#28 Laborers, Unite!
I'm too tired.
It's been hell lately.
It's so crazy... seriously.
This workload is too heavy for human beings.
Every morning, we just practice until our live show begins.
We have two-hour-long shows four times a day.
We wash our costumes between shows.
When we get back, we have a review session and we get our asses beaten.
Hey, I came up with a good idea earlier.
A good idea? I'm listening.
It sounds very frightening, but...
we're going to piss off the boss.
I mean, if we behave really badly, he would beat us for sure, right?
Well... I think he would.
He would lose control of himself and even hit our faces!
Then we'll get scars on our faces!
That means we can't get on stage!
He will have to let us rest for at least five days.
I see!
That's a completely new idea!
A rebellion! I've never thought of that!
That could work!
Yeah, right.
If we're lucky, he might even let us have a break without hurting us.
The thing is, we have to really piss him off.
All right. It's been a while since I felt excited to be yakuza!
NEXT DAY
Huh?
I can't hear you.
Say it again.
I said we're too tired to do today's shooting.
I mean, we can't go!
Are you talking? I still can't hear you.
What did you say? Try it again.
Don't be scared! We are close!
I mean...
We're not robots!
Don't you think our schedule is too hectic?
That's right! It's so crazy!
Give us some free time, for God's sake!
We did it!
We're finished now.
I see.
Kimura, make a phone call and tell them the girls can't go to the shooting today.
Yes, Boss!
Tell them they got in an accident on the way and their car flipped over.
And also... bring me some tools.
Bro... we can do this!
Yeah! We can finally get some rest after today!
Well, since you've got a day off,
let's enjoy a sports festival, shall we?
Just a small sacrifice for our freedom! I'm ready.
Be my guest!
TWO DAYS LATER GOKUDOLS THEATER
A SURPRISE! SPECIAL COSPLAY EVENT
We're cosplaying as seriously injured patients.
Are you... surprised?
-You are the best! -We love you!
Serious injury! Wub-wub!
Aily, get up!
Bro... I'll never regret this decision.
It was marvelous.
It was pure Gokudo.
I don't blame George, either.
Who could have thought Boss would make us get on the stage in this condition?
Besides, what's this microphone for?
How can I sing?
Everything happening here is beyond human imagination.
George... now do you see?
OK, we're going to sing... our new song.
"NO FREDOM FOR YOU"
Wub you... every bunny...
#29 Granny Showdown
It's been a while since you were last on the radio, so take it easy.
As you're aware, Natsuko Tanaka, an enka singer, will join us today.
She's a difficult lady, who's tough on young girls.
As she's influential in this industry, avoid getting on her bad side.
All righty.
Whatever.
Today, we have a new segment, "Woman vs. Woman"!
We have the singer Natsuko Tanaka and the GOKUDOLS with us!
Thank you for having us!
Likewise.
So, what does "Woman vs. Woman" mean?
Must I compete with these little girls? Is this a joke?
No, I'm sorry. We didn't mean for you to fight.
Whatever you say.
OK, then, girls, sing something.
Do you want us to sing... now?
It's a battle, right? Sing.
Come on, that's a bit short notice.
Sing!
What's wrong with her?
OK. I'll sing, then.
Love's sakazuki, pass it--
Enough! So annoying.
You're a terrible singer. You can't compete with me.
INUGANE GROUP
What's wrong with her? She's a demanding old hag!
She is such a pain in the ass.
Let's make a fresh start!
Next, we'll--
Dance.
What? We can't dance here.
Miss Tanaka, that's not in our plan.
Huh? Can't you dance?
What a useless idol.
I'll dance!
Forget it. I didn't want to see it, anyway.
You should have done it when I first asked you.
What the hell is wrong with you, bitch?
So, what kind of battle are we having?
Nobody said it's a battle!
I've seen plenty of girls like you.
I know what you're up to.
You're trying to become famous as idols so you can find rich men to marry.
In other words, you're gold diggers.
Says who?
That's why I hate idols.
So, what kind of battle are we having?
Well... there's no battle.
She drives me crazy! Damn witch!
Boss! How can you stand this?
Dammit! Who cares that powerful people support her?
Let's take her down!
What did he just do? Why?
30 YEARS AGO
Let's get married, Natsuko.
Don't you know that the media criticize me about my love life?
If I marry you now, things will get ugly, you know?
I won't forgive anyone who talks badly about you.
I can promise you that.
I'm fine with a secret marriage.
I will always make you happy.
Oh, poochie. If you say so.
I will protect my wife.
#30 Pigeon
You've been very busy lately.
Well, yeah. Work never ends.
Since your adult video business went under last year,
I thought you'd have more free time.
Well... I've started some new businesses.
What kind of businesses?
25 YEARS AGO
What happened, Natsuko?
I won't forgive them!
NATSUKO TANAKA LOSES TO "THE SWEETIES"
IS THIS THE ERA OF IDOLS OVER ENKA?
Damn idols! Don't mess with me!
Dammit.
Natsuko, calm down.
I won't lose to those stupid, dirty idols!
Let's say... it's a hostess bar.
I'm trying many things.
Oh, really?
Detective, how is it going so far?
We'll start following him tomorrow.
He's a dangerous man, so be careful.
Don't worry. I'm a professional, too.
By the way, the reason for this investigation...
You said it's not about the adultery, but about idols.
What do you mean by that?
When I snuck into his room,
I found CDs and memorabilia of idols.
And... is that such a big problem?
Yes, it is for me!
Damn idols!
I... get it.
You'll be well-paid. I'm counting on you.
Our next release is a hip-hop song.
It's totally different from any of your songs.
You need to change the way you dance. Moving rhythmically to the music is key.
I saw you practicing, but...
your bodies were too stiff to dance to the beat.
Oh, really? Not dancing to the beat?
Or you don't even want to try?
Yes, we want to! We'd love to dance to the beat!
Hip-hop is the best!
Great, but being motivated isn't enough.
Please take a look at this video.
Here's a real rapper.
I see. It's just a pigeon.
What? A pigeon?
I get it. This is a piece of cake.
Leave it to me.
ONE WEEK LATER
Madam Tanaka, I've got some photos for you.
Luckily, since the curtain was open in the office, I could take...
astonishing photos.
Oh, that's great.
But... this is more shocking than I expected.
What do you mean?
He wasn't just an otaku.
Please brace yourself.
I've confirmed who the girl is.
She is Aily, the leader of the GOKUDOLS, the underground idol group.
More energy, bastard! Move to the beat!
Don't underestimate hip-hop!
Nod your head to the beat!
Yeah! Come on!
Shake it harder! You've got to become a pigeon!
Don't lose to a pigeon!
What the hell is this?
PEACE!
GOKUDOLS!
What's your excuse?
It's not like that, Natsuko. Please, let me explain.
You can't fool me.
I asked someone to follow you, and I know what you do now.
I've been followed?
Do you want to see the evidence?
No, I don't... All right.
If you already know everything, I'll explain it to you.
I couldn't tell you sooner because I know you hate idols.
Besides...
I never expected this would work out so well!
Why are you screaming so proudly? Have you lost your mind?
Right! Maybe I've lost my mind.
Although I'm an old man, I've found a new lease of life.
I still love you, Natsuko,
and I don't want to hide it anymore.
So, please understand.
Who could ever understand this?
Why not? You really can't understand what your husband is passionate about?
I bet no wife could understand such a husband!
Do you know what you're doing?
What about you?
I know you hate idols,
but you can't ignore what your husband is doing, can you?
I'm very serious about what I do!
This is just my personal opinion, but...
I don't think he's serious about her.
You don't think so?
Considering he is a man who has money and underworld influence,
it's not unusual for such things to happen.
Why don't you talk with him first?
Did you say that you're... serious?
Right.
I'm living life to the full now.
Stop it. That's enough.
I can't stop now!
I want to have more of them, too!
More?
Come and watch the performances we put on, just once!
Then you'd understand why this excites me so much!
As if I would! I'll ruin you!
AILY: THANK YOU, SENSEI! I'LL DO EVEN BETTER TOMORROW!
#32 Hooray for Marriage
Anything new?
Um... Nothing special.
I don't care how insignificant it seems.
Did they mention anything at their concert?
Well, she said she wants a pet.
Aily wants to keep a pet!
A pet?
I bet she was just trying to look cute.
Or maybe she's trying to get one of her fans to give her what she wants.
Detective...
of all legal pets, what would be the most dangerous?
What... do you mean?
I'm not looking for an aggressive one.
What's a pet that looks calm but is actually dangerous?
I wonder...
Oh, wait.
A softshell turtle!
It looks calm, but I heard it will try to bite through anything!
Of course! They say they don't let go, even if struck by lightning!
Anyway, what are you going to do with such information?
I'll send her one!
No way! That's dangerous! Please don't do this.
You'll be severely injured if it bites you!
I can't stop now.
I'll make them pay. I'll crush them in any way possible!
For starters, I'm going to hurt them just a little.
I think it's a good way to warn them of what's coming.
FIVE DAYS LATER
That was great!
I haven't eaten a softshell turtle in ages!
The devotion of our fans is getting stronger, I guess.
Strong enough to send us a softshell turtle.
They know what I like!
By the way, I also got something surprising yesterday.
But that's a...
It's a HS32-model, 12cm jackknife, made in Italy!
Cool, isn't it?
Awesome!
Man, I want one, too.
Whoever sent it must be a cool dude.
Any developments?
Nothing in particular.
They seem even happier than usual.
Dammit.
Why don't we stop doing this now?
Since this isn't a job for a detective...
I'm out.
Fine.
I've got plenty of other options, anyway.
Kinoshita, how are the GOKUDOLS doing lately?
Well, somehow, they seem to be even more energetic than before.
Yet, they're still unknown to most of the population.
Can't we do something about it?
To be honest, luck plays a big role.
If they could make the headlines in a big news story,
they would receive much more publicity.
But if we manufacture news, it could have the opposite effect.
If we mess it up, it could be fatal.
I see. That's difficult.
JAPANESE CUISINE GINZA YAMI NO SODAN
Yoshimoto, here's the money.
Well, it's hard to turn you down.
But... are you sure about this?
This article is...
TWO WEEKS LATER
This is it!
These days, nobody would believe idols are involved with yakuza.
This will help us get their name out there!
Oh, great! Our name is in such a famous magazine!
Great job, leader!
Oh, thanks. I guess it's finally my time to shine.
What's wrong, President?
The article is not factual, so it's perfect!
It's not that.
Yoshimoto!
Why is this article so tiny?
Can't they make it bigger?
What have you done, Yoshimoto? I paid you for that tiny article?
I'll feed your finger to a softshell turtle!
What? A softshell turtle?
A well-matched couple.
#33 Five Demons
Thank you!
Our next song is "Are You Mad?" Here we go!
Angwy!
Are you mad? Are you mad?
What are you getting all angry for?
I exiled my love for you You won't get a redo
Think about all the mistakes You've ever made
This scar can't be healed
Love exiled, broken off Erased from the books!
There's nothing you can do Doing your best won't change a thing!
"ARE YOU MAD?" GOKUDOLS
You won't ever get a single thing
From me
Are you mad? Are you mad?
What are you getting all angry for?
You are all alone now
There's nothing you can do!
Stupid song!
Don't mess with me!
Oh, my gosh!
Isn't that Natsuko Tanaka?
What is she doing here?
I have one final weapon.
I'm not alone.
I've found true allies!
Just wait and see!
INUGANE GROUP
Boss?
What's wrong?
I had a horrible dream.
This can't be good.
A dream?
What kind?
The vision wasn't very clear,
but I saw demons plotting to come and attack us.
And I... couldn't do anything. I was helpless as they tortured me.
Come on! You have nothing to worry about.
Things have been great lately!
Ouch!
My dreams have always showed the future.
This is not just a bad feeling.
The demons are coming!
You're the demon!
Please calm down, Boss!
Does that mean the Kodan family will come and attack us?
Who knows? I just saw five demons dancing!
Five demons?
It must be the five leaders of the Kodan family!
This is the last stand.
Excuse me.
VICTIM SUPPORT GROUP
So this is the...
Huh?
What? Natsuko Tanaka?
What are you doing here?
This is the GOKUDOLS Victim Support Group, isn't it?
Well, yeah... it is.
What are you... doing?
A bit of...
ballroom dancing.
But why?
I saw five demons dancing! They're coming!
Are those five leaders coming to us directly?
Why don't we attack them first, then?
I don't understand. I did nothing wrong!
You've done a lot!
Who the hell are they?
I can't even tell what their genders are! I'm fucking scared!
Why... are you dancing?
Well... um... for many reasons.
The Victim Support Group freaked Inugane out.
They did it!