(This story is fictional. No actual person or event is depicted)
Alright, let's begin.
"The Great White Tower"
That took 1 hr 37 min.
A new record in pancreatic cancer operation.
Doctor, thank you for saving my husband.
Don't mention it.
Although I didn't tell my husband,
but I heard it's a big operation in Kyushu.
Thank you.
Yeah, almost a matter of life and death.
It was a complicated procedure,
maybe your husband is very lucky.
Thank you.
I'll thank you properly another time, for a miracle.
I don't know how to repay you.
The healing process is very important.
Take care.
Yes, thank you, doctor.
Tanaka, Uehara, Kobayashi, Shibata
Yoko Suzuki, please come in.
Miyamura, Sakurai, please come in.
(Sunday Magazine)
(The magical scalpel)
First Surgical Dept., Professor Azuma
Hello, administration.
Send Asst. Professor Zaizen to my office.
Yes, right away sir.
Calm down, everyone.
What is this about?
So many! All for Dr. Zaizen.
There are two more boxes in Dr. Zaizen's office.
Get someone to pick it up.
- Sure thing. - Thanks.
What's going on?
Gifts for Dr. Zaizen from his patients.
He said it's too much trouble to take those home,
that's why he offered to us.
He's much nicer than the other professors.
Yes, and you know what?
The other professors would get the secretaries to load the gifts
onto their cars, and bring everything home.
But when Dr. Zaizen becomes a professor,
we don't know if he'll remain as generous.
Maybe. Prof. Azuma retires next March;
whether or not Dr. Zaizen makes it,
has a lot to do with us.
You were looking for me?
Take a seat first. How is the out-patient ward faring today?
As usual, too many patients.
Sorry.
God knows where they're from,
I couldn't finish by lunch.
It's already 2pm when I've seen them all.
Most of them are referrals?
Yes, I tried to control the numbers, but there're a lot.
You're an expert in pancreatic surgery,
it's only natural to have so many patients.
At my age I could hardly be termed an expert.
The magazines exaggerate.
I had no idea it'd be blown so out of proportion.
And it's not something only we could do,
especially when you were away.
I don't care whether it's something only we could do.
You as the Asst. Prof. Of the First Surgical Dept.,
a picture in any pose,
or you in the operation room, wearing scrubs...
You can't do it without my permission.
This is the rule since the beginning.
Sorry, I was too careless.
I didn't think it through properly.
Your carelessness would cause me trouble.
Well?
I'm retiring next March,
and you're a potential candidate as my replacement.
We're about to start the selection;
If you're careless,
it's hard even I'd like to recommend you.
I'm very sorry. My apologies again.
I'll let you know
if there are any other developments.
Yes, sir.
What was that about?
We need Kokawa's decision on it because
we need to respect the seasoned experts regarding the medical tools.
Yes.
Is it a bad time?
Come in.
Seems like there's always a million things to do,
working everyday non-stop.
I'll be frank.
I'd like to ask Asst. Prof. Maeda to become Professor at Okayama University,
and then lecturer Haruki to be promoted as the Asst. Prof.
Haruki? He works very hard,
and he has lots of good comments, I guess he could do.
Please tell him to apply in writing.
The position as Asst. Prof. Isn't easy.
Yes, to lead more than fifty people,
and to raise the academic research standard.
Maeda was a good student,
but he wasn't very strong in academic research.
But Asst. Prof. Satomi under you has done very well.
There's no need to be envious.
He's only interested in his own research,
one's got to be an all-rounder.
He's nothing compared to Zaizen of Dept. Of Surgery.
If only he was aggressive like Zaizen.
Now, it's no longer Azuma's First Surgical Dept.,
it's called Zaizen's Surgical Department.
Prof. Azuma is about to retire,
and the next election is about to begin.
I guess his successor is Zaizen.
I'm not too sure.
He's the Professor of First Surgical Dept.,
Professor Azuma holds the strongest influence.
Hello, hold on please.
Doctor, Prof. Azuma is looking for you.
Excuse me.
Hello.
Sorry, if you're busy, we'll talk later.
It's about my department, I'd like to talk to you.
I'll meet you at six at the regular spot.
No, it won't take up too much time.
That's all.
This is Zaizen Goro's mother.
She's a single parent,
he was twelve when his father, a teacher, died.
I have to put Goro through high school,
even college, university.
With his mother's salary and scholarships,
he finished high school, college,
and he applied to Naniwa University Hospital.
To be in this medical school,
it's not just his mother's effort.
Dr. Kiyoe Murai who runs a clinic at Atsushi Family has helped tons.
After his university graduation, five years as an Asst. Prof.,
Kiyoe Murai suggested Goro to marry into his former classmate
Zaizen's family, to be his son-in-law.
But Goro was worried about his aging mother,
he was indecisive about the marriage proposal.
I am poor,
might as well let him take the surname of Zaizen family,
this will help Goro's future.
Then the marriage is settled.
That's how Kurokawa Goro turned into Zaizen Goro;
he doesn't need to worry about money, and could focus in research.
He's become Asst. Prof.,
and is a popular contender for the next professor.
It's his mother's hard work and love that
has made it possible for Zaizen Goro to be a well known doctor.
Mom, it's almost time.
You must witness me becoming a Professor.
He does too many showy acts.
Exactly, that's what I told you.
He let the magazine take pictures of a surgery without my permission.
Just by that I could tell how he does things.
He's made lots of enemies in my department itself.
And?
If you were me, what would you do?
Azuma, this is your department,
if you don't want Zaizen to be the professor,
find someone else.
There are plenty who want to succeed you.
But only a few with Zaizen's caliber,
and he's the one with the most support.
If you swap now, I guess it would create lots of arguments.
Azuma, but this isn't your call.
The next professor will be picked by the board of professors.
Let's just hope that they support you.
If not,
might as well retire in style and give up your post to Zaizen.
I think it's one way or the other.
But once Zaizen becomes Professor,
I doubt that he'd listen to you anymore.
Even as a former professor,
he'd cut off your ties with Naniwa University and the medical school.
Come in.
Goro-chan.
Stop calling me that, call me "Doctor" or "Dear".
You could at least address me properly.
Your name is Goro, and you're an Asst. Professor,
that's Goro-chan (sounds the same as Asst.)
Your wife calls you"dear",
your patients call you"doctor".
You're my client, I'm a wine bar hostess.
Once you've become professor, I won't call you that anymore.
Anything to drink? Beer?
Sure.
I wish you'd become professor soon,
then you can give me a monthly raise to ¥ 20,000.
Certainly, even up to ¥ 30,000- ¥ 50,000.
Are you sure you could be the professor?
Who else could do it?
How would I know?
I just have to bear till next March,
then I could get rid of the bug.
And I don't deal with the other annoying professors anymore.
Then I hope you can become a professor soon,
getting all the cash from the special patients.
It's not just the money, professors are like princes,
assistant professors are generals, medical workers are soldiers.
Chief of Nurse is the Head of maids, nurses are maids.
There's a huge difference between
being a professor and an assistant professor.
Hop into bed.
You want to operate on me now?
You must have had a tough surgery today.
I know by your looks.
Because you always come to me after a big surgery.
But I've to go to work later,
don't do a big surgery on me.
In that case, you want me to marry someone in the medical school.
Saeko.
Dad, you're always concerned with
family background and qualifications.
Personally I think a M.D. Is good enough.
Nonsense.
Let's not mention clinics & hospitals passed down from generations.
Most M.D. S left the university hospitals after graduation
because they couldn't stay there anymore.
They're just some family doctors.
Saeko, go make some tea.
My marriage is like something in a test tube.
Since Saeko is still single,
why don't you marry her to Zaizen?
If only you insisted more then...
There's no use. In his eyes,
there's only the wealth of Zaizen Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic
And I could never let her marry a man with such despicable character.
But Zaizen is the next professor.
If you marry Saeko to him,
you could retire any time you want.
Masako, we can't be sure that Zaizen could be promoted.
Where are the kids?
My sister took them out this afternoon,
and they're spending the night at my dad's.
Recently you've been coming home very late.
There was a farewell party for the staff transferring to Kayama clinic,
we went bar hopping.
That's a big picture of me also.
Dad is thrilled, he called and said, "Well done, Goro!"
Way to go!
And he said, "Look!
I'm always good at my investments"
The stocks investment?
Yes.
I made dinner, want some?
No, I'm tired.
When I could have a simple meal with you, that's when I can relax.
What a smooth talker.
If you dare to cheat on me, I would kill you.
I won't be silent about it.
I would complain to my dad.
Kyoko, I have a favour to ask of dad.
It's work related.
Could you please call and tell him that I'll visit him soon?
Professor Azuma is beginning his rounds.
How did it go?
Looks good, I feel fine.
Zaizen, you weren't being professional enough in the operation.
Sorry?
Have you considered that the patient is old?
How could you worry about the time?
For an old and feeble patient,
you must consider doing smaller operations.
I checked thoroughly prior to the surgery,
and decided on the one-off operation after the results.
And precisely thinking about his age,
I thought it's best to shorten the time of surgery.
Are you talking back at me?
You seem to be very proud about finishing the operation in record time.
We're doctors, not sportsmen worrying about their time,
this isn't how an Asst. Professor of the national
Naniwa University should behave.
You can never be satisfied with your abilities.
Any other instructions?
You take care of your patients.
If you have any queries, drop by my office.
Come in, Nakagawa.
Sorry for the wait.
Not at all, business is good.
Thanks for taking care of the kids.
No problem.
Yamamura will take care of the rest.
We haven't eaten out for a while.
Alright.
Welcome. The doctor's here, boss.
Relax.
Goro, this is Tokie, she's the owner here.
She used to work at Kitano.
She looks okay,
though not exactly a big beauty.
But she's good in bed,
just see how I treated her.
Stop talking things like that in front of
my new customer!
He's my son-in-law,
an Asst. Professor of Naniwa University.
He'll soon be promoted to Professor Zaizen Goro.
Then he'll certainly become a powerful and great doctor.
You must take good care of him.
Nice to meet you,
Dr. Zaizen takes good care of me.
We have things to discuss, you can leave now.
Excuse me.
Kyoko called and said you need a favour.
What's it about?
I'd like to get...
How much do you need?
Five hundred thousand.
I won't ask you what it's for,
but definitely you can't spend it on women.
Not about women, it's for work.
Your next job is to get the professor's post.
If the money is for this,
five hundred thousand won't help much.
I believe in myself,
but I'm also worried about how Professor Azuma treats me.
I don't worry since I've the abilities.
Even those without, can head the government,
or big corporations.
But you've made yourself known,
this could hurt you.
Be careful.
Right, I heard Professor Azuma and Professor Ugai
met up for drinks recently.
I'm not sure what they talked about.
But they talked for over an hour.
Hey, Tokie.
Here.
- Will you prepare a room upstairs? - Yes, right away.
Hello, is this Chief Iwata?
It's me, Zaizen.
I'm at the bar, you wanna come along?
They have new hostesses.
Your type.
Okay, got it. I'll take care of it.
Excuse me.
What took you so long, take a seat.
We've been waiting for you.
Goro, this is Mr. Iwata, Head of the Kansai Medical Association.
The two of us often hang out together.
Yes, the same hobbies.
He's my son-in-law, he's taken my surname.
Pleased to meet you.
Oh it's you!
I've read the latest issue of the Sunday Daily Magazine,
Kiss of the esophagus and intestines what a description!
As for the top authority in this,
other than Professor Itou of Chiba University, it's you.
So you're that doctor? I read that also.
So, how's Ugai?
Sorry?
Ugai, the Prof. Of First Internal Medicine,
we were in the same year in medical school.
You can count on the support from Osaka Medical Association.
But you can't rely totally on others.
You must fight for your dreams.
Got it?
Yes.
I too need a doctor to operate on me.
I think it's chronic gastritis.
Anything else worth looking into?
According to the lab results,
even I think it's chronic gastritis.
Then I did tests on it.
You mean the tuberculosis bacteria reaction?
Yes, sometimes it's positive, and sometimes negative.
I don't exactly know how to interpret it.
To patients, doctors are another type of religion.
Say, even if you don't know what it is, you've to name a condition,
you must make the patients feel better first.
If you keep on testing and testing...
No, to patients I think,
doctors are the best scientists.
So naive.
You've got what it takes
to be a mature clinical doctor.
You'll take over my position soon.
You should have a broader vision...
Even I have difficulties in this post.
This is Klebsiella
Doctor, Satomi's here.
Great.
Are you busy?
No, it's alright.
Yes.
The test result is 92%?
No, it's 93.5%.
But according to Prof. Nagai of Osaka University Hospital,
it's 84%.
And Kansai Hospital's Matsuyama, it's 82.7%; very low.
So this lab test is still in the research phase,
it only supplements the diagnosis.
The way it reacts especially in the 1 st phase of cancer is really interesting.
I've asked the labs of different universities to collect more data.
It's all being put together.
Your style indeed.
Thorough research process for a diagnosis.
Medical workers must always maintain this attitude.
But, Satomi, in spite of being so thorough,
a wrong diagnosis could happen sometime.
Clinical doctors are often on the verge of it,
maybe it's very cruel in the medical world.
It's nothing really rare.
No other symptoms other than gastritis.
Just as I thought.
In my lab tests,
it shows both positive and negative reactions.
But it's only in the research stage.
Blood tests, stomach acid tests, X-rays and more...
You've done all those, but still can't find anything;
why don't you take it as chronic gastritis?
Spending so much time and energy on one patient,
I don't think any healthy person could handle it.
I never really trust diagnoses after so many years of research.
There's no one else except you who could make this diagnosis.
Anyway, you have authority
in treating pancreatic cancer.
Since it's your request, I couldn't turn you down.
Especially you're the Asst. Of Prof. Ugai Medical Chief.
If I turn you down, what would your department think of me?
I'll do another test next time.
Right, how's Professor Ugai lately?
Busy as usual.
At least that's what he claims.
I hear he's going to an art exhibition in Shinsaibashi.
Then I trust you with the follow up.
Professor, you're here for the exhibition?
Oh Zaizen!
I'm surprised to see you here, you're so busy.
Not at all.
Professor Ugai, you're definitely a busier man than me.
I'm not really into art,
the gallery owner is my patient,
I always get invitations.
He said he'd give me a discount.
Do you like his paintings?
Stop teasing me.
A professor at national university I can't afford his paintings.
Just No. 1 costs eighty thousand.
Excuse me, I've to go now.
Enjoy.
Doctor, thanks for coming.
No. 1 is 80,000, No.3 is 240,000,
it's 228,000 after 5% off.
I'll pay cash if it's 200,000.
Deliver it to Naniwa University Hospital's Professor Ugai's home.
OK.
There's an old infected area underneath the left clavicle,
but it's stable, don't worry.
Thanks doctor.
Sorry to disturb while you're busy.
No problem, it's just to double check.
Do a CT Scan while it's still early.
Do you need to go to Professor Azuma's office?
I guess my dad isn't around at this time.
What about you?
I'm off work now.
Let's walk together.
How's your wife Michiyo?
The same, busy taking care of the kid and the household.
Your wife is a lovely woman,
you're very blessed.
Sure am. All I need to worry about is my patients and research.
Satomi, you're about to publish another thesis?
Still early.
Still have some discrepancies as of today.
I couldn't come to a conclusion,
that's why I invited Zaizen for the consultation.
You asked for Zaizen's help?
He's the top expert in pancreatic cancer in our hospital.
In Japan, only a handful of people
can be him, with such abilities.
I hate Zaizen.
Sorry about that.
You don't need to apologise.
I don't think my father or Zaizen are real medical workers.
Drink up.
Inhale.
Relax.
Inhale.
Do you know it's Klebsiella?
What?
Didn't notice.
If you don't, I'll show you the developed films.
Send the film to my office right away.
Yes.
Doctor, what are the results?
I'll tell you later.
Doctor, there're no results yet?
Just by looking at these two films...
Can't you tell by these?
In that case, how could you treat your patients?
According to the medical plan,
the upper limit for stomach X-rays is two films,
don't you know?
Forget it, I can't blame you.
It's hard to make out it's pancreatic cancer
from these films.
Pancreatic cancer!
Can't be wrong.
Zaizen, you really are something.
Spotting cancer in early stage just by those two films!
The shadow of pancreatic cancer isn't science,
it's a form of art.
It's not just about staring into the shadow.
If you keep looking, you'll feel it
with the doctor's sense and observation.
I'll transfer the patient right away, please operate on him.
Certainly.
Professor Ugai will inform Professor Azuma about it.
Don't worry about it.
Professor Azuma is away.
He's gone to Tokyo for the cancer convention.
Alright.
The medical chief is looking for you.
Please hurry up.
Thanks.
Zaizen, you sent the paintings
under Zaizen Mataichi's name to my home,
what's that about?
I did it on behalf of my father-in-law.
His business card?
I've heard of Zaizen's Obstetrics and Gynaecology Clinic,
but I haven't met him before.
My father-in-law has heard all about you,
because he's a Deputy Chief of the Kansai Medical Association,
and wishes you to attend their seminars.
I guess it's just his way to say thanks.
If you don't mind.
In that case, this is just about
inviting me as speaker, for the betterment of medicine.
He doesn't want anything else from me?
No.
It's almost time for electing the next professor,
I'd be bothered by any strange behaviour.
Understood.
You're a very smart man,
all that's missing is a noble character, do you understand?
I think I've been mis-interpreted.
Please teach me more from now on.
Then let me keep the painting till I think what to do with it.
How very interesting.
Let me keep the painting till I think what to do with it
Sorry?
The first strike in taking care of management.
The next step is to please the medical workers.
But I'm still worried about that old fox in Tokyo.
Tokyo.
Tohto University, Prof. Funao
But you've Zaizen, a specialist in pancreatic surgery working for you
You're right, he's very good at his job,
but that's about it;
He does lots of other useless things.
In fact tons of people in the hospital aren't happy with him.
And he thinks he's No. 1.
Always so arrogant & over-confident, hardly the right attitude for a doctor
Even though he's my student, I'm really worried.
So? You want to find a better candidate?
I don't know how to answer your question.
Prof. Funao who heads the surgical dept of Tohto University,
you must have at least two, three candidates.
Well I do...
Let's forget about recommending someone from Tohto,
but I think he must be someone with Naniwa University background.
No, like the tie of an uncle and son, it won't be a problem.
It was tough for me to transfer from Tohto to Osaka,
but I've got used to it in the last 16 years.
And I'll retire in Kansai.
What do you think?
To compare with my student Zaizen's educational background & skills,
I'd rather you could recommend your students.
Since you say so,
I'll call you once I've found the right candidate.
Excellent.
But, Professor Azuma, you wouldn't regret about
me recommending someone not from Naniwa University, would you?
Absolutely not.
Eventually it's up to the people who vote.
You must pay attention to that.
Keiko, would you excuse us?
Why, doctor?
'Coz we've to talk.
I bet it's some top secret.
Just the truth.
What do you think of how Professor Azuma treats me lately?
Sorry?
Maybe I'm a persecutory type,
I think he's trying to avoid me.
I mean, I could be wrong,
but I'd like to hear what you think.
You're right. To be honest
whenever you're with the professor,
we try to stay away from you.
Then I could assume that
Professor Azuma won't let me take over his job,
he might even give me the boot.
Stop kidding.
If you're not the next professor,
then they must find someone elsewhere.
That's right, hiring from outside.
Don't be silly, if Professor Azuma does that,
the whole team will oppose.
Though it's the professor's call,
but it's a democratic society.
He can't just ignore our entire medical team.
Alright, I'll get everyone on the medical team
to back you up, Asst. Prof. Zaizen.
- I'll take care of it. - Really?
It's been a while.
Yes.
Nurse, where's Mr. Kanei?
In the shower after the operation.
First Surgical Dept. Mr. Kanei
Hiring from outside?
Yes, to be frank.
You're the closest to Prof. Azuma in the First Surgical Dept.
Fool! I may be technically his student,
but I'm not exactly in his gang.
Other than giving me instructions in research,
the professor hardly opens up to anyone.
But I don't get it;
I was checking the stomach, and didn't take any chest X-rays
But now...
What else do you have to say?
This is the old infected area of tuberculosis.
I think so.
But it could be pancreatic cancer cells. Transfer to Lungs Dept.,
do a CT scan before the operation.
That's not necessary.
No?
Come in.
Zaizen, you must do a CT Scan.
If you postpone the surgery,
pancreatic cancer cells will spread.
It's important to keep the patient alive. Must operate soon.
But, Zaizen...
Can't you let go of your patient?
Sasaki is no longer your patient,
he's my patient now.
What is it?
Could we have a chat?
Sure.
I've heard something strange.
About?
I tried to find out from Mr. Kanei.
You talked to him?
Don't worry, according to him,
he did the research on cancer, the one Prof. Azuma's presenting in Tokyo.
Apparently Prof. Azuma and Prof. Funao of Tohto University
corresponded on topics other than the research.
Prof. Funao of Tohto University?
Yes.
There's a convention in Kyoto early next month.
Prof. Azuma is meeting with Prof. Funao.
A foremost authority has the draw,
people other than the experts would attend,
and keep taking notes.
I'm Deputy Chief Zaizen Mataichi.
Hello.
I'm Ugai.
I've heard so much about you.
Thank you.
Here's a small gift from me.
Hurry up! Hama, Gei
My stocks have gone up, thanks to the chief.
That's why we'd like to show our appreciation.
You're welcome. You're all experts in your field.
All I do is research, turning causes of illness into figures.
Doctor Ugai, if you aren't happy with the painting,
you're more than welcome to exchange it.
Oh, I wanted to return it right away,
but for the risk of sounding rude
I chose to keep it temporarily.
I talked to Zaizen, that put me in a difficult position.
Ugai, enough with the formalities.
Why don't you run for next year's Dean of Naniwa University?
Can I?
It'd seem that the Dean usually be from the Arts faculty background.
Because of that, we should support you more.
If you run for the Dean,
our Kansai Medical Association will fully support you.
Let's celebrate!
Really?
How rude!
Good night.
Did the medical association organise this?
No, it's us, the First Surgical Dept.
Isn't that strange?
It's Ugai, not my name on it.
I've told you.
This isn't the medical association, it's just a personal celebration.
Because Dr. Takimura likes parties,
and it costs a lot to host a big one, that's why...
Enough.
You make your own decisions without my input every time.
I've told you, a good surgeon alone can't be a professor.
I'll remember this by heart, teacher.
Not sincere at all.
Lately, the team of medical workers are very arrogant.
If they're up to something secretly,
that's not good for you either.
It's only natural that they act like that.
Why's that?
In fact I heard from them that,
rumours have it that the board is hiring from outside
for the next professor... how strange.
Who dares to spread such rumours?
Rumours only?
That's right.
In that case, I feel much relieved hearing from you.
I thought I could retire early when I first heard that.
Retire early?
An Asst. Professor ought to become the next Professor in reality.
I thought so too.
What if I can't recommend you?
What would you do?
In that case I wouldn't take it quietly.
These are the two candidates I recommend.
Prof. Kamei of Niigata University.
And Prof. Kikukawa of Kanazawa University.
They're both on top of the list when it comes to
academic research as well as clinical skills.
These are the comments I have regarding them.
Prof. Kamei is very aggressive and calculating,
Prof. Kikukawa is an introvert and hardly socialises.
He's a sincere and a patient fellow.
His wife passed away last year, no kids.
He's not exactly very happy.
Prof. Kikukawa's wife passed away, and no kids.
So you'll get rid of Zaizen?
No, I haven't made my final decision.
I'd like to take your suggestion
to take this to national level, and find the best candidate.
You're you, after all. Impressive idea.
You must proceed with care.
What I meant is,
if you get rid of Zaizen, people will talk.
I hope you'll understand this.
No, as the medical association's Chief I won't be biased
when it comes to picking the next professor.
Take a good look, a stomach with Klebsiella,
then connecting the esophagus and the intestines.
You meant Dr. Kikukawa of Kanazawa University?
I used to work with him on the medical association,
and he's very good in his academic research,
and moreover is liked by all.
If Prof. Funao recommends him...
Isn't that just great?
You should know that Zaizen won't do any good for the 2nd Surgical Dept.
As for Kikukawa, who's more compassionate
The First and Second Surgical Departments could
surely be complementary of each other.
I get it.
I'll give my full support to Kikukawa.
Problem is there're more representatives in Basic Medicine.
Correct.
There are fifteen professors in Clinical Medicine.
But there are sixteen in Basic Medicine.
The key is Prof. Okouchi of Basic Medicine.
He's calling the shots,
I'm afraid it's up to him.
I see.
If Zaizen isn't around, and Kikukawa is in,
then I can surely control the First Surgical Dept.
In the end it's about pathology.
A Prof. Like yourself coming here in person,
it's hard to see these days.
Please have a seat.
Especially Asst. Prof. Zaizen of First Surgical Dept., I can't stand him.
Skipping thorough tests, trusting his own instincts,
and cutting up patients as long as he's pleased.
I'm sure he's giving Prof. Azuma quite a headache.
Yes, Prof. Azuma seems to be very upset with him.
And besides, he's about to retire.
If Prof. Azuma recommends someone other than Zaizen,
what would you think?
I'm just saying, hypothetically.
I'll forever be unbiased.
I've devoted my life to medical research.
But I could tell you one thing, I hate Asst. Prof. Zaizen the most.
Did you take the CT Scan before the operation?
Dr. Zaizen is in charge for the whole process,
I didn't have my chance of input.
Maybe I'm over worried,
because there's nothing to worry about.
You are really something.
The surgery went well, ma'am.
Thanks, doctor.
Dr. Satomi, Dr. Zaizen wants to speak to you.
Sure, take care.
That's right, I'm familiar with Prof. Okouchi of Basic Medicine.
I worked as his assistant for 5 years before I got transferred.
But I couldn't talk to him about that.
I would if it has something to do with medical research.
Satomi, I'm not worried about Clinical Dept.,
but Basic Medicine?
Especially Prof. Okouchi has a lot of influence.
Just to be sure...
You'll be fine! I'm sure you'll become the professor.
Sorry?
In terms of abilities and social skills, who else?
But... you're so naive.
That's just your idea.
Zaizen, you excel in your skills.
But seems like you're too obsessed with things other than medicine.
There's a lot of noise regarding
who should next head the First Surgical Dept. ;
all kinds of rumours are spreading in the hospital.
Welcome.
Welcome, it's been a while.
Enjoy yourselves.
Because it's Zaizen's treat.
You heard.
Yes, come on.
It's not just about who's treating.
We'd like to have a guarantee.
Or else, when Zaizen's wish has materialised.
Of course you'd be happy, but what about us?
That's right.
And it's not just me.
Forget it! Say no more.
Asst. Prof. Zaizen is fighting against hiring from outside,
but that's just a rumour.
It's just what we oppose.
No, I think the whole thing will clear up soon.
There's a convention in Kyoto early next month.
Then Prof. Funao will arrive from Tokyo.
And they'll be talking about potential candidates.
Who knows? Maybe the candidates will show up.
- Good night. Welcome. - Sorry.
I don't drink.
Just a little.
Kikukawa, even if you don't want to,
you can't turn down Prof. Azuma.
Because it's the well-known Naniwa University Hospital,
and you'll be the successor of such a great professor.
Yes, well... maybe just a little.
Please.
In that case, I'm relieved.
Even I made the recommendation,
but who knows? You might turn it down.
Thank you.
Right, Kikukawa, you have other plans?
The convention is over in Kyoto, I hope to take the night train back.
What a busy man! How about this?
You can stay at my place tonight, take a good rest,
then return to Kanazawa tomorrow.
Good idea.
Let Prof. Azuma tell you more about the university,
it's a rare chance.
Yes.
Excels in cardio-thoracic surgery...
If it's just Prof. Azuma and Kikukawa, I don't think it's such a threat.
Question is Prof. Funao, who recommends Kikukawa.
He contributes a lot to medical research,
and has lots of connections in the field.
You could say that he's one of the best in Japanese medical field.
How much? How much does it cost?
We could use cash.
Goro, you can't lose.
It's my life's dream for you to be a professor.
I have money, and I haven't really enjoyed it.
All I've ever wanted,
is for you to become professor, for our family.
Help us out!
This is my daughter, Saeko.
Welcome.
This is Dr. Kikukawa of Kanazawa University.
Sorry to disturb you at this hour.
Enjoy the tea.
I'm happy that I have you as my successor.
Thanks very much.
Don't mention it.
Saeko.
He looks like a gentleman.
I'm sure he could get along with your father.
I heard that he lost his wife last year, no kids.
Your father remarked that it's fortunate.
Now, the first round of votes for the election.
We'll take the names to the board of professors.
The chosen ones can be nominated as Prof. Azuma's successor.
Let's hear Prof. Azuma first.