Spring 1999
Karasawa Tea Ceremony & Flower Arrangement School
If anything happens, contact me here.
So, I shouldn't call you if nothing happens?
It's best that we act like strangers, isn't it?
I guess you're right...
Oh, you should get something in the mail before school starts.
Kirihara Family Tomb
Kirihara Yousuke, November 11th, 1991 Kirihara Ryouji, March 5th, 1999
A notice was sent saying that he drowned while sailing.
Ryouji...
You can't fool me.
Why are you nervous?
I told you I'd handle it, didn't I?
Didn't the police and Hanaoka Youko's husband lose interest when they heard about your blood type?
Yeah! That didn't make sense.
Your type is B, isn't it?
Yeah.
The type they found inside Hanaoka Youko was AB.
AB?
That's impossible.
It is, isn't it? Except for one possibility...
You... no way...
The corpse?
I...
I'll do anything you say all my life.
Naturally.
Namie Nishiguchi?
You'll recognize her.
What do you want me to do?
Just stand at the counter, smile, and say "Miss!"
You said you'd do anything, right?
Nishiguchi-san, that kid wants to talk to you...
Daito Bank. Section 1. Supervisor Nishiguchi Namie
I can't do that.
It's just a matter of giving me some customer information.
If your bank finds out that you were buying a man,
you might be looking at a possible layoff.
Wouldn't it be wise to cooperate with us and get your share as well?
But...
That's illegal, isn't it?
What do you think the difference is between finding something on the ground and snatching someone's bag?
What?
The guy who doesn't pay enough attention to his bag is the idiot.
Haven't you ever thought that whoever lets his defense down is the loser?
What in the world are you planning?
I want you to lease this apartment in your name.
Apartment for rent! Room number 201. 120,000 yen a month.
Living, Dining and Kitchen area. 40 square meters. Lease for 2 years.
No way! I'm still a student,
and my parents will have to co-sign the lease.
What if I told Hanaoka-san's husband that it was your fault...
Ok, ok, I get it.
This is something I bought from a certain woman.
I'll transfer the money I earn into this account.
If money is transferred, it means I'm doing well.
Don't worry too much, just have a fun college life.
Why are we living in this building?
Ahh! Seika College girls! They're pretty.
Not bad, is it?
I didn't know that was your taste.
March 5th, 1999.
I had dissappeared from the world.
Whenever necessary, I decided to use the name Sonomura Tomohiko.
This way, if something were to happen,
all that would be left would be his traces.
As if nothing happened, Yukiho entered Seika Women's Junior College...
Social Dance Club
Congratulations on entering college. Recruiting New Members!! Big Welcome for Beginners!!
It's a pretty high level.
We won championships. And for freshmen we can guarantee that you'll be in the tournament.
For some reason, she decided to start dancing.
I'd like to join...
My three minutes is up.
In any case,
it was good that Yukiho's life was peaceful.
Didn't he die? Kirihara Ryouji, I mean.
Who would believe such a story?
Are you continuing their "biography"?
Right now, there's only me left...
who can slap them in the face.
The ones who lost their fathers, right?
"Because I cannot become Buddha with any amount of effort,
hell is necessarily the place for me to be."
So, the PIN number punched in will be confirmed to the main host by the AT.
So, that means we'll have to take the data from there.
There's no need for the two of you to sneak inside.
You can leave that to me.
Ryo-chan... what are you planning to do with these?
I've learned from you.
I'm planning on making copies.
And so, the days passed quietly...
without any need to call each other.
Autumn 1999
Hey, Yukiho...
I don't know if you're going to laugh at me, but once I believed...
that we were forever.
When in critical moments, those who can dance will continue to live on - K.S
Even though it's a dark bond,
I thought that it wouldn't break because it's dark.
This place is too bleak.
But...
one day, suddenly...
that bond's delicacy and ugliness began to appear...
in front of the true sun.
Byakuyakou (Journey Under a Midnight Sun) Chapter 4
Withdraw
OK!
I fooled the ATM.
What about the security camera?
No problem.
Aren't we great!
Well, let's go to the next one.
Eh? Aren't we celebrating?
It's over when they find out.
We don't have much time.
President! It's done!
Our club doesn't really need a manager.
Why don't you try dancing also?
I get sick riding in a car. If I turn around like that, I'll surely die.
If you keep withdrawing yourself like that, you'll never get a boyfriend.
Kazunari!
Hey, Kanae...
Shinozuka-san.
It's been a long time.
How have you been?
Suddenly, they asked me to return.
Here, a souvenir.
I didn't hear anything about this.
I'll talk about it later.
I'm Kawashima, the Manager, and a first-year student.
Manager?
Takamiya, who's that person?
Ah, it's your first time meeting him?
Our OB, Shinozuka Kazunari. (OB = Old Boy)
Son of the president of Shinozuka Pharmaceutical.
Shinozuka Kazunari...
He's supposed to be training at its U.S. branch.
Shinozuka-san, you're back?
Hey, Takamiya.
Kazunari, can we talk?
Engaged?
Well, I hear they're getting married eventually.
Shinozuka is the son of the president of that famous Shinozuka Group...
...and Kurahashi is a granddaughter of that famous university's president.
Ah, I see! That's who our club president is.
I thought she was a delinquent.
She's really from a wealthy family, so she doesn't need to look that way.
Say, what type do you like?
I also want to know.
Rhett Butler.
Who?
From Gone With The Wind?
Yes.
What kind of person is he?
You can find it in that rental shop.
Actually, you guys are dating, right?
Why do you say that?
Because you look more cheerful than the first time I saw you.
I think you fell for Namie.
It's not like that!
I...
After all, I don't know anything.
What?
You never talk about yourself.
That sort of makes me feel lonely.
Does he even know that what he's doing is a crime?
Because of that...
Because he's doing things that can't be said to people...
That's why he wants to trust and to be trusted by you.
It's not a university club, you know.
Don't you have a girlfriend?
No.
Hm...
Then, what type do you like?
Scarlett O'Hara.
So you're an M. (M=Masochist)
Suddenly...
I wanted to hear Yukiho's voice.
If I call from a public phone, I don't have to worry...
but still there will be records left behind.
And I'm sure Sasagaki won't overlook them.
Shinozuka profits increased by 68%
If there's someone beside her, Yukiho will have to lie again.
I wanted to make it as easy for her as possible.
You're so serious reading the newspaper.
Shinozuka Pharmaceutical's son is our club OB.
Eh...
Is he good looking?
Not at all.
This loneliness...
I thought that I can't lose to it.
What's he doing?
Oh, you're the officer from that incident?
I've been wondering what has become of her after that incident.
How did you come to adopt her?
I was teaching flower arrangement to kids at her orphanage.
That's how...
She quickly memorized the names of flowers,
and tried hard to talk to me.
I clearly understood her message.
"Adopt me! Please! Adopt me!"
What a strong child, I thought.
I like that kind of child.
Sorry, but please don't tell her that I was here.
Eh?
Ah, I don't want to ruin her happiness.
I understand.
At her age, she probably has a lot of boyfriends, right?
Well... I can't really tell.
When in critical moments, those who can dance will continue to live on - K.S
What's up?
Huh?
Where's Kurahashi-san today?
Probably on a date. It's been a long time for them.
What do you think about an OB that still comes to the club?
Eh?
Trying to look good, he just ends up looking bad, don't you think?
I see...
Here's your share.
Wow, you have become respectable.
Respectable?
Matsuura!
I know, I know...
I have to confirm who it is, right?
Yes?
We've come to check the ventilation.
Okay, please wait.
Where's Namie?
Can you turn away when you smoke?
Oh, sorry for not noticing...
You're good at enduring pain.
She's not here.
When you know where she lives, contact me here.
I think she'll say no.
You look like a smart guy.
You know that you'll gain the most, don't you?
How about calculating it with that computer?
I wonder what Namie did to them.
What are you going to do? Now that you have those guys watching you?
Ryo?
This morning around 8, a middle-aged man was found bleeding on the street.
After further investigation, this man was identified as Makabe Mikio, 46, an employee at Daito Bank.
He was sent to the hospital but died.
Namie, what do you mean you're being chased?
She was supplying money to a Yakuza named Enomoto.
Eh? Yakuza?
Did you hear about a bank employee that got killed?
Yeah.
Namie was sending money to that Yakuza's account illegally.
The one who noticed it was Makabe, her boss.
Makabe had no idea that it wa Namie's work and discussed it with her.
That was yesterday.
After Namie told Enomoto about it, Makabe got killed.
That was this morning.
Tomorrow, it's a sure thing that they'll be after Namie.
Eh? But Namie and Enomoto are friends, right?
But I'm also a witness...
Namie has 20 million yen.
I know that this day would eventually come. I made 5 different accounts for my use.
Illegal transfers?
Enomoto wants money, but it'd be trouble if she got caught and talked.
That's the situation. So, you stay here for 2 or 3 days.
Eh?! Only the two of us?
You'll be getting her food and stuff since she can't leave.
Oh...
Wait, and you?
lt'll be tough being chased by the police and Enomoto.
Finding a place to hide, making a fake passport, I'll be busy.
Ryo?
It's about the money...
I want you to tell me what you've been doing.
It's okay. I won't cause you trouble.
It's not like that...
I'm worried.
Sorry, but I'm busy at the moment.
I thought that I asked you to contact me.
Well, now I know that you have guts.
And I don't hate it.
Hey, please continue with the talk...
OK.
You're so stupid.
My ex-boyfriend cleaned out my finances.
Without my knowledge, he withdrew most of my savings.
To top it off, he said that it was my fault for keeping the money there.
I couldn't say anything back.
That's when I met Matsuura.
Because I wanted to change, I went to his place.
But I backed out when the time came.
And Enomoto?
I met Enomoto around 1 month after Ryo asked me to join him.
When some hoodlums tried to attack me, he saved me.
Thinking back, it was just a set-up.
Enomoto was really nice then.
I'm hopeless.
I always get deceived by men.
We won't betray you.
Because we are not men but friends.
Karasawa Reiko: Gentle manners..
Mr. Sasagaki.
What?
She had a contact with the victim yesterday, and this happens today.
Mr. Sasagaki! Those are 99% irrelevant.
You're right.
When someone like that has an eye on you, you know he'll get us.
I could've let her escape.
You trust Namie that much?
If the police catch her she'll talk about us right away.
I think I deserve your thanks.
They said they'll take care of Namie.
I also got them to agree to give us 10 million for card forgery work we'll do for them.
If you get caught or killed...
isn't there someone that will be sad?
You're late! What are you doing?
I'm sorry.
Don't worry about it. She's just in a bad mood.
Bad mood?
I heard that Shinozuka said that he wants to break up with her.
Hey, Karasawa, you aren't thinking that it is an opportunity, are you?
No. I know my place.
When in critical moments, those who can dance will continue to live on - K.S
It's not a good idea for me to be here.
Excuse me...
I'm sorry if I'm mistaken.
Didn't you use to come a long time ago?
No.
Really?
Really.
I see.
Sorry about that. Actually, a boy that I was close to stopped coming after he graduated high school.
Is that so?
You look like a friend of his, so I thought you might know something about him.
Are you worried about him?
A bit.
For him, it seemed that this was the only place to be.
There's a phone call for you.
Okay.
Feel free to use our library.
Finished.
After this, I just have to take Namie to the place that Enomoto told me.
Then disguise Sonomura as a woman and he'll withdraw the money.
That's all.
This place is too bleak.
Is she going to die?
Namie...
Seeing Yukiho won't change a thing, but...
I suddenly wanted to see her.
If I do that, I thought I could get over this feeling.
I made him throw away everything...
Here, a snow flake.
When in critical moments, those who can dance will continue to live on - K.S
I'll wipe it out.
What?
I've never seen anyone as rude as you.
Well, it's fine, then. After all, I'm a rude man.
You saw it?
What did you say to her?
Because she was so persistent,
I asked her in what way she's right for me.
You disagree?
No.
Rather than being half-heartedly nice, it's better for the other person.
I think we can be good friends.
Um...
Yes?
"When in critical moments, those who can dance will continue to live on."
That's a nice saying.
I'm surprised that you found it.
Do you like "Gone with the wind"?
Yes.
Actually, I like it too. I haven't read the original, though.
I see, well, you can borrow it.
Um...
Do you hate me?
What?
You're not trying to expand our conversation.
I've been in a bind...
With this pretty girl sitting next to me, and we seem to have good chemistry.
Does she happen to resemble me?
Or is she is trying to get my attention?
I understand.
Eh?
If I say we're similar, you'll say that you don't have any interest in a person similar to you.
If I say I'm trying to get your attention, you'll say that you don't feel like it.
You have great confidence.
Thank you very much.
No problem.
Karasawa.
Here, "Gone with the wind".
I'll lend it to you.
I'll return it.
Then, we'll see each other again.
Of course, if you don't return it, that's okay with me.
Don't insult me.
I have someone that I like.
Really?
Good night.
I couldn't believe it.
Yukiho was in love...
While I was crawling around in mud.
I'm so stupid.
I don't have anyone else besides you, Ryo.
What did I believe in?
Here's something in return.
I wanted to hurt her back...
With the same intensity as when I wanted to protect her.
Hello, Karasawa...
It's me.
I have something that I want you to do.
What?
Doing something like this, doesn't he get scared?
Well, you seem pretty happy.
To outwit the world, so to speak, it does have its own satisfaction.
It's no good keeping a glum look, anyway.
When I think about the future, sometimes I can't sleep.
I think Ryo is also scared.
But he has something supporting him.
Something?
Maybe, something he can trust...
Like a hope.
For now, you can stay there for one week. I'll send you a passport after 2 or 3 days.
When you withdraw the money, you'd better hide your face.
Thank you.
I'll be sure to use it.
Are you sure you'll be okay from now on?
I'll try hard.
Because you've saved my life.
I really thank you.
She said Ryo is the person that she can trust the most in this world.
A word from you has liberated her a little.
That's what Namie said.
What did you tell her?
Nothing...
I just said that those that let their guard down will lose.
Return the car, will you?
Nagoya
Yes?
We came to check the ventilation.
Okay.
So, in one week at Grace Hotel.
It's rough.
The victim is a corporate employee, named Namie Nishiguchi, 39 years old.
When she was found, she was already dead from stab wounds in her chest and stomach.
Nishiguchi-san has been suspected of making illegal money transfers at Daito Bank, where she worked.
The police are going to question Enomoto Hiroshi, a corporate executive, on the suspicion of embezzlement and murder.
Furthermore, Nishiguchi-san had 5 other accounts.
Her figure withdrawing money from an ATM had been captured by the security camera.
The police believes that it was Nishiguchi herself withdrawing the money,
but the whereabouts of the withdrawn 20 million yen are not yet known.
Next, the weather.
Can you explain it to me a bit more?
Am I not in danger?
That Enomoto guy, can you trust him?
Will he talk about us to the police?
They can't make a case without Namie.
But...
It's because you trust that they betray you.
It's senseless to guess who will betray us.
It seems that you have changed.
We've been apart for this long.
We've changed a lot. Me and you...
What are you going to do with that money?
Have you finished reading that paperback?
I see, you've bought a cell phone.
I thought with that it would be easier to contact you.
What are you doing?
I won't forgive you.
You can't just count yourself out at your convenience.
What kind of face is that!
Why don't you say anything?
Because I don't want to lie to you.
Right now, I don't want to say anything.
Didn't you say that there's only me?
Didn't you say that you'd remember me even if I'm dead?
You made me go through so much, and look what you're doing!
Don't you think I know that?
What do you want me to do?!
It's not something that can be reasoned out. There's nothing I can do.
Please do something.
Do something, Ryo.
I remember it was raining...
...as if to dissolve and reveal the truth that was buried deep in the ground.
So, that tomorrow will be sunny...
It was raining as if to dissolve the clouds...
covering the sun.
It's very warm.
A person's body is actually a warm thing, isn't it?
You know, Yukiho,
you were really, really beautiful that day.
But...
It was raining on that day, too.
Our crime and punishment...
that the rain has washed out and revealed.