Original subtitles

Did you know your dad was using drugs with side effects?

- As his son, anything to say? - A bus has...

While driving under the influence of drugs, he drove through...

The bus suddenly...

- The driver, Uzaki Hiroo... - The driver, Uzaki Hiroo

- is suspected... - ...interview those investigating...

...this was suicide. Perhaps even murder.

Due to the bus going out of control...

What do you think?

You're related

to one of the victims?

My daughter

was on that bus.

It was no coincidence that I handed my card to your mom.

I chose to check out that bento store.

I was curious

about why that driver's son became a lawyer.

How can you drop this out of nowhere? I have no idea what's going on!

If you're related

to one of the victims

then why bring me here?

Follow me. I'll explain.

Both you and I

have probably thought a ton

about that accident.

What do you think really happened?

I don't know.

But I know this at least.

The cause of the accident that's accepted as fact now

is a complete lie.

"Facts"?

On the day of the accident, the driver, Uzaki Hiroo

broke company rules

and drove the bus after taking medication

that had strong side effects.

Because of that

he entered a state of confusion

and caused a major accident.

At the time, this was all established

as the facts.

That's ridiculous.

There's no way my dad would break the rules.

I happen to agree.

You too, right, Asami?

Right. There's something seriously dark behind that accident.

Nice to meet you, Uzaki.

Who's she?

An ally. Relax.

Asami Ryoko, a detective from the First Investigation Division

who feeds us police info.

A detective?

Just like you said

that accident from five years ago wasn't Uzaki Hiroo's fault.

I can say that for sure.

How do you know?

Even with that many victims

they didn't even hold a proper investigation.

Everything got processed at headquarters.

The police probably buried it internally.

They went that far because they had something to hide.

I absolutely can't let it slide.

Minato City teamed up with the police to cover up the truth.

The mayor, Otobe, at the top

he's got to know something.

We're just about to get a hold of his tail.

Do you get why we need you now, Uzaki?

If you do, hurry up and grow.

So you're ready for a big fight whenever it comes.

We're counting on you, Uzaki.

Makes no difference to me. Just don't get in my way.

THE OUTLAWS OF THE LAW

- ...and bring about a revolution? - Yes.

The panel developed by our company uses wood but is hard to burn

and stores heat well.

A new insulation panel?

This is good!

It seems the selling point is that it's wood but hard to burn.

Delicious!

But fried food from morning...

I'm sorry, my mom insisted on it.

Here, bring this for everyone.

What's all this for?

They paid off our debt.

We need to pay them back somehow.

So, what does this ignite?

This development itself

is incredibly suspicious.

It's comfortable in summer.

And in winter, it stores heat so the room is warm.

If it's cool in summer and warm in winter, that's perfect.

The development itself is great.

The suspicious part is the manufacturer.

This Meet Housing company...

The firm I was at before had a case involving them.

They were sued?

Yes, over rights issues.

This company has grown rapidly in the last few years, right?

Right.

They snapped up patents one after another

and rose to become a major manufacturer

at an insane speed.

It smelled fishy, so I dug into it.

Sure enough, they've had multiple disputes over developments.

So habitual idea thieves?

Got a target in mind?

Makita Lumber.

A small company with a real craftsman vibe.

The small getting devoured by the big...

Typical.

In that case, let's start a fight.

Uzaki.

You've stolen my line.

It's this structure, combining a wooden insulation mat

with a board and moisture-permeable sheet...

The hell are they doing?

The layer structure that maximizes this effect is our invention.

What the hell! That was our idea!

What do we do, Boss?

Kinoshita was in charge. I'll check with him.

Boss, we'll come, too.

No, you guys wait here.

I'll go alone.

- How can this happen? - Unbelievable.

Why would you do this?

You're the one who wanted to support the development.

That's what you told us.

We need to confirm each other's understanding here.

"Understanding"?

You've combined the materials just like our drawings--

Stop with these baseless accusations.

That insulation panel is a new product

created by our engineers.

Then why do we have the exact same drawings?

Beats me.

If that's the case, maybe you copied us?

Anyway, the patent's already been granted.

Was this your plan from the beginning?

- What do you mean? - I trusted you!

I'm not sure what you mean.

Sneaking around and filing a patent...

That's just cowardly!

Speaking as the advisory lawyer

filing a patent for a new invention is normal.

I'm not talking to you.

No matter what anyone says

this is straight-up technology theft.

Please, calm down.

As for us

we want to keep doing business with Makita.

That public housing renovation project

in the city we've hired you for...

Isn't it important for your company, too?

You're planning to cut off the deal?

Isn't business based on good relationships?

President Makita.

Can I talk with you?

Who are you?

I'm Todoroki, a lawyer.

How did things go with Meet Housing?

How do you know about that?

I just heard from your employees.

I'm sure you're in a tough spot.

I can help you, President Makita.

I appreciate it

but no thank you.

What?

Where is everyone?

They headed out early today.

I think they went to drink away their anger.

I see.

Well, they do have short tempers.

Young Boss.

That was a smart call you made.

I can't let the company go under in a situation like this.

Kuma has got three kids and his mom is sick.

Kawashima's wife is pregnant, too.

You held firm.

After all, the previous owner left you this company.

You can't let it fail.

That's not right.

That jerk abandoned the company

and dumped it on me.

Also

could you stop calling me "Young Boss"?

I'm sorry about that.

I'll be off.

See you.

BISEI

His mom?

Yes, the president lost his mom to illness

when he was in middle school.

He went through a lot after that

but now he's a solid business owner.

What about his dad, the previous owner?

About that...

Why am I even telling you guys this?

Have you forgotten already?

We bonded over our love of Nagabuchi!

Come on, drink up!

Oh, that's right! That kid's young, but he gets it!

Way to go, kid!

But why do you want to know about our company anyway?

Life lessons!

Stories from experienced folks like you are all educational!

I like you!

Kids like this still exist, huh?

We've only known each other for two hours.

I like you! Ask more about our journey!

KANPAI, WRITTEN AND COMPOSED BY NAGABUCHI TSUYOSHI

To these strong bonds, I offer my thoughts...

The president really loves that factory.

As a kid, he'd come play there all the time.

Once he grew up, he went to work for a building materials manufacturer

but whenever he got time, he'd come back to the factory

and chat with the old man about all sorts.

Now I think about it, they would research insulation together.

All for the growth of the company.

That's when it happened.

The previous owner just vanished.

Kuma, that's enough.

It's fine! Might as well let them hear about it, Kawashima!

Hard to believe

but he got himself a woman, and just disappeared.

You're really abandoning everything?

I'm done.

Done with this company completely.

What about our developments?

We've finally come this far.

Wasn't it all to make the employees' lives better?

I lost interest.

You do as you please.

Everyone panicked.

I had a kid on the way myself, so I was freaking out.

Still

the one hurt the most had to be the president.

That's why he still resents him to this day.

How did things end up like this?

But after that, everyone came together, right?

The young boss turned the crisis around.

He quit his job straight away

came back, and worked his butt off for us!

Sounds like a cool guy!

He's a lifesaver.

If he'd only thought about himself

he could've just shut down the company.

But he came back for our sake!

Kuma, just hearing about it lights a fire in my chest!

And yet, where the hell is the old boss now?

- I feel bad for the young boss! - Kuma!

It's a family business

so better not blab about it.

Bravo!

Sounded great.

You did Nagabuchi proud!

Thank you.

What were you talking about?

Takaido, this company is the best.

Super passionate!

You really are a good kid!

- Thank you! - All right!

- I'll tell you more. Drink up! - Okay!

- Thank you! - Cheers!

- Takaido! - Yes.

Sing more!

- Sing! - Sing!

- Thank you! - Good night!

All right. We got a lot of information.

Let's go over it at the office tomorrow.

- All right. - See you!

- Night. - It's early!

- See you! Have fun. Good night. - But...

Takaido, that was a passionate night, right?

- What? - There's no company like that one!

We have to help them out!

You're still talking about helping people?

This is business.

Yes, but they're good people

so it should fire us up even more!

Good people, huh?

I actually thought they were crappy.

What about them was crappy?

I hate ignorant do-gooders like that.

Weak people get crushed. That's just how it is.

How can you say such a thing?

Stop being a hot-head 24/7. It's annoying.

On the flip side, you're way too cold-hearted!

Don't bug me, you drunk.

Get more fired up, Takaido!

Aren't you passionate about anything?

No. Is that a problem?

All right. I got it.

Sit down. Let's drink more. Let's talk!

No way. I'm sorry, but I'm heading home.

Have fun by yourself.

Man, you're no fun.

MEET HOUSING'S ACHIEVEMENTS

FIRE-RESISTANT WOODEN WALL UNIT, ORIGINAL SH HEAT-INSULATING SHEET

Damn these assholes.

PEACE LAW FIRM, PLEASE CHECK THE ATTACHMENT

LAWSUIT

LAWSUIT, PLAINTIFF REPRESENTATIVE, ATTORNEY HATTORI HIROYUKI

Listen, Toma.

Weak people get exploited.

Don't end up on this side.

SH HEAT-INSULATING SHEET, MEET HOUSING...

DEFENDANT, MEET HOUSING, COMPENSATION CLAIM CASE

PATENT OPPOSITION

DIAGRAM. MAIN DIAGRAM

MEET HOUSING SUPPORTS DEVELOPMENT OF INSULATION MATERIALS

PATENT APPLICATION

I get the situation.

But as things stand, even if we ignite President Makita

there's not enough evidence.

There's no way to prove that Kazuya's the real inventor?

Meet Housing will never admit to stealing the designs.

And just having the same ones

doesn't prove a thing.

Proof of who drew them first...

Yes, that's tricky.

The only potential witness is the dad

who was involved in the development from the start.

But he's gone missing.

And even if we find him, a family member's testimony

isn't going to be strong evidence.

That's the real barrier, isn't it?

Wait.

What if we find that thing, Takaido?

- What? - You know, Kuma mentioned it...

The research diary!

He said the dad and son always had it.

A diary would show when it was written, right?

Exactly. If the idea's noted in there

along with a solid date, it should work as objective evidence.

All right!

There it is, Uzaki's lucky punch!

There's nothing lucky about it!

Mr. Todoroki.

Mind if I work solo for a bit?

- Sure, go ahead. - Thank you.

Look at Takaido.

He seems motivated.

So this is where you developed the insulation material.

Yes, we ran tests over and over here

and built it all together.

Awesome. You're so cool, Kuma.

Aren't I?

Although

you're a lawyer, aren't you?

After hearing your story yesterday, I figured maybe I could help out.

Thank you.

Like I told the other guy

we're all boiling mad inside!

- Help us out! - Of course.

So, I have a favor to ask.

That research diary you mentioned...

Do you know where it is now?

Oh, that thing?

Where did it get to?

Hey.

What are you doing here?

Boss, we've got a strong ally now.

I met this young man yesterday.

Turns out, he's a lawyer!

I'm not planning to sue.

Leave.

Why?

He's offering to help.

Kuma.

I'll handle company stuff.

- But-- - It's fine!

Shall we talk somewhere else?

Thank you for everything, Kuma.

- Thank you. - See you.

I get how you feel about your employees

but isn't it a little early

to just roll over and take it?

I'll make up for it with other work.

Let's fight this.

Kuma told me.

He told me just how much you care about this company.

How are we supposed to win?

After getting screwed this badly

it's impossible.

We came today to find a way.

We think the key

is with your dad.

He has nothing to do with this!

If your dad testifies

we might get some solid evidence.

For example

that research diary he always kept.

He's the man

who abandoned this company.

He'll never help out.

And I don't want his help.

Where is your dad now?

I don't know.

Probably off living how he wants.

Excuse me.

What is it?

There's something I want to tell you.

Actually

I know where the old boss is.

First, let me ask

what might a lawyer be doing here?

I told you. It's about Makita Lumber.

I haven't received a notice of representation.

Who are you representing?

That doesn't matter.

Wrongdoing must be corrected.

This is a waste of time. Please leave.

Seems you have a habit, doesn't it?

Isn't it a little strange that almost all your innovations

come with baggage like this?

Look, we've settled all talks

and we've won every lawsuit.

If you're really a lawyer

you'll understand the weight of that.

Leave when you're ready.

I have no obligation to talk to you anyway.

I hate

that look on your face.

Excuse me?

So confident.

However

what if drawings made long before the date you completed yours

were out there somewhere?

What would happen then?

No such drawings exist.

It's our idea, after all.

Now

please leave.

Is that right?

If we have the research diary, we might win.

He got shaken when I bluffed.

I see.

So the key is the dad.

Yes.

But who knows where he is?

We made progress on that front, too.

Head there with Uzaki.

What?

Okay.

Understood.

Why am I with you?

Since when did I become an igniter?

They're expecting more from you.

Come on, Takaido.

So annoying.

Thank you.

What are you here for?

Do you know what's happening at Makita Lumber now?

As you can see

I'm barely managing my own life.

Your company's technology was stolen

and your son, Kazuya

is considering suing.

We came to ask you to be a witness.

I decline.

I did something terrible to my son.

I could never face him now.

Besides, I don't remember much about the development.

I have no intention of getting involved

with the company anymore.

Isn't that a little pathetic?

Could it be that

you're hiding something?

The sudden disappearance we heard about is weird.

Maybe there's something behind it nobody knows about.

I'm not hiding anything.

It's just that I couldn't pay the debts.

I'm paying 60% interest to loan sharks.

That's illegal!

You're being scammed, so fight it.

I know it's illegal.

Even so

what can I do?

No matter how great the invention

or aspiration

once you're on the exploited side

you can't escape.

I hate this face, too.

I'm too scared.

I can't move.

Understood.

Well then

tell us about those loan sharks.

Mr. Todoroki, let's go!

Mr. Todoroki!

- Mr. Todoroki! - What the...

Good morning.

What happened to your face?

Got into trouble again?

Let's go ignite Kazuya.

There's no fighting you.

What's the plan?

Hitting this thing head-on, of course.

If you don't get it, I'll say it clearly.

It's a lawsuit we can't win.

I won't expose the company to danger.

We've found a way to win.

How?

We asked your dad to be a witness.

You met the old boss?

We did.

Really?

Boss! Dad and son together again--

Kuma!

Is that man

going to come?

Negotiations are ongoing.

That figures.

There's no way he'd come.

The man who abandoned the company...

Don't say that, Boss.

We're not filing a lawsuit.

Please leave.

The both of you, dad and son

researched that insulation passionately

because it was your dream, right?

Enough. Please leave.

Weren't you happy to develop something you discovered together

as dad and son?

I don't remember!

But your dad suddenly betrayed you.

And now you can't forgive him.

Why are you saying all this?

Leave!

You haven't given up on that dream yet, have you?!

The dream you both had

became the dream of everyone here!

Uzaki.

They're stealing something so important!

Will you let them!

Everyone who works here loves this company!

They love their boss the most!

A company like this

and a boss like you...

should be the first to fight back against exploitation!

Let's fight, Boss!

We can't thank you enough for everything so far.

But this

is about our pride as craftsmen.

There's no chance of winning.

If they cancel our contract

we'll be on the streets!

Please, Boss!

The old boss will surely come.

Show us again, the two of you working together.

Kawashima.

We can handle ourselves!

Me, too. I can get by!

Look how much they support you.

You still won't do this?

Can you help us

take back our pride?

Yes.

I'm leaving it to you guys.

I'm counting on you.

Just leave it to us!

Let's begin.

Today is the questioning date

starting with the witness Makita Kazuhiko.

Is he here?

The witness is running late.

Could we question him later?

I see.

How does the defense counsel feel?

As long as he's really coming, that's fine.

As the defense, we'll proceed as required.

Then we'll start the questioning once he arrives.

Defense exhibit No. 6.

Was this design drawn

by the craftsmen at Makita Lumber?

No.

It's a design drawn by the person

in charge of technology at our company.

It was reported on the day it was drawn, so there's no mistake.

When was that?

December 15, 2024.

There's an email record with the design attached.

Then why does Makita Lumber

have the very same design?

I believe that

they stole our original design.

No way!

All our employees and craftsmen know that.

Just ask them.

I get that small businesses have it tough

but refrain from accusations!

When you had dinner with Kazuya

you offered to support development by adding those costs

to the regular payments, right?

No.

We occasionally had drinks after work

but never discussed such a thing.

However

after this dinner, the price per deal did go up.

This is proof you were supporting them.

You got reports on the development this way

and stole the invention.

- Not at all. - Then why

does Makita Lumber have such a strikingly similar design?

It happens a lot in this industry.

Maybe they came up with a similar product

but we completed it first.

At any rate

we raised the transaction price

because we wanted to help

with Makita Lumber's management difficulties.

We actually know their business situation well

and we've been giving them various jobs to help them!

Now we're getting repaid with betrayal!

- It was all your idea! - Kazuya!

Since you insist it was invented by your company

I'll ask about the insulation panel.

Tell us about the idea

that led to this invention.

Over the past few years

our company has been researching minerals

with special properties.

We thought we could bring about huge innovation

by combining the flame resistance of these minerals with wood

and the heat-generation of fibers.

Tell us about some struggles that occurred during development.

There weren't any major struggles.

We understood the structure and mechanism

so we just steadily worked toward the goal.

Cut the crap.

We've been researching this since I was a kid

and we finally completed it.

No struggles?

Quit mocking us already!

Order!

Please refrain from irregular statements.

Is that enough?

If you want to hear about the development,

I can answer as much as you like.

Plaintiff, any other questions?

If not, we'll begin questioning Makita Kazuhiko.

Is he here?

If he's not coming, then we'll close court for today.

Is that all right with you, plaintiff?

Plaintiff.

What do you say?

I'm terribly late.

The delayed witness has arrived!

Tell us about those loan sharks.

What use would that do?

I'll settle

your debt.

Then will you come

to the trial?

IOU

Please call whoever is in charge.

I don't recommend this.

Something wrong?

I'm from a law firm.

The outrageous interest you're charging Makita Kazuhiko...

I've come to get it nullified.

We don't want any trouble.

You know about the Money Lending Act, right?

This is a blatant violation.

Don't you get it?

Look around you.

If you don't shut up, you'll get hurt.

First off, unregistered lending isn't permitted

and interest over the legal limit

is illegal too, obviously.

Calm down! This is self-defense!

Unregistered lending can result

in up to ten years in prison

or a fine of up to 30 million yen!

Usury is up to five years in prison or a fine of up to ten million yen!

So...

What's it going to be?

- Are you okay? - Yes.

Kazuhiko.

Please explain how you came up with the insulation panel.

We were having a bonfire

when Kazuya was a kid.

That's when he noticed

there was some wood that wasn't burning.

That's when

I started thinking

maybe we could make insulation out of wood.

So you began development back when Kazuya was a child?

Yes.

Then once my son grew up

we worked on it together.

In other words

the origin of this invention lies with you and your son

correct?

Objection!

That's blatant leading.

There's no evidence proving when development started.

I'll submit it later, since I just got my hands on it today

but as new evidence

I present this research diary.

Kazuhiko.

Is this the research diary you kept

while developing the insulation panel?

Yes.

It's the one I've been writing in every day for over 20 years.

I think it records the process of completing the design

along with the dates.

This is the same question I asked the defendant earlier

but could you tell us about the struggles you faced

in developing the insulation panel?

Struggles?

Indeed

there were a lot.

For example, with the mix of wood and minerals

depending on the percentages

and what temperature you press it at

the final product changes completely.

If you increase the mineral ratio

to make it less flammable, it won't solidify

and if you raise the press temperature to fix that

it ends up cracking instead.

Another big challenge

was figuring out how to make it generate heat

only during cold seasons.

I tweaked the material

so water vapor could pass through properly

based on the temperature.

I got input from my son on that, too.

It wouldn't work

if it was too thick

or too thin.

So I had to redo it

over and over again.

And as a result of all that effort

when did you complete it?

I'll never forget.

It was 2018.

June 10.

You can prove that, can't you?

Of course.

The date the design was finished

is written right there in the research diary.

JUNE 10, 2018, KAZUHIKO & KAZUYA

This is the evidence.

That wraps up my questioning.

That was so nerve-racking!

You saved us.

I was just protecting our technology.

It's not yours.

Kazuhiko.

Your son has protected this company.

Why not thank him?

What can I say at this point?

Don't bother.

Hearing something you don't really mean

would just annoy me.

Boss!

It's time to tell him the truth.

Quiet, Kawashima!

I can't keep it in anymore!

You made a promise!

Kazuya.

Your dad...

protected my dad.

That's why he disappeared.

What?

What do you mean?

My old man loved gambling.

He was a total idiot.

He got in deep with those loan sharks

and racked up debt.

Kazuhiko

ended up becoming

the guarantor for that debt.

The two of them

were classmates, after all.

Despite all that

your dad told me to stick around and work like normal.

He told me to look after you, Kazuya.

I'm sorry.

Your dad did what he did

to protect the company.

To keep the yakuza away

he lived away, all alone.

Disappearing is still disappearing.

I caused you trouble.

I can't change that fact.

You forget about all this.

Goodbye.

Won't you work together again?

Why not?

You should work together again!

It just so happens...

that I'm looking for a craftsman

who knows insulation.

Finding one would be hard work.

Want to help out?

I'd be happy to.

President.

Thank goodness!

You're removing me from every post?

Yes.

I'm sorry, but I have to.

But...

Isn't that a bit--

Rumors are spreading everywhere that we lost the Meet Housing trial.

You've seriously damaged the firm's reputation.

- T-That's because-- - We only need winners here.

You can go now.

What's with that face, Uzaki?

You look so creepy, grinning like that.

Well...

I was just thinking we make a great team.

Mr. Todoroki, I think Uzaki might be getting a bit too confident.

That's fine, isn't it?

He's becoming a little more like the lawyers at our firm.

Maybe just a little.

Mr. Todoroki.

I think I'm glad I joined.

Uzaki, we might not feel the same.

Don't say that, Inoo.

You're getting cheeky.

- I'm your senior. - Don't be so uptight, Inoo.

PEACE LAW FIRM, TOMA TAKAIDO

Why did you assign Uzaki?

It's a kind of off-site training.

Impersonate an employee?

A tax audit can be called a psychological battle.

This could bring down Otobe.

Win, whatever it takes.

It's a chance to go after the mayor

that was involved in covering up the bus accident.

Translated by: Zacarias Hicks