What were you reading in my book?
Can't even compare to Nee-san.
It's alright, I will protect you regardless of what happens.
I'm home.
I'm sorry... I'm so sorry...
Takiura-sensei's manuscript is finally near completion.
I'm sorry I can't accompany you.
Of course a writer who actually produces work is more important to you.
No, I didn't mean that...
Just kidding.
It'll be just a news conference and book-signing, right?
A guide should be waiting at the airport when you get there.
OK.
Please come back in one piece.
Oops.
Welcome! Sumiregawa Nununu-sensei
Ah... oh, no.
You must be Sumiregawa-sensei. I'm your guide, Michelle Chan.
I'm 24 years old.
My favorite books are the Harry Potter series...
I'm Nenene. Sumiregawa Nenene.
Huh?
That says Nununu!
Nu-nu-nu...? Ne-ne-ne...?
My, my, my.
We will get you to your hotel first.
Maggie-chan? Maggie-chan!
Here.
Where have you been?
I had to pee.
You're being rude.
This is your driver, Maggie-chan.
She is quiet, unsociable, and tall. Her favorite writer is Hemingway...
and she is not very feminine, but she is a very nice girl.
Nee-san...
Nee-san?
Yes! We're sisters. Very close ones.
Please.
But...
I like Hemingway, but I love your books too.
Thanks.
It must be big news in Japan as well...
that your book is being made into a movie.
Not really.
It's been four years already since that title was published.
Oh.
And I haven't written one book since then.
Is that so?
Yeah. I'm already a forgotten writer in Japan.
Ah! Hong Kong Island! That's Hong Kong Island over there.
And next to it is the Kowloon Peninsula.
Please have a good rest until it's time for the meeting.
You'll be in a penthouse suite.
Oh.
"You sophomoric Japanese bitch...
take your stupid novel and go to hell.
And that shameless movie company...
should conduct some serious soul-searching."
It must be a letter from the bomber, although there's no name.
It was lucky that your arrival was delayed.
But who did it?
Probably some head case with strong anti-Japanese sentiment.
You sophomoric Japanese bitch, Take your stupid novel and go to hell. And that shameless movie company should conduct some serious soul-searching.
Any idea who it might be?
Not at all.
What are we going to do about tomorrow?
Cancel it, of course.
You're right. Sensei's safety must come first.
No.
If I run home now with my tail between my legs...
then I will lose to that fool.
But...
You expect me to let a fool make a fool of me?
Are you saying we should provide you with guards...
to accommodate your selfishness?
Selfishness?! What do you mean selfishness?!
It's a matter of pride!
This jerk is trying to get rid of my book through violence!
Besides, I don't expect your people to guard me!
Since I made my debut as a writer 10 years ago...
fools like this one have been following me around wherever I go!
But I've never given in, not even once!
Anyway, tomorrow, I will keep on signing, as if it's my last day!
Let him come if he wants!
I will write a "censored" mark right on his face!
Now, that's what I call a writer! How manly!
It's impossible to think of you as a woman!
Nee-san...
May we please join in your efforts to guard her tomorrow?
But you're only her guides.
We are aware of the danger.
But we cannot leave Sumiregawa-sensei like this.
To protect her we'd gladly sacrifice...
Maggie-chan's life.
Hello?
Yes. But...
Yes. I understand.
Well, it's been decided that the book-signing will be held as scheduled.
We will provide guards from our company, as well.
And we'll arrange a different hotel for you.
Here.
I have a good idea.
Please watch your step.
This is the place? You live here?
Detectives?
Yes?
Three Sisters' Detective Agency
Oh, yes. That is our primary business.
If you are searching for a person, book, or cat...
please feel free to consult us.
Oh no, this isn't good!
What is it?
It's a book-draft.
This is already the fifth one this month.
This is our sister Anita, she's the youngest.
Books...!
I hate them!!
Don't shout, you little brat!
Who are you?
I'm Nenene! Nenene Sumiregawa!
What a weird name.
What did you say?!
Why do we have to let a complete stranger stay here?
Don't say that.
Her books are our favorites.
The author of those books is like a member of our family.
I've never read them.
Not even one of her books.
To have a writer spend the night in our house...
is an extreme honor for a bibliomaniac.
I'm not a maniac!
I guess I'm an unwelcome guest.
Sensei!
Please wait!
We shall conduct a "Three Sisters Conference."
Those who are in favor!
Those who are against.
Alright, it's settled!
Not fair! You're being tyrannical!
This is a democratic solution.
Um...
Would you mind autographing your book for me later?
Ah, me too, me too!
Fine, whatever.
Yay!
Thank you so much!
Don't ask me!
Mumble, mumble.
No Books or Authors Permitted!!
What am I doing?
Sis, Sis.
That writer woman's gone.
Mumble... Mumble?!
Hey, you idiot!
It's dangerous around here at night!
Sorry.
Sorry doesn't cut it!
We're going home! Come on!
I was reminiscing about old times. About when I was writing this book.
I had a friend.
Someone who loved books and was buried in them all the time.
Just like my sisters.
Loved my books and told me so.
How bizarre.
But... one day, that person disappeared.
Without even a word, gone somewhere.
I didn't have a chance to hear what that person thought about this book.
And I feel like I can't move forward until I do.
Were you in love with him?
It was a woman.
But I don't know...
I wasn't exactly in love, but she was someone important to me.
Someone important...
She really loved books.
So I can't help thinking that she mightjust pop up in some bookstore.
That's OK, then.
Don't worry. She's someone important to you, right?
Then you'll see her again, someday.
Even though I haven't heard from her in four years?
It doesn't matter. The world is like that.
You're kinda smart, for a little brat.
And don't cause us any more trouble by acting childish!
Yeah, yeah.
Let's go home. My sisters are worried about you.
Michelle talks funny in her sleep.
You think so, too?
Kill
Kill Kill Kill Kill Kill Kill Kill Kill Kill Kill Kill Kill Kill Kill Kill Kill Kill Kill Kill Kill
No abnormal activities so far at the main entrance.
Turn this ticket in for the autograph.
No suspicious persons have been detected...
I heard that an announcement just came over the net.
Someone's going to attack Sensei.
Good luck on your new novel.
Leave everything except what you want her to autograph.
That's not my book.
I know, it's mine.
Freeze!
Or I will detonate it!
The perpetrator has shown up.
He appears to have an explosive device.
170cm in height, slender build. Identity unknown.
Drop your weapons!
It will explode if the ball touches either end.
Who are you?
I'm a writer.
What do you want?
You treat this third-rate Japanese writer as if she's big-time!
He brought some unsolicited work of his to us...
a few months back.
Why does this women get her idle story made into a movie...
while they won't even read my novel?!
Sorry, I'm so nervous.
Don't make any stupid moves! Or I'll blow you up!
Stop acting so stupid! It's only a novel!
Only?! I put my life into it!
I was born and raised in this country...
and I've been writing all these years, sacrificing everything!
And yet, only foreign women get recognized!
That's right. I'm a foreigner here.
But my novels aren't foreign anywhere.
It doesn't matter who opens the pages of my books.
Shut up!
If you're a writer as you claim to be...
why don't you try to kill me with your work?
With a mere bomb, I will never die!
You...! This is it!
Are you OK?
I guess.
Where's the bad guy?
Lying over there.
Where's Sensei? Is she alright?
Lying over there.
You guys!
You're Paper Masters?
Yeah.
Do you recognize this person?
No I don't.
I've never seen her.
No.
What just happened?
What are you going to do with it?
Since I have it, I think I'll read it.
Let me read it after you.
Well, thank you, I guess. For saving my life and all that.
If you want to thank me, pay me.
Anita...
But I wonder where Michelle went.
I'm sorry.
You don't have to apologize.
I'm sorry.
Here you go.
One for Michelle.
I will keep this as a family treasure!
It's not that big of a deal.
For you too, just in case.
I wonder how much I can get if I sell this.
Anita!
Nenene Sumiregawa
What were you doing?
She's already gone.
Two different sets of handwriting. That novel is a collaboration!
Nee-san?
There's another writer!
Don't move!
Get back in your seat.
Thanks for taking care of my little brother.
You guys are insane.
Why don't you direct that passion towards writing?
We did. And we still had some left over. So that's what's driving us.
You of all people should understand, shouldn't you?
Or is your talent all dried up?
Don't put me in the same class as you.
You pretend to be writers, but fail at it miserably. You're the scum of humanity!
Shut up!
Anita!
No, I can't get in.
Maggie dear, move forward.
Emergency, emergency, descending to a safe altitude.
What's happening back there?
Emergency, emergency, descending to a safe altitude. Captain! In front of you!
A bird?
Are you alive?
What are you doing here, you little brat!
You could've gotten hurt!
That's no way to talk to me. I saved your life.
But I guess we're even.
Write a thicker book next time. I'm not so good at defense.
Shut up you little brat!
Are we gonna crash?
No, we won't! My sisters are here!
Sis, it's heavy.
I'll make it lighter!
Flight 997's whereabouts are still unknown...
Look. What's that? But everybody, let's all have faith in the pilot and pray!
This vase brings you luck.
Maggie dear, have you ever been to Jinbo-cho?
No.
They say it's the town with the largest number of bookstores in the world.
Let's go there later.
Yeah.
And how are we going to explain this?
How should I know? You can come up with a quick story.
You're good at that, aren't you?
Who would come up with such a crazy story?
I'll kill the story! Too unrealistic!
That's cruel! You ungrateful woman.
You said we're even!
All the things I cherish
Continue to fall away
Only my memories with you...
Are held fast within my heart of hearts
By the cooling ocean
Our playful shadows
Melted into your slightly over-tanned skin
And the sunset
I wish we could grow up
Without letting go of our hands
I followed in the sunlight
Searching for your form
There was an omen that our love was ending
So we cuddled close
Episode 1 The Papers Have Landed