It’s like a river that flows through the center of the city,
or a mountain that towers in the distance.
There it stands.
Well, it’s a mystery, but it’s not harming anyone because of that.
Living close to an enigma might pose a problem, though.
But more importantly...
Help me!
I have a big problem here.
Let me fill you in.
I’m Badou, an informant.
I infiltrate the toughest parts of the city,
acquire dangerous information, and sell it at a high price.
It’s a hard-boiled job.
But lately, business has been bad, and I’m having trouble making a living.
Today, I climbed the wall of a motel to investigate a case of adultery for hardly any pay.
It’s the middle of the day, but they’re really going at it.
H–Hey! Wai—
I–Is this for real?!
H–How lame.
M–My smokes.
I just opened them too.
What I saw there
was the Don of the family that controls the 4th district in the west, more dignified than ever.
U–Um...
W–Would you like a commemorative photo?
Help me!
They certainly don’t hold anything back, going all out so early in the day.
Looks like they’re pretty stupid.
Hey!
Stop shooting! I’m unarmed!
Let’s get along, brothers!
We can’t let you live after learning about the boss’ hobby!
Stop whining and die already!
Where are you aiming, you wannabes?!
Damn.
Look out.
Hey, Mimi.
I’ve got some good apples today.
Really?
Let me see.
B–Badou.
I thought I was a goner.
You failed while gathering worthless information again, didn’t you?
Zip it, Mimi.
More importantly, do you have a cig?
You reek!
Shoo! Shoo!
Good grief.
Hey! He’s still alive!
Don’t move!
It sounds like you don’t have time for that.
Do I have to run again?
Damn!
I wonder if he’ll survive.
What’s that?
Hey, Master.
How’s your wound?
Actually, it still hurts, but the manager’s a slave driver.
I said I’m in deep shit!
Don’t you specialize in hard labor, Heine?
Huh?
You haven’t slept since the day before yesterday?
Like I care!
I’ve told you again and again that if you don’t stop taking those strolls, you’ll collapse.
With you, it’s in one ear and out the other.
Are you listening to me, Heine?
I’m saying this for your own goo—
D–Damn it.
I don’t have any smokes, and Heine’s ignoring me.
This blows.
Huh? Strange.
Was I supposed to make a right back there?
Do you have any last words?
Do you have a cig?
Sorry, I don’t have any.
You don’t?
If you want to smoke that badly, do it in the other wor—
Ah. Sorry.
Who are you?
M–Mihai the hitman!
Excuse me, but where am I?
Pardon me?
I want a smoke...
Here’s your paper.
Thank you very much, Nao.
Goodbye.
Well, that’s the situation.
Even though these aren’t perfect, I thought you were pretty skilled.
Shut up!
But of all families, you managed to get involved with the Bordune family in the west?
They’re in a war with the Rowano family in the east.
Badou, was it?
You’re labeled as a dog of the east now.
Oh, then it’s simple.
Just sell the information to the Rowanos.
The Bordune family will definitely disband by next week.
Listen, just because they disband doesn’t mean they'll disappear.
They’ll hunt me for the rest of my life!
Don’t take matters that don’t concern you so lightly.
It doesn’t concern me at all.
You idiots!
He’s a dog of the east!
He’s trying to ratfuck me by spreading that picture!
Then don’t do it where everyone can see you, for crying out loud.
But that’s what excites him.
And how in the world are he and Mihai the hitman in cahoots?!
Mihai is famous around here.
If we get enough men...
Of course!
Just wait and see, you eastern scum.
I'll dismember the body of that ridiculous eyepatch-wearing moron and send it back to them!
Bodyguard?
Just until things calm down.
How much will you pay me?
Forget it.
Wait!
Just sell the photo and pay him back.
I told you, I’d be hunted for the rest of my life!
Don’t cry over a grudge or two.
That’s easy for a famous hitman to say. It’s part of your daily routine.
Jeez!
Cigarettes!
I don’t care what. Just give me nicotine!
No smoking.
Very well. I see how it is.
I’ll figure something out myself.
If I die, I’ll haunt you!
Are you still in elementary school?
I hate you all!
Die, you eyepatch-wearing bastard!
They found me already?!
Can you hear me, gentlemen?
I’m the Don of the Bordune family.
Domino Bordune.
Return the secret file you stole from us.
Secret file my ass.
It looks like you won’t make it out alive, even if you do return it.
I should’ve just gone home!
Badou, are you injured?
Ah, this?
A few holes, that’s all.
We hate waiting.
Don’t even think of trying to trick us!
Not again. There goes my leverage.
We’re dead meat.
If you’re going to die, die alone.
More importantly, my cigarettes!
Smoke! Nicotine!
Cigarette!
H–Hey, don’t get too close to the door.
How am I supposed to live without smoking?
Lighter, lighter...
There it is.
This is your final warning.
Give up and step outside, dog of the east!
B–Badou.
I won’t warn you again.
Come out if you don’t want to be blown away.
He went out.
Everyone’s making fun of me. This is pissing me off.
I can’t hear you.
Speak clearly.
Hey, mister.
How's your ass doing, you masochistic freak?
Fire!
Wh–What?
Oh, he can do it if he tries.
Like I thought.
“Like I thought”?
He’s actually a coward,
but he snaps when he’s out of nicotine.
That’s what you were aiming for?
I didn’t think it would turn out like this, though.
Don’t flinch!
Wonderful.
This smoke isn’t bad either.
Damn you!
Don’t look down on us!
Four windows, the floorboard, and miscellaneous.
That makes...
Plus one more glass window.
You’ll be destroyed!
Wh–What are you?
Who on earth are you?
Hey, you.
Y–Yes?
Got a cig?
Like I thought.
He’s an idiot.
Yummy!
The misunderstanding was ironed out, and we made up.
But the east found out about Bordune’s irksome hobby,
and his family was disbanded.
You never know what’s going to happen next.
That’s what I meant by hard-boiled.