DAISUKE JIGEN'S GRAVESTONE PART 1
Seems that the test transaction went fine, Mr. President.
The Little Comet may be twinkling in your eyes as early as tomorrow.
What are you doing? Hurry up!
I-I can't, sir.
Excuse me, sir, but can I see some identification?
Can't you see the flag?
I'm the Ambassador of the Republic of Malanda.
This is a matter of international importance, and-
Ah, so sorry! I had no idea.
Sir!
What are you doing? That's a diplomatic car!
Move it!
EAST DOROA
All right, now we set course for treasure, full speed ahead!
"World-Famous East Doroan Singer Queen Malta Assassinated in West Doroa.
Violation of East-West Doroa Nonaggression Pact. Negotiations Ongoing...?"
What's West Doroa doing breaking a peace treaty?
Trying to turn the whole world against them?
I can't understand it. This all used to be the same country,
and yet now even innocents are getting caught up in things.
What's wrong? Still carrying that weight on your shoulders?
I could have protected her. That's all.
When I die, I hope it's not like this.
This whole city's on edge.
Of course they are, East Doroa has one of the highest crime prevention rates in the world.
This city's like the honor student the whole world's proud of.
So that's why the embassies and mansions all have such heavy guard?
Might use up our thieves' luck on this one.
Just try and go easy on me, if you would.
Your luggage?
Go ahead.
Welcome, sir. We appreciate the long journey you've made.
Not at all. More importantly, is the sample ready?
This way, sir.
This is the Little Comet.
They say it really is a shard of a comet, one that fell on East Doroa in the middle ages.
I'm amazed East Doroa would even part with a treasure like this!
It just proves that there's something else they want even more.
Go on...
Well, surely you must know I'm referring to West Doroa.
What with the uranium-enriching facilities that we're giving the East Doroans
in exchange for this treasure.
It's not so difficult to imagine what they might use them for.
What a bunch of fools.
Well, we of the Republic of Malanda are of course entirely neutral on the subject.
We're only selling the arms, it's entirely up to East Doroa how they use them.
That's right.
Here now, won't you inspect it for yourself?
These are the keys for the combination lock down here.
Tsk. They're catching on.
Is something the matter?
Who in the hell are you?
Jigen, what did you do that for? I still hadn't asked him for the combination.
No time for talking. Let's run.
That's awfully quick. I don't remember us having failed.
Guess this is our only exit.
You go first.
Dammit!
They're here!
Look at that, these guys aren't half bad.
Now what?
This way!
What's going on? It's like they're reading our every move.
Lupin.
That's some poor sap's car.
How could we be so savage?
We won't be much of anything if we don't find a way out.
Ahhh, damn it. Let's go!
One.
Jigen!
Agh...
Him...?
Two.
Lupin!
Ouch! Shit!
Unforgivable! Who the hell has it in for us?
I've only seen this shape once before.
What? Where?
Queen Malta.
Huh?
That day...
7 DAYS EARLIER WEST DOROA INTERNATIONAL CONCERT HALL
So you're saying,
Queen Malta's assassin is gunning for us now?
I'm not absolutely certain, but... huh?
What are they doing here?
That's Honor Student City for you. Off we go.
Where're we headed?
I've got something I want to check out.
Jigen, what is it you're looking for?
I thought so.
Have you been a ghost this whole time?
I heard a rumor on the wind once.
About Yael Okuzaki, a killer who prepares a gravestone for his targets beforehand.
He never kills for personal reasons, only with a client behind him.
Never heard of him. What kind of guy is he?
There's almost no information.
Mostly because no one's outlived being targeted by him.
All I know is, he's so sure of himself,
he rolls a die to choose how many shots he'll use on a mark.
Merriment, warmth, and welcoming. Victory.
What's this all of a sudden?
It's what parsley symbolizes. Plus, an omen of death.
So he must really enjoy killing, huh.
Think you can take him?
You wound me. You really think I could lose?
He hasn't left anyone alive before, has he?
That wound leaves you in bad shape, too.
We don't need two number-one gunmen in the world.
Always looking out for your friends, even at a time like this.
Don't get me wrong. You and I are business partners, that's all.
Not friends.
That so? Well, do what you like then.
What a privilege, to be able to work with a rare beauty like you.
Well, you've got a way with words.
Our membership is quite exclusive.
We accept only distinguished guests, from some of the finest families around.
No need to fear any trouble.
That's a relief.
Now then, if you'd please wait here until showtime comes.
Found you at last.
It's about time for the show to begin.
Gosh, is it time already?
How bothersome.
That's hardly an appropriate thing for a lady such as yourself to lay hands on.
Come on, put me down!
Going to kill me, Daisuke Jigen?
Lupin the Third, how did you find this place?
You didn't notice? That was genuine parsley on your gravestone.
Not to mention it smelled faintly of anemone.
Not so many places around here where wild anemones grow...
Are there?
Go home. I've got no intention of asking for anybody's help.
I'm not really doing this for your sake.
Call it curiosity. I want to know who's sending Yael Okuzaki after you and why.
It must be the people from the embassy, trying to get back the treasure we stole.
So then where was my gravestone?
Something smells funny about this. I'm here to check it out.
Just try and keep your "curiosity" under control.
I could say the exact same thing to you.
This place feels abandoned.
Sure doesn't seem to be their home base.
It's a gun workshop.
Hurry it up.
Don't push me!
It's full of communications equipment.
Hey. Look at this.
Looks like these guys have plenty of hobbies.
They must be good with their fingers.
That's strange, it's just the same suit over and over.
Looks like Prada. Don't you wear things like this too, Jigen?
My tastes span all the way from Givenchy to Fendi.
- I see. - Is someone here?
- Let me out! - That's Fujiko's voice!
- Somebody! - This way!
Please, is anyone there?
That's it!
Fujiko!
Fujiko, can you hear me? What happened?
That voice... Lupin?
Is Yael Okuzaki out for you too?
Who's he?
I thought I'd try being a showgirl for this club,
but it looks like I've gotten caught up in a real mess.
What're you trying to pull this time, Fujiko?
Don't ruin my good name.
I was just trying to get out of the thieving business.
Looks like it's time to pay my dues, though. I think it's the end for me.
Hey, don't go jinxing yourself!
I mean it, Lupin. But don't try and save me.
It's too dangerous here. I don't want to sacrifice you too. Goodbye.
You're underestimating me. Who do you think I am, anyway?
It's hopeless! Stay away!
Well, you'll never know if we don't give it a try!
Care to give it a try, then?
Wait.
I need to ask you something. Why do you have Fujiko under surveillance?
I know nothing about the girl. I was keeping watch on some stolen property.
So why are you after Jigen?
No particular reason. I'm just taking care of a target.
I see now. But he was getting to be a real thorn in your side.
Why else would a sniper get this close to their target? You'll never beat Jigen at a quick draw.
You've made two mistakes.
One, sniping isn't my only specialty.
Two, I think you'll find yourselves to be the ones lacking.
Give it a shot, then.
Do it!
I've got a debt to repay you. Time to pay it back in full.
You want a left-handed duel?
Fine. Draw whenever you like.
Three.
Jigen lost?
Of course he did.
A .357 Magnum? A massive gun like that isn't the lightest choice for a quick shot.
Well, the sideshow's coming to a close.
This next bullet, Daisuke Jigen, will be the end of you.
You're not in shape for this. We need to retreat.
Get away, Lupin!
Just come with me!
Well, I never thought I'd see the day you lost a draw.
His gun was lighter. .22 caliber. Looks like he shaved a lot of weight off it, too.
So you could beat him if you just used a gun that light?
Sorry, not happening.
Is this really the time to be stubborn?
Here he comes!
Him?!
If I don't get him with one clean shot, my pride will be gone!
It's up to you, Jigen!
Damn it!
No good?
Let's get him, Jigen.
How do you like this?
What the hell!
I thought he only fired the number he rolled on the die?
Maybe he has some very particular rules for himself.
How should I know?
That's what you get!
No good.
God, what is this stuff?
Finally, we lost him.
No way he's following us this far.
I'm going to get my revenge.
Yup. Even he must have a blind spot.
Lupin... he's back.
He's pretty clingy!
Spectacular.
Jigen...
End of the road.
Where'd he go now?
Up there!
Dammit.
He's got us pinned.
We can't get away if we don't get through that warehouse.
Guess we'd better get going, then.
Stop! If you go flying out there, you're his.
It's not that simple. There's no way I'm dying here.
Have a little faith, Jigen.
I'm not gonna go running out there before it's time.
On the count of three, we're gonna run for that warehouse.
You're betting my life on this?
I'm the one he's coming for. If this goes wrong, I'm going to haunt you forever.
Yup. Sorry.
Shit.
Fools. It's useless.
Here we go.
Right.
One, two, three!
Four.
Jigen! Hey!
Jigen!
Stay with me!
Hey, Jigen!
How does it feel, watching your friend die before your eyes?
That's what happens when you make hopeless plans. You see how worthless you are?
I can see you're a master gunman. If you ask me, though?
You're just a gun yourself.
You're a tool, unable to fire unless someone hires and pays you.
Be glad of that. It's why you'll leave here alive.
Stop it!
TO BE CONTINUED...
DAISUKE JIGEN'S GRAVESTONE PART 2
On your way home from work?
Chilly night tonight, isn't it.
That's Yael Okuzaki for you. The mechs he crafts are as elegant as his killings.
I suppose this will do. Time for the finale.
Yes, sir.
The hell?
What's going on?
What's this now?
Very sorry to barge in on the fun.
But I, Lupin the Third, will be taking this enchanting showgirl now.
Perverted ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to ask you all to vacate your seats with all haste.
I fear this man wasn't on the invite list. Let's show him the door.
Lupin...
Whoa! Don't you look dazzling.
Oh, come on!
I'm here to save you, like I promised.
What a meddlesome man.
Do it.
Guess I can't quite do it like Jigen did.
All right then!
Come on, what would you have done if that hit me?
Sorry, sorry.
Uh-oh.
Hang on! Is this a joke?
Hm? The woman's vanished.
Hey, so she has.
She can't be...
You've interrupted my performance!
Don't hold this against me, Lupin.
Nice timing there, Fujiko!
What do you think you're doing? Get off!
Come on, after I came all this way to help you out?
I didn't ask you to do that!
The graveyard, of all places. Is here okay?
Sure.
Then hurry up and get down.
Fine, fine... Hey, Fujiko, what were you even doing there in the first place?
I told you, didn't I? I was just working as a showgirl.
So what's this then?
When did you...?
C'mon, you know me.
The more you tell me not to come save you, the more I want to go.
You took advantage of my kind nature!
Well, I guess you've seen through me.
So, can you tell me? What you're really after?
The Calamity File.
The Calamity File? What's that?
It's a log of all the assassination orders that East Doroa's been carrying out in secret.
Assassination orders?
That's right.
It's full of foreign spies who were no longer useful to the East Doroans,
plus some pretty important officials.
This book is just one part of it.
If this file went public,
people would be saying the country was falling apart and vanishing off the map.
Some very confidential documents, then.
So you were snooping around to find this and sell it for a high price,
but you were found out, and the Pervert Club decided to keep you around till they killed you?
That's about it!
So, that's enough...
Give it back already!
Now I see. Thanks to you, I finally see.
Here's why they were after Jigen.
What now?
Follow me.
Jigen actually got taken down?
Yep.
By this mystery hitman Yael Okuzaki.
Who, by the way, has some connection to the owner of your secret club back there.
Just a few days ago, Jigen was asked by this world-famous singer Queen Malta,
here in East Doroa, to be her private bodyguard.
Her bodyguard?
Queen Malta wanted her motherland of East Doroa to stop all the fighting with West Doroa,
so she put together a concert that was supposed to help bring peace between them.
8 DAYS EARLIER WEST DOROA INTERNATIONAL CONCERT HALL
Why would you put yourself in so much danger just to sing here?
You're one to ask. Why are you in this line of work?
I'm sorry.
I'd really like to believe that my music can help these war-torn people, somehow.
You're brave enough. Willing to go straight to the enemy just for your singing.
It's not as if this country is the only enemy.
Then came the day of the concert.
Cancel?
Look at the spot I'm in!
I'm her manager, you think I'll allow her to just hire a bodyguard without running it by me?
Look, that's all her business.
All I know is, I got the request straight from her, and I took it on.
This concert is supposed to be a call for world peace!
If people knew she hired some bodyguard, how would that make East Doroa look?
What does she think about this?
She doesn't know the way the world is. I can't cater to her every selfish little whim.
Look, here's your compensation, now that's enough.
But Jigen figured he should at least earn what he was paid.
So the day of the concert, he slipped into the hall, but...
Queen Malta was shot dead right before his eyes.
So that's how we come to Jigen getting targeted by Yael Okuzaki.
And it looks like the owner of your secret club is the one who put out the hit.
This Calamity File you found just ties it all together.
What'll you do?
Pretty obvious, isn't it? I'm gonna lure the guy out and make him pay for Jigen.
How are you supposed to lure him out?
Hey, hang on! Are you planning to use that file as bait?
Aw, are you worried about me?
What are you talking about?! Just give me back the file.
C'mon, don't say that. An eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth, you know?
There'll just be one chance to decide everything. Only question is, will he get me?
Or will I get him? It's a contest.
Yael Okuzaki. I've a job for you.
Taking a look now. Two targets this time?
Start with the man.
He's in possession of the file. When you've finished, recover it immediately.
Welcome, sir.
Hot coffee, please.
Here you are.
Thanks very much.
Sir, your wounds...
Pardon, none of my business.
You're an unlucky man.
Westerly wind. Adjust two degrees... got you.
This is the end, Lupin.
One.
Impossible...!
How?! I watched Daisuke Jigen die!
But I'm alive. Pretty sure it was me that just shot out your left knee.
It was sure rough trying to find a weak spot on someone like you.
This was a trap?
You held the key to this whole puzzle yourself, Okuzaki.
When you took that first shot on us, I knew something was up.
How could you have timed that shot well enough to hit Jigen
as we moved between buildings?
And one other thing.
Those cops were oddly accurate in predicting our escape route.
There must be some secret behind why this city's crime prevention rate is so high.
And then it came to me. The surveillance system.
You're not blind in your right eye at all.
In fact, I'm guessing it sees more than the other one ever could.
You connected a video feed right into your own retina,
and you've been getting signals from the city cameras wirelessly.
Which is how you knew we were coming out of your blind spot,
and why you could take that perfectly timed, impossible shot.
For a guy who can fashion his own gun and build robots,
it'd be all in a day's work, am I wrong?
Well, you can fool anybody if you know the right tricks.
You couldn't have...
The night you tried to kill Jigen, we turned your own tricks against you.
With a little help from a camera we altered.
The feed you were watching at that moment was point five seconds behind.
On the count of three, we're gonna run for that warehouse.
You're betting my life on this?
Here we go.
Right.
One, two, three!
Four.
Jigen! Hey!
I even got burned. It was tough without a rehearsal.
Nah, you're a natural actor. Why not try out for a Broadway role as a dead body?
Sorry, I think not.
Basically, you took the bait and we tricked you into believing you killed Jigen.
Your overconfidence was your undoing.
How did you know where I was firing from?
This really came in handy. We borrowed a couple tools from your hideout.
Damn you!
Let me tell you what my right eye's seeing right now.
It's the same scenery that you're looking out over.
That's enough storytelling, Lupin the Third. Let's get to the point.
All right. This Calamity File is full of reports on spies from all kinds of countries.
How did you get all this information?
The answer lies in the city's network of top-secret surveillance cameras.
That sound right?
You can think whatever you want.
Only thing that doesn't line up is, why would Queen Malta be written in here?
If this was all orchestrated by a civilian private club owner, this file is looking pretty valuable.
The owner must just be a go-between, and whoever's really behind things is still out there.
Who asked you to kill Queen Malta?
There's no need for you to know that.
Maybe the East Doroan government? They asked you, didn't they?
They worried Jigen might catch on that they had her killed,
and that's why they wanted you to take him down next.
Ridiculous. Why would they want someone so valuable to them dead?
So they'd have a good reason to go to war.
They planned to pin everything on West Doroa
and take all the honor of East and West for themselves.
You've talked enough. Just kill me.
Unfortunately, I'm not in the habit of shooting unarmed people.
You obstinate man. This'll go the same as it did before!
I wonder about that.
Forgive me, but I need a minute to change clothes.
The same suit again? You're certainly very particular about it.
You've still got your good taste.
Well, guess I'd better go find out who the best gunman in the world is after all.
When the next wind dies down, then it's time.
You bastard!
You've got a lighter gun, smaller barrel than I do.
Meaning that if our bullets collided, mine would stay more on course.
Stick to lightweights if you want, but if you ask me? The feel will never measure up.
Satisfied?
The gunman he was is dead.
Let's go.
Right.
I was amazed to hear how low the crime rate was here.
Hard to believe it was a breeding ground for assassination plots.
Would you really leave me behind like that?
Oh hey, I forgot you were here!
Still a pretty sad story, though.
I think I may have actually felt a little sad when I thought you died, Jigen.
I couldn't just give the game away with them listening in, could I?
That wasn't what I was talking about.
Queen Malta only wanted peace, and her own country killed her for it.
The thoughts of a saint such as you are just beyond me.
Do you really not get it?
Everyone just loves money.
What? When did you...?
Hope you weren't needing this.
Hey, c'mon! I helped you get away with that in the first place!
I want half the profits, you hear me?
Just be reasonable. We shouldn't be getting caught up with her in the first place.
Hope you don't mean that.
Well. Guess that's not the last we'll see of her.
Daisuke Jigen Ultimate Gun Master Goemon Ishikawa Master of (ONLY) Swords Training Crazy
Lupin the Third Super-Genius Thief! Single and looking! What the hell?
Oh well.
Now what was he doing with this? Maybe he was holding onto it as a present for me.
Can I ask you one thing?
Yeah?
Why'd you tell the media about Queen Malta's Calamity File?
I just...
You're one to ask. Why are you in this line of work?
...just wanted a good smoke.
Can't argue with that.
What about you? You're ok with this?
We're not really friends of justice ourselves.
It's true. You're just a thief.
And you're just a gunman.
Extra sweet, this one.
Sure is.
This just in:
All countries have announced their intent to stage military interventions in East Doroa.
It's recently come to light
that the assassination of famous singer Queen Malta at her concert in West Doroa
was in fact orchestrated by
persons originating from her own home country of East Doroa, and furthermore,
that East Doroa, who declared war on the West on the false basis of said assassination,
has been secretly engaged in trading
with the Republic of Malanda for uranium-enriching facilities.
So they've had a taste of the forbidden fruit.
The East Doroan government has so far kept silent-
Inspector? What's going on?
Let's go.
Ah...?
Things are about to get busy.
END