FREELANCE SURGEON MICHIKO DAIMON
I'm about to open the pancreatic parenchyma.
Prep the linear stapler.
Yes, ma'am.
KAZUMA USHIO HIDEKI KAJI
-No, that's not it. -I'm sorry.
BP, 110 over 76. Pulse, 87, sinus.
Done.
Goodbye.
She's as fast as ever.
Dr. Daimon, I have a message
from Assistant Director Tange at a medical conference in Paris.
Don't just walk away!
"My friend in making reforms, Dr. Daimon,
I give you permission to operate all you like in my absence.
With love from Paris, Nicholas Tange."
That's a Brazilian for you.
He's even sending his love to Michiko Daimon.
Yes!
I'll operate without stopping! Let's get to it, people!
Dr. Daimon, we can't today.
We have an important lecture to attend.
-Goodbye. -Goodbye.
-Seriously? -What?
What lecture could be more important than surgery?
While Nichotan's away, Director Hiruma got carried away
and invited a VIP guest.
A VIP guest?
Even you can't operate without surgical nurses, Dr. Daimon.
That's for sure.
-Let me do it! -Really?
What? You?
I want to become a real surgical nurse soon.
I'll do my best as the instrument nurse.
Being the instrument nurse requires speed, proper judgment,
and the ability to anticipate.
You couldn't do it now no matter how much you tried.
This is the story of a maverick female doctor.
In 2019, the ivory towers are completely crumbling.
Japan's university hospitals have fallen into tremendous debt.
Lifesaving medical treatment
has entered the era of financial jungle law.
-Greetings. -Greetings.
MASAE MIHARA, HONORARY PRESIDENT JAPANESE NURSING CONFEDERATION
It's a pleasure to see you, Honorary President Mihara.
It's a pleasure to see you.
It has been a long time, Dr. Hiruma.
Yes, it has been a while. Thank you for coming.
Thank you for taking the trouble to come.
We're looking forward to
a magnificent lecture from you to improve our nurses' mindfulness.
-You! -Yes?
It sure is a good thing you didn't get tossed into prison.
Oh, come now.
Those were nothing more than trumped-up charges.
I wouldn't be so sure.
You have always loved money more than anything.
You frightened me. Anyway, go ahead.
Please approach the podium.
She can talk like that to Director Hiruma?
She started working before he did at his intern hospital.
Ever since then, he's been meek with her.
The reigning leader of
the Japanese Nursing Confederation, AKA the Shogun's harem.
Even though she's retired, she controls the confederation.
Otherwise known as Doctor...
The Reiwa version of Kasuga no Tsubone.
The Reiwa version?
Didn't you just say "doctor"?
Honorary President Mihara, be gentle with your message.
Those involved in medical care must be ethical and honest.
There's no place for bribery or collusion!
I want to operate!
Labor reforms are meaningless.
No matter how much the world changes,
that kind of thing has no place in the medical field.
To remain by your patients' side
and to offer even greater mastery of your skills,
you must work even harder!
Do you think you can be a nurse if you fear death from overworking?
For the patients' sake,
let us work ceaselessly.
This is bad. Who the heck invited her?
Who invited her?
HEAD NURSE TAMIE SHIRASU
Director Hiruma did.
He can't do this while Assistant Director Tange is away.
If the Labor Standards Office finds out, there will be trouble!
Those who work as nurses
must be willing to work themselves to death for patients.
If you're not ready to do that,
then get out this instant!
That's Honorary President Mihara for you.
Even in the Reiwa period, she hasn't changed a bit.
Hold on here.
You are so out of touch with the times!
You rude woman! Shame on you!
I'm canceling this lecture! The lecture is canceled!
Shame on all of you!
Hold on! Stop, all of you!
Meanwhile, this freelance maverick doctor, who was never part of
a university medical department, showed up.
I'm starving.
This woman hates groups, authority, and restrictions.
Her specialized medical license and well-honed skills
are her weapons.
I came here because I was invited!
Please wait, Honorary President Mihara.
You don't need to see me off!
-You there! Stop! -What?
-That hurts! What was that for? -What the heck is that?
What?
How could you put a tattoo on the healthy skin
your parents gave you?
Tattoo? It's just a decorative sticker!
That's right. A decorative sticker.
That hurts!
That's the foolishness of youth!
Tattoos increase the risk of skin and liver disease.
Don't you understand that?
I've had enough of this bossy lady! Let's go!
Watch out!
What's with this hospital?
Oh, my.
Allow me to thank you
for saving my grandchild.
You'll be able to see your great-grandchild too.
You seem like you'll live for a long time.
Thank you so much for caring for my granddaughter, Nanako, then.
Thanks to that, Nanako has married a foreigner.
She's living happily now in Germany.
Really?
Like you promised me, Dr. Daimon,
my great-grandchild was born.
I'm glad to hear it.
Your surgery skills are quite impressive, Dr. Daimon.
I hear that a lot.
Apart from that,
-you still show too much skin! -That hurts!
-Too much skin! -That hurts!
-Too much skin! -Stop that!
What's your problem? That's ticking me off!
Act more like a doctor and watch that tongue of yours.
I decline!
Surgeon Michiko Daimon.
Otherwise known as Doctor X.
Really? You ran into that Kasuga no Tsubone again?
How is she?
She was just as irritating as ever,
but I don't think she's very well.
Is she sick?
-Too much skin! -Stop that!
What's your problem? That's ticking me off!
How long have you had that pain? Have you been tested?
-Get yourself examined. -This is none of your business.
Farewell!
She's the boss nurse.
You know she's getting proper examinations.
I wouldn't be so sure.
Anyway, it's ready.
I'll bring us some dishes.
It's that season!
I heard Honorary President Mihara left
because of a commotion.
Yes. Sorry. Goodbye.
-What? Masako. -Director Kaji, that's no good.
-That's no good. -What?
Using their first name is sexual harassment.
-You're kidding. Her name is Masako. -I'm not.
Due to the labor reforms, doctors and nurses are actually busier.
What a world we're living in.
Okay, I think I'll go there today.
-We're going? -Yes!
-What place is that? -Director Ushio
and you too, Murasaki. How about having a drink with us?
I'm writing a paper.
I'm helping the professor.
It's probably somewhere nasty anyway.
It's "that place," you know.
Director Kaji, count me out too. Sorry.
Director Hiruma asked me to do a favor for him.
It seems like he still depends on me. I'll go next time. Sorry.
He was here?
We will now begin a pancreaticoduodenectomy.
-Let's begin. -Let's begin.
Get us some tacos! Hit the nurse button!
Hurry up and get her!
-Yes? -Meg! There you are!
I'm exhausted!
Shoot me full of a nice strong shot!
Sure thing! Okay!
Here comes your shot!
-This will hurt. -That hurts!
-This will hurt. -It's making me swell!
This is an emergency!
-Metzenbaum scissors! -Metzenbaum scissors!
You can call them by their first names here, and they're so kind.
You're so right!
Welcome!
Let me introduce you.
-This is a newbie, Masa. -It's nice to meet you!
-You're Ms. Ohma! -Here, I'm Masa.
That's not the problem. If the hospital finds out--
Illicit business? That's just wrong!
I know that,
but the hospital won't let me do enough night shifts or overtime.
I want to work more so I can send money back home.
Okay, Director! It's time to take your blood pressure!
How can I get excited... Please, do it!
We're here!
Rika, I've come back.
Welcome, Usshi and Murarin!
-That nurse cap of yours is cute! -Thank you.
Rika, the usual, watered down.
-Watered down? -It's too strong lately.
Murarin! Are you done with your paper?
Good evening!
He said his usual is too strong.
They're obviously regulars.
I totally get it!
I am terribly sorry.
You accepted our invitation to speak, but then that happened,
so I can understand why you're upset.
I am truly sorry.
I have this for you.
This is a small token of apology from Director Hiruma.
MASAE'S SON GORO MIHARA
Mom, please forgive them.
-Thank you so much for coming. -It's no problem at all.
Shinnosuke!
Shiro, here's a snack!
Stop that, Shinnosuke!
-All right now. -Such a sweet grandson.
-He's my great-grandson. -Oh, I see.
Shinnosuke, give that to your grandfather.
Fine.
Thank you.
Shinnosuke!
Darn you! Quit wiggling your bottom!
Shinnosuke!
-I'm sorry about that. -It's all right.
Open it up.
-Look under that too. -What?
-Under that too! -What?
I despise bribery!
You've got it wrong.
That's the lecture fee we couldn't give you today.
I know Director Hiruma's intentions perfectly well.
He wants me to support him in the election for chairman
of the Japan Physicians Club.
By all means, give him your support!
Take this wretched thing back with you!
-Mom! -Mrs. Mihara!
-Grandma, are you okay? -Mom!
What should we do?
At any rate, bring her to our hospital!
-I'm not going to any hospital. -Don't be ridiculous, Mom!
-Hana, let's get a dog. -What?
-I want a dog. -Later.
My! I like this!
TAKASHI EBINA
Why are you calling at this hour, Ebina?
She just collapsed at her home, so we brought her to our hospital.
Mrs. Mihara?
Darling!
Ebina, are you listening? You know that
the election for chairman of Japan Physicians Club is coming up.
Do whatever it takes to cure President Mihara,
the leader of 1.5 million nurses,
at Totei University Hospital. Understood?
I understand. We'll do whatever it takes to cure her here.
I'll have her thoroughly examined right away. Goodbye.
Do not examine me.
Mom!
I will not allow you to examine me.
How can you say that?
If you're going to examine me,
I'm leaving.
Mom!
OPERATING ROOM
This feels so nice!
I could do five more!
Nobody else needs surgery today.
Really?
Say, are you sure there's nothing wrong with you?
-Cut that out! -I'll operate if there is!
-What's your problem? -You sure are skinny.
Dr. Daimon!
-Come with me. -What?
-What's going on? -Since she owes you for
what you did for her granddaughter,
Honorary President Mihara is sure to listen to you.
I should probably go too.
Here you are.
Are you a new nurse?
Yes.
Even when you serve a tray,
put yourself in the patient's shoes. Instead of like this,
serve it like this.
Thank you. That's very helpful.
Your lecture yesterday was truly inspiring.
To me, you are the ideal nurse, Honorary President Mihara.
You're a rare girl in this era.
Thank you.
Excuse us.
If we can't examine you, we can't operate on you or treat you.
Let's get you examined right away.
Excuse me.
-Don't touch me! -Sorry.
-Take her. -Yes, ma'am.
I'm sorry. These are Dr. Daimon's orders.
If you lay a finger on me, I'll sue!
I'm sorry!
What's wrong? Getting examined isn't going to hurt you.
There must be something that you don't want anyone to see.
-Don't be ridiculous. -I've had a ton of experience,
so no body will surprise me.
Even if you've got two hearts or your blood is thick as black mud.
-My blood is perfectly clean! -I wouldn't be so sure.
-What a rude woman. -Same to you.
Fine.
But I'll only allow you to test my blood.
-Just thrust it in! -Yes, ma'am.
Come on. Just a blood test?
-Give her a CT and MRI as well. -Okay.
-I decline! -Okay. Sorry.
Hurry it up!
-Hurry up and do it. -No way! It's impossible.
This week's pre-op conference will now commence.
The first case is a VIP among VIPs.
Masae Mihara, age 73,
the Honorary President of the Japanese Nursing Confederation.
However, she's refusing to be examined,
so this is the only data we have on her.
Judging from the pain in her right chest
and the elevated inflammatory response,
she most likely has shingles.
No, it's also possible she has polymyalgia.
Objection!
She has numbness in her back and an ache in her right chest.
Therefore, I believe she has dumbbell neurinoma.
If it's not operated on immediately, she's in danger. Let me do it.
How can you possibly be so certain?
-My intuition. -"Intuition"?
Just your intuition? Then you're just guessing.
Quit acting like you're so right.
What does the AI say?
There's so little examination data, she cannot make a diagnosis.
It figures.
Let's consider administering steroids and PPI.
-Yes, ma'am. -Yes, ma'am.
Excuse me!
I got Honorary President Mihara's secret CT scans!
-Really? -Yes.
It was at a private clinic,
but her son remembered she had a CT scan done there six months ago.
Hey, Daimon! No cheating!
What?
She has a dumbbell-shaped tumor on her TH9.
That's dumbbell neurinoma.
See, I told you.
Told us what?
How did Dr. Daimon know without seeing her scans?
I see it a lot during her surgeries.
She has her own special animal instinct.
I see. Her special skill and hobby is surgery, after all.
If she's not operated on right away, her back pain will grow even worse.
If nothing is done, it'll apply pressure to the spinal cord
and could even cause paralysis in her legs.
That's why you need to let me operate.
Can we let a part-timer operate on a VIP?
Certainly not.
As director of Next-Generation Intelligent Surgery, I will operate.
I will use the primary approach, from the back
and make a 20-centimeter incision down her spine.
I'll extract the tumor via laminectomy.
That will cause excessive post-op stress on the patient.
I will perform it via thoracoscope.
I will approach via thoracoscope, detach the tumor,
then excise the tumor through her back
without cutting into the vertebral arch.
I see.
Objection! This image is six months old.
It's sure to have progressed further.
The best way is to open her up from the back and decide how to proceed.
You're always like that!
You're so haphazard, you and never plan!
We'll never decide anything at this rate.
This is a pretty important VIP.
Let's decide after consulting with the hospital director. Okay?
Really? It's that serious?
If it progresses rapidly,
it could become quite a difficult operation.
-According to-- -According to the AI's analysis,
there is a 34 percent chance of post-op paralysis.
Thirty-four percent?
That's risky.
Well then,
there's no need for us to run that kind of risk.
Hold on a second!
You're the one who said to cure her no matter what!
-Did I say that? -Yes, you did!
Did I?
No. Sorry.
We'll have to transfer Honorary President Mihara
to another hospital, I'm afraid.
You must be kidding!
You want her to die at another hospital?
-You call yourself a doctor? -What?
That scared me.
Didn't Nichotan
send me a love letter from Paris, saying I could operate all I want?
MESSAGE FOR DR. DAIMON
WITH LOVE FROM PARIS, NICHOLAS TANGE
Daimon!
I am the hospital director, you know.
I have the final say in this!
Getting upset increases your blood pressure.
Oh, right.
As for surgery, I think it's impossible.
What do you mean?
Honorary President Mihara says
she'll never let her back be cut open.
Operating through her back is the only way!
The AI says so too.
She said she absolutely refuses to let that happen.
Then
we don't have a choice, do we?
Mom, please let them operate.
Why can't they operate on you through your back?
I'd be lying face down on the operating table.
That's right.
Like this, right?
Cut that out. I could never turn my rear toward the surgeons
and nurses operating on me.
What are you talking about? This is a matter of life and death.
Grandma.
PRIVATE ROOM B
KANBARA FAMOUS DOCTOR AGENCY
She can't turn her rear toward the surgeon?
Now that's an old-fashioned woman.
It sure is. It makes no sense.
It sure is frustrating. I'd like her to live even longer.
She's a ray of hope for us single mothers.
You look up to her, Hiromi?
That's right. I may have been divorced,
but Kasuga no Tsubone is the original unwed mother.
Really? I didn't know that.
She gave birth to a boy without telling anyone who the father is.
Akira, you sure know a lot.
There were a lot of rumors back then.
A big politician was hospitalized at Totei University at that time,
so there were rumors that he was the father,
or maybe a young intern.
What's the truth?
I don't know what the real truth is.
Women carry some secrets to their grave.
I doubt Michiko has any.
You're right.
It's your turn.
Then what about you, Akira?
Why are you acting like that?
Come to think of it, what happened to Rat Coin?
Why don't you tell me how much we've made?
Michiko, I'm sorry.
They went bankrupt without any reason.
Bankrupt?
They're worth zero.
I knew it!
What about our shining white mansion?
I'm sorry. It's all gone.
Are you kidding? Darn it!
I have to apologize once more.
That gives me ron. Thirteen orphans.
Gosh, darn you!
Don't cry!
Honorary President Mihara will
check out of the hospital today.
I see.
That's good for us.
We can't let the leader of all the nurses die
at Totei University Hospital.
-Goodbye. -Bye. Thank you for reporting.
HOSPITAL DIRECTOR SHIGEKATSU HIRUMA
She's checking out.
SECRETARY TO THE HOSPITAL DIRECTOR RURI IKURA
Is that right? You're from Aomori as well?
My little brothers are still very young.
You must have to earn a lot to send back to your family.
That's right. I have to earn a lot.
Money is very important.
But more important than anything is
understanding the pain and suffering that patients go through.
That's right.
Then
why don't you try to understand the suffering of the patient's family?
An operation will cure you.
I told you to butt out, didn't I?
If you check out now, you'll die!
That's what I want!
Mrs. Mihara...
I am going to change now, so please leave.
-I will assist you. -No, thank you!
Get out of the way!
Goodbye.
We'll talk when we get home.
Doctor, I'm terribly sorry for all the trouble we've caused.
Once Mom makes up her mind, she won't budge.
She raised me all by herself,
so there's nothing I can do to defy her.
She's kind to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren,
but she's really quite stubborn.
Isn't that right?
Even when we went to a hot spring together,
she never took a bath with the rest of us.
Why not?
She says a woman cannot show her flesh to others.
She's taking long. I'll go check on her.
Mom? Have you changed?
I'm coming in.
Mom, we're...
Mom?
Mom!
Hold on!
Doctor! Blood! Mom...
Mom spat blood out!
-Are you all right? -Mrs. Mihara!
-Mom! -Grandma!
Mom!
She's vomiting blood from the upper digestive tract bleeding.
Endoscope immediately!
Yes, ma'am!
-Mom! -Grandma!
Daimon,
you don't intend to operate on her before she wakes up, do you?
Don't do anything crazy. The director wants her out.
She gets an MRI next, right? It's free now.
-You're in on this too? -I'll get it ready.
Wait. We're not taking an MRI.
What?
-Aren't you going to operate? -This is all we're doing.
Thank goodness.
I figured out why you refuse to have tests or get examined.
You saw it, did you?
My secret.
We didn't take an MRI since it could cause burns.
This is the one thing I will risk my life to save.
Can you promise not to tell my son or anyone else?
I promise.
Allow me to operate.
I told you, no operations.
I will protect what's precious to you.
I won't damage even a millimeter.
This is a promise between women.
Dr. Daimon...
I never fail.
-Dang, I'm tired. -The patient is the most tired.
How unusual! You're still here, Dr. Daimon.
Really? It's way past quitting time too.
-Good night. -Daimon,
you decided not to operate thanks to my advice, right?
Thank you, Daimon.
You know, looking at how far we've come,
we sure did spend a heck of a lot of money on this system.
This button controls the surgical lamps in operating room one.
-I see. -Like this.
Oh, they turned off.
That's interesting.
Turn on. Turn off.
It's turned on. It's turned off.
Once it's on, turn it off.
I wish he would leave soon.
-It's turned off. -Director!
You're so busy, you forgot your wedding anniversary.
Oh, that's right!
Your wife has been getting into social media lately,
so I made reservations for you at a photo-worthy restaurant.
-You did, Head Nurse? -That's right.
I'm sorry for being so forward.
No, that's all right. Thank you for your concern.
Well, I see. Then I guess I have no choice but to go.
-Yes, it's time. -I see. Then I'll...
Sorry to call you here suddenly.
Top-secret surgery. How exhilarating!
I will do my very best. I look forward to working with you.
This newbie is the instrument nurse? That's a promotion.
Thank you.
The patient asked for her. I had no choice.
So where are the first and second assistants?
There aren't any.
-You mean it's just us three? -That's right.
Well, I guess it's not impossible.
BP, 104 over 70. Pulse, 80.
-Let's begin. -Wait.
She's not prone.
I'm approaching from her side.
-Scalpel. -Right.
Did they forget to shut things down?
What a waste.
We need to reduce expenditures.
What is she doing?
Wait!
Let me through.
We refuse!
-We refuse! -We refuse!
OPERATING ROOM
I can hardly believe you remembered our anniversary.
And even at a restaurant that I liked online.
This is so Instagrammable!
What? They charge double the asking price?
-Whatever. -Hold on.
Can you take a photo of us?
Certainly.
Thank you.
Are you going to post this to show off to all your friends?
I need to increase my followers by showing how happy I am.
Can't we enjoy our happiness alone, just the two of us?
Don't look so sullen. Smile.
I'm getting a call.
It's from Mari Hamachi.
Yes, Hamachi? What is it?
-Here goes. -Wait! Hold on!
There's trouble! Ms. Daimon has taken over an operating room
and is operating without permission!
She's operating on Honorary President Mihara!
Are you kidding me?
Instrument nurse, get across from me.
-Hurry up. -Yes, ma'am.
-Suction. -Right.
-Hurry up. -Right.
Excuse me.
The tumor is blocking my view of the nerve root.
If the nerve root is damaged, she'll become disabled.
Shouldn't you approach from the back?
So this is what's up.
No wonder it's a top-secret surgery
and you're operating from the side instead of the back.
I made a promise, woman to woman.
I'll carefully remove the tumor.
-Metzenbaum scissors. -Here.
Mrs. Mihara!
-Where is Mrs. Mihara? -This way. Follow me.
Hana! Wait!
Ms. Hamachi! You're going too fast!
Daimon!
What the heck do you think you're doing, you fool?
Stop operating immediately! Daimon!
It's that troublesome raccoon of an old man.
Listen! What you're doing now is
clearly illegal!
It's illegal! I'll sue you!
If I stop now, the patient will die.
No! Don't you dare do that!
Make the operation a success!
Please!
Daimon, why are you cutting into her from the side?
If you approach from the farthest place from the spine,
you're increasing the risks further!
That sure is right!
Hey, Daimon!
Are you trying to kill the leader of 1.5 million nurses in Japan?
You're the one who was going to let her die!
What are you talking about?
Forget that!
Explain why you're operating from the side, you fool!
-Shut the hell up. -Shut the hell up.
Women carry some secrets to their grave.
I can understand that.
I understand.
I never fail.
I fell in love with a patient.
He was the only man in this world
that I fell in love with.
Is that the father of your son?
He died before my son was born.
I could never tell a single soul.
Not my son. Not anyone.
The man I loved was
a gangster.
Why did you get a tattoo?
I was young.
But I was serious about it back then.
I wanted to engrave my body with the memory of him.
Excuse me.
Vitals?
BP, 110 over 73. Pulse, 80, sinus.
Done.
-Goodbye. -Goodbye.
Well then,
shall we return to the restaurant, Shigekatsu?
I don't really understand it,
but that sure was awesome.
Dr. Daimon!
That was a magnificent operation. Thank you.
You're a full-fledged nurse now. Nice job.
Thank you!
Thank you.
-Thank you. -Thank you.
This feels so nice!
That was cold of you,
operating like that without telling me.
Michiko, are you listening?
Michiko!
What? It was just a sticker?
HOSPITAL DIRECTOR SHIGEKATSU HIRUMA
Director Hiruma, the usual person is here.
The usual person? Who's that?
Oh, it's the melon guy.
-Excuse me. -It's okay.
-Here's the usual melon. -Right.
This is the bill.
Hold on a minute here.
Your two freelance doctors,
they operated secretly without permission, you know.
There's no way I'm paying you for an operation like that.
The election for chairman of the Japan Physicians Club is coming up.
You must be glad you obtained the immense trust of Kasuga no Tsubone.
I'm rooting for you as well.
Is this a watermelon?
CERTAIN VICTORY
A certain victory Daruma.
Let me have a look at this.
That's a lot.
-You scared me. -Certain victory!
I'll pay.
I got it!
Twenty million!
Hello? Michiko?
Stop by the private room on your way out.
What? Overtime?
Kasuga no Tsubone says she wants to thank you.
If it goes well, you can get back what you lost on Rat Coin, yes?
-Seriously? -See you later.
Here I go!
Sorry!
Excuse me.
I'm sorry to call you here so late.
You're checking out tomorrow, right?
Your surgical skills are truly magnificent.
I get that a lot.
I wanted to thank you before going.
If you want to give me those huge, lame clothes, I don't want it!
No.
Amazing!
GORO
You protected it without damaging a single millimeter.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Masako quit the girly bar, Nurse Station?
Yes. She's going to stick with her true profession from now on.
I can't call her by her first name.
-Masako... -Wrong. That's sexual harassment.
They got a new girl to replace her.
Her name's Maria.
Okay. Let's leave on time again today.
You're in my way!
-She hates groups, hates authority, -Michiko...
and hates restrictions.
Her specialized medical license and well-honed skills
are her weapons.
Surgeon Michiko Daimon,
otherwise known as Doctor X.
I'd like that doctor to operate on this girl.
One hundred billion?
Using a child's illness for publicity's sake.
If I don't do it, the patient will die.
We can't let a rampaging surgeon do this operation.
I won't let you do this operation, Ms. Daimon.
I wouldn't do it even if I were asked to.