old now.

Does your wife know?

I'll tell her. You don't need to hide it.

Yes, sir.

I know Narimune came back and went to work at the Ministry of Trade.

I want you to make arrangements so I can see him.

As soon as you can.

I don't have much time left. I have even less patience.

I visited a man, a Mr. Yuki.

I chased down Narimune through his three relocations.

I carefully examined the voter registries.

I turned down Mr. Kawahara's offer of a bonus.

But it was still fun to imagine he might pay me a finder's fee.

KEIGO NARIMUNE

Has Sadao done something again?

What do you want with him?

I'd like to talk to him about a friend of mine.

I see.

Well, what is it?

If I can see him, I can settle this without causing you any worries.

Well, Sadao has gone to Kugenuma.

Kugenuma? Where in Kugenuma?

That is...

All we know is he's at a friend's place near the Nishihama Beach station.

He never tells us anything.

Hey, that one's a looker, isn't she?

Idiot. Don't you know her?

Narimune did her last summer.

You doing okay?

Don't get me started.

It's high time I found a job.

Don't arouse the beast.

It's my last chance this year. I have to stay out of trouble.

I'm going to find a girl who can feed me.

I get it.

Damn.

It's wasted on a guy like that.

It's so cool. Can't deny that.

Cool car.

What a show-off.

Damn.

Miss, they're delinquents. You'd better not go that way.

I'll walk with you.

I'm fine.

It's dangerous for a woman to take a stroll alone.

A stroll? I'm not here on vacation.

Excuse me. This is my card.

- I can't - - Remember your manners.

I've introduced myself. Tell me your name.

Come on, tell me.

Kawahara. My name is Kawahara.

Pleased to meet you. Would you care for some tea?

Hey, look out!

- A cop. - Let's go.

Give me a call. My number's on the card.

Those kids again.

I hope they didn't do anything.

Be careful.

We've been watching those delinquents, especially Narimune.

Since I'm just a stupid woman, I don't understand what you're saying.

What are you going to report to him?

"I found her." "I didn't find her." Which will it be?

Satoe, that's what I've been talking about.

Even if she comes forward, your husband won't like her.

Can you guarantee that?

There you go. See?

I came here today hoping we could trust each other,

and be generous with one another.

I'm sorry.

Satoe...

Don't act so familiar.

I still don't have any emotional ties to you.

I knew you wouldn't understand.

I'll be waiting for the day when I can trust you.

What's wrong? You seem upset.

I saw Furukawa, Yoshida's assistant.

The daughter will come forward.

She knows he's sick and wants to visit him.

He said he barely managed to stop her.

He's a piece of work.

If he's like that, Satoe, can't you influence him in your usual way?

What about your case?

The child of Sayo lida in Kawagoe.

She's dead.

And?

You're so mean, Satoe. You want me to say it?

You're the one who's mean.

No matter.

I've found our daughter. She's seven years old now.

She was in an orphanage in Chigasaki. The midwife in East Okubo told me.

Her birth date was within a year of Sayo's child.

I got a copy of her birth certificate.

The conditions will determine if we use her or not.

Conditions?

If you bring her into this as your own daughter, I'll say no.

Why, I found her for you.

Officially, she'll be your husband's child.

Officially or between us,

she can only be his child.

I forgot about us a long time ago. I don't want you to remember.

That's what we decided, wasn't it?

You're right.

I mean to reward you generously for your hard work, though.

I understand completely.

Listen, you can put your full trust in me.

But you gotta handle the other two.

You know the old man has his secretary Miyagawa looking for his kid from Manchuria?

Why didn't you tell me about that?

Don't blame me. I only heard about it today from Miyagawa.

Aren't you getting careless? You didn't know until I told you?

Besides company business, I hear you're running his personal errands.

It's too much, isn't it?

Not at all. I don't have much to do while he's ill.

Didn't you know, Mrs. Kawahara?

He said he was going to tell you, and it wasn't a secret.

Don't worry about it. It must've slipped his mind.

How's it going? Do you think you can find him?

Yes.

Have you already found him?

Yes.

Except...

I've got a little problem.

What happened?

Well...

I mean...

Tell me.

There's a problem.

It's okay. Spare me nothing. Tell me exactly what happened.

Okay.

I intend to tell Mr. Kawahara everything.

It's just... that young man Sadao,

he tried to kiss me, so...

I'm sorry I laughed.

What an unpleasant task you've got.

I think it's best if you told him exactly what happened.

Spare nothing.

Yes. But...

If it's hard for you to talk about it, I can tell him.

That wouldn't do.

You're right. It's best if you told him yourself.

He's been suspicious of me since he fell ill.

Our age difference is 21 years.

It's difficult to maintain an emotional connection.

You know who he really wants for his wife?

My body, that's all.

You may not want to hear this.

You're young, pretty and have your future ahead of you.

I think you'd better be aware of the nastier side of men.

What's happening with Narimune's son?

Dear, don't talk like that.

I've made almost all the arrangements.

Whenever it's convenient for you, I can bring Sadao over.

Have a seat.

It's getting dark. Turn on the lights.

Sit down.

What's Sadao like?

It seems the typhoon came to us earlier than the forecast predicted.

Mrs. Kawahara told me to say, a rare occasion.

I hadn't brought any rainwear. I didn't want mud on my new shoes.

I decided to spend the night as they urged me to.

Oh, my.

These days the Master is so ill-tempered.

His mood seems to improve when you're around.

So hot and humid.

Dear.

Nothing to be shy about. We've been married for seven years.

I don't want to.

- What's with you? - Please don't.

- Don't what? - Just don't.

The doctor has forbidden it, until you're much better.

I'll never get better.

My days are numbered.

I'll have even fewer days with enough energy to do this.

It's bad for your health.

Who cares? I'll be dead soon.

Dear, please don't.

It's too hot to sleep.

Too noisy, too. I can't take it.

Why don't you have some?

Like Satoe, are you also disgusted by the putrid breath of a dying man?

I didn't have to get my new shoes muddy.

Incredibly, it was quiet in the morning.

He pushed into my hands a white envelope.

Folded inside were 10 brand-new 10,000-yen bills.

It was a lot of money for an office girl with a monthly salary of 20,000 yen.

I decided to spend it, waste it all.

I'd go to a department store and buy Guerlain's most expensive perfume.

"Without you, my life is hopeless.

I'd rather die," it says.

Are you sure this is her handwriting?

It reads like she committed suicide over a broken heart.

Did you notice anything unusual at home?

Was there any domestic friction, coldness or anything else?

Not at all.

I always treated her like she was my own daughter.

She was the daughter of my wife's first husband.

She didn't speak much. She was quiet.

I used to think she was a better girl than my own daughter, Marie.

Any idea who the man is?

I'm embarrassed to say I don't have a clue.

If she was a quiet girl, she may have kept it to herself.

Get a death certificate from Dr. Kamioka, the police surgeon.

I guess she's killed herself.

KAMIOKA HOSPITAL

What a tragedy for your sister.

Yes.

What's the name of the deceased?

Marie Kamio.

Wasn't her name Mayumi?

She called herself Mayumi at work,

but her legal name was Marie.

I see.

Please allow me to marry Yasuko.

I don't know how to say it, but I'll make her happy.

I promise.

Do you find my sincere request funny?

You came to see me without being invited.

Out of nowhere, you say you want Yasuko.

I don't know what kind of person you are,

what abilities you have.

I don't know if I can trust you with my daughter's future.

She's not a pet kitten, you know.

I'm still a college student.

A man of your stature may find me lacking.

But I'm ready to give up my youthful ways out of love for Yasuko.

You're young. No need to rush into things.

The older you get, the better you can appreciate how truly lovely women are.

That's my opinion.

Miss Miyagawa will spend the nights here to help me put things in order.

Have her sleep in the next room.

Do you have to put so much effort into your work?

Miss Miyagawa will find it unwelcome.

I've already talked to her.

I've already decided. I don't know when I'll die.

So much work for you.

Please.

Thank you.

Since the night of the storm, we'd had several encounters.

Each time, he'd give me a white envelope.

I had many excuses.

In the end, though, it was the money.

I was getting used to the money and the selfishness of the patient.

It's easier when you get used to it.

That's how people get used to so many things.

To pride.

To humiliation.

Oh. I see you came prepared.

I put it on once, but I think it'll look good on you.

Try it on if you don't hate it.

Not bad.

Give it to me.

You mustn't drink.

Who cares? Give it to me.

I told Sadao to come visit me from time to time.

Don't get too involved, Yasuko.

Young men nowadays are unpredictable.

What's this?

Your wife told me to wear it.

Is that why you're wearing it?

Ridiculous.

What's with Satoe? What's with you?

Take it off.

I can't take it anymore.

It's not for the money.

I don't want you to think I'm doing this only for the money.

Come on. Take it.

Yasuko.

They brought Yukiko over because his condition was getting worse.

Before they took her to him, she spent a few days in Satoe's room.

She was a pretty girl.

She was very good at reading grown-ups'moods.

Fujii explained her history.

Sayo lida in Kawagoe gave her up to a family in Yokohama.

Since the family met a tragic end, she'd been at an orphanage in Chigasaki.

You look like a quiet, good girl.

She doesn't look like Sayo or me.

Maybe she's lucky there's little resemblance.

She seemed to make a good first impression on him.

He said over and over, "A quiet, good girl."

He didn't show the harshness he'd shown towards Sadao.

A father who knew nothing about raising a child

or the joy of watching one grow.

He'd made women give birth to three, but had raised none himself.

Let me take a look.

This is her birth certificate, isn't it?

She'll grow up to be a beauty just like your wife.

I'm not a bad photographer, am I?

This room is so bleak. Put it up on a wall.

I don't want it. Why should I?

I don't want you to forget where you came from.

Nor me.

Starting today, try to be an ordinary, honest girl.

You don't wanna go back to nude modeling?

You wanna be rich? Then do as I say.

Get new clothes. Dye your hair back to natural.

Don't paint your nails.

Get it, Mayumi?

Except...

when you're with me.

I'm sorry I'm late. I had another appointment.

That girl of yours, what's going on with her?

She says they had a family tragedy and she needs more time.

I see. I hope that will be the last of her.

I don't want her to show up at the last moment to take everything.

She's your responsibility. - Yes, sir.

Sadao, I think, poses no problems.

Maybe we'd better be careful, though.

The problem is his secretary, Miss Miyagawa.

That quiet girl?

It seems she's gotten together with Mr. Kawahara.

She might turn out to be useful.

Unbelievable, isn't it?

That's that.

The problem is Yukiko, the girl from Kawagoe.

She's pretty and quiet. You couldn't ask for more.

She's just got one drawback.

What is it?

She's not Mr. Kawahara's child.

What?

It can't be.

My hunch proved to be quite something.

I figured they'd altered the birth certificate.

I guess Mr. Kawahara didn't notice.

Born to Kozaburo and Yone Tashiro, Hodogaya Iwai 102, Yokohama City.

Yukiko's birth date appears to have been modified.

We can verify this easily if we check the original.

I understand. I'll check it out right away.

Mr. Furukawa.

CERTIFICATES

LONELY-LIGHT, PURE-HEART CHILD

I knew it.

Should we inform Mr. Kawahara right away?

No need to hurry.

Don't play your trump card until the end.

The law will take care of the rest.

Only we know the rules of the game. "The law doesn't pardon ignorance."

"I didn't know the law" won't cut it.

The law is our dear, best friend.

Hey.

I'm counting on you.

Why did you call me out of nowhere?

I thought I had refused to play word games.

To prove my loyalty, I figure I'd better let you know something.

What is it?

Mayumi Kamio is visiting your home now.

Is that why you lured me out?

Things are less likely to fall apart without you there.

Of course that's not all there is to it.

Aren't you taking too much of a risk with Yukiko Tashiro?

Don't embarrass yourself.

Calm down.

I'm saying, let's form an alliance.

I'm not a foot soldier, running around at your behest.

I can be an equal partner.

I know your hand won't stand up to scrutiny.

Wouldn't it be better to bet on my hand with me, Satoe?

Now that I've told you all this, you trust me, don't you?

I wanted to meet you at least once.

Now I have no regrets.

I'm going home now. I'll tell my mother about you.

No, you don't need to rush home.

I don't know when I'm going to go.

Please stay here for a while.

I have things to tell you.

He couldn't perform a physical relationship anymore.

As his condition got worse,

the sick man's demands grew more relentless and grotesque.

I endured the disgust. I got used to the repulsion.

I hated the sick man. I hated myself.

And I got used to hate.

Come on, Yasuko.

I can't take it anymore. Tell me what you feel for me.

I've never been this serious about anyone. Don't you care?

Or do you not like me anymore?

Say it isn't so.

Sadao, people might see us.

I don't care what others think. I love you so much I could die.

No.

Hey, what are you doing here?

It's not good for a young man like you to feel sorry for himself.

Why don't I take you somewhere fun?

What's the deal?

- What're you doing? - Don't you mess with me.

- You want a piece of me? - Bastard.

Please don't! Stop!

You want it? You want a piece of me?

That scoundrel.

Idiot!

BRAWL AT NIGHTCLUB SADAO NARIMUNE

Mr. Kawahara's section chief, Fujii, took me there.

It wasn't my fault.

That's why the police let me go so soon.

You said Mr. Kawahara?

What? He's the president of Toto Precise Tech.

You didn't dare go to Mr. Kawahara to pester him for money, did you?

I'm not that small-minded. I'm after much more.

Much more?

Did you know Mr. Kawahara is your -

Did you?

Of course I did.

You -

You're going to make your father lose face.

We promised Mr. Kawahara we wouldn't cause any trouble when we got you from him.

That day, the sick man finally summoned all the concerned parties.

He'd made up his mind about his will.

It was obvious to everybody that death had almost caught up with him.

The pain's eased.

Help me up, Yasuko.

Let me through. He'll know when he sees me.

Please leave.

Get out of my way. You don't get it.

Be quiet.

Dad. Why didn't you tell me the truth?

I found out for the first time today. I learned what happened.

Dad.

Don't call me "Dad," like we're family.

Why are you so excited?

Because it's the truth. And if it's true -

Then what?

I'm a dying old man. What good does it do me?

But, Dad, if you should die -

What if I die?

You don't want a father. You want his wealth.

But I have the right -

Don't talk nonsense.

Any hooligan can claim to be my son. What if I took them all seriously?

No fortune would be large enough.

Then you refuse to recognize my legitimate right?

- What're you doing? - Come here.

- Be quiet. - I have the right.

Be quiet.

Please, Dad.

Dad. Dad!

Treat me with respect.

Calm down.

You say it's your right.

He clearly denied your claim. Legally, you have no right.

Accept it. - But -

Give it up.

Calm down or we'll call the police and charge you with blackmail.

I'm with the police.

Is there a woman, a Mayumi Kamio, here?

Yes, she is.

Excuse me.

Wait.

Wait. What do you want?

- We need to see her. - Where are your manners?

I'll get her.

Who are you?

I'm with the police. We want to see Mayumi Kamio.

Wait a second. We'll get her.

The police are here for you, Mayumi.

What's wrong, Mayumi?

Just go see what they want.

We're sorry to bother you when you're ill.

It's you, isn't it?

Yes, I'm Mayumi.

So you call yourself Mayumi.

Your real name is Marie.

No, I'm Mayumi.

Marie was my late younger sister.

It wasn't Marie who died.

Your older sister, Mayumi, died.

Your sister, Mayumi, didn't kill herself. She was murdered.

No. That's not true. I'm Mayumi.

The harder you insist, the clearer it becomes that you killed her.

We already have proof.

You are not Mayumi. You switched the name on the death certificate.

Come with us.

The sudden turn of events shocked us all.

For a while, none of us knew what to do.

Hopes were crumbling for some of them.

A new hope was rearing its ugly head for others.

Yoshida alone remained calm.

He knew exactly what to do.

Furukawa.

You knew about this, didn't you?

By no means. I didn't -

Didn't you?

We'll know for sure if we interrogate her.

Can you deny you conspired with her to swindle Mr. Kawahara of his assets?

The police will call you in as a witness.

They may name you as an accomplice.

In any case, from now on, you're forbidden to come to this house.

I don't want to see you at my office ever again.

Help me lie down.

We'll deal with my will later.

Yoshida.

I'm sorry,

but please go to Fukushima.

What? To Fukushima?

I just can't believe it.

Please do the best you can for her.

But...

If it's the truth, so be it.

I want you to make sure my involvement won't become public.

Don't worry.

I'm not dying yet.

I'm not worried about that.

There's something I want you to know...

Wait until after you're back from Fukushima.

I don't want to hear anything now.

Miss Miyagawa.

I need to tell you something very important.

It won't take more than 30 minutes. Come to my office with me.

COMPENDIUM OF LAWS

Miss Miyagawa.

Miss Miyagawa, this is very serious.

I must make sure Mr. Kawahara is aware of it.

I didn't have the opportunity today.

I must leave tonight.

During my absence, Mr. Kawahara may decide to draw up a will.

Then I want you to tell him for me.

First...

Listen carefully.

That little girl, Yukiko, is an impostor.

My guess is Satoe and Fujii are her birth parents.

That's beside the point.

She's not at all qualified to inherit the wealth.

I have the proof.

This means all his wealth will go to his wife, Satoe.

You know Mr. Kawahara doesn't want that, don't you?

So he should leave her one third of his fortune, as legally required.

I want you to urge him to use the rest to establish the Kawahara Foundation.

Of course you'll receive your own compensation.

Everybody knows you have a special relationship with Mr. Kawahara.

Given his personality, though, you can't hope for much.

You can't very well go back to the office.

But let's say we set up the Foundation and I sit on its board.

I can very well guarantee your future.

Would you do this for me?

Yes. But he may not listen to what I say.

That's not true.

You're at worst Mr. Kawahara's favorite person right now.

I'm counting on you.

I've got the proof right here.

You keep it. Glance through it.

I've told him many times about the Foundation.

You just need to get him interested.

What's wrong?

What's with you?

I...

I've been wondering if I should tell you this.

I'm going to tell you.

I'm...

I'm pregnant.

Is it my child?

Who else could be the father?

You're right.

Of course you're right.

While you were asleep, I went to a hospital.

I see.

I suspected you had gained some weight.

It's funny.

To think a half-dead man is still capable of it.

My child.

A definite heir was created while I wasn't even aware of it.

I'm glad it wasn't too late.

If I'd died without knowing about it, both you and the child would've suffered.

Don't worry.

The child you're carrying will be added as one of the heirs.

No, you mustn't.

I kept quiet because I didn't want you to.

If you'd acknowledge it as your child, that's all I ask.

The inheritance...

I don't want you to think I told you for that.

But that child naturally has a right to my inheritance.

It doesn't have such a right.

I'm going to raise it on my own.

You gave me money a while ago.

If I need more, I'll work and I'll raise the child.

Don't talk nonsense.

What do you think you can do with 500,000 or 600,000 yen?

But...

I'm giving the money not to you, but to my child.

Don't worry about it.

The most terrifying moment went by easily.

It was just an idea I had.

To wash off my makeup. To show my true self.

When my pale, hardened skin was revealed,

I realized I had power within me that I'd never known about.

I became one with the words I was speaking.

My tears flowed naturally.

My emotions boiled over.

Time passed.

Professor Ishimoda and Mr. Ishikawa, the executive manager, visited him.

The sick man decided to draw up his will.

He forced Mr. Ishimoda to be the executor.

A notary, Okamoto, was summoned. All those concerned came together.

"My wife, Satoe, shall receive one third.

The girl, who I have fathered with Sayo lida,

Yukiko Tashiro, shall similarly receive one third.

Satoe shall be Yukiko's guardian.

The child who I have fathered with Yasuko Miyagawa

and who Yasuko is now carrying shall receive the remaining third.

If the fetus is stillborn, or if there is a miscarriage,

Yasuko shall inherit its share. "

POISON MURDER FOR 100 MILLION YEN

NUDE MODEL'S PERFECT CRIME

His wife, Satoe, was desperate.

I think she was trying to find a chance to rewrite the will.

She didn't get her chance.

The sick man died three days later after much pain and suffering.

You're kidding me.

I don't want to be a dad yet.

Get an abortion.

I'll come up with the money.

I won't cause you any trouble.

I'm going to give birth to it, and I'm going to raise it.

You mean it?

I mean it.

I don't want it.

It's none of my business even if you come screaming for help.

That's why I'm telling you I won't cause you any trouble.

I came here today to break up with you.

Why don't you get rid of it right away?

Why not enjoy each other like we always have?

No.

It's my precious baby.

I'm going to give it precious life.

It was a miserable affair.

It saved me from ogling young men in the office.

It saved me from pointless emotional upheavals.

This affair satisfied my needs.

I had to tie up loose ends one at a time.

I still had important business to attend to.

ATTORNEY AT LAW KYOICHIRO KURAYAMA

I've asked you to gather because a regrettable situation has surfaced.

I'll make it concise.

The will recognizes a child the decedent fathered with Sayo lida.

It names Yukiko Tashiro as this child and as one of the heirs.

She is, however, not the child of the decedent.

She is not the child Sayo lida gave birth to.

This fact has been uncovered by Mr. Yoshida and his hard work.

Mr. Okamoto, as notary, you have the copy of the birth certificate. May I?

Please come closer.

Please take a look.

Clearly, the birth year is different.

Oh, yes.

Do you see it?

Mr. Fujii presented it to the decedent as proof of his fatherhood.

This copy of Yukiko Tashiro's birth certificate has been altered.

It clearly demonstrates Mr. Fujii's intent.

He tried to use an impostor to deceive Mr. Senzo Kawahara.

Why did Mr. Fujii plan this? Two explanations are conceivable.

One: Yukiko Tashiro is a person of special importance to Mr. Fujii.

For example, she may be his illegitimate child.

Two: Mr. Fujii acted upon Mrs. Satoe Kawahara's request.

The two may have wanted Yukiko Tashiro to be heir.

You're wrong. I don't know anything.

In which case, Mr. Fujii alone will be charged with fraud.

You're lying, Satoe. You knew about it.

She knew everything. We planned it together.

- Fujii. - It's not fair.

Don't play innocent now.

We understand. Please be quiet, both of you.

Now that this fraud has been exposed,

Yukiko Tashiro's heirship must be revoked by the executor.

There's a party who engineered this fraud to name Yukiko as heir.

Mrs. Satoe attempted to attain the designation as her guardian.

She, too, will naturally lose her right of inheritance.

It can't be. That's ridiculous.

How can I lose my inheritance right?

I am the legal wife of Senzo.

I have the right to one third, no matter what.

"No matter what" isn't accurate.

Please look at this.

Article 891.

"The following parties must not be an heir."

Look at Clause 4.

"If a person, by means of fraud or intimidation,

forces the decedent to draw up, cancel, or change

the last will and testament regarding inheritance."

Do you understand?

Then there's no heir.

Miss Miyagawa is guilty, too.

You knew Yukiko was an impostor.

You knew Senzo was being deceived, but you remained quiet.

You have no right.

I didn't know.

What?

I told you everything that day.

You took the document from me.

I found that document, as Mr. Kurayama says.

When I visited you, you asked me to push for the Foundation.

You told me you'd pay me once you were on its board.

What about that document?

I took the document sealed in the envelope.

Mr. Kawahara's condition got worse. I didn't have a chance to give it to him.

I didn't know its content.

I'm the president's secretary.

If I receive a document for the president, I don't peek inside without permission.

It's just that your return was delayed.

I was afraid it might cause some serious problem.

So I asked Mr. Kurayama to take a look.

How dare you!

How can you come up with such lies?

You - - Stand down, Yoshida.

There's no proof Miss Miyagawa knew.

You were Mr. Kawahara's legal counsel, yet you didn't inform him about this.

Was your action forgivable?

Purely legally speaking, Miss Miyagawa isn't the heir.

It's the baby she's carrying.

She has nothing to do with the inheritance unless she has a miscarriage or a stillbirth.

I'm sorry.

I'm preaching law to a lawyer.

A lot happened, didn't it?

What happened to Mr. Kawahara's heir?

Is it a boy or a girl?

Already starting to baby talk?

It died.

Soon after I gave birth.

Oh. I see.

They say the infant mortality rate is decreasing, but...

Babies die so easily from colds and diarrhea.

You can't help them.

What a shame, though.

It must be hard to forget.

I wanted to see the child of Mr. Kawahara and you all grown up.

I was looking forward to seeing which of you he'd resemble.

Let's not talk about a dead child.

Now, on to the topic of the day.

I have an offer.

I got wind of a bit of a tasty deal. Why don't you take a bite?

I can guarantee you'll get back twice as much as you put in.

Don't let good money lie idle. What do you say?

Aren't you a lawyer or are you out of business?

No, I haven't quit yet.

One day I might end up offering my services as your counsel.

I won't quit until such a day.

You don't need to worry.

I would never do anything to break the law.

Excuse me.

THE END