Original subtitles

THE HUMAN VAPOR (GASU NINGEN DAIICHIGO)

This is police car 25 to headquarters. This is police car 25 to headquarters.

We've located the getaway car with license plate number 3755 and are in pursuit, over.

Car number 25. Car number 25. What is your location, over.

We are currently traveling on highway one outside of Ichimaru.

This is completely unbelievable.

It's hard to believe...

- He got away with only 50,000 yen? - That's what I heard.

Alright, let's take care of this murderer.

Sorry about that!

- We're closing in on him! - Right! Keep going!

That's strange...

He couldn't have gone far after a crash like that. He has to be close by.

There's a house.

- Hey. - Yes.

- Jiya! - Yes.

Who would be calling at this hour?

Sorry to disturb you at this hour.

What can I help you with, officer?

An automobile just had an accident near here.

Does the car belong to anyone here?

Neither my lady or myself own a car.

Did anyone come by here recently?

No, we prefer not to have anyone else here besides the two of us.

The two of us have been home alone all day.

How could he have disappeared?

- Right into thin air. - What?

It happened just like it did at the bank.

I bet I would never let the robber escape.

Not if I were a policeman and had a gun like you do.

I'll tell that to the superintendent.

Cases have been solved by journalists before.

The authorities are on top of the bank heist.

We've solved plenty of cases. Our desk editor expects us to be thorough with every story.

That may be so. The press believes it's easy to find someone who is a vital witness to a case.

How about the car that was used in the getaway?

It was a bank car.

- Were there footprints around the car? - The only footprints found were ours.

Fingerprints?

We found lots of those, all over the car.

So then...?

Useless... They all belong to the bank employees.

- It could have been an inside job. - I'd be surprised if it was.

It doesn't take a detective for that.

Cars don't drive away by themselves. The robber had to know where to get one.

Not every case is as simple as that.

Hey, this could be your chance to get ahead.

I'll have to remember that, so long as you don't beat me to the punch.

If I were a policeman instead of a reporter, I wouldn't let this case get away.

Be sure to let me know when you solve it.

Don't worry. It will be in the papers, and then you'll know.

Thanks for coming. I always appreciate the additional guards during times like these.

How about your alarm system?

Yes, we test it everyday to make sure it works.

How about the bill count?

We don't count the total number of bills, but we always check that the total is correct.

Oh, really?

- Well, that's all I need to know. Thanks. - Thank you.

The safe!

- The safe alarm! - The safe? Stay calm! Don't move!

Halt!

Halt!

Halt!

Yes, this is Okamoto.

Alright, tell everyone not to touch anything.

Okay? We'll be over there shortly.

The Sanzoku Bank in Nakano!

The police.

- Thank you for coming. - Thank you.

- Is he dead? - We're not sure.

- You're not sure?! - Yes, the door was closed.

Yes, he was in there when we found him.

We hurried to rescue him, but we couldn't get in.

The guards aren't able to open the gate.

This bank doesn’t carry a spare key.

- He's the only one with the key? - Yes, it's for his own safety.

Our main branch holds on to the spare key.

It won't be long before the spare gets here. They're bringing it over right away.

Sorry to keep you waiting. I brought the spare key you need for the door.

He suffocated.

This clerk had the only means to get in here, so how did the robber get in or out?

If this is the only key available, dust it for fingerprints.

I want you to check with the police again for any leads.

They don't have any leads. They hope to find some on this new case.

- What, they don't have a lead? - Yes.

That can't be right!

If it were me, and I had the chance... I'd pursue them relentlessly!

Okay, write me a story about how the police have no leads in this case.

They won't be able to make a fuss over it unless they can prove us wrong.

If I had the case, I'd pursue Okamoto for the truth.

Don't be so cocky. I've been around him long enough to know when he's telling the truth.

With a man like him, I doubt the police will have trouble finding a lead.

Hello? Yes... Oh, just a moment. Here.

Yes? Yes, it's me.

Yes, I'd love to go!

Hey, hey! I'll need your story by 7:00 tonight.

I'll follow the orders you gave me. I'm meeting with Okamoto to get a lead.

How's the case going? Have you solved it? I want you to tell me all about it!

Hold on a second!

Kyoko, do you know anything unusual about a dancer by the name of Fujichiya Kasuga?

Are you going to talk about the case?

Of course I'm going to tell you. Tell me this, first.

She's from a very distinguished family, unlike us.

Is she a popular dancer?

Don't you know how wealthy she is?

If she's so wealthy, why does she live so simply?

It's probably because Fujichiya hasn't danced in a while.

- She hasn't been dancing? - What's the matter with you?!

She hasn't danced in public for a while now.

Why doesn’t she hold any performances?

In reality, it has to do with her parents and grandparents.

They won't let her perform? Are you certain that what you're telling me about her is true?

Well, that's all I know.

I remembered something I have to do. Wait for me, huh? Just for a bit, okay?

Hello, desk? It's me. Open the files we have on Fujichiya Kasuga.

Find out about her old boyfriends and any other unusual things. Yes. Thank you.

Oh, Okamoto.

We finally received the autopsy report.

Although I'm not sure it's correct.

Something suffocated the victim.

Something...?

I'm not sure what it is.

What, you don't know?

We did a complete sweep of the crime scene, but we can't figure out what caused it.

Damn, it seems totally impossible!

Hey, buddy!

This guy's good. He's pulled off two robberies and we don't have any clues!

We don't have much to go on, huh?

We couldn't find a single lead. It really has me concerned.

I don't have much knowledge of science, but I suspect Fujichiya is involved.

Why?

Fujichiya's residence is near the crash. It's too coincidental.

This Fujichiya lives near the accident site?

This woman, she works as a dancer.

Now that I think about it, it makes a little sense.

Fujichiya comes from a wealthy family...

...so she's use to having a lifestyle higher than she has now.

Due to certain circumstances...

...she no longer performs in public, and the money eventually runs out.

I'm sure Fujichiya would do anything to get back on her feet financially.

I can't see how she could pull off the bank robberies.

To pull it off, she would need someone's assistance.

Well, I'd like to question her about the crime scene.

Question her? You're barking up the wrong tree!

Well, don't worry about her. Don't beat yourself up over it.

To Kasuga's, right? Get in.

I have a meeting with Fujichiya as well.

Your attitude to this case is unforgivable.

It's a ride. Don't want it?

I'll say it again. Don't get involved in my case.

A person like you could get hurt or...

Good afternoon. Is this Fujichiya's car?

Yes, it is.

Sorry to keep you waiting. She was just on the telephone.

Pleased to meet you. I'd like an opportunity to interview you.

What do you want with me?

Yes, well... When will this year's recital be?

I hope to give a recital next month.

An announcement will be given to the press.

Where do you plan on holding the event?

I'm not quite sure about that. I am currently booking a theater for it.

- Will you perform alone? - Yes, mostly.

- Mostly? - A supporting company.

May I write that?

I wish you wouldn't. It's not definite.

It would really do well for your publicity.

I would prefer that you didn't write it.

Will you let me know when it's definite?

If an announcement is made, I can't say that it will be released to the general public.

It was a pleasure to meet you. Thank you.

How about that ride?

- Get going! - Okay!

Really! I see she has a pretty home for someone living so simply.

Anyone could jump to a conclusion like that!

Hey!

How about it? That's a pretty expensive car she's got.

- You're saying that car is hers? - That's right.

She just bought it new this morning. She's also working on giving a recital.

Hey, it costs a lot to rent a theater for a recital. That's what I've heard.

I can't see how she could manage it.

She'd have to rob a lot of banks in Japan for that money, that's my guess.

How did you come up with that interesting theory?

I don't think her father would approve.

That's not surprising. What a break!

Do you understand that this is a police matter?

I'm just observing the developments.

This isn't a joke! You're just a journalist.

You can't print any of your suspicions until the investigation is complete.

Go ahead, investigate. You're the detective.

Hey! You may have gotten that information, but you certainly didn't get it on your own.

How do you like my investigation?

- It's not perfect, however... - She got a hold of some wealth, right?

I got that from the new car.

That lady's hiding something. I could tell that from our little interview.

She was too sincere.

Alright. This isn't a normal criminal investigation.

Your interference could cause trouble.

This time, don't make a move without me.

Really?

I want to stay with the investigation. I think I have as much a right as you do.

You think.

I'm capable of finding as much as you.

You shouldn't shut me out because I'm a journalist.

Those at police headquarters don't believe Fujichiya's part of the problem.

They're too wrapped up in official business to check.

In order to solve this case, it's best that we cooperate.

It's the public library, huh?

I'm not sure how this connects with the robberies.

You can't leave me!

I didn't make any promises. You can't expect me to honor what wasn't agreed.

- Kasuga? - Yes?

Here are the prints you requested.

That last lady with the big book, what was it?

It's a book of ancient songs, but...

I'm just curious, that's all.

And you are...?

I didn't mean to worry you.

She's one of Japan's famous dancers. Her name is Fujichiya Kasuga.

That much I know.

She comes here quite often and stays long hours studying our ancient engravings.

She stopped here at house number twelve.

I'll find out who lives there.

You know that I would work with you anytime.

I have many pupils to train this year...

...and it has unfortunately filled up my schedule completely.

Why don't you wait a little longer, say a couple of months, before you try to dance again?

You need more time to regain your health.

I will pay you 200,000 yen for you to perform.

For that performance?

You don't need to... I'll do it! I'll do it!

Well, what a pleasure to have you in our home again.

It's been so long. We've missed you and we talk about you all the time.

I hope he's told you how glad we are to see you again.

Darling, a moment...?

Anyway, please take back your money.

- So, you're still following that dancer? - Yes, I'm tailing her.

- She's going to give a recital, huh? - She just hired a troupe in Ikebukuro.

Well, I'm sure she'll draw a crowd.

Yes.

You know, renting a theater costs 5,000,000 yen.

What other expenses are involved in a recital?

Fujichiya will need about 10,000,000 yen in total to do it.

Musicians, costumes, the theater and scenery require a large sum of money to assemble.

She couldn't do all that without the help of some wealthy benefactor.

Who's her sponsor?

I've asked a lot of good patrons, but nobody seems to know who it is.

Alright, I see. Let's find out where she got that money. Keep on top of it.

Hello?

Somebody! Set up the tape recorder! It's someone claiming to be the bank robber!

Don't waste your time. It's probably a lunatic.

He says he'll only speak to the editor. You'll have to take the message for him.

Hello? Sorry to keep you waiting. The editor's coming to the desk and will be with you shortly.

- Hello? - Are you the editor?

Yes, I am.

Tomorrow, 3 pm, the Kyodo Bank in Shinjuku will be robbed.

Do you understand why I'm telling you this?

Why?

I want to be certain you'll print this story.

- Where are you now? - That information is not important.

I wanted you on the phone so you could warn the bank's staff of what's going to happen.

I have nothing against the employees, so I don't want to hurt them.

If they cooperate with me, I assure you not a single person will be hurt.

Hey, print what I said on the telephone. I don't want them to make any mistakes.

Hello? Hello?!

Three o'clock has passed, huh?

That guy must have been a crackpot.

I'm not so sure.

But if he wanted to rob the bank, he'd be here by now.

I don't need you to tell me! I heard what he said to the press.

Well, well... I think we caught the guys responsible for robbing the banks.

Damn!

Now, with your cooperation, we've managed to catch the bandits.

You caught them?

He couldn't be caught!

They say they caught them.

But isn't there a chance they're still in danger?

You've got them now, it's your problem.

- Hello? - Are you the editor?

Yes, I am.

Tomorrow, 3 pm, the Kyodo Bank in Shinjuku will be robbed.

Do you understand why I'm telling you this?

Why?

I want to be certain you'll print this story.

That's enough. You've got me.

Well, listen a little more. The best is yet to come.

I wanted you on the phone so you could warn the bank's staff of what's going to happen.

I have nothing against the employees, so I don't want to hurt them.

If they cooperate with me, I assure you not a single person will be hurt.

This conversation between you two was just given to the police from the press.

We have a strong case against you.

Convict me, then.

Where is the money?

Money? Didn't the police take it with them?

Don't be coy!

What did you do with the money from the other robberies?

What makes you think that I have any money left?

Tell us where you hid the 56,000,000!

I won't talk if you're going to treat me like that!

How much did you spend on luxuries?

Did you send it out to be laundered?

Gambling at the races?

Hey, tell us where you hid it.

How about we go over it again?

We've solved the case of Fujichiya. How about that?

That's a joke because this case was solved too perfectly.

I know about the man you caught.

The prosecutors say they have a full confession.

You didn't see this guy confess. There wasn't any regret in it.

The case is solved. I thought you'd be happy.

- I want it solved. - You don't act like it!

You have all this evidence supporting the case, yet you don't think he did it.

It's the cop in me. I don't like it when all the chips fall too conveniently.

You have to be sure of every minute detail.

Hey, you want to know what I think doesn't fit?

What?

He was dumb enough to alert the police of his intentions.

The first time the police were involved, they failed to find any clues.

He got cocky and now he's landed himself in jail.

And you don't find that peculiar?

When you really think about it, it still doesn't explain how Fujichiya got a hold of that money.

Maybe she sat down with her father and asked him for it.

If her father lent her the money for her sake, he's a supportive parent!

Alright. Think that way.

Welcome.

I've got urgent business, okay?

This is the latest addition to our case.

It's one of the bills stolen from the banks.

Chairman Yamada from the bank said it came from a Kichijoji theater located here.

Should I mention who the sponsor is?

Two men over there. You guys take the back door.

The police will just have to wait.

But...

- Do as I say! - Yes.

Well, then... Please start from the second passage.

- Don't be alarmed. - Sure.

Hey...

No doubt about it, huh?

You're Fujichiya Kasuga, right? Let's go to police headquarters.

If you are innocent, there's no need to be silent.

You must tell us right now where the money came from.

It was given to me so that I could dance again.

You must tell the inspector if you knew the money was stolen or not.

You have nothing to fear if you are telling the truth.

- I'm afraid that I've nothing to say. - What?

Would I have spent the money so openly if I knew that it was stolen?

You would want us to believe you're innocent, huh?

All you have to do is tell us who gave you the money.

I can not betray a friend who has always treated me with kindness.

Do you men work for the newspapers?

Oh, that depends on if you ask us or the editors.

I want to talk to you about the bank gang.

They're getting ready to link the dancer Fujichiya to the crime.

Crap, I always screw up at this point!

The men being held aren't the criminals.

But, they were caught attempting to rob the bank.

They were responsible for robbing only one bank.

I don't believe Fujichiya would associate with them at all.

Do you know who gave her the money?

Yes.

Who was it? Who stole the money?

I did it.

Right now, I'm going to give my confession...

...but I thought you journalists would want to hear it too.

We're in a meeting right now! Please get out!

This man here says the men you arrested aren't the real bank robbers!

If you ask Fujichiya, she'll confirm it.

I didn't want to involve her in this case...

...but I'm the one responsible for giving her the money.

- Get in here! - Hey! Hey! Everyone, please get out.

Hey, tell us your name!

Uhh... later, at our conference.

We have every right to be here for this!

Come on. Get out.

You'll give us his name, right?

How can we give it to you if you won't let us question him?

You... We've met.

Yes, we met each other at the library.

At that time, I gave Fujichiya the money.

I'm sure the bank gang couldn't provide any adequate details...

...as to how they managed to commit the robberies.

You're the one who did it?

Will you take me to the second crime scene?

Unless I can demonstrate, none of you will want to believe me.

Take the cuffs off him.

Well, I'll go in.

This setup is just like before, right?

The bank safe was open. That's how I got into it.

We shouldn't need to do that.

I want the crime scene to look the same as before.

Manager, please open the safe.

- Is this better? - Yes.

Can everyone please step back a little?

Fire!

Wait!

Stop it! Stop what you're doing! Stop it!

Manager! Manager!

This is how it actually happened.

- Inspector! - Wait!

Imiko!

I trust you won't forget this demonstration. The woman you're holding is not guilty.

Release her from your custody at the police headquarters.

Even now, after this... Fujichiya still refuses to make a statement.

The threat of this gas man has forced me to keep her in the police station.

But, Fujichiya has been deceived by him.

A religious holiday is coming up. It would do us well to release her.

They're bound to meet one another, and that's our chance to arrest him.

How can we arrest him?

The gas man's a living creature. There must be a way.

Our scientists are researching a way that would allow us to hold onto him.

Like fiends, you still refuse to release Fujichiya from your custody?

- Who are you? - The suspect.

You men might otherwise know me as the gas man.

Does Fujichiya know about you for her own sake? She'd never marry you!

She'd refuse you if she heard the truth!

Do you think your abilities put you above the law?

Don't you think that holding on to an innocent person is also above the law?

I am no longer a human being, therefore I am no longer subject to human law.

Then, you have no right to love Fujichiya.

She will prove that statement false.

The fact that you're a gas man...

Does she know?

There!

Hey! What is this?

Nothing more than hearing gunshots from your office!

- You're wrong... It was... - Tell us what happened!

Everyone, quiet down!

The gas man is finished waiting for Fujichiya's release!

Well, observe... Now, nothing will stand in the way of her giving the recital.

Publish the announcement. This is the gas man's decree.

Didn't you hear what I said?!

Hurry and print the story in time for tomorrow's newspaper!

What's all this noise about?

We're just having some fun. Officer...?

- Come here... - You should behave more like her!

Officer! Officer! What's going on?

There's no opposition. Come on, let's go home.

I'm innocent... If I go with you now, I'll be a criminal.

I know you're innocent, so I'm releasing you!

I will wait here until they release me.

That's crazy! They held on to you as bait to bring me back here!

- You...? - What in the world have I become?

A short time ago I was like everyone else, and now I'm the gas man!

I'm not who I used to be, but you must break out!

Hey! Everyone, get out!

Hey, what's going on?!

- Everyone, get out! - We're free!

If Fujichiya won't be released, I'll free every one of the criminals!

Hey! Let's go!

Fujichiya!

Jiya!

Are you well? They haven't mistreated you at all?

Please return to your cell. Don't run away.

Yes.

Hey, photographers!

There's a jailbreak going on down in the basement!

The police have put a complete blackout on any information.

They won't say who the gas man is or release any other details of the case.

- That may be so, but it's your job to find out. - Desk! I have a great idea!

Why don't we get all this information from the source? The gas man himself!

What?

Who was the one who first alerted us to his existence? It was the gas man.

We can provide him with a platform to tell his story.

Let's send him an invitation through the paper. Well?

That must be the craziest thing you ever thought of!

- It's that bad? - No, not at all!

The paper wishes to contact the man attempting to release...

...Fujichiya Kasuga in the hope that we may learn his story.

Well?

If he goes for this, we'll find out who he is!

Our sales will break records!

Hello...? It's me.

The anonymous man is Mizuno? I don't know him.

What's the matter with you?

Thank you. Sorry to keep you waiting.

Allow me to introduce our chief editor, Fuji, and the desk editor, Ikeda.

Pleased to finally meet you. Have a seat.

I can't speak to you for very long.

Were you followed? We made sure that no patrol cars were around.

- You're not cooperating with the police at all? - No, you won't have to worry about them!

I'm alright, just don't want anything bad to happen.

I'm sure you've heard the media promoting...

...the idea that you could be an alien of some kind?

The world is full of hysteria towards things they don't understand.

- So, you're the same as us? - Yes.

I was born on earth, just like the rest of you.

How did you become a gas man?

Have you heard of a Doctor Sano?

Yes, he was a professor of biology. I heard he died last year.

It was suicide.

Huh? Suicide?!

He died during my experiment.

The rotten job at the college was better than nothing.

Before that, I was enlisted in the Self Defense Force.

I flew through the air in jets at supersonic speeds.

The shadow of cancer in my lungs quickly ended the dream.

One day, a message was delivered specifically to me.

Listen, a gentleman is waiting for you outside.

Sorry about this. Thank you.

You should stress to him that you are not to be disturbed during business hours.

Studying in the library had become very boring.

My only friend was undergoing treatment at a sanitarium.

Professor at Johoku University.

Medical Director of the Japan Space Research Program.

Doctor Sano wasted little time in asking me, "Why are you wasting your talents here?"

Of course, he knew about the medical reasons that led to my discharge as a pilot.

Later, I learned that the Self Defense Force referred him to me.

My name was listed among their heroes.

The training you received in the SDF...

...makes you a perfect candidate for our space pilot program.

Sure... But what about my job at the school?

Listen, the rocket space pilot program offers a challenge greater than this job will ever do.

How could this place push the limits of the human body?

We're going to change the very existence of the body.

This method will allow our cells to withstand the intense heat of the sun!

He offered 20,000 yen to join him.

The 20,000 seemed like a good proposition.

However, 50,000 or 100,000... It didn't matter for a chance like this.

So, I took the 20,000.

The following Sunday, I went to his laboratory.

This is a standard contract for your services.

Sign here, please.

Now, I want you to take off your coat.

This is a kind of human poison.

It's not really anything that bad. It actually induces a deep sleep.

I want you to sleep while I perform...

...the necessary experiments needed to create changes in your body.

Well, you can put on your coat.

Come this way, please.

I want you to step in there.

You can leave your clothes on.

Well, lay down here. I'll get the process started soon, okay?

Alright, we'll take this nice and easy.

In my mind it only seemed like two or three hours.

In reality, it lasted two hundred forty hours.

Simply put, I was in a deep sleep for ten days.

I didn't know why the doctor was trembling with fear, but I was beginning to understand.

Mizuno!

Mizuno!

However, the doctor was terrified by his experiment...

...and he didn't know how to return me to normal.

The doctor's intense experiment turned me into something new.

I became the very first gas man.

So, when Dr. Sano realized his experiment had failed, he committed suicide?

I wouldn't call it a failure. I'm still quite alive.

A failure would only have come from my death...

...and the doctor would live to betray someone else.

Doctor Sano would never do something like that.

That's what you say.

How many others were sacrificed before me?

You lied to me about your experiment!

- You're wrong! - Running away from me?

Forgive me! I didn't want to keep it a secret this time!

This time...? Then, who else did you betray?

What happened in your other experiments?!

Are they dead?! Did you kill them?!

I felt as if my life was completely over.

Where or how could I go on?

However, the doctor's calculations were not as flawed as he originally thought them to be.

His lifelong desire created a gaseous superman.

He created the ultimate human.

He did it! I'm alive!

I suppose now, I should be grateful to the doctor.

His experiment didn't work as expected, but it gave me all that I could want.

How much would you give to be the only person who could turn into mist at will?

I'm sure you'd have done anything to live.

You'd even laugh at killing.

Did you know Fujichiya before this?

I've loved her before I became a gas man.

I got her the money she needed.

I did it specifically so she could give her recital.

I just want to restore her shattered spirit.

- How in the world did you... - You men get out, quickly!

Fire!

Get out!

I'm impressed by what I've heard about you from certain circles.

I'm certain that you had no idea how the gas man was getting you the money.

We would like you to cooperate with us.

Our scientists believe he would willingly appear for you.

Please listen to what the scientists say.

If the gas man accepts your invitation, they can release a large chemical process.

I'm sure you don't believe he used his power for less than noble purposes...

...but you don't know how much of a threat the gas man is to the people of earth.

We'll release you as soon as we have your answer.

In order to release an innocent person, they must agree to your conditions?

Fujichiya's home life isn't very lavish, huh? Why?

We have no idea what tragedy befell her to decide to live like that.

I heard she became accustomed to it.

I wonder if the gas man's sudden appearance caused any problems in her family?

Now he's mankind's problem.

Worst case scenario, he could be terribly destructive.

That's just a line from the authorities. He's no threat to mankind.

But the bureau thinks his gaseous condition could be hazardous.

We should give their theory some merit.

Anyway, that's their problem.

The police have no idea where this gas man is or how to track him.

That's right.

The gas man used lethal means for his personal, childish demands...

...so the bureau has no choice but to stop him by any means necessary.

- Hey, you mean...? - Hey, Ikeda! Hey!

All of the musicians don't want to perform.

This situation with Mizuno has us all concerned.

He is different from what they are accustomed to. It's natural.

Kasuga, it might be best to postpone the recital. Surely you can see that.

The police would be there in force Kasuga, and none of us knows...

...how Mizuno would act in a situation like that.

He would compliment you for a wonderful performance.

Don't be absurd! It's not about compliments!

The case will eventually fade away, that's why we think we shouldn't perform yet.

Please reconsider, Kasuga.

They will have to control themselves. They should stay focused on the show.

That's just it, Kasuga...

This time, we're talking about a gas man, and they clearly consider Mizuno a big deal.

I understand.

Well, tell everyone it's okay.

Really...? Then, there's nothing else to say.

Thank you for your patience.

I thought I'd find you alone out here.

- Jiya, close it quickly! - Yes.

The recital is all set. It will be your best performance.

Are you angry with what I did?

That money... It was stolen from the banks, right?

I did it for your sake.

What else could I do for you? You must believe me.

I can give you the world.

At the sacrifice of others?

I would sacrifice everyone who stands in my way.

What about those killed by Dr. Sano before me?

It's despicable!

Now that I'm in the thick of it...

...I wonder how others would've handled things if the roles were reversed.

Would they be just like me?

They would forget about you. Good, huh?

Take advantage of this situation!

Let them shout the name of Kasuga around the world!

How can you care for those around you...

...when they won't allow you to excel on your own?!

I would do anything for you.

You have become my source of luck.

When I'm here with you, nothing else matters.

They will recognize your greatness when they watch your performance.

Who can interfere with us now?

I will accept any responsibility to place you on your beautiful stage!

You want to find a way to kill him...

...but we've barely scratched the surface of the research Dr. Sano has conducted.

However, it has to be something that won't be a threat to the girl.

If there was a way we could prevent him from changing forms... You couldn't do that?

Well...

Let's go into the other room.

It's obvious that his actions are motivated by his love for Kasuga.

In life, we sometimes do things we regret.

Wouldn't it be better if we allowed him to see the recital?

No. We can't afford to be lenient in this case.

The gas man could be capable of reacting wildly.

His mood is unpredictable.

But if we had a way to contain him if he gets out of control, that would just be fine.

That guy is capable of anything.

He could cause immense trouble if he is provoked in the theater.

There is a final possibility.

I'm not sure it will work, but an explosion of U.M. Gas might finish off Mizuno.

Is that stuff undetectable?

Yes, about ninety percent of it.

The hard part is luring him into an enclosed area where we can detonate it.

But there's no place we know of that he can be lured into.

How much space do you need?

About five-thousand cubic meters would be good.

I could prepare something useful if you have a certain location in mind.

The perfect place would be at the recital, huh?

That's impossible.

Consider this, is there a way you could isolate him in order to finish him?

We'll figure out a way to do it.

The tickets have all been sold.

Is it possible to buy the tickets back, Kasuga?

What purpose would that serve?

The police are going to arrest Mizuno.

You've heard the police...

They're going to try to trap Mizuno in there. They won't let the recital stop them.

I am destined for this performance.

No, Kasuga...

You can release a statement in today's newspaper...

...requesting that the patrons stay home.

The police will cover the entrances. They intend to capture Mizuno.

As it drags on, more people will be sacrificed in the process.

Do you really want that?

Isn't there another way?

No. Kasuga, Mizuno will listen to anything you say.

You must see what's bound to happen at the event tonight.

Please talk to him.

Right now, nothing else matters to Mizuno except you.

For your benefit...

...he arranged this event so you could show everyone the strength of your talent.

But the people attending the performance are only interested in you and Mizuno.

You must see this clearly.

Tonight's recital must be delayed until another time.

Cancel it for everyone until the gas man is captured.

What kind of cruel person would still hold an event knowing the situation as it is?

Your name is Kyoko, right?

You... You must really be in love with your man. He must be a good man.

That must be it, right?

Why else would you talk to me unless it's for the sake of the man you love.

Then...

Kyoko, I'm going through with it. The recital will go on.

Despite the pleas of everyone around me, I will dance.

He did all those things so I could perform at the recital.

I will return the honor for his sake.

Do you really love him?

How could I not?

I can't get through my final performance without him.

Roger.

Okamoto, how are you going to do it?

Are there any doubts that the gas man will show?

Is it true no one is being allowed in?

No, Fujichiya is dancing in there.

How about it? Are you going to get rid of him?

What? You don't need to know that.

- No! I hear he'll never surrender! - I heard you guys set a trap!

Kyoko! Kyoko! Where are you going?!

- Hey, Kyoko! - Okamoto!

We're holding the perimeter, but some journalists managed to get through.

Yes. They're entering the building now.

We have to get everyone inside, out! We can't delay our operation!

I want the gas man in there only!

Sir, we have orders to begin the operation soon.

Hold it. It's not just Fujichiya up there.

Fujichiya and the musicians must be removed.

- Tank 3, ready. - Good.

- Tank 4. - Good.

- Tank 5. - Good.

- What's going on? - They're running late.

Hello?

Hey! Let's go! The gas man hasn't done anything yet!

Who is watching this garbage? We want the gas man! The gas man!

That's right!

He has returned. Think about it. Open up your eyes.

Why hasn't he shown up then? That's what I came here for!

What makes the gas man so special?! So what if he killed some people?!

We want the gas man to come out here!

I am the gas man.

- Kasuga, please leave quickly! - Fujichiya!

Come on, this is going to get dangerous!

No. I haven't finished my dance yet.

Fujichiya, you don't want to be killed.

Come on, hurry!

Fujichiya, please!

This is my final performance. I have been waiting for the end.

I beg you, won't you allow me to stay behind with my lady?

Okamoto... There's a man unconscious back here.

What's with Okamoto?! Hurry up! Get going!

It will take time to fill the theater.

We must start now.

It can't be helped. Please begin.

- Alright, begin. - Yes, sir.

Hey, get up! Hang in there!

Do you actually care about this guy?

I am having a wonderful evening.

I don't want him to get in the way.

Okamoto!

Let's go.

- Okamoto! - Hey, what happened?

- Fujichiya and Jiya are staying behind. - You couldn't convince them?

I couldn't...

They want to die along with the gas man?

We won't be going through with it, right?

When will we have a better chance than now?

This may be our only opportunity.

Ninety-six... Ninety-seven... Ninety-eight...

Stop it! Stop it, please!

Okamoto!

This is my responsibility. It's my responsibility alone.

- It failed... - It failed?!

- What happened? - What caused it?

That is the end of the recital.

Hello, Captain? This is Tabata.

You did it! It was fantastic!

You and I have finally won.

Is the gas man dead?

Probably...

- Probably? - Don't you think it worked?

What caused the explosion? That's what I don't understand.

Fujichiya and the old man...?

The gas man?