Original subtitles

What is this?

LAWLESS LAWYERS, THE TRUTH!

We've been had.

This is from the club.

I got the evidence!

You're really laying into him there.

Where's Takaido?

Where has Takaido gone

Mr. Todoroki?

I'm heading to the client's place.

Mr. Todoroki!

Actually, there's a case I'd like you to join.

Okay.

I'm sure they'll be thrilled too.

LAWLESS LAWYERS, THE TRUTH!

Honey.

What's the meaning of this article?

Well, this is...

We hired you because we trusted you.

Magazines like these make up all sorts of things.

Can we really keep you on?

Of course. It won't affect the trial.

In any case, I want to know the truth.

Please leave it to me.

A disciplinary claim?

Talk about adding insult to injury.

Does this mean...

The harshest penalty is disbarment.

You'd lose your license for three years.

It wouldn't go that far, right?

Inciting citizens to sue

and obtaining evidence through illegal means.

If they take this at face value, who knows what they'll decide.

The claimant is Attorney Senga.

I've never heard of a lawyer filing a claim themselves.

You're totally on their hit list.

That bastard!

What happens now?

The Ethics Committee investigates. If they deem it warrants discipline

it goes to the Disciplinary Board.

What about Mayor Otobe's trial?

We'll wrap it up before this ruling comes down.

That guy, Senga, chose this timing on purpose.

Things are getting interesting now.

THE OUTLAWS OF THE LAW

Uzaki.

I get that you have things to say about Takaido.

But focus on the Otobe trial for now.

Okay.

The late Matsubara Chisato

was working for Minato City as the mayor's secretary.

But a year ago, she was suddenly transferred

to a department called the Special Support Policy Division.

And after that, she committed suicide at home.

So with her family as plaintiffs

we filed a national compensation claim against Minato City

along with a damages suit against Mayor Otobe.

Suing the mayor directly

means he was connected somehow, right?

A month before she died

Matsubara told her parents she felt isolated at City Hall.

She said it was because she'd angered the mayor.

"Angered the mayor"? What does that mean?

I don't know.

There's no evidence to back it up.

We need a testimony from the inside?

Yes.

But it's a government office. A tough nut to crack.

MINATO CITY HALL

The Special Support Policy Division was created

right around when Matsubara was transferred, wasn't it?

Yes It might have been.

I'm not sure though.

What kind of work did they do specifically?

I heard it's a division that provides support for crop damage and stuff.

You know, with all the heavy rain lately...

Hey.

I don't know anything beyond that.

Do you have business with our staff?

I'm Kotani, the secretarial chief.

It seems you've been going around asking questions lately

but please direct your inquiries to PR.

Sorry about that.

What happened to Matsubara was truly unfortunate.

However, none of the things you're alleging are true.

Please leave.

Mr. Todoroki says that secretarial chief has everyone under a gag order.

She seems intense.

What?

Oh, nothing.

I guess we really need a testimony from the inside.

Takaido would be really handy at times like these.

If only Takaido was here instead...

- So intense! - Takaido!

Takaido.

Takaido?

Assigning the lawyer you poached against us? That's low.

But I know what you're like, Senga.

What?

I thought it would give you an advantage.

I mean, this might be your last trial as a lawyer.

Thank you for the courtesy.

What the hell!

I knew you'd react like this.

Why is that guy on the enemy side?

And why did he quit so suddenly?

Lawyers switch firms if they get a good offer.

But we're not like that, right?

We're nothing but individuals who have gathered

for our own reasons.

But...

He didn't even talk to us about it?

He wouldn't consult you anyway.

Hey.

Why did you sell us out?

What do you mean?

Don't play dumb, the magazine!

Only you had that picture.

It's that firm that's shady as hell.

Why quit without saying anything?

And then switch to the enemy's side...

That's so lame.

"Lame"?

Getting scouted by a big firm is lame?

Are you jealous or something?

Otobe

might have driven Matsubara to suicide.

Why are you defending a guy like that?

What? That's what lawyers do.

What if she was lying?

Or just paranoia? Then we're the victims here.

Are you serious right now?

Don't assume that what you see is the only justice out there.

Anyway

you'll never win as things stand.

Regarding the passing of Matsubara Chisato

I offer my deepest condolences.

As for the ongoing lawsuit

we will handle it appropriately.

Lawyers showed up here again?

Yes, seems they've been asking around.

Don't let the staff say anything unnecessary.

I know.

There's an election this year.

Keep things under control.

Matsubara helped me out with flood measures for the fields.

I can't believe

she passed away so young.

Did you notice anything different about her than before?

I'm not sure.

She was always cheerful and nice.

Oh, but...

Once, while we were talking, she suddenly started crying.

She started crying?

She said she was fine

but her department was just her alone, wasn't it?

She probably had a lot piling up.

REPRESENTATIVE CHANGE REQUEST

This makes five cases.

- Six, actually. - What?

That inheritance case I ignited...

The client wants to drop it after all.

That one too?

Ever since that article, cases are dropping like flies.

Bad rumors alone scare clients away.

That bastard Senga's seriously trying to crush us.

I'm back.

How did it go?

Matsubara had a good reputation with the locals.

But she was handling everything by herself

so she seemed pretty stressed.

Sudden transfer from the Secretarial Division.

Overwhelming workload.

Otobe must've had some grudge against her.

Workplace bullying cases are on the rise

but proving the facts is tough.

Yes, we really need a witness from the inside.

That secretarial chief.

She was Matsubara's boss, wasn't she?

She's the mayor's right-hand woman.

No way we'll crack a person like that.

- Are you Mr. Matsubara? - Hello?

We're from Weekly People.

That article mentioned you're using that shady lawyer. Why is that?

Some personal connection?

What is this all of a sudden? There is no personal connection.

What about the case?

Some say the late Ms. Matsubara had issues of her own. What do you think?

Excuse me? What do you mean by that?

Word around City Hall is she was quick to scream harassment.

As her parent, does that ring true?

The heck is your deal?

My daughter was the victim!

Now leave!

- And the questioning will be smooth? - Yes.

Yes. Just answer as we rehearsed.

Very good.

The article turned out well too.

We're doing everything we can

snce the election is so soon.

My third term's on the line.

Who else could lead this city, if not me?

I'm the only one who can keep the council in check.

You're exactly right.

No way I'm letting some employee's nonsense get in the way.

You do this a lot?

These kinds of tactics.

They are very effective.

Impressive.

Takaido

one creates the facts they can.

Just watch.

See how I do things.

Understood.

I'll go collect some usable testimonies from City Hall.

- Counting on you. - Okay.

Mayor, about that article earlier...

Is there a problem?

No.

I've already told the press club not to follow up on the trial.

End this ridiculous trial already.

Understood.

They want to drop the lawsuit?

Mr. Matsubara told us.

Why? We've come this far.

Lately, articles attacking Chisato have been popping up.

They're worried that continuing the trial

will just ramp up the slander against her.

Where's Mr. Todoroki?

He got called to the Ethics Committee.

We'll now begin the proceedings.

You're Todoroki Kenjiro from Peace Law Firm, correct?

I am.

Yes.

The hearing has been set for the 22nd.

I'll proceed with preparations.

Okay.

Hey, dear.

Does this mean we lost the trial?

What are we going to do about this compensation?

Hey!

This is just... What do we do?

Hey.

Was this article your doing too?

So what if it was?

Quit playing dirty.

Wasn't it Mr. Todoroki who taught us to win by any means necessary?

Did you switch offices just to pull stuff like this?

Is this why you became a lawyer?

Man, you're persistent! Why can't you mind your own business?

You don't know a damn thing, do you?

Of course I'm persistent.

We're friends.

Whatever. Just stay out of my way.

Mr. Matsubara. Nice to meet you.

I'm Uzaki from Peace Law Firm.

Sorry

but can't you hear me out?

What happened to Mr. Todoroki?

Todoroki

has some stuff going on.

Please talk to me instead.

I believe I said I'm dropping the lawsuit.

Why is that?

Don't you want to expose the reason Chisato died through the trial--

Why does Chisato's dignity have to get hurt in the process?

That's...

Please leave.

As a city employee, Chisato supported many local people.

Everyone told me

that they were helped by Chisato.

When it rains, the road overflows and cars can't pass.

This is a road you all use.

I'll try applying for a subsidy to get it repaired!

- Really? - Yes.

- Sorry about all this. - Not at all.

Let me know if you have any other problems.

- You're a lifesaver. See you. - Goodbye.

She made time for everyone.

- Hey, Matsubara! - Yes?

- Can we talk with you too? - Of course.

It's hot today, isn't it?

She listened to each and every person.

Got it! I'll let them know.

Why would someone like Chisato

take her own life?

I want to know the truth too.

I somehow got him to continue with the lawsuit.

But what now? It's still looking pretty bad.

I've got one more card up my sleeve.

Welcome, Takashima.

Why have you dragged me here? You...

Go ahead, take a seat.

I came because you said we could talk about the compensation.

Takashima

you and Mayor Otobe were classmates since elementary school, right?

You two seem pretty tight even now.

Yes, we're old classmates.

So what?

Ever heard of Matsubara Chisato, Otobe's former secretary?

She must've been his favorite.

Rings a bell?

About that lawsuit... You'll think about a settling, right?

Before expecting anything in return, how about showing some sincerity?

And it's

"Won't you please think about settling?" Right?

Understood.

Kotani.

What is it? Ambushing me like this...

Weren't you Matsubara's boss when she was in the Secretarial Division?

You'll have to go through public relations.

Didn't Matsubara consult you about something involving the mayor?

He told me that he asked out a secretary

and she nearly reported him for it.

Even though he'd looked out for her.

Must've been about a year ago.

Isn't this why the mayor started holding a grudge against Matsubara?

Whose voice is that anyway?

You think I'd believe a story like that?

Please.

Could you testify as a witness for the plaintiff?

What are you saying?

I work for City Hall.

That's why I'm asking you.

Why did Matsubara, who worked her ass off as a city employee

decide to kill herself?

Don't you feel anything at all?

Like I said, I don't know anything!

That line again.

Everyone at City Hall says they don't know anything.

If you were friends working in the same place

there's no way you don't know something!

At this rate, it's like Matsubara never even existed.

Excuse me.

According to the petition

you had a lawyer from your office

commit an act of violence to obtain evidence.

Do you have any comments on that?

We're in a real pinch this time, aren't we?

We've no choice but to play the cards we've got.

Mr. Matsubara

tell us about Chisato's condition just before she passed away.

She was coming home late every day

her face looked vacant, and she barely said a word.

When did this start?

After she was transferred to the new department.

But there were signs something was off even before that.

You mean when she was working as Mayor Otobe's secretary?

Yes.

Did Chisato ever talk to you about issues at work?

About a month before her passing

she cried and said she felt totally isolated at City Hall.

Did you ask her why?

She said it was because she'd angered the mayor.

But we couldn't get anything more out of her.

If only we'd listened to her more back then.

Then maybe this never would've happened.

Mr. Matsubara, you told us

that Chisato talked to you about work issues.

Why didn't you press her for details at the time?

That's because Chisato wouldn't say any more about it.

Maybe you and Chisato weren't really the type to open up to each other?

Sorry?

Let me rephrase.

Was there ever a time when Chisato was stressed about her relationship

with you as her stepfather?

What do you mean by that?

I hear Chisato ran away from home twice

during junior high and high school

because of issues with you.

Yes, that did happen.

But that's all in the past now.

And that's not all.

During Chisato's early childhood, you were reported to child services.

The reason was for neglect

as her stepfather.

That was...

- I didn't know about this. - Right.

You're claiming Chisato's suicide was because of her job

but is that really the only reason?

Are you trying to say it's my fault Chisato died?

Sure, our relationship had some rough patches

but I love Chisato.

Don't you just want to believe

that the problem was her work?

Or perhaps your lawyer put you up to it?

As reported in the tabloids, the plaintiff's lawyer

is known for stirring up ordinary citizens to start disputes.

Isn't this just another case

where he made up some bogus reason

and pushed you to sue for the payout?

Your Honor!

The tabloid reports have no relation to this case.

Would the defense please stick to questions relevant to the case?

Excuse me.

That's all from me.

I'm Takaido, representing the defense.

Kotani, you were Matsubara's boss in the Secretarial Division, right?

I was.

I heard Matsubara really looked up to you as a boss.

Before she passed away

did she ever come to you with any work-related concerns?

No, she didn't.

What about any frustrations or issues in her new department?

No, she didn't mention anything.

I see.

Allow me to change the question.

Back in the Secretarial Division

did Matsubara ever consult with you about anything?

Yes.

Was it about her parents?

No, it wasn't.

It wasn't?

What do you mean by that?

What Matsubara consulted with me about was...

Mayor Otobe.

In her Secretarial Division days

Matsubara was being sexually harassed by the mayor.

- No way! - What was that?

What?

She tried to report it through internal channels

and that's when she became the mayor's target.

What?

What are you saying!

At the time

I was the first person Matsubara came to for advice.

The mayor? Is that true?

Yes.

Mayor, I'm looking forward to the business trip that starts tomorrow.

The secretarial team and I are set to catch the 8:30 a.m. bullet train.

About that, the secretarial team isn't coming anymore.

What? Both of them?

That's right.

It's just you and me now.

Excuse me

but what's going on?

You're not a child. You know what this means.

Hold on a second. What are you talking about?

Why do you think I'm bringing you on this trip?

You said you wanted me to learn a bunch of things.

That's right.

I have high hopes for you.

So think it over

very carefully

for the sake of your career.

I'm thinking about

reporting this to the harassment hotline.

- Report the mayor? - Yes.

I simply

can't forgive this.

The next month, Matsubara was suddenly transferred

to the newly created Special Support Policy Division.

Where the hell is my subsidy?

You have to apply first and pass the review--

That will take too long!

What's the point of this desk!

My apologies.

And there, she was saddled with tasks that no single person could handle.

- Let's go drinking today! - Yes!

Well...

could we maybe split some of the work?

Well, this is work for the Support Policy Division.

Sorry!

- Yes, but-- - Look, I'm busy here. Sorry.

The staff around Matsubara avoided helping her

so they didn't draw the mayor's attention.

I think

that's how Matsubara was crushed.

Kotani! What are you blabbing about!

Kotani! Perjury is a serious crime!

What's going on?

It's getting interesting.

Kotani, why bring this up all of a sudden?

That's because

I was the one who covered up her internal report.

Hold on, why would you need to do something like that?

It was...

on the mayor's orders.

At City Hall, all internal reports about the mayor

were routed straight to him.

I never did anything like that!

Make her stop right now!

If I'd believed Matsubara

and been on her side...

I'm sorry!

I'm so sorry!

Your Honor! The witness is confused from extreme stress!

Takaido, make her stop!

Matsubara always talked about her family so happily.

And yet...

I really am so sorry!

Order!

This has kind of...

Turned into something incredible.

A stunning last-minute comeback.

Takaido!

What the hell was that?

"What was that"?

- Still not figured it out? - What?

Takaido Manufacturing.

You don't remember?

Such a small company...

14 years ago

a small factory went bankrupt after being saddled with huge damages

because a client pinned product defects on them.

Thanks to the evidence you fabricated in court.

Your Honor, this is data

from safety tests Aleysia conducted on their own after the fire incident.

According to this, multiple errors were reported

in the fire detection sensors delivered by Takaido Manufacturing.

That can't be!

They definitely cleared the tests!

Isn't it possible that

since you were rushing delivery, your company fudged the data?

No one at our place would do something like that!

This has to be some mistake!

The sensors Takaido Manufacturing delivered

definitely cleared the safety tests.

"One creates the facts they can."

Isn't that right?

Same thing back then...

You fabricated evidence, didn't you?

You...

You're the kid...

Took you long enough to notice.

Well, don't suppose you'd remember the kid of some loser in a trial.

Did you get Kotani to spill everything?

This isn't some emotional revenge for my parents or anything.

I'm doing this for me.

You...

You won't get away with this!

That's my line.

Hey.

Don't underestimate

a small business.

CAREER ASPFIRATION SURVEY

Welcome back.

- Oh, Toma. You're home already. - Yes.

Dad.

I've decided to skip university after all.

Why?

I told you I'd handle the fees somehow.

I'm going to become a lawyer.

A lawyer?

Yes.

You can do it without university

if you pass the prelim exam.

I don't want more people

to end up like you, Dad.

KAMURO LAW OFFICE JOB OPENING

Job hunting already?

You again?

Did you come to rub it in?

You got Kotani to tell the truth, didn't you?

No. She did that of her own accord.

I see.

- Is that what you came to ask? - No.

- Come back to the firm. - What?

Are you joking?

I'm not the type to tell jokes.

No way a guy who straight-up betrayed his friends can come back.

What's so funny?

You do think we're friends!

I didn't mean it like that.

Sure, our firm isn't exactly normal

but

we truly believe

that what we do is justice.

Well, we sometimes go too far.

All right.

- Fine. I'll come back if you want. - Hm?

Hang on.

What's all this "if you want"?

Why's it like you're doing me a favor?

Never mind that.

You said something to Kotani, didn't you?

What? Did I?

I just need to answer according to this script?

Yes. If you would.

Understood.

Kotani.

One more thing.

Yes?

You knew, didn't you?

About the sexual harassment of Matsubara.

What are you talking about?

Gathering info is my specialty.

As defense counsel, I could ask around City Hall freely.

Why did you pretend it never happened?

Were you scared of becoming the mayor's next target?

What is all this?

I heard.

Back when you were a junior in accounting

you suffered workplace bullying.

Matsubara, troubled by her relationship with the mayor

must have first turned to you, her superior.

But you covered it up to protect yourself.

Is this

how you also made Matsubara disappear?

At this rate, it's like Matsubara never even existed.

Takaido.

I think I want...

to tell the truth in the witness questioning.

The opposing lawyer said it too.

"At this rate, it's like Matsubara never even existed."

I should have known better than anyone

how painful it is to become invisible at work.

And yet

I did nothing for her.

Whatever.

Hey, we're about to open, so you pay for drinks tonight.

You should be paying for me in this situation!

But you're the senior, right?

You've never once thought of me as your senior.

True. But you are though.

If you've never thought it, then I'm not paying for you.

Hey, there.

Everyone...

I'm sorry.

Is your rebellious phase over?

So many cases fell through

so we need to ignite some more.

But

what about the disciplinary claim?

"Review deemed inappropriate."

"Not sent to the Disciplinary Board."

It was you, right?

You submitted the club video to the committee.

And just look...

This is clearly self-defense.

Come on!

Don't be screenshotting weird parts.

Wait, what about our igniting?

Affidavits.

The previous plaintiffs wrote

that no such thing took place.

I see.

All right! This proves our firm

is safe, reliable, and superb!

Superb!

Let's find some cases!

It's not really safe and reliable though.

- What? - What?

Why isn't anyone saying anything?

Seems like you're hiding something...

You totally ignited me, Mt. Todoroki.

Don't play dumb.

You left it there on purpose, right? The past trial records.

So I'd find out that the opposing lawyer

in the trial my dad lost was Senga.

TAKAIDO MANUFACTURING DAMAGES CASE

LAWYER: SENGA KOICHI

I wasn't the lawyer in charge.

There's no way I'd have the trial records.

You do whatever it takes.

I don't know what you're talking about.

You went too far this time, you know?

What?

I was worried I'd end up unemployed.

Well, I learned "going too far" from you.

What? I taught you that?

- Yes. - To you?

You did.

Is Mayor Otobe in?

Excuse me, but do you have an appointment?

Tell him it's Peace Law Firm. He should understand.

I've brought them, Mayor.

Sorry for barging in suddenly.

What do you want with me, the opposition?

The verdict hasn't come out yet.

With the witness's revelation the other day

the outcome seems decided.

Actually

we have a proposal.

A settlement?

Yes.

If you accept a few conditions

we're prepared to settle.

What are those conditions?

One condition

is compensation to the bereaved family.

The other...

Do you remember the bus accident that happened in this city

five years ago?

The accident attributed to the driver's negligence.

We know the police and Minato City covered up the truth.

Why hide the truth?

Why do you want to know?

My daughter

died in that accident.

Tell me what you're hiding!

This is why

we've come all this way!

Now I understand.

Let me tell you.

You've got it all wrong.

I'm not the big boss here.

Group molestation?

It's getting spread around like crazy right now.

Maybe we can help Mari.

We will catch Kuroda.

We are not beings that are scarred for life.

Translated by: Zacarias Hicks