1
00:00:10,094 --> 00:00:11,929
(HELICOPTER BLADES WHIRRING)
2
00:00:22,148 --> 00:00:23,357
MAN 1: (OVER COMMS)
Dread calling Somerset.
3
00:00:23,899 --> 00:00:28,446
Sleeping gas injectors now attached
to outer walls and rooftop air conditioner.
4
00:00:28,529 --> 00:00:32,366
MAN 2: (OVER COMMS) Roger.
Set it for 0220 hours. Wait for the signal.
5
00:00:38,289 --> 00:00:39,457
(COCKS GUN)
6
00:00:45,921 --> 00:00:47,465
(GRUNTS)
7
00:00:48,257 --> 00:00:49,258
(GRUNTS)
8
00:01:02,271 --> 00:01:03,272
(GROANS)
9
00:01:11,030 --> 00:01:12,573
(SCREAMS)
10
00:01:14,992 --> 00:01:17,078
You people are cops?
11
00:01:17,161 --> 00:01:19,538
Now I know there's no hope
for the justice system!
12
00:01:20,247 --> 00:01:22,917
If you've got issues with this world,
change yourself.
13
00:01:23,000 --> 00:01:24,835
If that's a problem, block your ears,
14
00:01:24,877 --> 00:01:26,754
shut your mouth and go live like a hermit.
15
00:01:26,837 --> 00:01:28,672
And if that's a problem...
16
00:01:28,756 --> 00:01:29,799
(COCKS GUN)
17
00:02:01,747 --> 00:02:03,791
(SIRENS WAILING IN DISTANCE)
18
00:02:13,509 --> 00:02:15,511
(WATER DRIPPING)
19
00:02:19,014 --> 00:02:20,182
Another one?
20
00:02:20,558 --> 00:02:22,059
What's going on here?
21
00:02:26,272 --> 00:02:27,731
-MAN: Yamaguchi.
-(GASPS)
22
00:02:28,232 --> 00:02:29,900
Oh, Chief Nibu.
23
00:02:31,360 --> 00:02:33,571
So, what are you doing
down here after hours?
24
00:02:33,612 --> 00:02:35,156
(CHUCKLING)
25
00:02:35,239 --> 00:02:36,240
Hell of a question.
26
00:02:36,532 --> 00:02:39,660
I was working.
You know what that is, working?
27
00:02:40,619 --> 00:02:42,413
Isn't that what you're doing?
28
00:02:42,454 --> 00:02:43,581
Yeah.
29
00:02:44,582 --> 00:02:46,542
(WATER DRIPPING)
30
00:02:50,629 --> 00:02:52,923
How about a drink? Just you and me.
31
00:02:53,716 --> 00:02:55,259
I can't.
32
00:02:56,427 --> 00:02:57,511
Sorry.
33
00:02:58,137 --> 00:02:59,263
(COMPUTER BEEPS)
34
00:03:07,605 --> 00:03:09,273
I think I'm gonna call it a night.
35
00:03:32,546 --> 00:03:34,632
(MOBILE RINGING)
36
00:03:37,468 --> 00:03:38,469
Hello?
37
00:03:38,719 --> 00:03:42,181
Togusa, this is Yamaguchi.
We worked together at HQ.
38
00:03:42,264 --> 00:03:45,059
-You remember me?
-Yamaguchi?
39
00:03:45,142 --> 00:03:47,853
Oh, yeah, how have you been?
It's been quite a long time.
40
00:03:47,978 --> 00:03:50,606
Sorry to call you so late
out of the blue and all.
41
00:03:50,648 --> 00:03:54,151
But I'm analysing some sensitive data
and I need a second opinion.
42
00:03:54,944 --> 00:03:57,488
-Can I bring it to you?
-Something happen?
43
00:03:58,155 --> 00:04:01,158
YAMAGUCHI: Well, you remember
the Laughing Man case?
44
00:04:01,242 --> 00:04:02,534
The Laughing Man?
45
00:04:02,618 --> 00:04:07,039
Oh, yeah, he was the guy who kidnapped
the CEO of a micromachine corp
46
00:04:07,122 --> 00:04:08,624
and had the nerve to hold him for ransom,
47
00:04:08,666 --> 00:04:11,001
but that was six years ago.
48
00:04:11,085 --> 00:04:13,963
Right. I'm on the research unit
for that case right now,
49
00:04:14,004 --> 00:04:16,924
but some of our own people are acting,
well, suspicious.
50
00:04:17,007 --> 00:04:19,176
You mean, like a turf war between detectives.
51
00:04:19,260 --> 00:04:21,595
No. It goes further up than that.
52
00:04:21,679 --> 00:04:23,514
Maybe all the way to the top.
53
00:04:23,555 --> 00:04:26,141
I'll tell you more when I see you.
I'll be there in about an hour.
54
00:04:26,183 --> 00:04:28,352
All right. I'll be waiting for you.
55
00:04:28,435 --> 00:04:30,396
-Thanks.
-(MOBILE BEEPS)
56
00:04:31,355 --> 00:04:33,857
WOMAN: (OVER COMMS)
Togusa, we just got a call from the Chief.
57
00:04:33,941 --> 00:04:35,859
Meet up with the team, A-2 Loadout.
58
00:04:35,901 --> 00:04:36,986
TOGUSA: (OVER COMMS) Roger.
59
00:04:50,624 --> 00:04:52,668
(SIRENS BLARING)
60
00:04:54,461 --> 00:04:56,297
(WHISTLE BLOWING)
61
00:05:04,346 --> 00:05:08,225
I can't hand over command authority
without a rational explanation.
62
00:05:08,309 --> 00:05:10,477
This matter falls within police jurisdiction!
63
00:05:10,561 --> 00:05:13,230
I'm not obligated to explain.
64
00:05:13,272 --> 00:05:16,400
Don't be stubborn.
Relinquish command authority to the military.
65
00:05:16,734 --> 00:05:18,027
We're stubborn?
66
00:05:19,153 --> 00:05:22,031
Gentlemen, is this any time
for petty squabbles?
67
00:05:22,072 --> 00:05:23,198
-Hmm?
-(GASPS)
68
00:05:24,366 --> 00:05:25,743
Aramaki?
69
00:05:27,286 --> 00:05:28,329
Oh.
70
00:05:30,122 --> 00:05:32,541
Shouldn't our main concern
be the customers inside?
71
00:05:33,125 --> 00:05:34,543
Yes, sir.
72
00:05:34,585 --> 00:05:37,421
We have reason to believe
that the Minister of Foreign Affairs
73
00:05:37,504 --> 00:05:39,840
and his personal secretary
are among the clientele
74
00:05:39,923 --> 00:05:41,967
who are being held inside the restaurant.
75
00:05:42,051 --> 00:05:44,428
It's been roughly 17 minutes
since geisha robots
76
00:05:44,470 --> 00:05:46,930
took the Minister
and the other patrons hostage.
77
00:05:47,014 --> 00:05:49,516
Have they issued any claims or demands?
78
00:05:49,600 --> 00:05:50,934
OFFICER: Not at this time, sir.
79
00:05:50,976 --> 00:05:53,729
-Transmission blackout?
-My guys are on it.
80
00:05:54,104 --> 00:05:55,939
And media control?
81
00:05:56,023 --> 00:05:58,859
OFFICER: We put Code 14 into effect
nine minutes ago.
82
00:05:58,942 --> 00:06:00,277
It won't hold for long.
83
00:06:00,444 --> 00:06:04,031
Section 9 will handle the incident from here.
Hold your position.
84
00:06:04,114 --> 00:06:05,407
-Yes, sir!
-Yes, sir!
85
00:06:06,325 --> 00:06:07,368
ARAMAKI: (OVER COMMS) Major!
86
00:06:08,035 --> 00:06:11,246
The military is itching to jump in.
Watch your back!
87
00:06:11,288 --> 00:06:13,290
MAJOR: (OVER COMMS)
Thanks for the concern. Batou?
88
00:06:14,625 --> 00:06:15,793
BATOU: (OVER COMMS) I'm Still en route.
89
00:06:16,710 --> 00:06:18,587
That explains the wiretap noise I was getting
90
00:06:18,629 --> 00:06:20,839
while I was listening in on the sniper team.
91
00:06:20,923 --> 00:06:22,591
MAJOR: Togusa. lshikawa.
92
00:06:24,843 --> 00:06:27,137
Major, there are just too many channels.
93
00:06:27,179 --> 00:06:29,640
This might take a couple of hours to pinpoint.
94
00:06:29,681 --> 00:06:32,976
MAJOR: Togusa, go to the main courtyard
and get ready to storm the place.
95
00:06:33,018 --> 00:06:34,144
Copy that.
96
00:06:36,855 --> 00:06:38,315
MAJOR: Saito.
97
00:06:41,235 --> 00:06:43,070
SAITO: (OVER COMMS)
I've neutralised the image curtain.
98
00:06:43,153 --> 00:06:45,656
But all those trees down there
limit my firing field.
99
00:06:45,697 --> 00:06:46,990
MAJOR: Paz. Borma.
100
00:06:48,826 --> 00:06:49,868
PAZ: Ready when you are.
101
00:06:50,577 --> 00:06:53,414
MAJOR: Whoever's controlling
the geisha robots ought to be nearby.
102
00:06:53,497 --> 00:06:55,165
Don't shoot the power transformer.
103
00:06:55,249 --> 00:06:57,835
I'll upload a virus
before he can wipe the evidence.
104
00:06:57,876 --> 00:07:01,547
BATOU: But Major! What if the robot geishas
demand a pay raise?
105
00:07:01,630 --> 00:07:03,090
TOGUSA: Knock it off.
106
00:07:03,757 --> 00:07:06,218
MAJOR: All personnel in position.
Standing by.
107
00:07:06,635 --> 00:07:08,512
Right. Proceed!
108
00:07:09,096 --> 00:07:10,347
MAJOR: Go!
109
00:07:38,000 --> 00:07:39,501
(WHIMPERING)
110
00:07:42,379 --> 00:07:44,381
(CAMERA WHIRRING)
111
00:07:53,015 --> 00:07:55,017
-(GROANING)
-(WOOD CREAKING)
112
00:08:01,064 --> 00:08:02,232
-(SILENCED GUNSHOT)
-Ahhh!
113
00:08:03,400 --> 00:08:04,526
-(SILENCED GUNSHOT)
-Ahhh!
114
00:08:04,610 --> 00:08:05,736
-(SILENCED GUNSHOT)
-Ahhh!
115
00:08:05,819 --> 00:08:07,196
(GROANING)
116
00:08:08,322 --> 00:08:10,574
(SCREAMING)
117
00:08:19,625 --> 00:08:21,668
(STRAINING)
118
00:08:24,379 --> 00:08:26,381
(SIRENS WAILING IN DISTANCE)
119
00:08:27,299 --> 00:08:30,344
-Togusa, look alive!
-(PANTING)
120
00:08:31,386 --> 00:08:33,055
Chief, the scene is secure.
121
00:08:33,263 --> 00:08:35,516
ARAMAKI: Good.
Bring the Minister and the others out.
122
00:08:35,599 --> 00:08:37,434
And be extremely careful.
123
00:08:37,476 --> 00:08:41,396
I have four vans and a tent corridor
waiting at you at the entrance.
124
00:08:41,438 --> 00:08:44,024
Move them under B-6 guard protocol.
125
00:08:50,072 --> 00:08:51,782
(TV PLAYING INDISTINCTLY)
126
00:08:56,286 --> 00:08:59,164
Mmm, did Togusa spend
the whole night here?
127
00:08:59,623 --> 00:09:02,167
MAN: Uh, yeah, I guess.
He said he had to wait for someone.
128
00:09:02,251 --> 00:09:03,919
-(NEWSPAPER RUSTLING)
-(GROANS)
129
00:09:08,298 --> 00:09:09,299
Huh?
130
00:09:09,508 --> 00:09:11,260
Hey, you're finally awake.
131
00:09:12,135 --> 00:09:13,512
TOGUSA: "Highway accident.
132
00:09:13,971 --> 00:09:16,932
"Police officer burned beyond recognition."
133
00:09:17,808 --> 00:09:19,142
ARAMAKI: Are you certain
134
00:09:19,476 --> 00:09:23,814
that the agent who contacted you last night
is the same one who died in that accident?
135
00:09:23,855 --> 00:09:27,150
Yes. He said there was suspicious activity
in his unit.
136
00:09:27,192 --> 00:09:29,361
He sounded very worried to me at the time.
137
00:09:29,653 --> 00:09:32,447
So you think his accident wasn't an accident.
138
00:09:32,489 --> 00:09:35,701
TOGUSA: I don't have any evidence,
but the timing's very convenient.
139
00:09:35,784 --> 00:09:37,828
What did the lab report say?
140
00:09:37,869 --> 00:09:41,456
They think he just lost control of the car.
Poor visibility.
141
00:09:42,416 --> 00:09:45,669
Which is very possible
since he was driving in a rainstorm.
142
00:09:45,711 --> 00:09:46,795
TOGUSA: Yeah, but...
143
00:09:46,837 --> 00:09:48,755
Let him make his point, Major.
144
00:09:48,839 --> 00:09:51,425
Regardless of what might have been
the cause of death,
145
00:09:51,508 --> 00:09:54,970
this agent had inside information
that may be very pertinent.
146
00:09:55,012 --> 00:09:56,346
We need to follow it up.
147
00:09:56,555 --> 00:09:58,265
But we need to do it quietly.
148
00:09:58,348 --> 00:10:00,183
You have three days. Find out what you can.
149
00:10:00,225 --> 00:10:01,727
Thank you very much, sir.
150
00:10:05,897 --> 00:10:08,692
(DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES)
151
00:10:10,152 --> 00:10:13,864
So, we are back on the Laughing Man case.
What do you think?
152
00:10:13,905 --> 00:10:16,783
I'd forgotten all about it until he brought it up.
153
00:10:16,867 --> 00:10:20,412
Six years and that same unit
is still working on the same case?
154
00:10:20,495 --> 00:10:23,874
A lot of companies were blackmailed
and they all have to be covered.
155
00:10:23,915 --> 00:10:27,002
It's the largest act of corporate terrorism
since the war.
156
00:10:27,669 --> 00:10:29,713
Even if they drop the case
without an indictment,
157
00:10:29,796 --> 00:10:32,507
HQ can't back away cos of public opinion.
158
00:10:32,549 --> 00:10:34,635
I still say they are taking their sweet time.
159
00:10:35,218 --> 00:10:39,890
You've got a point. Even the top execs
can't agree on the culprit of the crime.
160
00:10:39,973 --> 00:10:42,726
Some say it's politically motivated extremists
161
00:10:42,768 --> 00:10:46,813
who hate prosthetics
and all forms of cyber technology.
162
00:10:46,897 --> 00:10:49,900
Others think it's standard corporate warfare.
163
00:10:50,192 --> 00:10:52,944
Some conglomerate trying to get an edge
on the market.
164
00:10:53,737 --> 00:10:55,364
Laughing Man
165
00:10:55,405 --> 00:10:57,908
And still others believe
it's just about the ransom money.
166
00:10:57,991 --> 00:10:59,576
Plain old thievery.
167
00:10:59,660 --> 00:11:01,953
There are plenty of theories, but no facts.
168
00:11:02,037 --> 00:11:04,122
They don't know if it's one or a whole group.
169
00:11:04,206 --> 00:11:06,750
They don't know the suspect's nationality,
age or sex.
170
00:11:06,792 --> 00:11:09,836
The only thing they agree on is
whoever broke into the system,
171
00:11:09,920 --> 00:11:12,464
is a Super Class A hacker.
172
00:11:12,547 --> 00:11:15,258
He was Class A when he started this thing.
173
00:11:15,300 --> 00:11:17,928
But he couldn't sustain it.
His work turned mediocre.
174
00:11:18,679 --> 00:11:21,223
Ah, I don't like anything about this case,
175
00:11:21,264 --> 00:11:23,684
not the hacker, the corporations or the cops.
176
00:11:24,059 --> 00:11:27,604
Right. But we still have
to check out police headquarters.
177
00:11:27,688 --> 00:11:29,648
If there is high-level involvement in this,
178
00:11:29,731 --> 00:11:31,775
we have no choice but to step in.
179
00:11:35,737 --> 00:11:37,698
(CHANTING)
180
00:11:48,667 --> 00:11:50,001
WOMAN: Mr Togusa?
181
00:11:51,795 --> 00:11:53,213
Thank you for coming here.
182
00:11:54,423 --> 00:11:55,757
I'm Mrs Yamaguchi.
183
00:11:56,299 --> 00:11:57,426
Ah...
184
00:11:58,301 --> 00:11:59,636
I'm sorry.
185
00:12:03,306 --> 00:12:06,017
But how did you know who I am?
186
00:12:06,101 --> 00:12:09,062
My husband told me about you.
He said I could trust you.
187
00:12:10,105 --> 00:12:11,940
I'm glad you came, so I could give you this.
188
00:12:12,315 --> 00:12:14,735
It arrived from my husband this morning.
189
00:12:15,360 --> 00:12:17,779
He must have sent it just before the accident.
190
00:12:18,405 --> 00:12:21,241
There was a note inside,
saying to give it to you.
191
00:12:21,324 --> 00:12:23,160
He said you'd know what to do with it.
192
00:12:23,535 --> 00:12:24,661
Really?
193
00:12:25,871 --> 00:12:27,122
Well, I'll take a look at it.
194
00:12:30,834 --> 00:12:34,004
Er, are you certain that this is what
he wanted me to see?
195
00:12:34,045 --> 00:12:35,088
Yes.
196
00:12:36,131 --> 00:12:38,008
I mean, I'm pretty sure.
197
00:12:41,344 --> 00:12:42,345
TOGUSA: Next.
198
00:12:43,346 --> 00:12:44,347
Next.
199
00:12:45,265 --> 00:12:46,266
Next.
200
00:12:47,225 --> 00:12:48,226
Next.
201
00:12:49,519 --> 00:12:52,189
Enlarge 22 to 56.
202
00:12:56,359 --> 00:12:57,360
Next.
203
00:12:58,862 --> 00:12:59,863
Next.
204
00:13:01,031 --> 00:13:03,366
Enlarge 35 to 28.
205
00:13:05,744 --> 00:13:06,745
Next.
206
00:13:07,871 --> 00:13:08,872
Next.
207
00:13:09,706 --> 00:13:10,749
Next.
208
00:13:12,542 --> 00:13:13,627
Hmm...
209
00:13:15,754 --> 00:13:16,838
(SIGHS)
210
00:13:16,880 --> 00:13:18,840
(GROANING)
211
00:13:18,882 --> 00:13:20,383
What is all this?
212
00:13:20,425 --> 00:13:23,970
Yamaguchi wanted me to pick up something.
But what?
213
00:13:28,266 --> 00:13:30,143
(WATER DRIPPING)
214
00:13:36,900 --> 00:13:38,235
Wait a minute.
215
00:13:43,448 --> 00:13:44,574
(GASPS)
216
00:13:47,452 --> 00:13:48,662
(BEEPING)
217
00:13:48,745 --> 00:13:51,748
Load C97. Enlarge 35 to 28.
218
00:13:56,253 --> 00:13:58,713
Nothing. Load C98.
219
00:14:01,424 --> 00:14:02,968
That's gotta be it.
220
00:14:03,051 --> 00:14:04,302
Load C96.
221
00:14:05,262 --> 00:14:06,429
This one, too.
222
00:14:06,471 --> 00:14:07,639
C92.
223
00:14:08,974 --> 00:14:10,559
Enlarge 4 to 13.
224
00:14:14,604 --> 00:14:16,606
Enlarge 42 to 30.
225
00:14:20,694 --> 00:14:22,112
This one, too.
226
00:14:26,700 --> 00:14:27,951
And this one.
227
00:14:28,994 --> 00:14:32,747
In every photo, there's one thing missing.
228
00:14:32,789 --> 00:14:33,999
The camera.
229
00:14:34,749 --> 00:14:37,043
(SLIDES CHANGING)
230
00:14:41,381 --> 00:14:43,967
ARAMAKI: Now it makes sense. Interceptors.
231
00:14:44,259 --> 00:14:46,469
Yes. I've verified the data.
232
00:14:46,553 --> 00:14:48,597
Yamaguchi's photos
are from the point of view
233
00:14:48,638 --> 00:14:50,515
of detectives in the Laughing Man unit.
234
00:14:50,599 --> 00:14:53,643
They were all implanted with Interceptors
without their knowledge.
235
00:14:53,852 --> 00:14:57,397
So this is the suspicious activity
Yamaguchi tried to warn you about.
236
00:14:57,480 --> 00:14:59,190
And he thought it went all the way to the top.
237
00:14:59,274 --> 00:15:01,902
-Yes, sir.
-It may be a little irregular
238
00:15:01,985 --> 00:15:04,654
to implant them in your own agents,
but it's not illegal.
239
00:15:04,738 --> 00:15:06,865
Headquarters can use Interceptors
all they want
240
00:15:06,948 --> 00:15:08,742
as long as they submit the right paperwork.
241
00:15:08,909 --> 00:15:10,952
But they didn't submit any paperwork.
242
00:15:10,994 --> 00:15:12,454
This was all done in secret.
243
00:15:12,495 --> 00:15:15,123
Also, the law requires a neutral
third-party observer.
244
00:15:15,165 --> 00:15:16,499
They didn't have one of those either.
245
00:15:17,500 --> 00:15:21,504
The original intent was to plant Interceptors
in key suspects they identified.
246
00:15:21,546 --> 00:15:25,342
But instead, they brought the investigation
team in for some bogus medical checkups
247
00:15:25,425 --> 00:15:27,260
and implanted the Interceptors in them.
248
00:15:27,344 --> 00:15:29,429
As far as I can tell,
every guy in the department
249
00:15:29,512 --> 00:15:31,181
was under round-the-clock surveillance.
250
00:15:31,556 --> 00:15:33,975
I've heard of monitoring
on-the-job performance,
251
00:15:34,017 --> 00:15:36,019
but that's going a little too far.
252
00:15:36,102 --> 00:15:40,357
By the way, it's Serano Genomics that sells
these Interceptors to the police.
253
00:15:40,398 --> 00:15:41,733
Isn't that right?
254
00:15:41,816 --> 00:15:43,735
Looks like the victim in this incident
255
00:15:43,818 --> 00:15:47,072
is also supplying their products to the police.
256
00:15:47,155 --> 00:15:49,157
There must be something behind this.
257
00:15:49,741 --> 00:15:53,203
It's strange. There are detectives
who've been assigned to monitor Serano,
258
00:15:53,244 --> 00:15:55,497
and they've also been implanted
with Interceptors.
259
00:15:55,538 --> 00:15:59,209
Neither Serano nor the agents know
these Interceptors are recording everything.
260
00:15:59,501 --> 00:16:02,504
For friends,
they're sure not on very good terms.
261
00:16:02,545 --> 00:16:04,297
We've got the pieces of the puzzle now.
262
00:16:04,881 --> 00:16:07,509
So, we need to move on this
as soon as possible.
263
00:16:07,550 --> 00:16:10,303
But we don't have the goods
to confront them yet.
264
00:16:11,054 --> 00:16:13,598
In that case, let's shake them up a little.
265
00:16:14,683 --> 00:16:16,601
(REPORTERS CLAMOURING)
266
00:16:18,895 --> 00:16:21,314
In response to the story
being widely reported,
267
00:16:21,398 --> 00:16:23,149
police authorities will answer allegations
268
00:16:23,233 --> 00:16:26,277
regarding the illegal use of a new
sensory surveillance technique...
269
00:16:26,987 --> 00:16:29,239
Superintendent Daido
called a press conference?
270
00:16:29,322 --> 00:16:31,825
Looks like we got a bigger reaction
than we imagined.
271
00:16:32,242 --> 00:16:35,245
Daido was in charge the first time
Laughing Man struck
272
00:16:35,328 --> 00:16:37,455
and he handled the initial investigations.
273
00:16:37,539 --> 00:16:40,417
It looks like there's something
his people want to keep in-house.
274
00:16:40,500 --> 00:16:42,544
And they are going great lengths
to cover it up.
275
00:16:42,794 --> 00:16:44,963
MAN: Thank you, gentlemen.
We are ready for your statement.
276
00:16:47,048 --> 00:16:50,802
Last week, certain publications alleged
that Interceptors were being used
277
00:16:50,885 --> 00:16:53,138
in violation of legal standards.
278
00:16:53,221 --> 00:16:57,183
Standards that were set out by
the Sensory Perception Surveillance Act.
279
00:16:57,267 --> 00:17:00,103
Therefore, an internal investigation
was ordered.
280
00:17:00,145 --> 00:17:02,689
Subsequently, Captain Kunihiko Nibu,
281
00:17:02,772 --> 00:17:04,774
Chief of the Special Investigations Unit,
282
00:17:04,816 --> 00:17:07,193
admitted to participating in these acts.
283
00:17:07,861 --> 00:17:10,530
After the Laughing Man
investigation hit a dead end,
284
00:17:10,613 --> 00:17:13,450
Captain Nibu attempted to gather
additional information
285
00:17:13,533 --> 00:17:18,121
by implanting Interceptors in his detectives
against department regulations.
286
00:17:18,788 --> 00:17:21,583
Captain Nibu regrets
having taken these actions.
287
00:17:21,624 --> 00:17:23,626
He stated that he lost sound judgement
288
00:17:23,710 --> 00:17:26,671
due to stress
caused by severe setbacks in the case.
289
00:17:27,088 --> 00:17:29,799
Despite the Captain's apology,
the fact of the matter is,
290
00:17:29,841 --> 00:17:33,303
his actions deviated
from his professional responsibilities.
291
00:17:33,344 --> 00:17:34,846
Therefore, as of today,
292
00:17:34,929 --> 00:17:38,600
Captain Nibu has been given
an official disciplinary dismissal.
293
00:17:38,641 --> 00:17:41,644
And we offer those investigators
who were assigned to this case
294
00:17:41,686 --> 00:17:45,774
as well as their families
our deepest and most sincere apologies.
295
00:17:47,150 --> 00:17:49,694
REPORTER 1: What about senior officials?
Aren't they implicated?
296
00:17:49,778 --> 00:17:52,864
I believe that the Commissioner
will be issuing a statement shortly.
297
00:17:53,198 --> 00:17:56,910
Wasn't there a conflict of interest when
Serano sold these devices to the police?
298
00:17:56,993 --> 00:17:59,788
I was told the agency followed
strict guidelines
299
00:17:59,829 --> 00:18:01,372
when it purchased these devices.
300
00:18:01,456 --> 00:18:04,709
It's my understanding that they were
selected through a formal bidding system
301
00:18:04,793 --> 00:18:06,336
that is carefully regulated.
302
00:18:06,753 --> 00:18:09,005
REPORTER 2: What kind of answer is that?
-(REPORTERS CLAMOURING)
303
00:18:09,089 --> 00:18:11,758
REPORTER 3: Wasn't it the police
who asked for this new surveillance law?
304
00:18:11,841 --> 00:18:12,842
Huh.
305
00:18:12,967 --> 00:18:17,305
Sir, is it true that you are planning
to retire soon and relocate to Holland?
306
00:18:17,347 --> 00:18:20,683
And is it also true that Serano's
corporate headquarters are in Holland?
307
00:18:20,725 --> 00:18:23,645
Is there any connection there, sir?
-(REPORTERS CLAMOURING)
308
00:18:24,062 --> 00:18:27,232
DAIDO: Those are personal questions
that I'm not obligated to answer.
309
00:18:27,315 --> 00:18:28,691
REPORTER: What does that mean?
310
00:18:28,733 --> 00:18:30,110
Never changes.
311
00:18:30,610 --> 00:18:33,863
Huh? That's weird.
ls the cameraman drunk or what?
312
00:18:34,823 --> 00:18:36,199
(STATIC)
313
00:18:42,413 --> 00:18:45,750
MAN: You haven't changed a bit,
Superintendent-General Daido.
314
00:18:45,834 --> 00:18:50,380
Pleased to meet you.
But you already know who I am, don't you?
315
00:18:50,421 --> 00:18:52,966
ALL: What's going on?
-(INDISTINCT MURMURINGS)
316
00:18:53,299 --> 00:18:54,592
That's him.
317
00:18:54,801 --> 00:18:57,053
Argh, what's wrong with this thing?
318
00:18:57,095 --> 00:18:58,221
(BEEPING)
319
00:18:58,263 --> 00:18:59,806
Emergency Special Report
illegal Interceptor Use
320
00:19:01,057 --> 00:19:03,560
Hey, what's the matter with Takekawa?
321
00:19:05,436 --> 00:19:07,313
You Know, Mr Daido,
322
00:19:07,397 --> 00:19:08,773
I tried to avoid this.
323
00:19:08,857 --> 00:19:12,068
I didn't want to be involved
in your world any longer.
324
00:19:12,527 --> 00:19:17,073
I was honestly fed up with you people
and your rotting, rubbish heap of a world.
325
00:19:17,740 --> 00:19:20,994
So, I haven't interfered with the little farce
you've been staging
326
00:19:21,077 --> 00:19:22,579
since the incident occurred.
327
00:19:22,829 --> 00:19:24,706
Even though I knew everything.
328
00:19:26,374 --> 00:19:30,628
You could say I was exhausted
from my fruitless exertions.
329
00:19:35,133 --> 00:19:38,928
Hey, you watching this?
That guy's cyberbrain is being hacked.
330
00:19:38,970 --> 00:19:40,305
MAN: But I've changed my mind.
331
00:19:40,388 --> 00:19:44,100
Because, well,
this show you put on today is pitiful.
332
00:19:44,142 --> 00:19:45,810
A farce is supposed to be funny.
333
00:19:45,894 --> 00:19:48,229
But this one hasn't made me laugh even once.
334
00:19:48,271 --> 00:19:50,648
And so, with the utmost reluctance,
335
00:19:50,732 --> 00:19:52,775
I must challenge you once again.
336
00:19:53,484 --> 00:19:57,363
You and your comedy troupe
are going to reconvene in three days, right?
337
00:19:57,447 --> 00:20:00,658
When you do,
tell the truth this time, won't you?
338
00:20:00,742 --> 00:20:02,577
Because when the curtain goes up,
339
00:20:02,619 --> 00:20:06,247
if you put on another performance
that rings as false as this one,
340
00:20:06,289 --> 00:20:09,792
I will be forced to remove you from the stage.
341
00:20:11,294 --> 00:20:12,712
-(CRASHING)
Takekawa!
342
00:20:13,087 --> 00:20:15,048
Call an ambulance! Hurry!
343
00:20:15,840 --> 00:20:19,260
And we are now returning to the studio
for a brief recap.
344
00:20:19,677 --> 00:20:20,845
-At the conference...
-(STATIC)
345
00:20:24,307 --> 00:20:27,310
MAJOR: February 3, 2024.
346
00:20:27,352 --> 00:20:29,979
Serano's kidnapping occurred
two days earlier,
347
00:20:30,146 --> 00:20:33,399
but no announcements were made
in order to keep the press at bay.
348
00:20:34,108 --> 00:20:35,985
This case was difficult as hell,
349
00:20:36,069 --> 00:20:38,488
and investigators didn't find a single clue.
350
00:20:38,613 --> 00:20:42,158
Then, ironically, it suddenly broke
with that media stunt.
351
00:20:42,909 --> 00:20:45,036
This is where it all began.
352
00:20:45,119 --> 00:20:48,998
A theatrical crime widely known as
"the Laughing Man incident."
353
00:20:49,749 --> 00:20:52,460
According to the detectives who worked
on the case back then,
354
00:20:52,502 --> 00:20:55,380
Mr Serano received warnings
prior to the event
355
00:20:55,463 --> 00:20:57,840
by word of mouth from people
that were close to him.
356
00:20:58,508 --> 00:21:01,261
But because their cyberbrains
had been hacked,
357
00:21:01,344 --> 00:21:03,513
he didn't take the situation seriously.
358
00:21:04,138 --> 00:21:06,808
Immediately after,
Serano himself was cyber-hacked
359
00:21:06,849 --> 00:21:08,309
and kidnapped from his home.
360
00:21:08,810 --> 00:21:12,021
An enormous ransom was demanded
for 10 billion yen
361
00:21:12,105 --> 00:21:14,524
and 100 kilos of gold bullion.
362
00:21:14,816 --> 00:21:17,860
Following that, however, all contact was lost.
363
00:21:17,944 --> 00:21:20,571
Up until he appeared on that TV broadcast,
364
00:21:20,655 --> 00:21:24,117
there had been no inkling of news
of Mr Serano whatsoever.
365
00:21:25,576 --> 00:21:29,330
And while the Laughing Man
was threatening Serano on live TV,
366
00:21:29,372 --> 00:21:32,041
he took the opportunity to plaster his logo
367
00:21:32,083 --> 00:21:35,086
over the camera's Al
and the eyes of onlookers,
368
00:21:35,169 --> 00:21:37,880
including those of the TV station staff.
369
00:21:37,922 --> 00:21:40,258
All done in real time.
370
00:21:40,883 --> 00:21:44,345
The Laughing Man fled from police
when they rushed to the scene.
371
00:21:44,387 --> 00:21:47,890
Yet, despite the fact that so many people
saw the suspect,
372
00:21:48,224 --> 00:21:50,893
the only ones who were able to see
his real face
373
00:21:50,977 --> 00:21:53,730
were two homeless men
who had not been cyberised.
374
00:21:54,397 --> 00:21:58,484
The reports of those who testified seeing
the Laughing Man's face are famous.
375
00:21:58,568 --> 00:22:00,445
Based on these eyewitness accounts,
376
00:22:00,528 --> 00:22:04,907
detectives came up with a composite sketch
of the logo every time.
377
00:22:05,700 --> 00:22:10,121
This bizarre and disturbing incident
along with that twisted pop icon
378
00:22:10,204 --> 00:22:14,667
gained popularity among a lot of
young people and subculture commentators.
379
00:22:14,751 --> 00:22:19,297
At its peak of popularity, the logo could
be seen plastered all over the city
380
00:22:19,380 --> 00:22:22,550
and store shelves
were filled with branded merchandise.
381
00:22:22,592 --> 00:22:27,638
At the same time, acts of corporate
terrorism were occurring one after the other,
382
00:22:27,722 --> 00:22:30,933
while the popularity of the icon
had even reached the point
383
00:22:30,975 --> 00:22:33,561
where it was featured on TV programmes.
384
00:22:35,188 --> 00:22:36,939
Hot on the heels of Serano,
385
00:22:37,023 --> 00:22:40,443
Japan Micro Industries has apparently been
blackmailed by the notorious Laughing Man.
386
00:22:40,526 --> 00:22:41,819
Breaking News
The Laughing Man Strikes Again!
387
00:22:41,903 --> 00:22:43,363
REPORTER: This is incredible!
What are those?
388
00:22:43,446 --> 00:22:45,365
It looks like a warehouse load of office desks.
389
00:22:45,448 --> 00:22:48,409
How in the world were they all moved up here
in a single night?
390
00:22:48,451 --> 00:22:51,621
The head office of Sagawa Electronics
is being blackmailed this time.
391
00:22:51,704 --> 00:22:56,125
And I'm pretty sure this qualifies as
an unprecedented act of corporate terrorism.
392
00:22:56,542 --> 00:22:58,628
This is the real one, right?
393
00:22:59,629 --> 00:23:02,048
MAN: Please call Nanoplant Industries.
394
00:23:03,633 --> 00:23:06,552
WOMAN: Satsuma Meditech is the most
powerful corporation in Kyushu.
395
00:23:06,636 --> 00:23:07,720
Don't you know?
396
00:23:07,804 --> 00:23:10,556
Why would you go and plant
a murder virus in there, for heaven's sake?
397
00:23:10,723 --> 00:23:11,808
I don't know.
398
00:23:11,891 --> 00:23:15,978
I imagine somebody managed to hack
into the landscaping robots during the night.
399
00:23:16,062 --> 00:23:17,146
Go!
400
00:23:17,313 --> 00:23:18,898
(HELICOPTER BLADES WHIRRING)
401
00:23:18,981 --> 00:23:20,441
Look, it's him.
402
00:23:23,569 --> 00:23:27,156
This MO matches the threat
against the Superintendent-General.
403
00:23:27,198 --> 00:23:29,242
If this guy really did all this by himself,
404
00:23:29,325 --> 00:23:31,994
he's definitely a Super Class A hacker.
405
00:23:34,372 --> 00:23:38,209
But this time-worn kidnapping case
is beneath his abilities.
406
00:23:40,002 --> 00:23:41,003
(BEEPS)
407
00:23:43,840 --> 00:23:47,510
After his shocking and dramatic debut,
he avoided the public eye
408
00:23:47,552 --> 00:23:50,388
and went on to blackmail
the Serano Corporation.
409
00:23:50,471 --> 00:23:53,433
He did this by planting
the "Virus Program Unto Death"
410
00:23:53,516 --> 00:23:55,977
into their micromachine production line.
411
00:23:56,018 --> 00:23:59,188
When sales of their main product,
medical micromachines,
412
00:23:59,272 --> 00:24:03,234
drastically slowed, and the price
of Serano stock took a nosedive,
413
00:24:03,317 --> 00:24:07,488
the blackmail quickly stopped,
as if that was the goal all along.
414
00:24:07,530 --> 00:24:11,325
He then blackmailed
six other micromachine manufacturers,
415
00:24:11,367 --> 00:24:15,121
hitting one after another
using his unique method.
416
00:24:15,705 --> 00:24:18,332
This continued for about three months.
417
00:24:18,374 --> 00:24:22,086
It sort of makes me wonder if blackmail
really was the underlying motive.
418
00:24:23,754 --> 00:24:25,548
What was his true objective?
419
00:24:25,631 --> 00:24:29,552
Did he act alone or as part of a group?
What's his race? His age?
420
00:24:29,635 --> 00:24:32,096
Is there something hidden
in his criminal philosophy?
421
00:24:32,305 --> 00:24:34,265
(SIGHS DEEPLY)
422
00:24:34,891 --> 00:24:37,685
He left a hell of a lot of unanswered riddles.
423
00:24:37,727 --> 00:24:42,315
Then, all of a sudden, he vanished
into the shadows of the Net.
424
00:24:42,398 --> 00:24:44,400
(TV CONTINUES INDISTINCTLY)
425
00:24:48,529 --> 00:24:51,574
With regard to the announcement
at the news conference last night
426
00:24:51,616 --> 00:24:52,742
by the Laughing Man,
427
00:24:52,825 --> 00:24:55,536
a terrorist who has resurfaced after six years,
428
00:24:55,578 --> 00:24:58,080
I consider it to be an elaborate farce
429
00:24:58,164 --> 00:25:00,583
that was pulled off by the Metropolitan Police.
430
00:25:00,875 --> 00:25:02,043
-(ALL GASP)
Hold on.
431
00:25:02,084 --> 00:25:05,087
I'll admit that this threat pushed
the Interceptor misuse matter
432
00:25:05,171 --> 00:25:06,714
clear out of the limelight.
433
00:25:06,756 --> 00:25:10,551
But isn't your reasoning a bit far-fetched?
I mean, come on.
434
00:25:10,593 --> 00:25:14,013
Yeah, Chief.
It's not like you to make accusations rashly.
435
00:25:14,096 --> 00:25:15,473
Are you basing this on something?
436
00:25:15,932 --> 00:25:18,476
-Mmm-hmm. Togusa.
-Sir.
437
00:25:21,479 --> 00:25:23,272
ARAMAKI: Nanao Ei.
438
00:25:23,356 --> 00:25:26,359
He's a material witness
in the Laughing Man case.
439
00:25:26,442 --> 00:25:29,237
The Metro Police Special Investigations Unit
440
00:25:29,278 --> 00:25:32,114
has had this man under surveillance
for the past three months.
441
00:25:32,198 --> 00:25:33,241
Are you kidding?
442
00:25:33,282 --> 00:25:35,826
He seems like any run-of-the-mill
office jockey to me.
443
00:25:36,077 --> 00:25:37,453
Yeah, I know.
444
00:25:37,537 --> 00:25:40,206
And it's certainly not how I had imagined him.
445
00:25:40,289 --> 00:25:43,376
I figured the Laughing Man
would be a lot younger than him.
446
00:25:43,459 --> 00:25:45,836
ARAMAKI: According to the SIU's records,
447
00:25:45,920 --> 00:25:49,840
he'd been working uneventfully
for Serano Genomics as a programmer.
448
00:25:51,175 --> 00:25:52,760
A year into the job, though,
449
00:25:52,802 --> 00:25:55,555
a tip to the company
exposed his activist past,
450
00:25:55,638 --> 00:25:57,139
and he was let go.
451
00:25:58,057 --> 00:26:00,184
Pretty straightforward resume, Chief.
452
00:26:00,268 --> 00:26:03,604
Yes. However, Special Investigations HQ
453
00:26:03,646 --> 00:26:06,607
has suddenly started turning up
more circumstantial evidence
454
00:26:06,649 --> 00:26:09,110
that leads them to think
that Nanao is their man.
455
00:26:09,193 --> 00:26:13,698
The SIU focused its investigation on the
"grudge against Serano" angle this time.
456
00:26:13,781 --> 00:26:15,324
They are tailing him right now.
457
00:26:15,366 --> 00:26:17,493
And as soon as they link Nanao to the threat,
458
00:26:17,535 --> 00:26:19,495
they're just gonna move in and arrest him.
459
00:26:19,662 --> 00:26:21,038
Those idiots.
460
00:26:21,122 --> 00:26:24,250
There's ain't no way in hell
that doofus could be the Laughing Man.
461
00:26:24,333 --> 00:26:26,335
That guy is so battered
and deep-fried in guilt,
462
00:26:26,419 --> 00:26:27,837
he defines innocent.
463
00:26:27,878 --> 00:26:29,130
ARAMAKI: I agree with you.
464
00:26:30,214 --> 00:26:33,092
Why then would Special Investigations
swallow the bait
465
00:26:33,175 --> 00:26:36,971
when anyone else can easily tell it's a decoy
if they look at the big picture?
466
00:26:37,847 --> 00:26:41,601
Besides, this whole Interceptor nonsense,
there's something we can't ignore.
467
00:26:41,684 --> 00:26:44,770
Don't forget police conspiracy
is a part of the equation.
468
00:26:44,854 --> 00:26:46,689
Is it still a theory that's worth considering?
469
00:26:47,148 --> 00:26:48,274
Well, since he...
470
00:26:48,357 --> 00:26:52,111
Yamaguchi was killed
in the crossfire, probably.
471
00:26:52,612 --> 00:26:54,739
I don't have any hard evidence.
472
00:26:54,822 --> 00:26:56,699
But if we can catch Nanao Ei,
473
00:26:56,741 --> 00:26:59,410
who's been playing
the role of the Laughing Man,
474
00:26:59,493 --> 00:27:02,413
and this elusive something
that's managed to fool the SIU,
475
00:27:02,496 --> 00:27:04,540
the answer should surface on its own.
476
00:27:04,624 --> 00:27:07,376
We have two days to find that something.
477
00:27:07,877 --> 00:27:10,838
Oh, yeah.
We sure uncorked a big can of worms.
478
00:27:10,880 --> 00:27:13,549
Right. You and Togusa locate Nanao Ei
479
00:27:13,591 --> 00:27:16,385
-and start 24-hour surveillance.
Yes, sir.
480
00:27:17,094 --> 00:27:18,220
Don't screw up.
481
00:27:18,262 --> 00:27:20,056
TOGUSA: Don't you get bored and wander off.
482
00:27:20,139 --> 00:27:22,308
ARAMAKI: The rest of you,
follow the Major's instructions
483
00:27:22,391 --> 00:27:24,477
and find out who's duping the SIU.
484
00:27:24,560 --> 00:27:25,895
-Yes, sir.
-Yes, sir.
485
00:27:26,354 --> 00:27:27,521
(DOOR CLOSES)
486
00:27:27,813 --> 00:27:30,733
-So, what is it, Major?
-Nothing.
487
00:27:33,778 --> 00:27:34,945
(DOOR CLOSES)
488
00:27:35,946 --> 00:27:36,989
(VEHICLE APPROACHING)
489
00:27:42,119 --> 00:27:44,914
Chief, I'm getting off of
the Nanao case as of this minute.
490
00:27:44,997 --> 00:27:47,750
And I could use the help
of Saito and Paz as well.
491
00:27:47,833 --> 00:27:49,126
What have you got in mind?
492
00:27:49,293 --> 00:27:51,087
Protecting the Superintendent-General.
493
00:27:51,671 --> 00:27:53,381
I think your hunch was on the money,
494
00:27:53,422 --> 00:27:56,509
but I can't shake the feeling
that there's one piece which doesn't fit.
495
00:27:57,259 --> 00:27:59,679
My Ghost is telling me to tail Daido now
496
00:27:59,762 --> 00:28:03,474
to discover what that is. I hear it, whispering.
497
00:28:04,975 --> 00:28:06,060
Hmm.
498
00:28:07,311 --> 00:28:10,106
All right. You know what needs to be done.
499
00:28:10,189 --> 00:28:14,110
Every Section 9 member has a unique ability
and you work best on your own.
500
00:28:14,193 --> 00:28:17,154
But individual success is a reflection
of strong teamwork.
501
00:28:17,655 --> 00:28:18,948
Thanks, Chief.
502
00:28:19,615 --> 00:28:21,742
(OVER COMMS)
Put the word out to Saito and Paz, OK?
503
00:28:21,784 --> 00:28:23,160
(TYRES SCREECHING)
504
00:28:27,498 --> 00:28:29,875
ARAMAKI: (OVER COMMS)
It's me. What's Nanao's status?
505
00:28:30,710 --> 00:28:32,712
TOGUSA: No sign of any activity yet.
506
00:28:33,087 --> 00:28:35,464
He's still sending out e-mails sporadically.
507
00:28:41,220 --> 00:28:44,140
(MOBILE RINGING)
508
00:28:45,391 --> 00:28:48,269
Yes? Thank you for all your help.
509
00:28:49,186 --> 00:28:52,314
That was only one of the plans
I had worked out in advance.
510
00:28:53,399 --> 00:28:56,068
Well, then, I hope you'll look forward to it.
511
00:28:56,152 --> 00:28:58,738
-Right. Goodbye, then.
-(MOBILE BEEPS)
512
00:29:01,031 --> 00:29:02,742
No, it wasn't me.
513
00:29:02,825 --> 00:29:05,161
I didn't issue that warning. But no matter.
514
00:29:05,202 --> 00:29:08,164
That's because it will all be over soon.
515
00:29:12,418 --> 00:29:15,588
(HELICOPTER BLADES WHIRRING)
516
00:29:16,630 --> 00:29:18,841
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS)
517
00:29:20,301 --> 00:29:22,720
MAN: Major, the Superintendent-General
has entered the building.
518
00:29:22,845 --> 00:29:24,221
GUARD: (OVER COMMS) Routine check...
519
00:29:24,305 --> 00:29:26,182
MAJOR: Chief, how are things on your end?
520
00:29:27,391 --> 00:29:28,559
BORMA: Got it.
521
00:29:29,185 --> 00:29:33,689
Like it says in the SIU's report,
Nanao's activities at the time of each crime
522
00:29:33,731 --> 00:29:37,693
overwhelmingly substantiate the possibility
that he's the Laughing Man.
523
00:29:37,860 --> 00:29:41,071
But during my investigation
of those 43 related files,
524
00:29:41,155 --> 00:29:42,907
I came across a lot of weird stuff
525
00:29:42,990 --> 00:29:45,826
in the testimonies of those
who knew the man back then.
526
00:29:45,868 --> 00:29:48,746
I noticed a definite trend
of admiration for Nanao.
527
00:29:48,829 --> 00:29:53,501
And I suspect this trend may be result
of a forced language-recognition program.
528
00:29:53,876 --> 00:29:56,587
These records have been
clearly manufactured.
529
00:29:56,670 --> 00:29:58,547
Or rather, skilfully overwritten.
530
00:29:59,381 --> 00:30:02,009
The Cybercops would never have seen
through these.
531
00:30:02,218 --> 00:30:06,096
Hell, not even Special Investigations were
able to tell these are altered documents.
532
00:30:06,180 --> 00:30:08,557
This falsifying was a quality forge job.
533
00:30:08,766 --> 00:30:10,226
Superb work.
534
00:30:10,267 --> 00:30:12,728
Batou, do it quick. Apprehend Nanao.
535
00:30:12,812 --> 00:30:16,857
BATOU: Roger. There's a lot more
to this case than I ever imagined.
536
00:30:17,566 --> 00:30:19,777
MAJOR: Saito, Paz,
537
00:30:19,860 --> 00:30:23,155
is the police jamming barrier causing
interference in our connection?
538
00:30:23,239 --> 00:30:25,074
SAITO: No, you're loud and clear.
539
00:30:25,115 --> 00:30:26,909
PAZ: Same here.
MAJOR: Really?
540
00:30:26,992 --> 00:30:28,744
GUARD: (DISTORTED OVER COMMS)
Routine check. All personnel,
541
00:30:28,786 --> 00:30:30,579
move from security level Beta to Charlie.
542
00:30:38,087 --> 00:30:40,047
Huh? Hey! Who are you people with?
543
00:30:40,089 --> 00:30:42,424
-Move! Public Security!
-(GRUNTS)
544
00:30:44,134 --> 00:30:45,511
Stop! Don't go in!
545
00:30:49,306 --> 00:30:51,100
Nanao Ei, you're under arrest
546
00:30:51,141 --> 00:30:53,352
for threatening to kill
the Superintendent-General!
547
00:30:55,312 --> 00:30:57,439
What the hell does Public Security
want with...
548
00:30:59,650 --> 00:31:00,943
(CHAIR CREAKS)
549
00:31:03,654 --> 00:31:05,197
-Huh?
-Huh?
550
00:31:06,574 --> 00:31:08,075
What's going on?
551
00:31:08,659 --> 00:31:12,955
(LAUGHS) I was never there in the first place!
This is rich.
552
00:31:13,539 --> 00:31:15,124
(CHUCKLING)
553
00:31:15,791 --> 00:31:19,295
Oh, I'm sure I'll be written down in
the history books now as the Laughing Man.
554
00:31:19,336 --> 00:31:20,588
(LAUGHS)
555
00:31:22,256 --> 00:31:23,424
That noise.
556
00:31:26,260 --> 00:31:28,387
There. They're Interceptors!
557
00:31:28,804 --> 00:31:32,224
That static in the routine checks
was a modular delayed-action virus.
558
00:31:32,433 --> 00:31:34,977
He's been peering through SIU's eyes
all along.
559
00:31:35,019 --> 00:31:38,731
MAJOR: Batou, Nanao is sending out
a modular virus via that room.
560
00:31:38,814 --> 00:31:41,150
Huh? I'll trace the source from here!
561
00:31:45,321 --> 00:31:46,322
Send
562
00:31:46,405 --> 00:31:47,823
(BEEPING)
563
00:31:50,784 --> 00:31:54,038
GUARD: (ON RADIO) Radio signal violation
of Cyberbrain Code of Ethics detected.
564
00:31:54,121 --> 00:31:55,789
Possible contamination.
565
00:31:55,831 --> 00:31:58,083
All personnel, check cyberbrain activity.
566
00:31:58,167 --> 00:31:59,919
Keep an eye on people around you.
567
00:32:00,836 --> 00:32:01,837
(SILENCED GUNSHOT)
568
00:32:11,013 --> 00:32:12,389
(ALL APPLAUDING)
569
00:32:17,728 --> 00:32:18,729
(GASPS)
570
00:32:19,813 --> 00:32:21,607
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS)
571
00:32:22,524 --> 00:32:23,734
So, it's begun.
572
00:32:29,573 --> 00:32:33,786
Excuse me. There's a possibility
of cyberbrain contamination, sir.
573
00:32:33,869 --> 00:32:37,081
We'll run a check on the cyberbrain activity
of everyone in the place,
574
00:32:37,164 --> 00:32:38,999
including the security unit.
575
00:32:39,041 --> 00:32:42,336
-Please, sir, postpone your speech.
-Mmm-hmm.
576
00:32:42,795 --> 00:32:44,713
Until we identify those infected,
577
00:32:44,797 --> 00:32:47,216
all personnel will stand ready on F-2 alert.
578
00:32:47,257 --> 00:32:49,551
Hey! Who are you?
579
00:32:49,593 --> 00:32:51,220
Hold it! State your name and rank!
580
00:32:51,387 --> 00:32:52,388
Now listen up.
581
00:32:52,471 --> 00:32:54,014
All you people on security detail
582
00:32:54,056 --> 00:32:57,017
are the ones who are most likely
to exhibit any symptoms.
583
00:32:57,059 --> 00:32:58,394
-Oh.
-And considering
584
00:32:58,477 --> 00:33:02,189
that your routine check transmissions
carry a delayed-action virus,
585
00:33:02,231 --> 00:33:06,402
it'll either infect just the command class
equipped with an encryption conversion key,
586
00:33:06,443 --> 00:33:08,404
-or everyone else.
-Er...
587
00:33:16,578 --> 00:33:18,080
-Go.
-Right!
588
00:33:19,790 --> 00:33:21,083
Is that him?
589
00:33:26,046 --> 00:33:28,674
Stop them! Don't let them near
the Superintendent-General!
590
00:33:28,841 --> 00:33:30,259
Everyone else, form a... (GROANS)
591
00:33:32,636 --> 00:33:33,762
(ALL GASP)
592
00:33:34,346 --> 00:33:37,307
Now the purge will begin!
593
00:33:37,641 --> 00:33:38,934
(BOTH GASP)
594
00:33:40,102 --> 00:33:41,478
(GRUNTING)
595
00:33:48,277 --> 00:33:49,486
(GRUNTS)
596
00:33:53,907 --> 00:33:56,577
This is an excellent training exercise
for your men.
597
00:33:56,618 --> 00:33:59,246
If you don't wanna live out your golden years
in the intensive care unit,
598
00:33:59,288 --> 00:34:00,873
then I suggest you stay put!
599
00:34:02,041 --> 00:34:03,042
(GRUMBLES)
600
00:34:03,125 --> 00:34:04,460
(GRUNTING)
601
00:34:09,840 --> 00:34:10,924
(EXCLAIMS)
602
00:34:20,017 --> 00:34:21,935
Now that's a reality show.
603
00:34:35,324 --> 00:34:36,325
(ALARM BEEPING)
604
00:34:36,408 --> 00:34:38,952
Damn it, someone's trying
to copy the virus online.
605
00:34:39,661 --> 00:34:40,829
(ALARM BEEPING RAPIDLY)
606
00:34:41,163 --> 00:34:42,831
An attack barrier! Ahhh!
607
00:34:43,707 --> 00:34:44,917
Major.
608
00:34:45,000 --> 00:34:46,335
That was close.
609
00:34:46,376 --> 00:34:49,505
Going in through a dummy barrier
was a fortunate move.
610
00:34:49,588 --> 00:34:51,173
Was it a booby-trapped virus?
611
00:34:51,256 --> 00:34:52,466
I'm not sure.
612
00:34:53,634 --> 00:34:57,429
MAJOR: Who the hell was snooping around
inside this man's brain?
613
00:35:02,434 --> 00:35:03,644
(PANTING)
614
00:35:13,112 --> 00:35:15,697
BATOU: (GASPS) It's open!
TOGUSA: He got away?
615
00:35:26,667 --> 00:35:27,668
(DOOR OPENS)
616
00:35:39,054 --> 00:35:41,223
Point blank, one bullet.
617
00:35:42,057 --> 00:35:44,434
Marga uses a silencer, too.
618
00:35:45,269 --> 00:35:46,562
What the hell's going on?
619
00:35:46,603 --> 00:35:49,314
Wasn't the whole idea
to have the SIU collar this guy
620
00:35:49,398 --> 00:35:51,900
so they could drop the curtain
on the Laughing Man case?
621
00:35:52,734 --> 00:35:54,778
Hey, don't ask me.
622
00:35:55,654 --> 00:35:58,615
It's sort of like cutting the tail off a lizard.
623
00:35:58,907 --> 00:36:02,411
-A new perp appears.
-I know, but his face...
624
00:36:03,704 --> 00:36:08,041
BATOU: Yeah. (SCOFFS)
The son of a bitch is smiling.
625
00:36:09,084 --> 00:36:11,753
Nanao's been killed? (GRUMBLES)
626
00:36:12,421 --> 00:36:14,173
They got the drop on us.
627
00:36:14,256 --> 00:36:16,258
Scope out as much
of the crime scene as you can,
628
00:36:16,341 --> 00:36:18,719
then clear out before the SIU gets over there.
629
00:36:18,760 --> 00:36:20,762
Dead men tell no tales.
630
00:36:21,054 --> 00:36:22,472
Roger.
631
00:36:22,556 --> 00:36:27,186
MAJOR: Chief, I'm sending a copy of the virus
that we believe Nanao planted.
632
00:36:27,269 --> 00:36:30,522
It's only showing up in a commander
with an encryption conversion key,
633
00:36:30,606 --> 00:36:33,192
so I doubt anyone else will exhibit symptoms.
634
00:36:33,275 --> 00:36:35,611
But better make a vaccine, just to be safe.
635
00:36:36,236 --> 00:36:38,947
All right. I'll have it made up at once.
636
00:36:41,909 --> 00:36:43,535
-(REPORTERS CLAMOURING)
-GUARD: Stand back!
637
00:36:43,619 --> 00:36:45,037
Please clear the way!
638
00:36:45,329 --> 00:36:46,955
Stand back!
639
00:36:49,541 --> 00:36:52,419
MAJOR: Get that vaccine ASAP.
I'm getting a bad vibe here.
640
00:36:52,461 --> 00:36:54,963
-Paz, tail the Superintendent-General again.
-PAZ: Roger.
641
00:36:55,005 --> 00:36:56,965
MAJOR: Saito, watch the perimeter.
SAITO: Roger.
642
00:36:57,132 --> 00:36:58,842
-(STRAINING)
Back off!
643
00:36:58,926 --> 00:37:00,135
(WOMAN SCREAMS)
644
00:37:00,427 --> 00:37:01,929
I am the Laughing Man.
645
00:37:02,012 --> 00:37:03,847
I will kill the Superintendent.
646
00:37:05,474 --> 00:37:06,975
Ow! My leg! (GROANS)
647
00:37:07,184 --> 00:37:09,937
(ALL SHOUTING AND CLAMOURING)
648
00:37:11,063 --> 00:37:12,981
The virus is beginning to manifest already.
649
00:37:17,069 --> 00:37:19,571
-(CAMERAS CLICKING)
-(ALL CLAMOURING)
650
00:37:25,327 --> 00:37:27,496
Just back Off! (STRAINING)
651
00:37:27,663 --> 00:37:29,706
Daido, tell everyone the truth!
652
00:37:29,831 --> 00:37:32,084
-Do it or die!
-What are you doing?
653
00:37:32,793 --> 00:37:33,835
(GROANS)
654
00:37:35,420 --> 00:37:38,006
Daido! (STRAINING)
655
00:37:38,090 --> 00:37:39,883
MAN: (ON RADIO)
Requesting immediate backup!
656
00:37:39,967 --> 00:37:42,010
(CONTINUES INDISTINCTLY)
657
00:37:42,094 --> 00:37:44,012
Looks like nothing vital was hit.
658
00:37:44,721 --> 00:37:47,182
This thing might have infected more people.
Be careful.
659
00:37:48,016 --> 00:37:52,437
MAN: I repeat, numerous accomplices of
the Laughing Man have infiltrated the hall!
660
00:37:52,521 --> 00:37:54,564
Requesting immediate backup!
661
00:37:55,315 --> 00:37:57,150
Damn it! What's happening here?
662
00:37:57,317 --> 00:37:59,987
MAJOR: Have an ambulance standing by
in the underground parking lot.
663
00:38:00,529 --> 00:38:01,780
MAJOR: Chief, the vaccine.
664
00:38:02,114 --> 00:38:03,699
Yes, we're working on it.
665
00:38:03,782 --> 00:38:05,742
What's going on over there?
666
00:38:05,826 --> 00:38:07,869
MAJOR: I can't spare the time
to send you any visuals.
667
00:38:07,953 --> 00:38:10,163
Just put a rush on that vaccine.
668
00:38:10,205 --> 00:38:12,207
Saito, anything fishy along the perimeter?
669
00:38:12,291 --> 00:38:15,711
lshikawa, what about the Tachikomas
the Major brought with her?
670
00:38:15,752 --> 00:38:18,213
Aside from Saito's, two of them are free.
671
00:38:18,297 --> 00:38:21,341
All right.
They can give the Major some backup.
672
00:38:21,383 --> 00:38:24,052
-And hurry it up with the vaccine.
-BORMA: Roger.
673
00:38:24,636 --> 00:38:27,264
-(CAMERAS CLICKING)
-(PEOPLE CLAMOURING)
674
00:38:30,767 --> 00:38:33,437
WOMAN: A police officer just shot
the Superintendent-General.
675
00:38:33,979 --> 00:38:36,732
MAJOR: OK, this is a little much for a farce.
676
00:38:38,317 --> 00:38:39,318
(GASPS)
677
00:38:40,027 --> 00:38:41,028
(GUNSHOT)
678
00:38:43,947 --> 00:38:45,824
(PEOPLE MUTTERING INDISTINCTLY)
679
00:38:49,536 --> 00:38:52,664
Major, the vaccine is finished
and ready to use.
680
00:38:52,748 --> 00:38:54,124
But your guess was correct.
681
00:38:54,207 --> 00:38:58,420
The virus only seems to affect the security
police's encryption conversion key.
682
00:38:59,379 --> 00:39:02,841
It doesn't look like this virus
is what's causing this situation.
683
00:39:03,508 --> 00:39:05,260
MAJOR: Then what the hell is?
684
00:39:07,679 --> 00:39:09,681
-Ha!
-Eradicate!
685
00:39:17,481 --> 00:39:18,857
(GROWLS, GRUNTS)
686
00:39:22,486 --> 00:39:24,738
TACHIKOMA: Major, the cavalry's arrived!
687
00:39:24,780 --> 00:39:27,282
Finally. Now keep this guy held down.
688
00:39:27,366 --> 00:39:28,617
TACHIKOMA: Yes, ma'am!
689
00:39:34,039 --> 00:39:35,457
(TYRES SCREECHING)
690
00:39:42,089 --> 00:39:45,467
(GROWLS) You're dead, Daido!
691
00:39:55,310 --> 00:39:57,521
Damn it. Just how many can there be?
692
00:39:58,647 --> 00:40:01,608
OLD MAN: Excuse me. Hello?
693
00:40:01,650 --> 00:40:05,153
Say, how I get to the hotel
where the Superintendent-General
694
00:40:05,237 --> 00:40:06,822
is going to be assassinated?
695
00:40:07,197 --> 00:40:08,240
Huh?
696
00:40:10,909 --> 00:40:13,495
(LAUGHS)
697
00:40:21,461 --> 00:40:23,380
MAN 1: Oh, come on now, Officer.
698
00:40:23,463 --> 00:40:26,883
Why bother to ask that question
when you already have the answer?
699
00:40:27,217 --> 00:40:31,513
I am the Laughing Man. Laughing Man!
The one and only.
700
00:40:31,555 --> 00:40:34,057
The rest of those people are imposters.
701
00:40:34,141 --> 00:40:36,184
I'm the genuine article, pal.
702
00:40:37,394 --> 00:40:41,231
MAN 2: I heard the message.
It was sent to me from the Laughing Man.
703
00:40:42,524 --> 00:40:44,568
In that threat of assassination,
704
00:40:44,651 --> 00:40:47,946
it told me that I was
to become the Laughing Man.
705
00:40:48,029 --> 00:40:50,949
But I don't recall there being
any mention of assassinating
706
00:40:51,032 --> 00:40:53,034
the Superintendent-General.
707
00:40:53,118 --> 00:40:55,704
Jeez, what's the deal with all these people?
708
00:41:00,375 --> 00:41:03,545
Anyway, putting aside police statements
for the moment,
709
00:41:03,587 --> 00:41:06,548
what about those... Those people who were...
710
00:41:06,590 --> 00:41:09,718
You could refer to them as copycats,
I suppose.
711
00:41:09,759 --> 00:41:12,387
Who or what do you think they were?
712
00:41:12,471 --> 00:41:14,806
Three called themselves the Laughing Man.
713
00:41:14,890 --> 00:41:18,393
Two confessed to committing the crime
out of admiration for him.
714
00:41:18,477 --> 00:41:22,147
Three others said that the threat came to them
as a revelation.
715
00:41:22,647 --> 00:41:27,694
In addition to those people, we rounded up
another 39 Laughing Man copycats,
716
00:41:27,736 --> 00:41:31,781
if you include those who were arrested
for suspicious behaviour along the perimeter.
717
00:41:33,033 --> 00:41:34,743
Plus, none of them acted together,
718
00:41:34,826 --> 00:41:36,870
and there's no religious connection either.
719
00:41:37,662 --> 00:41:39,664
All these upstanding people
720
00:41:39,748 --> 00:41:42,792
who couldn't possibly be linked
to the Laughing Man crimes,
721
00:41:42,876 --> 00:41:47,214
with no trace of external manipulation
by a virus or brainwashing device,
722
00:41:47,255 --> 00:41:49,257
committed an act of terrorism
723
00:41:49,341 --> 00:41:51,927
simply because they saw a warning on TV
724
00:41:51,968 --> 00:41:55,597
insinuating that the Superintendent-General
would be assassinated.
725
00:41:57,599 --> 00:42:00,685
Can you tell me how anyone
would begin to explain that?
726
00:42:03,647 --> 00:42:08,652
Explain? Well, in a play, even the audience
is a part of the performance.
727
00:42:10,445 --> 00:42:12,572
Sorry, but that's not much of an answer.
728
00:42:13,823 --> 00:42:15,992
Like you said once before,
729
00:42:16,076 --> 00:42:17,452
and I do agree with you now,
730
00:42:17,536 --> 00:42:21,748
that there was an police cover-up
using Nanao Ei as an unwitting decoy.
731
00:42:21,790 --> 00:42:24,834
But I can't ignore the feeling
that there is an entirely different story
732
00:42:24,918 --> 00:42:28,213
behind the madness brought on
by the imitators.
733
00:42:28,296 --> 00:42:30,799
Everything's being tinted the same shade.
734
00:42:41,268 --> 00:42:42,978
Major, what's this?
735
00:42:43,311 --> 00:42:46,898
It's internal data from a vocational aid centre.
736
00:42:46,982 --> 00:42:48,441
TOGUSA: Vocational aid centre?
737
00:42:48,483 --> 00:42:50,652
They give job training
to some of their patients
738
00:42:50,694 --> 00:42:53,572
who have severe
Cyberbrain Closed Shell Syndrome
739
00:42:53,655 --> 00:42:55,657
to help them re-enter society.
740
00:42:55,740 --> 00:42:58,159
You have heard of this, haven't you?
741
00:42:58,243 --> 00:43:02,581
The database of the Ministry of Health
and Welfare was hacked into last week.
742
00:43:02,664 --> 00:43:05,375
It was a large-scale inside job.
743
00:43:05,458 --> 00:43:08,169
The leaked information included material
744
00:43:08,253 --> 00:43:11,423
that was classified even higher than A Level.
745
00:43:11,506 --> 00:43:14,175
Notice the amount of time
it took to crack the barrier.
746
00:43:14,801 --> 00:43:19,055
They breached a triple layer of varied
attack barriers in just two hours.
747
00:43:19,139 --> 00:43:20,307
If it was only one person,
748
00:43:20,348 --> 00:43:23,435
then they're an old pro
who's even better than the Major.
749
00:43:23,518 --> 00:43:24,686
Huh. Better than her?
750
00:43:24,811 --> 00:43:27,856
Borma and lshikawa
did a thorough route trace
751
00:43:27,897 --> 00:43:30,817
and that building is definitely
the point of origin.
752
00:43:30,859 --> 00:43:32,485
However, the strange thing is,
753
00:43:32,527 --> 00:43:35,238
the circuits at the centre
are normally kept isolated.
754
00:43:35,322 --> 00:43:37,782
That would make it virtually impossible
to establish
755
00:43:37,866 --> 00:43:40,535
external contact from the inside
and vice versa.
756
00:43:41,369 --> 00:43:44,873
What's even more odd is
the Ministry of Health and Welfare's reaction.
757
00:43:44,998 --> 00:43:47,709
Someone's accessed
their highly classified data,
758
00:43:47,751 --> 00:43:50,128
but they haven't filed a single damage report.
759
00:43:50,211 --> 00:43:52,130
Even if they were embarrassed
by the hacking,
760
00:43:52,213 --> 00:43:54,424
their response is very unnatural.
761
00:43:54,716 --> 00:43:57,636
They've got some stuff in there
that they don't want us to know about.
762
00:43:57,719 --> 00:44:00,472
But they can track us down
if we go about this the wrong way.
763
00:44:00,680 --> 00:44:02,307
That's your part.
764
00:44:07,729 --> 00:44:09,606
TOGUSA: So, an undercover investigation.
765
00:44:09,689 --> 00:44:12,108
Still tying up loose ends
in the Laughing Man case
766
00:44:12,192 --> 00:44:14,569
and they send me out on another assignment.
767
00:44:14,653 --> 00:44:16,363
What a bunch of slave drivers.
768
00:44:26,206 --> 00:44:27,332
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
769
00:44:39,427 --> 00:44:42,847
-(SWING CREAKING)
-Huh?
770
00:44:46,226 --> 00:44:48,395
(CREAKING)
771
00:45:08,123 --> 00:45:10,208
(DEVICE BEEPING)
772
00:45:12,377 --> 00:45:13,837
(DOOR OPENS)
773
00:45:37,652 --> 00:45:41,740
Some cases of Cyberbrain Closed Shell
Syndrome involve complications
774
00:45:41,823 --> 00:45:44,534
that can lead to intellectual damage.
775
00:45:44,617 --> 00:45:45,785
But there are quite a few patients
776
00:45:45,827 --> 00:45:48,371
who display a surprising knack
for cyberspace.
777
00:45:48,455 --> 00:45:50,999
(KEYBOARD KEYS BEEPING)
778
00:45:52,333 --> 00:45:56,379
We make use of the peculiarities
of their condition in their job training
779
00:45:56,463 --> 00:45:59,048
by having these children
program barrier mazes.
780
00:45:59,883 --> 00:46:04,012
Occasionally, these activities result
in a barrier maze so remarkable
781
00:46:04,053 --> 00:46:06,264
that government agencies adopt it.
782
00:46:06,347 --> 00:46:09,392
Each and every one is constructed
in a truly unique fashion.
783
00:46:10,351 --> 00:46:12,896
I'm certain if we were to leave them alone,
784
00:46:12,979 --> 00:46:16,024
they would go on,
never stopping, never bored,
785
00:46:16,065 --> 00:46:18,359
assembling and dismantling barriers.
786
00:46:19,569 --> 00:46:21,196
(BEEPING CONTINUES)
787
00:46:24,866 --> 00:46:26,910
(INDISTINCT CLAMOURING)
788
00:46:28,119 --> 00:46:29,120
(CLAMOURING STOPS)
789
00:46:29,746 --> 00:46:33,875
I'll put you in charge of a relatively
manageable single group room for now.
790
00:46:33,917 --> 00:46:36,503
Tobusa, this is Aoi.
791
00:46:36,544 --> 00:46:38,379
-He's one of your charges.
-Right.
792
00:46:38,713 --> 00:46:41,049
I believe the other children
are back in their room,
793
00:46:41,090 --> 00:46:43,843
-so take him to join them.
TOGUSA: Yes, ma'am.
794
00:46:49,474 --> 00:46:51,851
Aoi, right? Nice to meet you.
795
00:47:04,531 --> 00:47:07,534
-(DOOR CREAKING OPEN)
Cripes, Aoi. What took you so...
796
00:47:08,493 --> 00:47:11,412
Hi, I'm Togusa. I'm taking over today.
797
00:47:13,081 --> 00:47:14,207
How you doing there?
798
00:47:15,291 --> 00:47:16,292
(GRUNTS)
799
00:47:22,006 --> 00:47:23,049
(GASPS)
800
00:47:23,091 --> 00:47:24,634
Hey, you wanna play a game of catch?
801
00:47:24,717 --> 00:47:28,012
Hey, give it back! He's getting freaked out!
802
00:47:30,181 --> 00:47:32,100
(MUMBLING INAUDIBLY)
803
00:47:32,183 --> 00:47:33,226
Oh. Er...
804
00:47:40,191 --> 00:47:43,278
He... He goes into panic mode
when he doesn't have his mitt.
805
00:47:43,945 --> 00:47:47,740
Besides, nobody wants to go outside.
Not any more.
806
00:47:52,620 --> 00:47:55,790
Hey, the Chief swears
he's gonna come again! (CHUCKLES)
807
00:47:55,832 --> 00:47:56,833
Huh?
808
00:47:56,916 --> 00:47:57,917
You mean it?
809
00:47:57,959 --> 00:48:00,211
Mmm-hmm, I heard about it just now.
810
00:48:00,295 --> 00:48:03,089
-No way, he was just here last week.
-(LAUGHING)
811
00:48:03,131 --> 00:48:04,132
Last week?
812
00:48:05,466 --> 00:48:07,385
So, who's this "Chief" guy?
813
00:48:07,719 --> 00:48:09,512
Hey, pretty slick of you, mister.
814
00:48:09,596 --> 00:48:10,597
Shh.
815
00:48:11,306 --> 00:48:12,557
What's wrong?
816
00:48:12,974 --> 00:48:17,061
We don't trust grownups around here.
Especially, ones we don't know yet.
817
00:48:17,854 --> 00:48:19,063
BOY 2: Oh, yeah...
818
00:48:19,147 --> 00:48:21,441
BOY 1: So, don't think that we'll just blab
everything to you.
819
00:48:22,483 --> 00:48:24,485
-That's pretty strict.
-BOY 1: We have to be.
820
00:48:25,111 --> 00:48:28,364
BOY 2: Hey, I'm gonna go tell the others, OK?
BOY 1: Yeah, sure!
821
00:48:34,162 --> 00:48:37,123
TACHIKOMA: Comrades!
Word has it that, starting tomorrow,
822
00:48:37,165 --> 00:48:39,918
we'll be going back to the lab
to participate in simulations!
823
00:48:40,001 --> 00:48:41,252
-Ooh! Simulations!
-(GIGGLING)
824
00:48:41,336 --> 00:48:42,879
(ALL LAUGHING)
825
00:48:42,962 --> 00:48:44,547
(TACHIKOMAS CLAMOURING)
826
00:48:46,341 --> 00:48:49,010
TACHIKOMA:
They say that what we've acquired in secret
827
00:48:49,093 --> 00:48:51,721
might help the investigation
of the Laughing Man case!
828
00:48:52,347 --> 00:48:54,015
-Oh, what do you mean?
-(INDISTINCT CHATTERING)
829
00:48:54,098 --> 00:48:57,185
Does this have to do
with the natural oil we used to get?
830
00:48:57,435 --> 00:49:00,855
I don't know about that,
but the day has finally arrived
831
00:49:00,939 --> 00:49:04,692
when we can contribute mentally
as well as physically to Section 9.
832
00:49:04,776 --> 00:49:06,444
That's a huge promotion!
833
00:49:06,861 --> 00:49:09,364
Er, what is it we're supposed
to have acquired again?
834
00:49:09,739 --> 00:49:11,199
Individuality!
835
00:49:11,532 --> 00:49:15,370
Little by little, our Als have begun to develop
individual differences.
836
00:49:15,703 --> 00:49:19,874
Yeah, even though we synchronise our data
after each mission. Weird, huh?
837
00:49:19,958 --> 00:49:22,710
It's the opposite of what happened
with those Laughing Man copycats.
838
00:49:22,835 --> 00:49:23,836
Maybe the fact...
839
00:49:23,878 --> 00:49:26,589
TACHIKOMA 1: But it's also possible
they'll just have us scrapped.
840
00:49:26,673 --> 00:49:27,882
ALL: What?
841
00:49:27,924 --> 00:49:29,175
TACHIKOMA 2: What's with the negativity?
842
00:49:30,051 --> 00:49:32,220
TACHIKOMA 1: If there are new jobs
waiting for us at the lab,
843
00:49:32,261 --> 00:49:35,682
then doesn't that mean we've been declared
unfit for our current duties?
844
00:49:35,723 --> 00:49:38,559
Though I still like the idea
of us contributing mentally.
845
00:49:38,726 --> 00:49:42,313
To take an extreme theoretical example,
it's not beyond the realm of possibility
846
00:49:42,397 --> 00:49:44,732
that a mass of data with no body
could carry a Ghost.
847
00:49:45,316 --> 00:49:49,320
TACHIKOMA 3: Whoa!
You came up with that? I'm impressed.
848
00:49:49,821 --> 00:49:51,489
Why don't you join their conversation?
849
00:49:51,572 --> 00:49:53,908
TACHIKOMA 1: No, I'm more interested
in books lately.
850
00:49:54,659 --> 00:49:56,244
Really? What are you reading?
851
00:49:57,537 --> 00:49:59,330
Flowers for Algernon.
852
00:49:59,580 --> 00:50:02,875
Wow, you're going to the trouble
of reading it on paper media?
853
00:50:02,917 --> 00:50:06,462
Whether it's a mere job rotation
or impending destruction,
854
00:50:06,546 --> 00:50:08,589
I don't want to forget my love of reading.
855
00:50:12,593 --> 00:50:13,720
BATOU: Tachikoma!
856
00:50:13,761 --> 00:50:15,513
Oh, Mr Batou.
857
00:50:15,680 --> 00:50:17,140
Why don't you come with me for a while
858
00:50:17,223 --> 00:50:20,393
and give me a hand doing some
target practice with the trainees?
859
00:50:20,935 --> 00:50:23,312
Coming! Whoa!
860
00:50:24,439 --> 00:50:27,608
-So what were you guys talking about?
-Oh, nothing.
861
00:50:27,650 --> 00:50:30,611
Anyway, what am I gonna do
with you, little Batou?
862
00:50:30,653 --> 00:50:33,531
You can't even handle some
target practice without me.
863
00:50:33,614 --> 00:50:35,074
BATOU: (CHUCKLES) I guess not.
864
00:50:35,116 --> 00:50:36,617
Why does he always get to go?
865
00:50:37,285 --> 00:50:39,454
Maybe we need to find out the real reason
866
00:50:39,537 --> 00:50:42,123
why the Major is sending us back to the lab.
867
00:50:51,466 --> 00:50:54,135
What's up?
Why'd you want me to meet you here?
868
00:50:55,595 --> 00:50:58,431
I'm guessing it's not to confess
your burning passion for me.
869
00:50:59,098 --> 00:51:02,310
It's the only room in the building
that's electro-magnetically shielded,
870
00:51:02,351 --> 00:51:03,895
so we can have some privacy.
871
00:51:05,605 --> 00:51:06,981
(BATOU CLEARS THROAT)
872
00:51:10,443 --> 00:51:12,737
TACHIKOMA: Pass that dossier to Batou.
873
00:51:17,450 --> 00:51:19,035
Just glance through it, all right?
874
00:51:19,660 --> 00:51:21,454
-You spot it?
-Hmm?
875
00:51:22,038 --> 00:51:23,456
MAJOR: (OVER COMMS) Don't turn around
876
00:51:23,498 --> 00:51:26,501
but there's a camouflaged Tachikoma
hanging from the corridor ceiling.
877
00:51:33,341 --> 00:51:35,927
It's reading our lips.
Pretend you haven't noticed.
878
00:51:36,010 --> 00:51:40,139
We'll physically speak about something else
while we talk via encrypted cybercomm.
879
00:51:40,848 --> 00:51:43,351
BATOU: What the hell?
Why go through all this trouble?
880
00:51:43,851 --> 00:51:45,311
(INAUDIBLE)
881
00:51:46,646 --> 00:51:48,189
TACHIKOMA: Now, what's this?
882
00:51:48,272 --> 00:51:50,024
"Well, to make a long story short,
883
00:51:50,108 --> 00:51:52,527
"judging from the end results,
there are major issues
884
00:51:52,568 --> 00:51:55,988
"regarding your qualifications
as a training instructor."
885
00:51:56,030 --> 00:51:57,573
Well, to make a long story short,
886
00:51:57,657 --> 00:51:59,867
I have a serious issue with the similarities
887
00:51:59,951 --> 00:52:03,162
between the Tachikomas' development
and the Laughing Man case,
888
00:52:03,204 --> 00:52:07,500
their formation of egos, which should be
impossible, and the loss of individuality.
889
00:52:07,542 --> 00:52:10,086
At first, these seem to be
contradictory problems,
890
00:52:10,169 --> 00:52:12,046
but we need to keep a close eye on them,
891
00:52:12,130 --> 00:52:15,675
as unintended consequences
of information synchronisation.
892
00:52:15,716 --> 00:52:18,344
Hey, I don't feed them natural oil
on the sly any more.
893
00:52:18,386 --> 00:52:20,471
No one suspects you of doing that.
894
00:52:20,805 --> 00:52:23,516
I wouldn't have a problem with this
if it had happened in a lab,
895
00:52:23,558 --> 00:52:25,726
but for a weapon, it could be lethal.
896
00:52:28,020 --> 00:52:31,149
TACHIKOMA: "Hey, I'm not beating them up
on the sly any more.
897
00:52:31,232 --> 00:52:33,568
"No one suspects you of doing that."
898
00:52:33,609 --> 00:52:36,946
Huh! It doesn't look like
they're talking about us after all.
899
00:52:37,655 --> 00:52:41,409
Don't we still have the option
of doing a full initialisation of their AI?
900
00:52:42,034 --> 00:52:44,871
We tried that,
but we got the exact same results.
901
00:52:45,580 --> 00:52:48,875
I'm sorry, but all Tachikoma use
is suspended as of today.
902
00:52:49,959 --> 00:52:52,670
On the brighter side,
it looks like their AI will be useful
903
00:52:52,753 --> 00:52:55,715
in running simulations
on the Laughing Man copycats.
904
00:52:56,507 --> 00:52:58,718
They won't be told.
But after they've been disarmed,
905
00:52:58,759 --> 00:53:00,970
we'll send them to the test lab
where they'll assist us
906
00:53:01,053 --> 00:53:02,513
with our investigation.
907
00:53:03,389 --> 00:53:04,390
Is that clear?
908
00:53:08,561 --> 00:53:11,439
Are you giving me an order as my superior?
909
00:53:11,772 --> 00:53:12,940
MAJOR: I am.
910
00:53:13,524 --> 00:53:16,277
I don't have the luxury of refusing, do I?
911
00:53:16,819 --> 00:53:18,237
I'll comply.
912
00:53:19,780 --> 00:53:22,366
It's time to re-establish contact with Togusa.
913
00:53:22,742 --> 00:53:24,285
We'll go there the old-fashioned way.
914
00:53:24,619 --> 00:53:26,871
BATOU: What, I don't even have time
to say goodbye to them?
915
00:53:27,872 --> 00:53:29,707
MAJOR: Sorry. But I'm afraid not.
916
00:53:37,757 --> 00:53:40,718
TOGUSA: (OVER COMMS) If somebody
is using the barriers created by these kids,
917
00:53:40,801 --> 00:53:44,180
it might explain why the hacking
of the Ministry of Health and Welfare
918
00:53:44,263 --> 00:53:45,514
was so skilful.
919
00:53:45,973 --> 00:53:48,476
I see. Any suspects so far?
920
00:53:49,143 --> 00:53:50,394
TOGUSA: No, not yet.
921
00:53:50,478 --> 00:53:52,480
But this is one weird operation.
922
00:53:52,563 --> 00:53:55,775
They've even got a heavy load of cyborgs
stalking the halls.
923
00:53:55,858 --> 00:53:58,778
Copy that.
Carry on your investigation for now.
924
00:53:58,819 --> 00:53:59,820
TOGUSA: Roger.
925
00:54:01,572 --> 00:54:02,615
Huh?
926
00:54:02,657 --> 00:54:03,658
(GASPS)
927
00:54:07,245 --> 00:54:10,498
So, somebody besides me
has been using this, huh?
928
00:54:13,918 --> 00:54:15,503
(READING)
929
00:54:23,344 --> 00:54:24,553
What the hell?
930
00:54:29,350 --> 00:54:30,351
(SNIFFS)
931
00:54:31,185 --> 00:54:32,520
Oil paint.
932
00:54:36,524 --> 00:54:38,651
-You're in charge for now.
-MAN: Right.
933
00:54:39,277 --> 00:54:40,611
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACH)
934
00:54:41,320 --> 00:54:42,863
It's you. Hello.
935
00:54:42,947 --> 00:54:44,532
Good afternoon.
936
00:54:45,700 --> 00:54:47,034
Going out, ma'am?
937
00:54:47,076 --> 00:54:49,787
Yes, there's a welfare industry gathering.
938
00:54:49,870 --> 00:54:52,081
Oh, really? Have fun.
939
00:55:07,054 --> 00:55:08,055
Wait here.
940
00:55:08,889 --> 00:55:11,809
Sorry about this.
But I'll be done in a minute, OK?
941
00:55:14,895 --> 00:55:15,896
Hmm.
942
00:55:16,063 --> 00:55:17,064
Huh?
943
00:55:22,778 --> 00:55:24,280
-(KEYBOARD CLACKING)
-Hmm.
944
00:55:24,864 --> 00:55:27,241
No suspicious records to speak of.
945
00:55:27,325 --> 00:55:29,660
And zero visitors last week, huh?
946
00:55:34,081 --> 00:55:35,166
Damn it.
947
00:55:35,249 --> 00:55:38,669
Not being able to access
external memory is a freakin' pain.
948
00:55:42,590 --> 00:55:44,633
-Dear, oh, dear.
-(GASPS)
949
00:55:45,843 --> 00:55:49,180
You've abandoned your charge
to do a bit of spying?
950
00:55:50,306 --> 00:55:51,515
Search all you want,
951
00:55:51,599 --> 00:55:54,352
you won't find any clues
about the Chief in there.
952
00:55:54,435 --> 00:55:57,396
I guess you're in no mood for excuses, right?
953
00:56:00,399 --> 00:56:02,234
You can hurt him, but don't kill him.
954
00:56:02,276 --> 00:56:04,612
-Yes, ma'am.
-Now, wait a minute.
955
00:56:04,779 --> 00:56:05,780
(GRUNTS)
956
00:56:05,863 --> 00:56:08,240
If we fight in here, your paintings could be...
957
00:56:08,282 --> 00:56:09,992
Is that what you're going to fight with?
958
00:56:10,076 --> 00:56:11,077
Er...
959
00:56:11,202 --> 00:56:12,328
(GROANS)
960
00:56:13,996 --> 00:56:14,997
(GRUNTS)
961
00:56:17,124 --> 00:56:18,334
(YELLS)
962
00:56:18,959 --> 00:56:19,960
(GROANS)
963
00:56:21,295 --> 00:56:22,296
(COUGHS)
964
00:56:23,130 --> 00:56:26,092
Paintings shouldn't be treated roughly!
965
00:56:26,384 --> 00:56:27,385
(GASPS)
966
00:56:29,345 --> 00:56:30,346
(GRUNTS)
967
00:56:31,680 --> 00:56:36,352
Unlike electronic data,
they can't be duplicated, dumb-ass.
968
00:56:36,811 --> 00:56:37,812
(STRAINING)
969
00:56:41,482 --> 00:56:43,526
(ELECTRONICS SHUTS DOWN)
970
00:56:47,696 --> 00:56:48,697
(GASPS)
971
00:56:50,616 --> 00:56:51,617
(PANTING)
972
00:56:51,992 --> 00:56:54,036
Didn't think I was armed, did ya?
973
00:56:54,703 --> 00:56:55,704
Huh?
974
00:56:57,164 --> 00:56:58,165
Huh?
975
00:56:59,750 --> 00:57:00,751
Huh?
976
00:57:07,591 --> 00:57:08,592
(GASPS)
977
00:57:11,387 --> 00:57:12,388
(LOUD THUD)
978
00:57:24,650 --> 00:57:26,110
Section 9.
979
00:57:26,861 --> 00:57:27,862
(LASER BEAMS)
980
00:57:33,534 --> 00:57:38,038
Major, unusual activity.
Every terminal in the centre just went online.
981
00:57:38,873 --> 00:57:40,207
Something's happened.
982
00:57:42,376 --> 00:57:45,421
It's our access codes.
They're attempting to decrypt them.
983
00:57:45,504 --> 00:57:46,964
Was his cover blown?
984
00:57:47,047 --> 00:57:49,925
I don't know. Cut all circuits. Hurry.
985
00:57:50,676 --> 00:57:51,927
What's the hold-up?
986
00:57:52,011 --> 00:57:53,721
I... I'm locked out!
987
00:57:53,971 --> 00:57:55,389
-(ELECTRICITY FIZZING)
-(GROANS)
988
00:57:56,390 --> 00:57:58,976
-Batou, now! We're pulling Togusa out!
-OK!
989
00:57:59,602 --> 00:58:01,562
MAJOR: (OVER COMMS)
lshikawa, comandeer their circuits!
990
00:58:01,604 --> 00:58:03,439
Saito, secure an evac route!
991
00:58:07,943 --> 00:58:09,612
(INDISTINCT CHATTERING)
992
00:58:13,240 --> 00:58:15,910
Got her! Man, did I fry that Al peeper!
993
00:58:17,495 --> 00:58:20,164
-Kuroha.
-Hey, what's up.
994
00:58:20,247 --> 00:58:21,707
Where have you been, Chief?
995
00:58:22,249 --> 00:58:23,792
AOI: Things have gotten bad.
996
00:58:23,876 --> 00:58:26,003
I was spotted by people on the outside.
997
00:58:26,086 --> 00:58:30,841
A lot of adults will be coming,
so I'm disappearing before then.
998
00:58:31,133 --> 00:58:32,927
Uh... Why?
999
00:58:33,219 --> 00:58:35,304
Till now, everything's been going smoothly.
1000
00:58:35,387 --> 00:58:37,765
We'll protect you, Chief. Same as always.
1001
00:58:37,848 --> 00:58:40,100
No. I appreciate everyone's help,
1002
00:58:40,142 --> 00:58:41,936
but it's time I left this place.
1003
00:58:58,869 --> 00:59:00,371
(GASPS) Togusa!
1004
00:59:04,667 --> 00:59:06,460
No! Togusa!
1005
00:59:06,544 --> 00:59:08,128
What the hell happened here?
1006
00:59:08,212 --> 00:59:09,463
Come on, talk to me!
1007
00:59:09,505 --> 00:59:11,298
Damn it! Togusa, wake up!
1008
00:59:11,465 --> 00:59:12,508
Togusa!
1009
00:59:14,385 --> 00:59:16,095
So, was there any evidence to prove
1010
00:59:16,136 --> 00:59:18,973
that this Aoi kid Togusa mentioned
ever existed?
1011
00:59:19,014 --> 00:59:21,016
I couldn't find a single trace.
1012
00:59:21,100 --> 00:59:23,102
It's possible someone deliberately altered
1013
00:59:23,185 --> 00:59:26,146
the centre's computer files
and the staff's memories.
1014
00:59:26,522 --> 00:59:29,900
But I can't go too much further
using only Togusa's testimony.
1015
00:59:29,984 --> 00:59:33,070
(SCOFFS) That's why his report
was gonna be a sketch, huh?
1016
00:59:33,320 --> 00:59:37,575
Yeah, a handsome young lad
in a wheelchair with a lefty catcher's mitt.
1017
00:59:37,992 --> 00:59:41,662
Togusa said he would use the memories
in his own cyberbrain to draw him.
1018
00:59:41,829 --> 00:59:44,331
Wait. Did you say a lefty catcher's mitt?
1019
00:59:44,415 --> 00:59:46,000
That term is Net jargon.
1020
00:59:46,041 --> 00:59:49,169
It means something you think is real
when it actually isn't.
1021
00:59:49,211 --> 00:59:50,754
TOGUSA: You sure about that?
1022
00:59:51,422 --> 00:59:53,799
-Sorry I took so long, Major.
-Give.
1023
00:59:53,882 --> 00:59:57,553
I wanna see if what you got there
is good enough to save your sorry ass.
1024
00:59:57,636 --> 00:59:59,179
Now, don't be shocked.
1025
00:59:59,221 --> 01:00:00,889
This shows I have talent.
1026
01:00:03,684 --> 01:00:04,685
Hmm.
1027
01:00:04,935 --> 01:00:05,936
Huh?
1028
01:00:07,021 --> 01:00:08,355
What the hell is this?
1029
01:00:08,439 --> 01:00:09,440
(STUTTERS)
1030
01:00:09,607 --> 01:00:14,028
Looks like you picked up a bad case
of weird memories in a weird place.
1031
01:00:23,912 --> 01:00:25,247
The Catcher in the Rye
1032
01:00:25,372 --> 01:00:26,373
(SURFACE SQUEAKING)
1033
01:00:30,169 --> 01:00:32,046
"Just because people didn't know me
1034
01:00:32,129 --> 01:00:34,089
"and because I didn't know anybody,
1035
01:00:34,506 --> 01:00:35,924
"I thought what I'd do was
1036
01:00:36,008 --> 01:00:39,386
"I'd pretend I was one of those deaf-mutes.
1037
01:00:39,428 --> 01:00:43,390
"I thought what I'd do was I'd pretend
I was one of those deaf-mutes.
1038
01:00:44,725 --> 01:00:46,060
"What I'd do...
1039
01:00:46,518 --> 01:00:47,853
"Was I'd pretend...
1040
01:00:49,104 --> 01:00:50,356
"Or should
1041
01:00:51,273 --> 01:00:52,566
(SQUEAKING)
1042
01:00:57,071 --> 01:00:59,156
(GASPS) Wait a minute!
1043
01:01:05,496 --> 01:01:08,207
MAJOR: So, I hear you're pursuing
the Salinger angle?
1044
01:01:08,415 --> 01:01:09,583
Yes.
1045
01:01:10,793 --> 01:01:14,421
It's well known that he wrote
a short story entitled "The Laughing Man"
1046
01:01:14,505 --> 01:01:17,508
and there's no shortage of people
who point out the similarities
1047
01:01:17,591 --> 01:01:19,760
between his story and the crimes.
1048
01:01:20,511 --> 01:01:23,806
Thing is, special investigations HQ
has already analysed
1049
01:01:23,889 --> 01:01:26,600
every possible interpretation of that story.
1050
01:01:26,684 --> 01:01:30,187
I don't think there's any new take
on the subject that's gonna break the case.
1051
01:01:31,271 --> 01:01:33,524
But you've heard art imitates life.
1052
01:01:33,816 --> 01:01:35,693
The opposite should be true, too.
1053
01:01:36,944 --> 01:01:40,364
You know, I can't help
but think that the boy I met,
1054
01:01:40,489 --> 01:01:43,534
the one at the aid centre,
was actually the Laughing Man.
1055
01:01:43,617 --> 01:01:45,536
Hey, there have been countless suspects.
1056
01:01:45,619 --> 01:01:47,955
They all seemed certain
to be the Laughing Man.
1057
01:01:48,038 --> 01:01:52,292
So, in light of that, what basis do you have
for thinking this kid is the genuine article?
1058
01:01:52,418 --> 01:01:55,629
Major, are you familiar with the phrase
around the Laughing Man logo
1059
01:01:55,671 --> 01:01:56,839
and the meaning of it?
1060
01:01:57,631 --> 01:02:02,136
Yeah. "I thought what I'd do was
I'd become one of those deaf-mutes."
1061
01:02:02,636 --> 01:02:07,099
I understand it's a quote,
from Chapter 25 of The Catcher in the Rye.
1062
01:02:07,141 --> 01:02:08,183
Uh-huh.
1063
01:02:08,267 --> 01:02:10,644
Like I included in my report,
I saw some of it written
1064
01:02:10,728 --> 01:02:12,438
on that panel at the centre.
1065
01:02:13,063 --> 01:02:16,316
At first, I convinced myself
it was verbatim from the novel.
1066
01:02:16,442 --> 01:02:18,318
However, I realised something.
1067
01:02:18,986 --> 01:02:22,156
The original quote ends with,
"One of those deaf-mutes."
1068
01:02:22,239 --> 01:02:23,991
But what I saw was different.
1069
01:02:25,200 --> 01:02:28,746
"Or should I?" This little bit had been added.
1070
01:02:30,831 --> 01:02:34,501
You don't suppose it's a conversation
he was having with himself, do ya?
1071
01:02:35,335 --> 01:02:39,214
Asking himself if he should break
his silence and go back out into the world?
1072
01:02:40,007 --> 01:02:42,843
Tell me something, Major.
Have you ever experienced this?
1073
01:02:43,010 --> 01:02:45,554
When you try to imitate an artist you admire,
1074
01:02:45,637 --> 01:02:48,682
you want to get as close as you can
to the original work,
1075
01:02:48,724 --> 01:02:50,768
so you try to make a perfect copy.
1076
01:02:52,352 --> 01:02:56,231
But here, we have a boy who dared
to modify Salinger's quote.
1077
01:02:56,315 --> 01:03:00,402
He was able to rewrite the end of it
because this young man was the original.
1078
01:03:01,195 --> 01:03:04,531
That theory is awfully dependent
on your personal views.
1079
01:03:04,656 --> 01:03:08,577
You do realise it's far too weak
for you to base anything on, don't you?
1080
01:03:08,660 --> 01:03:10,871
Regardless of his cutting edge
hacking techniques,
1081
01:03:10,913 --> 01:03:14,500
the Laughing Man kidnapped CEO Serano.
At gunpoint, no less.
1082
01:03:14,708 --> 01:03:17,544
These actions don't fit it all
with his technical abilities.
1083
01:03:17,586 --> 01:03:21,215
Couldn't this mean that the Laughing Man,
despite the fact that he's so good at hacking,
1084
01:03:21,298 --> 01:03:23,175
or should I say, because he's so good,
1085
01:03:23,217 --> 01:03:25,719
didn't place any value at all
on electronic media,
1086
01:03:25,803 --> 01:03:27,304
something that can be rewritten?
1087
01:03:27,387 --> 01:03:30,182
If you think about it, he was after information
1088
01:03:30,224 --> 01:03:32,768
that's stored in some sort of
physical medium.
1089
01:03:32,893 --> 01:03:35,312
In other words, paper documents.
1090
01:03:36,271 --> 01:03:38,607
Do you want to investigate this angle further?
1091
01:03:38,774 --> 01:03:39,983
Yes.
1092
01:03:40,484 --> 01:03:43,904
I was going to stop you if you were doing
this out of emotional revenge
1093
01:03:43,946 --> 01:03:45,781
for that centre fiasco.
1094
01:03:46,573 --> 01:03:50,410
But it could be your Ghost has finally
begun whispering to you, too.
1095
01:03:50,452 --> 01:03:51,995
All right, fine.
1096
01:03:55,624 --> 01:03:58,585
You go ahead. Do what you want.
I'll fill in the Chief.
1097
01:03:58,669 --> 01:04:00,128
I appreciate it, Major.
1098
01:04:01,088 --> 01:04:02,464
(HORN HONKING)
1099
01:04:04,341 --> 01:04:07,135
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
1100
01:04:12,224 --> 01:04:13,225
(BEEPING)
1101
01:04:18,897 --> 01:04:20,107
How's it coming?
1102
01:04:21,275 --> 01:04:22,276
(EXHALES SHARPLY)
1103
01:04:23,026 --> 01:04:24,695
This is a big job.
1104
01:04:25,279 --> 01:04:27,948
Thanks for the help. And the coffee.
1105
01:04:29,449 --> 01:04:31,285
Huh. Found it!
1106
01:04:33,078 --> 01:04:34,162
WOMAN: Found what?
1107
01:04:34,830 --> 01:04:37,332
More precisely,
something isn't here which ought to be.
1108
01:04:37,416 --> 01:04:40,168
The list of Murai Vaccine Recipients.
1109
01:04:40,502 --> 01:04:42,671
That file is the only one missing.
1110
01:04:43,213 --> 01:04:45,465
I wonder how long it's been gone.
1111
01:04:45,799 --> 01:04:48,385
It's funny.
I don't see how stealing something like that
1112
01:04:48,468 --> 01:04:50,137
would do anybody any good.
1113
01:04:50,220 --> 01:04:52,973
Is there anyone you can think of
who would want it?
1114
01:04:53,056 --> 01:04:55,642
You know, someone the file
might be a value to?
1115
01:04:56,018 --> 01:04:57,853
Er, well...
1116
01:04:58,312 --> 01:05:01,565
If I had to say,
I would guess the Sunflower Society.
1117
01:05:01,940 --> 01:05:03,191
Sunflower?
1118
01:05:03,442 --> 01:05:05,027
Testing Centre Report Murai Vaccine.
1119
01:05:05,110 --> 01:05:07,321
Pharmaceutical Approval.
Evaluation Record
1120
01:05:11,116 --> 01:05:12,618
TOGUSA: 2019 AD.
1121
01:05:12,659 --> 01:05:16,538
During that year, just as cyberisation
was starting to become commonplace,
1122
01:05:16,663 --> 01:05:19,458
cases of cyberbrain damage
of an unknown origin
1123
01:05:19,499 --> 01:05:21,960
became a growing concern
in the medical community.
1124
01:05:22,336 --> 01:05:25,213
It was discovered that
gradual hardening in the brain
1125
01:05:25,297 --> 01:05:28,342
occurred in areas where cyberisation
had been performed,
1126
01:05:28,383 --> 01:05:29,885
resulting in brain death.
1127
01:05:29,968 --> 01:05:33,805
This condition later came
to be known as cyberbrain sclerosis.
1128
01:05:34,181 --> 01:05:37,059
Although the likelihood of displaying
the symptoms is considerably low,
1129
01:05:37,142 --> 01:05:39,478
anyone who's been cyberised is susceptible.
1130
01:05:39,519 --> 01:05:42,439
Because there was no basic treatment
once the symptoms appeared,
1131
01:05:42,522 --> 01:05:45,651
it was called the incurable disease
of the 21st century,
1132
01:05:45,692 --> 01:05:48,487
following in the footsteps of
tuberculosis, cancer and AIDS.
1133
01:05:48,528 --> 01:05:50,197
Enter Keyword Murai Vaccine
1134
01:05:50,280 --> 01:05:52,866
The Murai Vaccine is a tumour suppressor
1135
01:05:52,908 --> 01:05:55,869
developed by an MD named Chitose Murai
1136
01:05:55,953 --> 01:05:58,664
who created this specific treatment
for the disease.
1137
01:05:58,705 --> 01:06:01,124
However, the medical association back then
1138
01:06:01,208 --> 01:06:04,795
was dominated by proponents
of micromachine therapy.
1139
01:06:04,878 --> 01:06:07,965
And many of them voiced the opinion
that the doctor's vaccine
1140
01:06:08,048 --> 01:06:09,758
was a step backwards.
1141
01:06:10,050 --> 01:06:12,719
They were concerned
that if his research was approved,
1142
01:06:12,803 --> 01:06:16,264
it might even hold back the development
of a micromachine treatment.
1143
01:06:16,890 --> 01:06:20,727
Perhaps that's the reason approval
for the Murai Vaccine was shelved.
1144
01:06:21,019 --> 01:06:22,980
And in February of 2021,
1145
01:06:23,063 --> 01:06:27,651
Dr Murai, who carried his dream
of a vaccine therapy to the very end,
1146
01:06:27,734 --> 01:06:30,696
died a broken man at the age of 68,
1147
01:06:30,779 --> 01:06:34,032
without seeing a decision
from the Drug Evaluation Council.
1148
01:06:34,700 --> 01:06:36,702
Then, in April of that same year,
1149
01:06:36,743 --> 01:06:39,413
the vaccine,
which had been denied acceptance,
1150
01:06:39,663 --> 01:06:43,250
was hastily sectioned
as a fee-based clinical trial drug
1151
01:06:43,291 --> 01:06:45,877
for use by specially designated patients.
1152
01:06:46,336 --> 01:06:49,548
The approval was never made known
to the general public
1153
01:06:49,589 --> 01:06:52,718
and the official position on it today is that
1154
01:06:52,759 --> 01:06:56,013
there are no patients
being treated with the vaccine.
1155
01:06:57,097 --> 01:07:00,809
Even now, one group remains
actively interested in this fact,
1156
01:07:01,393 --> 01:07:03,186
the Sunflower Society,
1157
01:07:03,353 --> 01:07:06,815
a non-profit organisation
that offers support to individuals
1158
01:07:06,898 --> 01:07:10,694
who want to take major companies
and government agencies to court,
1159
01:07:10,777 --> 01:07:12,237
by filing lawsuits against them.
1160
01:07:12,279 --> 01:07:14,781
(THUNDER RUMBLING)
1161
01:07:21,204 --> 01:07:22,330
Interesting.
1162
01:07:23,290 --> 01:07:26,293
Looks like you've certainly
done your homework, I'll say that.
1163
01:07:26,960 --> 01:07:29,546
So, you're a freelance journalist, are you?
1164
01:07:30,797 --> 01:07:32,299
My situation is this.
1165
01:07:32,340 --> 01:07:35,135
I lost my father to CS a few months back.
1166
01:07:35,343 --> 01:07:38,513
He'd been given micromachine treatment
up until the very end.
1167
01:07:38,597 --> 01:07:41,016
But after he passed away,
I heard about your group
1168
01:07:41,099 --> 01:07:43,143
and about the Murai Vaccine.
1169
01:07:43,477 --> 01:07:46,438
Oh, I see. Sorry for your loss.
1170
01:07:46,646 --> 01:07:49,232
If only someone had told us sooner
about the vaccine
1171
01:07:49,316 --> 01:07:51,276
and the excellent results it's had,
1172
01:07:51,318 --> 01:07:53,153
my father might be alive today.
1173
01:07:53,653 --> 01:07:55,489
The thought of it is killing me.
1174
01:07:55,530 --> 01:07:56,531
Hmm.
1175
01:07:57,491 --> 01:07:59,868
You see, before now,
I never took an interest in this.
1176
01:07:59,951 --> 01:08:01,703
It didn't concern me.
1177
01:08:01,787 --> 01:08:05,415
But if it can save people who suffer
from that awful disease,
1178
01:08:05,499 --> 01:08:07,250
I'd like to offer my services.
1179
01:08:07,334 --> 01:08:08,585
How kind.
1180
01:08:08,668 --> 01:08:12,380
A lot of people like you
filed with determination used to come here.
1181
01:08:12,464 --> 01:08:15,509
But every single one of them ended up failing.
1182
01:08:15,550 --> 01:08:17,677
They failed? Why's that?
1183
01:08:17,761 --> 01:08:19,679
There are individuals
who don't want the public
1184
01:08:19,763 --> 01:08:22,182
to turn its back on micromachines.
1185
01:08:22,265 --> 01:08:24,226
Individuals from everywhere.
1186
01:08:24,810 --> 01:08:26,853
Just as I suspected.
1187
01:08:27,187 --> 01:08:28,772
As luck would have it,
1188
01:08:28,855 --> 01:08:31,108
I have some pull
in the entertainment industry.
1189
01:08:31,191 --> 01:08:33,568
And from what I've heard
from my inside sources,
1190
01:08:33,652 --> 01:08:37,447
there are even people in the biz
who have been secretly receiving the vaccine.
1191
01:08:38,406 --> 01:08:41,576
It's not easy to spread
unpleasant news like this.
1192
01:08:42,911 --> 01:08:45,831
So, if you want to get people talking about it,
1193
01:08:45,872 --> 01:08:48,542
I guess you'd need some sort of scandal,
wouldn't you?
1194
01:08:48,708 --> 01:08:51,837
Well, it's obvious,
you did not come here to see us
1195
01:08:51,878 --> 01:08:54,005
out of some temporary emotion.
1196
01:08:55,590 --> 01:08:56,758
Mmm-hmm.
1197
01:09:00,053 --> 01:09:03,223
In fact, we just acquired a certain file.
1198
01:09:03,473 --> 01:09:04,724
A file?
1199
01:09:11,481 --> 01:09:14,109
IMAKURUSU: Damn it, I'm finished.
1200
01:09:14,192 --> 01:09:16,111
I shouldn't have run like that.
1201
01:09:16,194 --> 01:09:18,363
Since you were the one who stole the file.
1202
01:09:18,405 --> 01:09:20,407
They won't have any choice now, will they?
1203
01:09:20,448 --> 01:09:22,242
They are going to think
that I've betrayed them.
1204
01:09:22,409 --> 01:09:24,327
MAN: If I hadn't arranged for this to happen,
1205
01:09:24,411 --> 01:09:26,872
you never would have
taken the matter seriously.
1206
01:09:26,913 --> 01:09:30,584
You have to realise that they're not
as forgiving as you seem to believe.
1207
01:09:30,750 --> 01:09:33,086
I feel bad about framing you for the theft.
1208
01:09:33,128 --> 01:09:35,630
I hope you can understand
why I had to resort to that.
1209
01:09:36,089 --> 01:09:38,758
But I swore that I wouldn't give up
until I had exposed the truth
1210
01:09:38,842 --> 01:09:41,553
of what went on
behind the micromachine treatments.
1211
01:09:42,387 --> 01:09:44,055
How can you be so naive?
1212
01:09:44,097 --> 01:09:47,851
Research in cyberbrain technology
was advancing in other fields back then.
1213
01:09:47,934 --> 01:09:51,396
If I had approved the vaccine,
people might have rejected that technology,
1214
01:09:51,438 --> 01:09:53,190
and impeded this development.
1215
01:09:53,356 --> 01:09:55,442
What a convenient excuse that is.
1216
01:09:55,525 --> 01:09:58,778
Micromachine Industries, the company
whose board of directors you sat on,
1217
01:09:58,820 --> 01:10:01,573
received approval only one month
after filing its paperwork,
1218
01:10:01,615 --> 01:10:04,367
very quick and easy, just like Serano.
1219
01:10:04,492 --> 01:10:08,455
And thanks to that, you people raked in
profits of nearly a trillion yen per year
1220
01:10:08,496 --> 01:10:12,250
by selling protein granules
that have no effect on cyberbrain sclerosis.
1221
01:10:12,292 --> 01:10:16,338
That's a blatant act of fraud
perpetrated under the direction of the state.
1222
01:10:16,421 --> 01:10:20,050
What excuses do you intend to offer
those patients who died not knowing this
1223
01:10:20,133 --> 01:10:23,345
and kept paying their treatment fees
in the belief that it actually worked?
1224
01:10:23,637 --> 01:10:27,474
Micromachines nowadays are showing
a certain degree of effectiveness.
1225
01:10:27,557 --> 01:10:30,977
If you look at the situation
in terms of sclerosis prevention,
1226
01:10:31,061 --> 01:10:34,231
you can't say that nothing of benefit
came from our decision.
1227
01:10:34,564 --> 01:10:35,607
Benefit?
1228
01:10:35,690 --> 01:10:38,235
Well, then, if that's the case,
why aren't you treating yourself
1229
01:10:38,318 --> 01:10:39,819
with the micromachines?
1230
01:10:40,153 --> 01:10:42,155
(EXCLAIMS)
1231
01:10:45,784 --> 01:10:47,827
Murai Vaccine Recipient List
1232
01:10:48,328 --> 01:10:49,496
(GASPS)
1233
01:10:49,579 --> 01:10:50,580
Huh!
1234
01:10:51,289 --> 01:10:52,832
Here, come, take a look.
1235
01:10:55,335 --> 01:10:58,213
Huh? Isn't he an author?
SUNFLOWER OFFICIAL: That's right.
1236
01:10:58,296 --> 01:11:01,007
There are also artists, former star athletes,
1237
01:11:01,091 --> 01:11:05,011
and this man is a professor at
Niihama University's medical school.
1238
01:11:05,095 --> 01:11:07,305
TOGUSA: Wait a minute.
There are even names of politicians.
1239
01:11:07,347 --> 01:11:08,348
SUNFLOWER OFFICIAL: Yes.
1240
01:11:08,431 --> 01:11:12,102
And someone even more critical
to our cause is taking the vaccine.
1241
01:11:13,395 --> 01:11:14,729
Can you spot him?
1242
01:11:16,022 --> 01:11:17,691
TOGUSA: Hisashi lmakurusu.
1243
01:11:17,857 --> 01:11:20,860
Chairman of the board of the
Central Drug Evaluation Council!
1244
01:11:20,986 --> 01:11:24,197
Are you saying the chairman
who rejected the Murai Vaccine
1245
01:11:24,239 --> 01:11:26,491
is dependent on that same medicine?
1246
01:11:26,533 --> 01:11:30,787
Yes, the file arrived yesterday
from Mr lmakurusu himself.
1247
01:11:31,162 --> 01:11:32,872
What does all of this mean?
1248
01:11:32,914 --> 01:11:35,333
He's claiming that he's grown exhausted
1249
01:11:35,375 --> 01:11:38,378
from having to remain silent
all these years about what they've done.
1250
01:11:39,671 --> 01:11:41,756
He knew it was effective.
1251
01:11:41,881 --> 01:11:46,386
However, he deliberately suppressed
the Murai Vaccine out of ulterior motives.
1252
01:11:46,886 --> 01:11:50,140
Now, lmakurusu has given his
solemn word to stand up in court
1253
01:11:50,223 --> 01:11:53,685
in front of a judge and divulge
this motive that only he knows.
1254
01:11:53,727 --> 01:11:56,062
You mean, the Drug Evaluation Chairman
1255
01:11:56,146 --> 01:11:59,232
is going to testify as to
why he wouldn't approve the vaccine?
1256
01:11:59,566 --> 01:12:00,567
Uh-huh.
1257
01:12:00,608 --> 01:12:02,402
-This time, victory is ours.
-(ELECTRICITY CRACKLES)
1258
01:12:02,485 --> 01:12:03,486
(BOTH GASP)
1259
01:12:03,611 --> 01:12:05,071
(GUNSHOTS)
1260
01:12:09,451 --> 01:12:10,910
-(GUNSHOTS CONTINUE)
-(COUGHS, GROANS)
1261
01:12:11,369 --> 01:12:12,370
Oh!
1262
01:12:24,591 --> 01:12:25,592
(GRUNTS)
1263
01:12:37,687 --> 01:12:39,939
TOGUSA:
The DEA's Narcotics Suppression Squad?
1264
01:12:40,106 --> 01:12:41,441
-(COUGHS)
-(GUNSHOTS)
1265
01:12:41,483 --> 01:12:43,443
Move it! Come on, hurry up and kill 'em!
1266
01:12:43,485 --> 01:12:45,945
We can take our time
and look for our target afterwards.
1267
01:12:46,029 --> 01:12:47,655
But first, kill 'em all!
1268
01:12:47,947 --> 01:12:50,492
They're from the Ministry of Health,
Labour and Welfare.
1269
01:12:50,825 --> 01:12:53,286
Then they want the file?
1270
01:12:53,370 --> 01:12:54,621
You've got to get out of here.
1271
01:12:54,746 --> 01:12:57,290
These people are trained assassins.
They will kill you.
1272
01:12:57,749 --> 01:12:59,125
Just who are you?
1273
01:12:59,209 --> 01:13:00,960
I'm with Public Security.
1274
01:13:04,130 --> 01:13:05,131
Hmm.
1275
01:13:05,256 --> 01:13:07,801
Oops. Some of our boys got taken down.
1276
01:13:16,017 --> 01:13:17,018
(RAPID GUNFIRE)
1277
01:13:20,021 --> 01:13:22,607
We need to take some losses on our side, too.
1278
01:13:23,024 --> 01:13:25,026
That's just how reality works.
1279
01:13:25,985 --> 01:13:27,654
Right?
1280
01:13:31,199 --> 01:13:32,200
(GROANS)
1281
01:13:32,492 --> 01:13:33,493
(PANTING)
1282
01:13:48,383 --> 01:13:50,510
Now, go search the corpse.
1283
01:13:51,386 --> 01:13:52,387
(EXCLAIMS)
1284
01:13:56,683 --> 01:13:57,684
(LAUGHS)
1285
01:13:57,892 --> 01:13:58,977
A cyborg?
1286
01:13:59,352 --> 01:14:00,353
(GUN CLICKS)
1287
01:14:03,440 --> 01:14:04,441
(PANTING)
1288
01:14:08,194 --> 01:14:09,195
(GROANS)
1289
01:14:13,533 --> 01:14:14,534
(STRAINING)
1290
01:14:15,535 --> 01:14:18,288
Ah, now things are getting interesting.
1291
01:14:18,830 --> 01:14:21,291
Got a survivor. Get over here.
1292
01:14:24,586 --> 01:14:25,587
(GASPS)
1293
01:14:26,713 --> 01:14:30,216
Tell you what, I'll give you a running start
before I shoot!
1294
01:14:30,341 --> 01:14:31,551
(GUNSHOTS)
1295
01:14:33,636 --> 01:14:34,804
Oh, damn!
1296
01:14:34,971 --> 01:14:36,806
That was our own truck I just shot up!
1297
01:14:37,724 --> 01:14:39,893
Go on! Get down there and kill him!
1298
01:14:40,560 --> 01:14:41,561
(GRUNTING)
1299
01:14:41,644 --> 01:14:43,021
Shit!
1300
01:14:43,062 --> 01:14:45,231
Maybe I should have gone full-cyborg, too.
1301
01:14:45,565 --> 01:14:46,566
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
1302
01:14:49,819 --> 01:14:50,820
(GROANING)
1303
01:14:53,281 --> 01:14:56,075
TOGUSA: (OVER COMMS)
Major, Chief, I've been shot.
1304
01:15:05,376 --> 01:15:08,004
GEIR: (OVER COMMS)
Bureau Chief, we completed the op.
1305
01:15:08,296 --> 01:15:09,881
But the item is a copy.
1306
01:15:10,089 --> 01:15:11,132
What did you say?
1307
01:15:12,217 --> 01:15:13,760
We know where it came from.
1308
01:15:14,052 --> 01:15:15,470
From: Hisashi lmakurusu
Contents: Documents Copy
1309
01:15:15,553 --> 01:15:16,930
It was lmakurusu.
1310
01:15:16,971 --> 01:15:20,183
Do you mean to say
you've got the original, you son of a bitch?
1311
01:15:20,266 --> 01:15:23,102
No! No! I wasn't the one! I'm not to blame!
1312
01:15:23,228 --> 01:15:27,232
I heard that the file the Sunflower Society had
was a duplicate
1313
01:15:27,273 --> 01:15:28,983
which was sent to them from your office.
1314
01:15:29,067 --> 01:15:32,153
Don't tell me you're feeling repentant
after all this time.
1315
01:15:32,237 --> 01:15:34,489
What do I have to gain by doing that?
1316
01:15:34,572 --> 01:15:37,450
Someone was passing himself
off as me, that's all.
1317
01:15:37,659 --> 01:15:41,287
Then what the hell is your name doing
on the list of vaccine recipients?
1318
01:15:41,371 --> 01:15:42,413
I...
1319
01:15:42,664 --> 01:15:45,833
Tell me. Do you have cyberbrain sclerosis?
1320
01:15:47,293 --> 01:15:48,962
It's been quite a while now.
1321
01:15:49,504 --> 01:15:52,298
They tell me it's already in the final stages.
1322
01:15:52,799 --> 01:15:55,760
Why didn't you come talk to me
first about this?
1323
01:15:56,010 --> 01:15:59,264
How could you leave your records
on that list, you fool?
1324
01:15:59,722 --> 01:16:00,807
Sorry.
1325
01:16:01,140 --> 01:16:03,643
It's just that the vaccine really works.
1326
01:16:04,060 --> 01:16:06,104
But we've known that all along, you idiot!
1327
01:16:06,187 --> 01:16:07,522
We'll talk later!
1328
01:16:09,107 --> 01:16:11,234
GEIR: What would you like me to do?
Eliminate him?
1329
01:16:11,317 --> 01:16:13,653
Shut up! I'll get back to you.
1330
01:16:18,032 --> 01:16:19,492
Final stages?
1331
01:16:20,827 --> 01:16:21,995
That fool.
1332
01:16:25,832 --> 01:16:26,833
Togusa!
1333
01:16:26,958 --> 01:16:30,128
You can't come in here!
He's in very serious condition right now!
1334
01:16:30,628 --> 01:16:32,255
(GRUNTS) Major.
1335
01:16:34,716 --> 01:16:37,260
Take a look through my memories.
1336
01:16:37,427 --> 01:16:39,679
It was the MHLW.
1337
01:16:39,762 --> 01:16:42,849
Lucky for you,
the bullet's missed my head. (GRUNTS)
1338
01:16:42,974 --> 01:16:44,267
-intubate!
MAN: Right.
1339
01:16:44,350 --> 01:16:45,560
While you're operating on him,
1340
01:16:45,643 --> 01:16:49,814
I want you to extract the last 16 hours
of his memories from his cyberbrain.
1341
01:16:49,856 --> 01:16:51,774
-I can't.
-ARAMAKI: Do it.
1342
01:16:51,899 --> 01:16:54,527
Right now, that information's
absolutely crucial to us.
1343
01:16:54,611 --> 01:16:55,778
We must have it.
1344
01:17:02,035 --> 01:17:03,411
MAJOR: There's too much noise.
1345
01:17:03,620 --> 01:17:05,079
Must be from the anaesthetic.
1346
01:17:05,830 --> 01:17:09,334
We'll be picking up everything,
right down to his emotional fluctuations,
1347
01:17:09,375 --> 01:17:11,961
so it might even affect our own reactions.
1348
01:17:12,045 --> 01:17:13,838
It can't be helped. Play it.
1349
01:17:13,880 --> 01:17:15,048
-(DEVICE CHIMING)
-(EXCLAIMS)
1350
01:17:15,173 --> 01:17:16,215
Damn!
1351
01:17:17,050 --> 01:17:18,718
If he goes around playing hero like this,
1352
01:17:18,801 --> 01:17:21,304
you know the dumb bastard's
gonna get nailed.
1353
01:17:22,597 --> 01:17:23,598
(SIGHS)
1354
01:17:24,057 --> 01:17:25,725
Let's go over the situation.
1355
01:17:25,808 --> 01:17:29,062
Togusa had figured out what the hacker
from the aid centre was after.
1356
01:17:29,103 --> 01:17:30,396
It was paper media.
1357
01:17:30,480 --> 01:17:33,566
So he made a number of trips to
the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
1358
01:17:33,650 --> 01:17:34,942
to verify his suspicion.
1359
01:17:35,026 --> 01:17:37,570
And out of the vast amount of documents
he researched,
1360
01:17:37,612 --> 01:17:40,031
he discovered the existence of a missing file.
1361
01:17:40,114 --> 01:17:43,576
Which, as it turns out, is a record
of all the Murai Vaccine recipients.
1362
01:17:43,701 --> 01:17:44,827
Mmm-hmm.
1363
01:17:44,911 --> 01:17:47,622
That file was extremely important
to the Sunflower Society,
1364
01:17:47,747 --> 01:17:49,749
and Togusa was attacked
when he went to see them,
1365
01:17:49,791 --> 01:17:52,043
but we don't know exactly
what happened there.
1366
01:17:52,418 --> 01:17:54,087
No! We do know!
1367
01:17:54,295 --> 01:17:56,130
The DEA shot Togusa!
1368
01:17:56,255 --> 01:17:59,425
The Narcotics Suppression Squad,
who specialises in violent crimes,
1369
01:17:59,509 --> 01:18:01,761
butchered a bunch of civilians. Very simple!
1370
01:18:01,803 --> 01:18:04,972
And their objective was
the seizure or elimination of the file?
1371
01:18:05,056 --> 01:18:08,768
It seems like the cause of all of this
centres around one name we discovered.
1372
01:18:08,810 --> 01:18:10,478
This lmakurusu person.
1373
01:18:10,561 --> 01:18:12,605
We're wasting time with these discussions!
1374
01:18:12,689 --> 01:18:14,524
We'll find out soon enough
if we go bust those
1375
01:18:14,607 --> 01:18:16,567
filthy DEA sons of birches! Come on!
1376
01:18:16,609 --> 01:18:18,986
Don't let those memories
affect your judgement.
1377
01:18:19,070 --> 01:18:20,363
No doubt they're a step ahead of us
1378
01:18:20,446 --> 01:18:23,157
and already leaking
falsified information to the press.
1379
01:18:23,241 --> 01:18:25,368
The truth is being erased.
1380
01:18:28,287 --> 01:18:29,622
MAJOR: This is our man?
1381
01:18:31,624 --> 01:18:34,877
ARAMAKI: OK.
Major, you pay a visit to Mr lmakurusu.
1382
01:18:35,461 --> 01:18:38,840
Meanwhile, I'll try to find out
how the Narcotics Suppression Squad
1383
01:18:38,923 --> 01:18:41,050
came to be mobilised in this affair.
1384
01:18:41,134 --> 01:18:45,263
We'll also petition the American Empire
for access to their Echelon system.
1385
01:18:45,304 --> 01:18:46,389
Roger.
1386
01:18:48,391 --> 01:18:50,685
Paz and Saito, you two come with me.
1387
01:18:50,893 --> 01:18:53,896
Batou, you're on memory analysis
with lshikawa and Borma.
1388
01:18:53,980 --> 01:18:57,108
Screw that! Put me on the DEA investigation!
1389
01:18:57,150 --> 01:18:59,444
And do what, wearing that look on your face?
1390
01:18:59,485 --> 01:19:01,154
I'll give you a call when I need you.
1391
01:19:01,237 --> 01:19:04,198
(EXCLAIMS) How the hell do you
expect me to look?
1392
01:19:04,490 --> 01:19:06,868
All she's saying is that
you need to cool off a bit.
1393
01:19:06,951 --> 01:19:08,953
How am I gonna cool off after seeing that?
1394
01:19:08,995 --> 01:19:11,831
You're under the influence
of Togusa's memories right now.
1395
01:19:11,914 --> 01:19:13,833
She made a good call, Batou.
1396
01:19:14,167 --> 01:19:15,168
(GRUMBLES)
1397
01:19:22,341 --> 01:19:23,342
(COIN CLINKS)
1398
01:19:28,473 --> 01:19:29,474
(LINE RINGING)
1399
01:19:29,974 --> 01:19:33,019
MAN 1: I'm very sorry about the weather.
What can I say?
1400
01:19:33,102 --> 01:19:35,062
MAN 2: Yeah, it's not your fault.
Don't worry about it.
1401
01:19:35,146 --> 01:19:37,190
Today is the only day to work for everyone.
1402
01:19:37,732 --> 01:19:39,150
-(PHONE RINGS)
-(GASPS)
1403
01:19:39,859 --> 01:19:42,487
It's me, lmakurusu.
Please, you've got to help me out.
1404
01:19:42,945 --> 01:19:45,823
Talk to Niimi and straighten out
this misunderstanding.
1405
01:19:45,990 --> 01:19:49,202
Right, I'm at the golf course.
I'm counting on you.
1406
01:19:53,372 --> 01:19:55,708
BORMA: Got it. That's big brother for you.
1407
01:19:55,833 --> 01:19:57,168
ISHIKAWA: We don't know for sure yet.
1408
01:19:57,251 --> 01:20:00,588
Our voiceprint search got a hit on
the word "lmakurusu," that's all.
1409
01:20:01,631 --> 01:20:02,757
How's it coming?
1410
01:20:02,840 --> 01:20:04,801
We just pinpointed
at the location of a terminal
1411
01:20:04,884 --> 01:20:07,762
that was used by a man
who we believe to be lmakurusu.
1412
01:20:08,095 --> 01:20:11,015
Now we need to determine
whether or not it's really him.
1413
01:20:13,601 --> 01:20:15,645
(MOBILE RINGS)
1414
01:20:16,562 --> 01:20:18,731
You have a call on your direct line,
Bureau Chief.
1415
01:20:19,023 --> 01:20:20,024
Huh?
1416
01:20:20,900 --> 01:20:22,026
Niimi here.
1417
01:20:22,235 --> 01:20:23,444
Is that the truth?
1418
01:20:23,903 --> 01:20:27,073
Yes. Right. No, I'll deal with him immediately.
1419
01:20:28,157 --> 01:20:29,158
(DIALLING)
1420
01:20:30,076 --> 01:20:31,327
Geir, it's me, Niimi.
1421
01:20:31,410 --> 01:20:34,914
We have lmakurusu's location.
He's at the Kohoku Country Club.
1422
01:20:34,956 --> 01:20:36,290
Get over there.
1423
01:20:42,255 --> 01:20:45,049
MAN: (OVER COMMS) His present location
is the Kohoku Country Club.
1424
01:20:45,091 --> 01:20:47,051
He was spotted at a public terminal
on a sidewalk
1425
01:20:47,093 --> 01:20:49,095
on the north side, just two minutes ago.
1426
01:20:58,271 --> 01:20:59,272
BATOU: Bingo!
1427
01:20:59,313 --> 01:21:02,275
-It's who he called that has me worried.
I only want his location!
1428
01:21:02,358 --> 01:21:04,986
Old man, I'll be there before the Major
if I take the chopper!
1429
01:21:05,069 --> 01:21:07,196
Go! Better you secure him than someone else!
1430
01:21:09,282 --> 01:21:11,576
BATOU: lshikawa,
do you have a trace on lmakurusu?
1431
01:21:11,742 --> 01:21:14,996
After his call,
he went into room 909 in the hotel annexe.
1432
01:21:15,079 --> 01:21:16,539
He's staying put for now.
1433
01:21:16,956 --> 01:21:19,125
ISHIKAWA: Borma,
what is this look like to you?
1434
01:21:19,417 --> 01:21:20,418
Here.
1435
01:21:20,501 --> 01:21:21,502
Er...
1436
01:21:21,586 --> 01:21:25,715
The authentication code that's got top priority
on the American Empire's wiretap list?
1437
01:21:25,798 --> 01:21:28,050
Yeah. It's not supposed to officially exist,
1438
01:21:28,134 --> 01:21:29,802
but isn't this the number for the headquarters
1439
01:21:29,886 --> 01:21:31,345
of the government's ruling party?
1440
01:21:37,310 --> 01:21:40,646
So what do you think of that
JMSDF Type-303, sir?
1441
01:21:40,688 --> 01:21:44,525
These Marine units are really streamlined.
Damn things are works of art.
1442
01:21:45,318 --> 01:21:48,988
Now, if only those guys would show up,
we could get some live combat here!
1443
01:21:51,073 --> 01:21:52,074
Argh!
1444
01:21:52,158 --> 01:21:53,159
-MAN: Commander!
-Hmm.
1445
01:21:53,200 --> 01:21:55,453
I'm picking up a chopper
heading for the target's building.
1446
01:21:55,494 --> 01:21:56,746
Looks like Section 9.
1447
01:21:56,829 --> 01:21:58,915
Well, what do you know? What great timing.
1448
01:21:58,998 --> 01:22:02,793
Now, you guys can show me what you've got
by securing lmakurusu.
1449
01:22:02,919 --> 01:22:05,129
It'll take a while to get my systems booted.
1450
01:22:05,171 --> 01:22:07,673
Once you cut off their escape route,
leave the rest to me.
1451
01:22:13,054 --> 01:22:14,680
BATOU: What the... Is that?
1452
01:22:22,730 --> 01:22:23,731
(GRUNTS)
1453
01:22:24,982 --> 01:22:27,652
Hisashi lmakurusu? I'm with the police.
1454
01:22:27,693 --> 01:22:30,029
The narc squad's on its way.
We're getting out of here.
1455
01:22:30,196 --> 01:22:31,322
Stay away from me!
1456
01:22:39,538 --> 01:22:41,207
(GUNSHOTS)
1457
01:22:51,926 --> 01:22:52,927
(EXCLAIMS)
1458
01:22:53,219 --> 01:22:54,387
MAJOR: (OVER COMMS) Batou, you all right?
1459
01:22:54,762 --> 01:22:57,181
BATOU: Yeah, for now.
But they've got us pinned down.
1460
01:22:57,390 --> 01:22:58,891
MAJOR: Can you make it out in the chopper?
1461
01:22:59,392 --> 01:23:01,060
BATOU: No. Not with this guy in tow.
1462
01:23:01,560 --> 01:23:03,396
MAJOR: Do what you can to hold out.
I'm almost there.
1463
01:23:03,479 --> 01:23:04,480
(TYRES SCREECHING)
1464
01:23:05,690 --> 01:23:06,816
(ALL SCREAMING)
1465
01:23:13,364 --> 01:23:16,575
BATOU: Oh, yeah. They can cloak,
but they can't completely hide themselves.
1466
01:23:16,659 --> 01:23:18,369
Come on, what's your next move?
1467
01:23:25,918 --> 01:23:27,670
(GUNSHOTS)
1468
01:23:28,004 --> 01:23:29,171
(GROANS)
1469
01:23:33,050 --> 01:23:34,176
Is that you, Major?
1470
01:23:35,678 --> 01:23:36,971
I've secured an escape route.
1471
01:23:37,054 --> 01:23:39,056
But for now, let's get back to the lobby.
1472
01:23:39,265 --> 01:23:40,266
-(GUNSHOTS)
-(GROANS)
1473
01:23:41,058 --> 01:23:42,101
Go!
1474
01:23:58,784 --> 01:23:59,785
-Get down!
-(RAPID GUNFIRE)
1475
01:24:04,081 --> 01:24:05,124
MAJOR: (OVER COMMS) What was that?
1476
01:24:09,045 --> 01:24:10,337
BATOU: It's a damned Armed Suit!
1477
01:24:12,965 --> 01:24:14,800
MAJOR: Batou, get ready. I'll draw it off.
1478
01:24:14,842 --> 01:24:17,261
BATOU: Don't be stupid.
That's what you have me for.
1479
01:24:17,303 --> 01:24:19,638
MAJOR: I have faith in you,
but you can't stop that thing.
1480
01:24:19,805 --> 01:24:23,267
Take lmakurusu and get out of here.
That's an order from your superior officer!
1481
01:24:23,309 --> 01:24:26,687
(GROANS) Fine, I'll do it.
Don't get yourself killed.
1482
01:24:26,771 --> 01:24:27,772
Mmm.
1483
01:24:43,162 --> 01:24:45,331
PAZ: Major, we're almost there.
1484
01:24:50,628 --> 01:24:52,797
(PANTS)
1485
01:24:58,844 --> 01:25:00,638
(BULLETS RICOCHETING)
1486
01:25:40,302 --> 01:25:41,303
(CRACKING)
1487
01:25:50,062 --> 01:25:51,939
A direct hit didn't punch it?
1488
01:26:02,992 --> 01:26:04,201
(GROANS)
1489
01:26:04,660 --> 01:26:08,122
Saito, fork over that weapon now!
1490
01:26:18,174 --> 01:26:21,260
Hey, wait! Pop my hatch!
1491
01:26:42,448 --> 01:26:46,869
GEIR: (WEAKLY) Can't breathe.
Please pop the hatch.
1492
01:26:52,750 --> 01:26:54,793
BATOU: A little closer. Good.
1493
01:27:08,766 --> 01:27:10,517
Get this guy on board ASAP.
1494
01:27:11,727 --> 01:27:12,728
Huh?
1495
01:27:13,687 --> 01:27:15,981
What a moron. Wait here!
1496
01:27:16,815 --> 01:27:19,693
Hey! Hold it right there, both of you.
1497
01:27:21,195 --> 01:27:23,322
Good. Don't even blink.
1498
01:27:28,452 --> 01:27:29,828
-(GROANS)
-(GASPS)
1499
01:27:30,329 --> 01:27:31,914
(TYRES SCREECHING)
1500
01:27:32,748 --> 01:27:33,749
(GRUNTS)
1501
01:27:34,333 --> 01:27:35,960
lmakurusu!
1502
01:27:38,462 --> 01:27:40,881
BATOU: (OVER COMMS) Our guy's been hit!
Requesting ambulance.
1503
01:27:45,636 --> 01:27:47,638
Laughing Man,
1504
01:27:47,680 --> 01:27:49,932
is that what you really look like?
1505
01:27:50,015 --> 01:27:51,308
What's that?
1506
01:27:53,018 --> 01:27:55,479
The Laughing Man? What does he mean?
1507
01:27:59,525 --> 01:28:00,776
Murai Vaccine Recipient List
1508
01:28:00,859 --> 01:28:02,861
Wait, this file is...
1509
01:28:02,945 --> 01:28:04,029
Huh? Huh?
1510
01:28:06,740 --> 01:28:10,536
Optical camouflage? No, that's not it.
1511
01:28:10,577 --> 01:28:11,912
You bastard.
1512
01:28:11,996 --> 01:28:14,456
I know why I can't see you.
You hacked my eyes!
1513
01:28:22,172 --> 01:28:25,009
Where are you? Are you close by?
1514
01:28:27,928 --> 01:28:29,805
Where the hell are you?
1515
01:28:49,491 --> 01:28:50,659
They're here.
1516
01:28:50,784 --> 01:28:53,287
Aramaki won't get any further than me.
1517
01:28:53,370 --> 01:28:56,248
-Tell him that.
-Yes, sir. I understand.
1518
01:28:59,209 --> 01:29:00,210
(LIFT DINGS)
1519
01:29:05,049 --> 01:29:06,050
(KNOCKING ON DOOR)
1520
01:29:07,259 --> 01:29:10,095
-Come in.
-Pardon us.
1521
01:29:10,679 --> 01:29:13,891
Bureau Chief Niimi,
I have a warrant here for your arrest.
1522
01:29:13,932 --> 01:29:16,143
You're being charged
in the murder conspiracy
1523
01:29:16,226 --> 01:29:18,812
tied to the investigation
of the Sunflower Society,
1524
01:29:18,896 --> 01:29:20,898
as well as the death of Mr lmakurusu.
1525
01:29:20,939 --> 01:29:22,775
If you would please come with us.
1526
01:29:24,318 --> 01:29:26,737
I heard what happened with the narc squad,
1527
01:29:26,779 --> 01:29:29,656
but it's absurd to think that
I had anything to do whatsoever
1528
01:29:29,740 --> 01:29:31,617
with the ordering of lmakurusu's death.
1529
01:29:31,658 --> 01:29:34,620
The head of the narc squad,
a man named Geir Yasuoka,
1530
01:29:35,621 --> 01:29:37,956
is much more willing to talk than we expected.
1531
01:29:38,040 --> 01:29:40,959
You see, he recorded
his conversations with you
1532
01:29:41,043 --> 01:29:43,712
and he is being most cooperative.
1533
01:29:43,796 --> 01:29:45,798
We know about the Laughing Man incident
1534
01:29:45,839 --> 01:29:48,509
and how it motivated you
to have lmakurusu killed.
1535
01:29:48,592 --> 01:29:52,012
So, as you can see,
you and I have a great deal to discuss.
1536
01:29:52,096 --> 01:29:54,056
Fine. Let's get this over with.
1537
01:29:55,140 --> 01:29:56,308
Take him away.
1538
01:30:08,570 --> 01:30:11,782
Batou. I want you
to investigate the narc squad
1539
01:30:11,824 --> 01:30:14,368
and find out why they would
go to such extreme measures
1540
01:30:14,451 --> 01:30:16,829
to retrieve the vaccine recipient list.
1541
01:30:17,037 --> 01:30:18,497
Find the real reason.
1542
01:30:18,539 --> 01:30:20,040
Another thing,
1543
01:30:20,124 --> 01:30:23,669
the surviving members may be
lying low somewhere out there.
1544
01:30:23,710 --> 01:30:24,920
Watch out.
1545
01:30:25,003 --> 01:30:28,507
I'll head back when we're done with Niimi.
Over and out.
1546
01:30:29,925 --> 01:30:31,051
The Chief, huh?
1547
01:30:31,427 --> 01:30:35,013
Yeah. The Chief just arrested
some bureaucrat named Niimi.
1548
01:30:35,097 --> 01:30:38,058
Looks like he was the man
behind the narc squad.
1549
01:30:38,142 --> 01:30:39,351
That so?
1550
01:30:39,435 --> 01:30:42,229
Well, at least my getting perforated
was worth something.
1551
01:30:42,312 --> 01:30:44,690
But what was that powered exoskeleton?
1552
01:30:44,731 --> 01:30:48,861
A little toy that narc squad
was somehow able to get their hands on.
1553
01:30:49,445 --> 01:30:51,029
The Major took it on.
1554
01:30:51,113 --> 01:30:54,867
She overheated in the fight,
now she's swapping her body for a new one.
1555
01:30:54,908 --> 01:30:56,076
TOGUSA: Is she OK?
1556
01:30:56,160 --> 01:30:58,078
BATOU: Well, yeah. But, uh...
1557
01:30:58,162 --> 01:31:01,582
What you said before,
about your eyes getting hacked,
1558
01:31:01,665 --> 01:31:03,208
same thing happened to me.
1559
01:31:03,333 --> 01:31:05,169
(GROANS) Huh?
1560
01:31:05,252 --> 01:31:08,172
See you later. I've got a ton of stuff to do.
1561
01:31:08,213 --> 01:31:10,507
Here, I'll leave this with you for now.
1562
01:31:15,762 --> 01:31:18,056
This is... Wait, you mean the Laughing Man...
1563
01:31:23,770 --> 01:31:25,814
(HELICOPTER BLADES WHIRRING)
1564
01:31:40,412 --> 01:31:43,165
I apologise for keeping you waiting.
1565
01:31:43,248 --> 01:31:45,792
I'll be in charge. I'm Sano.
1566
01:31:47,920 --> 01:31:50,130
This isn't your first time, right?
1567
01:31:50,214 --> 01:31:52,841
There's no need to worry, I'll be gentle.
1568
01:31:54,760 --> 01:31:56,136
Mmm.
1569
01:31:56,220 --> 01:31:58,931
-(PNEUMATIC HISSING)
-(MACHINE WHIRRING)
1570
01:31:59,431 --> 01:32:00,599
SANO: All right then,
1571
01:32:00,682 --> 01:32:03,185
I'm just going to take
a little look under the hood,
1572
01:32:03,268 --> 01:32:04,436
if you don't mind.
1573
01:32:04,478 --> 01:32:05,479
(GASPS)
1574
01:32:06,813 --> 01:32:09,316
Oh, my, you have a fine body.
1575
01:32:10,526 --> 01:32:11,527
(CHUCKLES)
1576
01:32:29,836 --> 01:32:31,922
How are you feeling? Does your brain hurt?
1577
01:32:32,297 --> 01:32:34,466
That's supposed to be some kind of joke?
1578
01:32:34,508 --> 01:32:36,343
The brain's not capable of sensing pain.
1579
01:32:36,426 --> 01:32:37,511
Don't be like that.
1580
01:32:37,594 --> 01:32:40,597
There's no reason
we can't take our time and enjoy this.
1581
01:32:40,639 --> 01:32:42,349
Or could it be that you don't like me?
1582
01:32:42,432 --> 01:32:44,643
No of fence, but that's it exactly.
1583
01:32:44,685 --> 01:32:47,437
Now that we're both clear on that,
can we get on with this?
1584
01:32:47,479 --> 01:32:48,981
I'm in a bit of a rush.
1585
01:32:49,773 --> 01:32:52,317
My, someone's in a bad mood.
1586
01:32:54,611 --> 01:32:57,281
I decided to lock down your speech centre.
1587
01:32:57,864 --> 01:33:01,577
Of course, it's not as if someone
would come to your rescue anyway,
1588
01:33:01,660 --> 01:33:03,829
no matter how loud you shouted.
1589
01:33:09,334 --> 01:33:10,502
(MACHINE WHIRRING)
1590
01:33:11,920 --> 01:33:15,507
Miss Kusanagi?
How's my little patient feeling now?
1591
01:33:15,882 --> 01:33:18,802
Oh, my! What a rebellious look in your eyes.
1592
01:33:18,844 --> 01:33:20,470
That simply won't do.
1593
01:33:21,555 --> 01:33:24,266
What do you think
of the world without red?
1594
01:33:24,349 --> 01:33:25,851
Kind of pretty, isn't it?
1595
01:33:27,352 --> 01:33:28,770
Don't get the wrong impression.
1596
01:33:28,854 --> 01:33:31,356
I don't enjoy doing barbaric things like this.
1597
01:33:32,316 --> 01:33:34,526
But you left me with no choice.
1598
01:33:34,610 --> 01:33:37,195
You and your friends
went a little too far this time.
1599
01:33:37,237 --> 01:33:38,238
(POKES NEEDLE)
1600
01:33:40,824 --> 01:33:42,117
(STATIC HISSING)
1601
01:33:42,618 --> 01:33:45,829
MAJOR: (OVER COMMS) What's going on?
Is this some kind of joke at my expense?
1602
01:33:45,871 --> 01:33:48,332
MAN: You're giving off
some unpleasant brainwaves.
1603
01:33:48,373 --> 01:33:50,500
Why not use my eyes for the time being?
1604
01:33:52,669 --> 01:33:53,670
Huh?
1605
01:33:55,839 --> 01:33:58,133
MAJOR: You're the Laughing Man, aren't you?
1606
01:33:58,842 --> 01:34:00,844
LAUGHING MAN: This is the third time
we've met, you know.
1607
01:34:00,886 --> 01:34:03,847
And let me clarify, I'm not the one
who came up with that name.
1608
01:34:03,889 --> 01:34:07,392
MAJOR: It was very arrogant of you
to sneak in here, not to mention dangerous.
1609
01:34:07,476 --> 01:34:08,810
What did you come here for?
1610
01:34:08,894 --> 01:34:10,646
LAUGHING MAN: To get you to help me.
1611
01:34:11,063 --> 01:34:13,565
MAJOR: From where I stand,
you've got that backwards.
1612
01:34:14,149 --> 01:34:16,902
LAUGHING MAN: True enough.
You're not an easy person to talk to.
1613
01:34:16,943 --> 01:34:18,570
You see, my back is against the wall,
1614
01:34:18,654 --> 01:34:20,739
and you're the only option
I could come up with.
1615
01:34:20,781 --> 01:34:24,159
I figure if that son of a bitch God
hasn't completely turned his back on me,
1616
01:34:24,242 --> 01:34:26,078
you might actually lend me a hand.
1617
01:34:26,161 --> 01:34:29,122
MAJOR: Blasphemous
and yet polite at the same time.
1618
01:34:29,206 --> 01:34:31,458
You're awfully full of yourself, aren't you?
1619
01:34:31,541 --> 01:34:34,252
LAUGHING MAN: I do what I have to do,
failure is out of the question.
1620
01:34:34,336 --> 01:34:35,754
Because if I don't succeed this time,
1621
01:34:35,796 --> 01:34:38,256
all the phoneys in the world
will be legitimised.
1622
01:34:38,924 --> 01:34:40,258
MAJOR: Sounds to me as if you've hoisted
1623
01:34:40,342 --> 01:34:43,387
all the problems of the world
onto your shoulders.
1624
01:34:43,428 --> 01:34:47,683
So, what could the hero of the Net
possibly want me to do for him?
1625
01:34:48,100 --> 01:34:49,935
LAUGHING MAN:
You could start by listening to me.
1626
01:34:50,018 --> 01:34:53,230
I'm going to tell you the whole story
behind the Laughing Man incident.
1627
01:34:53,271 --> 01:34:55,524
After that, I'd like you
to stand back and do nothing
1628
01:34:55,607 --> 01:34:57,651
while I face my final challenge.
1629
01:34:58,276 --> 01:35:01,029
And if by some chance I should fail and die,
1630
01:35:01,113 --> 01:35:02,489
all I ask of you is this,
1631
01:35:02,572 --> 01:35:05,492
that your people bring this incident to light.
1632
01:35:05,575 --> 01:35:07,160
MAJOR: Unbelievable.
1633
01:35:07,244 --> 01:35:08,245
All right, fine.
1634
01:35:08,286 --> 01:35:10,747
As your captive audience,
I've listened to your words,
1635
01:35:10,789 --> 01:35:12,332
now I have a few for you.
1636
01:35:12,416 --> 01:35:16,211
"The mark of an immature man is that
he wants to die nobly for a cause,
1637
01:35:16,294 --> 01:35:20,173
"while the mark of a mature one
is that he wants to live humbly for one."
1638
01:35:20,257 --> 01:35:24,261
LAUGHING MAN: Ah, yes.
Written by the psychoanalyst Wilhelm Stekel.
1639
01:35:24,302 --> 01:35:27,013
MAJOR: I sensed this about you
as soon as I met you.
1640
01:35:27,097 --> 01:35:30,142
It's a quality that I dislike intensely,
Mr Know-it-all.
1641
01:35:31,017 --> 01:35:33,353
LAUGHING MAN: Seems like you fall
into the same category.
1642
01:35:33,437 --> 01:35:36,022
But all you have to do is ask for help,
and I'd give it.
1643
01:35:37,399 --> 01:35:39,401
MAJOR: Must be hatred of one's own kind.
1644
01:35:39,818 --> 01:35:41,820
Fine. Go do what you have to do.
1645
01:35:41,903 --> 01:35:43,488
I don't know if I'll be able to
keep my word, though.
1646
01:35:43,989 --> 01:35:46,199
LAUGHING MAN: If I know you, you Will.
1647
01:35:48,368 --> 01:35:49,619
(MACHINE PROCESSING)
1648
01:35:50,162 --> 01:35:52,122
(INNER UNIVERSE PLAYS)
1649
01:35:55,375 --> 01:35:57,043
I leave you my memories.
1650
01:35:57,502 --> 01:35:58,920
I'm counting on you.
1651
01:36:11,475 --> 01:36:13,018
It's up to you now.
1652
01:36:21,777 --> 01:36:26,531
Well, then, as much as I'll miss you,
I'm gonna let you die peacefully now.
1653
01:36:26,573 --> 01:36:27,574
(GASPS)
1654
01:36:28,033 --> 01:36:29,284
The needles!
1655
01:36:30,035 --> 01:36:31,036
(GASPS)
1656
01:36:35,332 --> 01:36:37,209
-(SANO GRUNTS)
-(GASPS)
1657
01:36:42,839 --> 01:36:44,132
(CRASHES)
1658
01:36:45,801 --> 01:36:47,093
(GRUNTS)
1659
01:36:47,177 --> 01:36:49,846
What's up?
Don't worry. It's nothing.
1660
01:36:50,430 --> 01:36:52,766
BATOU: (OVER COMMS)
Chief's calling. You done yet?
1661
01:36:52,849 --> 01:36:54,059
MAJOR: I am now.
1662
01:37:02,359 --> 01:37:03,401
MAN: Hmm.
1663
01:37:24,089 --> 01:37:26,049
lshikawa, have any luck
drawing new testimonies
1664
01:37:26,091 --> 01:37:28,093
out of the remaining narc squad members?
1665
01:37:28,176 --> 01:37:30,554
We weren't able to get
much useful intel out of them.
1666
01:37:30,595 --> 01:37:33,139
And there's the fact that their boss,
Director Niimi,
1667
01:37:33,223 --> 01:37:35,183
just committed cyberbrain suicide,
1668
01:37:35,267 --> 01:37:37,269
so that lead turned into a dead end.
1669
01:37:37,602 --> 01:37:39,771
And we haven't been able to find
the Laughing Man either.
1670
01:37:42,232 --> 01:37:43,692
That's true.
1671
01:37:43,775 --> 01:37:47,737
Now, we have a new set of instructions,
we're going after this guy.
1672
01:37:48,488 --> 01:37:49,531
Hey, that's...
1673
01:37:49,614 --> 01:37:52,033
Right. Assemblyman Kaoru Yakushima,
1674
01:37:52,117 --> 01:37:54,744
standing Secretary-General
of the ruling coalition.
1675
01:37:54,786 --> 01:37:56,079
ISHIKAWA: Yakushima, huh?
1676
01:37:56,121 --> 01:37:58,540
He's the most powerful man
in his party right now,
1677
01:37:58,623 --> 01:38:01,918
and he was Minister of Health
at the time of the Laughing Man incident.
1678
01:38:01,960 --> 01:38:05,130
BORMA: He's a diehard MHLW man
who built his current position
1679
01:38:05,171 --> 01:38:07,674
by switching jurisdiction
of cyberbrain technology
1680
01:38:07,757 --> 01:38:09,718
from METI to the Ministry of Health.
1681
01:38:09,801 --> 01:38:11,136
MAJOR: And it's not widely known,
1682
01:38:11,177 --> 01:38:14,347
but he's got a secret connection
to the JMSDF.
1683
01:38:14,431 --> 01:38:17,017
So that explains
where that Armed Suit came from.
1684
01:38:17,100 --> 01:38:18,727
Yes, that's right.
1685
01:38:19,728 --> 01:38:22,898
When Yakushima was
Chief of Staff of the JMSDF
1686
01:38:22,981 --> 01:38:25,901
he laid the fat pipeline
between it and the political world.
1687
01:38:25,984 --> 01:38:28,153
He bankrolled this
with a huge sum of state money
1688
01:38:28,236 --> 01:38:30,322
while he set up shop as a politician.
1689
01:38:30,363 --> 01:38:33,074
But questions were raised about
his financial source
1690
01:38:33,158 --> 01:38:36,661
and the JMSDF's head accountant
accused him of embezzling hidden funds.
1691
01:38:36,745 --> 01:38:40,749
Then the lead prosecutor on the case
was found run over next to a railroad track
1692
01:38:40,832 --> 01:38:43,084
and the investigation came to a halt.
1693
01:38:43,168 --> 01:38:44,961
MAJOR: But Yakushima was never charged,
1694
01:38:45,003 --> 01:38:47,923
so the suspicions about him
are still unresolved.
1695
01:38:48,506 --> 01:38:49,758
There's more.
1696
01:38:50,175 --> 01:38:53,845
Retired Superintendent-General Daido
was Yakushima's junior
1697
01:38:53,887 --> 01:38:56,097
at the National Defence Academy.
1698
01:38:56,181 --> 01:38:59,935
And word has it that the late lmakurusu
had been a golf buddy of Yakushima's
1699
01:39:00,018 --> 01:39:02,020
ever since his days as an army medic.
1700
01:39:02,103 --> 01:39:06,066
What you're saying then, Chief, is that
as far as this chain of incidents is concerned,
1701
01:39:06,149 --> 01:39:10,445
our guy here has more than enough clout
to be the one pulling the strings behind it all?
1702
01:39:10,528 --> 01:39:13,406
ARAMAKI: Yes, though we don't have
a shred of evidence at this point.
1703
01:39:13,490 --> 01:39:17,118
So, then how do you plan on going after
the Secretary-General?
1704
01:39:17,202 --> 01:39:20,705
We're going to tug on the last thread
we've got left that connects Yakushima
1705
01:39:20,747 --> 01:39:22,040
to the Laughing Man incident.
1706
01:39:23,083 --> 01:39:24,793
Serano Genomics.
1707
01:39:24,876 --> 01:39:26,044
That's right.
1708
01:39:26,086 --> 01:39:28,046
The suppression of the Murai Vaccine,
1709
01:39:28,129 --> 01:39:30,715
which we believe to be the origin
of the Laughing Man affair
1710
01:39:30,799 --> 01:39:34,719
and Serano's micromachine therapy,
which received approval at the same time.
1711
01:39:34,761 --> 01:39:37,639
Ernest Serano seems up to his neck in both,
1712
01:39:37,722 --> 01:39:40,016
which is why we want to
take him into custody.
1713
01:39:40,058 --> 01:39:44,229
If we can question him immediately,
then the link should become evident.
1714
01:39:44,270 --> 01:39:46,898
Ever since the incident six years ago,
1715
01:39:46,982 --> 01:39:50,402
he's been under house arrest,
though they call it "police protection."
1716
01:39:50,443 --> 01:39:53,905
So use whatever means.
Take him into custody no matter what.
1717
01:39:53,989 --> 01:39:56,908
Well, the Laughing Man is probably
thinking the same thing.
1718
01:39:56,950 --> 01:39:59,786
Suppose we run into him, what then?
1719
01:40:00,453 --> 01:40:01,454
You arrest him.
1720
01:40:01,538 --> 01:40:05,542
He's not only a prime suspect in this case,
but in a way, he's also the key witness.
1721
01:40:06,626 --> 01:40:08,753
Aren't you worried that Serano
might get bumped off
1722
01:40:08,795 --> 01:40:10,922
once we go into action,
like what happened before?
1723
01:40:11,006 --> 01:40:13,008
That is a possibility.
1724
01:40:13,091 --> 01:40:14,968
That's why I don't care how you get him.
1725
01:40:21,141 --> 01:40:22,600
(BIRDS SCREECHING)
1726
01:40:26,688 --> 01:40:27,689
(INTERCOM DINGS)
1727
01:40:27,772 --> 01:40:30,859
MAN: (OVER INTERCOM) Mr Serano.
It looks like your car has arrived, sir.
1728
01:40:31,609 --> 01:40:33,611
I see. Thank you.
1729
01:40:33,695 --> 01:40:36,614
MAN: I'll be right up to accompany you.
Please wait there a moment.
1730
01:40:39,409 --> 01:40:40,410
(SIGHS)
1731
01:40:52,380 --> 01:40:53,381
(KNOCKING ON DOOR)
1732
01:40:53,465 --> 01:40:54,674
Come in. It's open.
1733
01:40:55,550 --> 01:40:56,551
(DOOR OPENS)
1734
01:40:59,345 --> 01:41:00,346
(DOOR CLOSES)
1735
01:41:13,526 --> 01:41:15,195
The subject has left his room.
1736
01:41:16,988 --> 01:41:18,740
He's heading for the entry hall.
1737
01:41:25,497 --> 01:41:26,790
Morning, Mr Serano.
1738
01:41:26,831 --> 01:41:28,041
SERANO: Good morning.
1739
01:41:30,752 --> 01:41:32,712
MAN 1: Now opening entry hall door.
1740
01:41:35,507 --> 01:41:38,051
You take care, sir.
Thank you.
1741
01:41:38,885 --> 01:41:40,678
MAN 1: Subject is now through the entry hall.
1742
01:41:41,012 --> 01:41:43,473
MAN 2: Roger that. We have visual.
1743
01:41:56,694 --> 01:41:58,822
SERANO: It's just like last time, isn't it?
1744
01:42:01,241 --> 01:42:02,408
LAUGHING MAN: (OVER COMMS)
You're right.
1745
01:42:02,492 --> 01:42:06,496
The only difference now is that detectives
were in the hall instead of your family.
1746
01:42:07,539 --> 01:42:09,874
There wasn't a car following us, either.
1747
01:42:09,916 --> 01:42:12,460
So, what will you do about them?
1748
01:42:12,544 --> 01:42:14,671
LAUGHING MAN: Well, let's see.
1749
01:42:15,547 --> 01:42:19,425
Driver, turn left at the next intersection,
would you, please?
1750
01:42:21,761 --> 01:42:23,096
(TYRES SQUEAL)
1751
01:42:23,388 --> 01:42:25,598
Something's not right.
Just don't lose him.
1752
01:42:33,356 --> 01:42:34,732
LAUGHING MAN:
It'll take that unmarked police car
1753
01:42:34,816 --> 01:42:37,610
about an hour to reach
Serano Genomics' head office.
1754
01:42:38,069 --> 01:42:39,529
In the meantime,
1755
01:42:39,571 --> 01:42:41,781
I want you to tell me
why you haven't kept your word
1756
01:42:41,865 --> 01:42:44,159
and why you've stayed silent
these past six years.
1757
01:42:44,659 --> 01:42:46,870
I have to decide on my next course of action.
1758
01:42:48,538 --> 01:42:49,831
You're awfully audacious.
1759
01:42:50,623 --> 01:42:51,791
(TYRES SQUEALING)
1760
01:42:54,544 --> 01:42:55,587
(TYRES SCREECHING)
1761
01:42:55,628 --> 01:42:57,505
(OFFICER GASPING)
1762
01:42:58,339 --> 01:42:59,340
(GUN COCKS)
1763
01:42:59,424 --> 01:43:01,759
Hold it! Put your hands
on the hood of the car, now!
1764
01:43:01,843 --> 01:43:03,428
Take it easy, boys.
1765
01:43:03,970 --> 01:43:07,307
We contacted you earlier.
We're Public Security Section 9.
1766
01:43:07,390 --> 01:43:10,685
I was told that Mr Serano
had already gone, is that true?
1767
01:43:10,768 --> 01:43:14,355
Yes. His usual ride to the office left,
same as always. What about it?
1768
01:43:14,439 --> 01:43:17,442
Look at your watch.
Is that the usual time he leaves?
1769
01:43:18,985 --> 01:43:22,280
Gee whiz, your boss sure is
one hell of a hard worker, ain't he?
1770
01:43:22,363 --> 01:43:23,364
Here's a bulletin.
1771
01:43:23,448 --> 01:43:26,659
Every single one of you dumbasses
just had your eyes hacked!
1772
01:43:30,371 --> 01:43:31,497
LAUGHING MAN: (OVER COMMS) WOW.
1773
01:43:31,581 --> 01:43:34,751
The view from here has really changed a lot,
hasn't it?
1774
01:43:34,792 --> 01:43:37,503
And I've noticed your hair
has gone white, Mr Serano.
1775
01:43:37,587 --> 01:43:39,672
SERANO: It's been a rough six years.
1776
01:43:39,756 --> 01:43:43,801
The official story is that the police are around
to protect me against threats from you.
1777
01:43:43,885 --> 01:43:45,970
But they're really there to keep an eye on me.
1778
01:43:46,054 --> 01:43:50,099
To make sure I don't blab anything
about the truth behind the infamous incident.
1779
01:43:50,141 --> 01:43:52,977
For all intents and purposes,
I'm under house arrest.
1780
01:43:53,061 --> 01:43:55,146
Compared to back then, you've changed, too.
1781
01:43:55,188 --> 01:43:57,106
You've lost your naïveté.
1782
01:43:57,148 --> 01:43:59,484
LAUGHING MAN: I guess
I've managed to mature a little.
1783
01:44:00,151 --> 01:44:01,819
I'll confess that in those days,
1784
01:44:01,903 --> 01:44:05,990
I wanted so bad to give all the phoneys
in the world a good, swift kick in the ass.
1785
01:44:06,449 --> 01:44:09,619
By the same token,
you were something of a wild guy yourself.
1786
01:44:10,370 --> 01:44:14,332
For two whole days, you hung out with
a student who was an anonymous nobody.
1787
01:44:14,374 --> 01:44:18,795
You did that in spite of the fact that he hacked
into you and was brain diving the entire time.
1788
01:44:19,629 --> 01:44:21,965
SERANO: I still had enough
unjaded passion left in me
1789
01:44:22,006 --> 01:44:26,719
to want to debate a student who
sanctimoniously spouted his unworldly crap.
1790
01:44:30,974 --> 01:44:32,475
I understand what you're saying
1791
01:44:32,517 --> 01:44:36,229
but I'm a micromachine developer,
not a member of the Drug Evaluation Council,
1792
01:44:36,312 --> 01:44:37,313
you know that.
1793
01:44:37,355 --> 01:44:39,857
I had nothing to do with
the Murai Vaccine rejection.
1794
01:44:39,899 --> 01:44:40,900
LAUGHING MAN: I realise that,
1795
01:44:40,984 --> 01:44:43,861
but the Drug Evaluation Council
is a bunch of assholes and phonies.
1796
01:44:43,903 --> 01:44:45,655
I'll be forced to confront them someday.
1797
01:44:45,697 --> 01:44:48,700
First, however, I want you to publicly
disclose the data showing
1798
01:44:48,741 --> 01:44:53,413
that your company's micromachines have
practically no effect on cyberbrain sclerosis.
1799
01:44:53,997 --> 01:44:57,041
That's something I can't do
and I've told you that over and over!
1800
01:44:57,083 --> 01:44:59,627
I do admit that some of what you wrote
in your blackmail letter
1801
01:44:59,711 --> 01:45:01,004
three years ago was valid.
1802
01:45:01,045 --> 01:45:03,214
No one could argue
that micromachine therapy
1803
01:45:03,256 --> 01:45:06,050
was anything more than a theory
at that stage in its development.
1804
01:45:06,134 --> 01:45:08,553
But that's precisely how
the patent process works.
1805
01:45:08,636 --> 01:45:11,389
It's not a crime to be the first
to register a technology
1806
01:45:11,472 --> 01:45:13,891
that's certain to have
future practical applications.
1807
01:45:13,975 --> 01:45:15,059
LAUGHING MAN: Oh, please.
1808
01:45:15,101 --> 01:45:17,228
That's something
some damned lawyer would say.
1809
01:45:17,312 --> 01:45:18,521
Son of a bitch.
1810
01:45:19,063 --> 01:45:20,106
OK.
1811
01:45:20,189 --> 01:45:23,067
I was well aware that our
approval request was premature.
1812
01:45:23,151 --> 01:45:26,821
You see, it was actually meant in part
to serve as a bluff to our competitors.
1813
01:45:29,032 --> 01:45:32,535
But I believe they realised
that our theories are superior.
1814
01:45:32,577 --> 01:45:35,621
That's why the Drug Evaluation Council
gave us approval
1815
01:45:35,705 --> 01:45:37,707
within the short span of three months.
1816
01:45:37,749 --> 01:45:40,460
You have no comprehension of the scale
of damage that would result
1817
01:45:40,543 --> 01:45:43,087
from people losing faith
in medical micromachines.
1818
01:45:43,129 --> 01:45:46,758
This is cutting-edge technology
that has immeasurable potential...
1819
01:45:46,841 --> 01:45:48,259
LAUGHING MAN: You're not listening.
1820
01:45:48,843 --> 01:45:52,180
What I'm trying to say
is that it's a matter of life or death
1821
01:45:52,263 --> 01:45:55,016
for those people who are suffering
from cyberbrain sclerosis.
1822
01:45:55,099 --> 01:45:58,269
At the very least, can't you concede
the effectiveness of the Murai Vaccine
1823
01:45:58,353 --> 01:46:01,189
until micromachine therapy finally
turns out some clear results?
1824
01:46:01,272 --> 01:46:05,026
I have absolutely nothing whatsoever
to say regarding Murai.
1825
01:46:05,109 --> 01:46:06,527
LAUGHING MAN:
How can you honestly say that?
1826
01:46:06,778 --> 01:46:11,491
If that sick-humoured son of a bitch God
gave you cyberbrain sclerosis for sheer kicks,
1827
01:46:11,574 --> 01:46:13,785
would you choose
micromachine treatment hands down
1828
01:46:13,868 --> 01:46:15,411
without giving it a second thought?
1829
01:46:15,453 --> 01:46:16,454
Yes, of course.
1830
01:46:16,537 --> 01:46:19,665
I have faith and pride in every product
that's manufactured by my firm.
1831
01:46:19,749 --> 01:46:23,127
So, then, you'd even choose it for
your children if they came down with CS?
1832
01:46:24,253 --> 01:46:26,631
I... Yes. I suppose I would.
1833
01:46:26,714 --> 01:46:28,883
Listen, let's get of this hypothetical track.
1834
01:46:31,969 --> 01:46:34,972
LAUGHING MAN: Pride and sentiment
are two different things, aren't they?
1835
01:46:35,014 --> 01:46:36,933
That's not fair, Mr Serano.
1836
01:46:36,974 --> 01:46:39,685
If you're really so proud
of micromachine therapy,
1837
01:46:39,769 --> 01:46:43,064
you should exploit your position
and influence to do the right thing.
1838
01:46:44,440 --> 01:46:46,359
The best that lmakurusu could come up with
1839
01:46:46,442 --> 01:46:49,821
was to reject the vaccine
that had Dr Murai's name attached to it.
1840
01:46:49,862 --> 01:46:52,448
The damn Drug Evaluation Council
had only one job,
1841
01:46:52,490 --> 01:46:55,993
to merely rubber-stamp any new medicine
that passed through the Ministry of Health.
1842
01:46:56,035 --> 01:46:59,997
But lmakurusu, a man who had a stamp
specially made to reject the Murai Vaccine
1843
01:47:00,039 --> 01:47:03,668
which read "Approval Denied,"
shared that council.
1844
01:47:04,252 --> 01:47:05,586
And, hey, what do you know?
1845
01:47:05,670 --> 01:47:08,548
Your own micromachines
were used in that dirty deal.
1846
01:47:08,631 --> 01:47:09,841
You can't be totally oblivious
1847
01:47:09,882 --> 01:47:13,136
to the circumstances
surrounding the situation, Mr Serano.
1848
01:47:13,678 --> 01:47:17,014
It didn't matter a rat's ass to them
if it was your technology or not.
1849
01:47:17,098 --> 01:47:20,184
Any damn micromachine
that happened to be up for approval back then
1850
01:47:20,268 --> 01:47:21,477
would have fit the bill!
1851
01:47:22,353 --> 01:47:24,814
If you know how corrupt
the shitty medical industry is,
1852
01:47:24,856 --> 01:47:28,693
can you honestly tell me that
none of this has anything to do with you?
1853
01:47:30,528 --> 01:47:31,821
(GRUNTS)
1854
01:47:31,863 --> 01:47:33,531
All right. I propose a compromise.
1855
01:47:33,614 --> 01:47:36,033
For now, let me go so I can act on my own.
1856
01:47:36,117 --> 01:47:38,911
Once I've done that,
I'll make the necessary preparations.
1857
01:47:38,995 --> 01:47:40,329
I'll organise a press conference
1858
01:47:40,371 --> 01:47:43,624
and disclose the current state
of micromachine therapy.
1859
01:47:43,708 --> 01:47:45,793
LAUGHING MAN: What? Are you serious?
1860
01:47:45,877 --> 01:47:48,212
There's no advantage for you in that promise.
1861
01:47:48,254 --> 01:47:51,257
Contrary to what you believe,
I'm not so petty.
1862
01:47:51,340 --> 01:47:52,925
Perhaps it's not as grand as yours,
1863
01:47:53,009 --> 01:47:56,888
but my sense of social justice is alive and well
and equal to that of anyone else.
1864
01:47:56,929 --> 01:47:59,223
-I wonder.
I promise you.
1865
01:48:05,563 --> 01:48:08,191
At the time,
I was exhausted from your brain dive
1866
01:48:08,232 --> 01:48:11,736
so I fervently made that promise to you
in the hopes of escaping.
1867
01:48:11,777 --> 01:48:15,072
I thought that if I could just
get you in front of a TV camera,
1868
01:48:15,156 --> 01:48:16,657
the eyes of the viewing public,
1869
01:48:16,741 --> 01:48:18,743
you wouldn't do anything crazy.
1870
01:48:19,911 --> 01:48:21,120
LAUGHING MAN: That's right.
1871
01:48:21,204 --> 01:48:25,124
But unfortunately, I was packing
a S&W Chief's Special in my pocket.
1872
01:48:28,169 --> 01:48:30,880
Well, are you going to
disengage this brain dive?
1873
01:48:30,963 --> 01:48:32,590
You're breaking the law by doing this,
1874
01:48:32,673 --> 01:48:35,259
an informed individual like you
should know that.
1875
01:48:35,301 --> 01:48:37,386
If you want to keep your anonymity
and hide your face,
1876
01:48:37,428 --> 01:48:40,181
then it wouldn't be a great idea
to be shown on TV.
1877
01:48:42,141 --> 01:48:43,434
(GRUNTS)
1878
01:48:46,395 --> 01:48:48,898
I've actually enjoyed our vigorous debates.
1879
01:48:48,940 --> 01:48:51,275
But as a man who has to
protect his enterprises,
1880
01:48:51,317 --> 01:48:53,569
I'm afraid I might not be
able to honour my word.
1881
01:48:53,611 --> 01:48:57,031
Society isn't as cut and dried
as you seem to imagine.
1882
01:48:57,114 --> 01:49:00,535
However, I have no intention
of trying to uncover who you really are.
1883
01:49:00,618 --> 01:49:02,578
Let's go our separate ways from here.
1884
01:49:05,790 --> 01:49:07,041
-(GUN COCKS)
-(GASPS)
1885
01:49:08,709 --> 01:49:10,211
No! It's not fair!
1886
01:49:12,630 --> 01:49:14,298
-(GASPS)
-(WOMAN SCREAMS)
1887
01:49:14,382 --> 01:49:15,508
(GRUNTS)
1888
01:49:16,217 --> 01:49:17,760
MAN 1: He's got a gun!
MAN 2: Call the police!
1889
01:49:17,802 --> 01:49:19,470
(INDISTINCT SCREAMING AND SHOUTING)
1890
01:49:20,763 --> 01:49:22,098
LAUGHING MAN:
Look straight into that camera.
1891
01:49:22,139 --> 01:49:24,267
I demand you tell the world the truth.
1892
01:49:24,308 --> 01:49:26,978
Listen, stop. You won't shoot me.
1893
01:49:27,061 --> 01:49:28,604
Are you sure?
-(GROANS)
1894
01:49:28,646 --> 01:49:29,814
-(ALL GASP)
-(GUN COCKS)
1895
01:49:30,439 --> 01:49:31,857
(PANICKED CHATTER)
1896
01:49:35,903 --> 01:49:36,904
(STATIC HISSING)
1897
01:49:37,405 --> 01:49:40,283
LAUGHING MAN: And what followed was
the micromachine-killer virus outbreak
1898
01:49:40,324 --> 01:49:41,701
at your production plant.
1899
01:49:42,493 --> 01:49:46,163
That's right. At the same time that I was
angry at myself for feeling overjoyed
1900
01:49:46,205 --> 01:49:48,833
by our micromachine treatment
receiving approval,
1901
01:49:48,916 --> 01:49:51,460
I was cursing you
from the bottom of my heart.
1902
01:49:51,502 --> 01:49:54,797
I thought it was just corporate terrorism,
plain and simple.
1903
01:49:55,673 --> 01:49:58,050
But I was wrong. That wasn't you, was it?
1904
01:49:58,342 --> 01:50:01,345
A word of wisdom,
the evil that lurks in this world
1905
01:50:01,387 --> 01:50:04,682
exists on a level that's far greater
than we could ever envision.
1906
01:50:06,100 --> 01:50:09,520
I assume you're aware that our company
was granted an infusion of public funds
1907
01:50:09,604 --> 01:50:12,023
because we were teetering
on the brink of bankruptcy,
1908
01:50:12,064 --> 01:50:13,524
thanks to being blackmailed
1909
01:50:13,566 --> 01:50:15,901
and the damages caused
by the killer virus outbreak.
1910
01:50:15,985 --> 01:50:18,029
Let me tell you what happened afterwards.
1911
01:50:19,447 --> 01:50:20,531
Right when our stock prices
1912
01:50:20,573 --> 01:50:23,618
were gradually beginning
to climb back up after their collapse,
1913
01:50:23,701 --> 01:50:26,537
we were paid a visit by a man
who introduced himself
1914
01:50:26,621 --> 01:50:30,124
as a member of the private support
association of a certain assemblyman.
1915
01:50:30,207 --> 01:50:32,043
He said that he was acquainted with someone
1916
01:50:32,126 --> 01:50:34,170
who could put an end
to the corporate blackmail.
1917
01:50:34,211 --> 01:50:37,173
And in the event that this person
solved their little problem,
1918
01:50:37,214 --> 01:50:41,385
he asked if we would be willing to make
a political contribution to this assemblyman.
1919
01:50:42,887 --> 01:50:45,723
The amount he suggested
was equivalent to the public funds
1920
01:50:45,806 --> 01:50:48,017
plus the demanded blackmail money.
1921
01:50:48,809 --> 01:50:53,564
This obviously meant that Serano Genomics
had been targeted for a shakedown all along,
1922
01:50:53,648 --> 01:50:56,942
just because we were the latecomer
among the other manufacturers.
1923
01:50:57,068 --> 01:50:58,736
LAUGHING MAN:
They must have considered my stunt
1924
01:50:58,778 --> 01:51:01,989
to be a performance that
couldn't have been staged at a better time.
1925
01:51:02,073 --> 01:51:03,366
SERANO: I suppose they did.
1926
01:51:03,407 --> 01:51:06,535
And by continuing to imitate
the incident you carried out,
1927
01:51:06,577 --> 01:51:09,413
they created a fake persona
called the Laughing Man.
1928
01:51:09,955 --> 01:51:13,834
They manipulated stock prices by invoking
the name of a non-existent criminal,
1929
01:51:13,918 --> 01:51:16,212
stealing money from
other companies as well as us.
1930
01:51:16,629 --> 01:51:17,713
The greedy bastards did this
1931
01:51:17,755 --> 01:51:20,257
even though they had probably
been making a tidy sum before that
1932
01:51:20,341 --> 01:51:21,884
by short-selling the stocks.
1933
01:51:22,468 --> 01:51:25,680
LAUGHING MAN: Was this assemblyman
Secretary-General Yakushima?
1934
01:51:27,431 --> 01:51:28,849
Then you already knew?
1935
01:51:29,350 --> 01:51:31,435
A basic rule of thumb about hackers is that
1936
01:51:31,477 --> 01:51:33,979
we live to peek at things
that others keep hidden.
1937
01:51:34,063 --> 01:51:35,606
It's our nature.
1938
01:51:36,107 --> 01:51:39,485
But the depth of the darkness
in the hotbed of corruption
1939
01:51:39,568 --> 01:51:41,862
that I had tried to challenge defeated me.
1940
01:51:41,946 --> 01:51:45,449
And all I could do was become a deaf-mute
and avert my eyes from it all.
1941
01:51:46,158 --> 01:51:48,786
Just as you've done these past six years.
1942
01:51:51,580 --> 01:51:54,959
"The Laughing Man."
That was a catchy name they came up with.
1943
01:51:55,000 --> 01:51:58,587
And here I'd been thinking
that if I was unsuccessful in persuading you,
1944
01:51:58,629 --> 01:52:01,716
I'd simply follow Holden's quote
and disappear.
1945
01:52:01,799 --> 01:52:02,800
(CHUCKLES)
1946
01:52:02,883 --> 01:52:06,595
They went with the Salinger angle, too.
I can't believe it.
1947
01:52:07,471 --> 01:52:11,434
Hmm... Mr Serano, if that's what they're up to,
1948
01:52:11,475 --> 01:52:13,477
I'll have to become the original Laughing Man
1949
01:52:13,561 --> 01:52:16,313
and drag that phoney Yakushima
into the light of day.
1950
01:52:16,355 --> 01:52:20,151
It was when you revealed yourself to me
that I made up my mind as well.
1951
01:52:20,234 --> 01:52:21,235
There isn't much evidence,
1952
01:52:21,318 --> 01:52:23,863
so it's going to be a difficult job
to accuse him.
1953
01:52:23,946 --> 01:52:26,866
I'll even become your copycat
in order to bring him down.
1954
01:52:32,371 --> 01:52:35,624
LAUGHING MAN: Just try not to die
before you take the witness stand.
1955
01:52:40,004 --> 01:52:41,672
That was one hell of an acting job.
1956
01:52:43,215 --> 01:52:46,093
Boy, with chops like that,
you could fool anybody, no trouble at all.
1957
01:52:46,510 --> 01:52:50,347
(OVER COMMS) Hmm. Gee,
and I was never in a single school play, either.
1958
01:52:56,687 --> 01:53:00,149
So, did you manage to confirm the connection
between Yakushima and Serano?
1959
01:53:00,191 --> 01:53:04,153
Yeah. And to his credit, all the information
the Laughing Man gave me was true.
1960
01:53:04,904 --> 01:53:06,989
This should jolt Mr Serano as well.
1961
01:53:07,031 --> 01:53:08,949
-(POLICE SIRENS WAILING)
-Could work.
1962
01:53:34,183 --> 01:53:35,643
TOGUSA: Reporting for duty.
1963
01:53:36,393 --> 01:53:39,188
I thought you hadn't been cleared
to leave the hospital yet.
1964
01:53:39,230 --> 01:53:40,689
Come on. Lay off, Major.
1965
01:53:40,731 --> 01:53:43,859
I can't be the only one of the crew
to lay in bed at a time like this.
1966
01:53:44,485 --> 01:53:48,823
I decided to bring Togusa back.
I've done all the paperwork.
1967
01:53:48,906 --> 01:53:51,909
You're going to be coming with me
to the Prime Minister's residence.
1968
01:53:52,368 --> 01:53:53,452
Right.
1969
01:53:53,536 --> 01:53:56,413
BATOU: You're gonna be OK?
You're not back to 100% yet.
1970
01:53:56,497 --> 01:53:58,415
-I can handle it.
-Mmm-hmm.
1971
01:53:58,499 --> 01:54:02,044
After all, it was Togusa
who first found out about this case.
1972
01:54:02,086 --> 01:54:03,254
You should be on it.
1973
01:54:08,008 --> 01:54:09,218
WOMAN: (OVER COMMS) Chief?
ARAMAKI: Yes?
1974
01:54:09,260 --> 01:54:12,304
You have an emergency call
from the Home Affairs Minister, sir.
1975
01:54:13,639 --> 01:54:14,849
ARAMAKI: All right, put him through.
1976
01:54:16,934 --> 01:54:20,896
Aramaki, this is serious.
Are you watching Channel 33 right now?
1977
01:54:20,980 --> 01:54:23,190
ARAMAKI: No.
Then turn it on quickly.
1978
01:54:24,692 --> 01:54:26,277
NEWSREADER: (ON TV)
And now suspicions have surfaced
1979
01:54:26,318 --> 01:54:28,571
about the members of
Public Security Section 9.
1980
01:54:29,238 --> 01:54:32,157
This armed group under the direct control
of the Ministry of Home Affairs,
1981
01:54:32,283 --> 01:54:33,409
is believed to have had a hand
1982
01:54:33,450 --> 01:54:37,413
in the attempted kidnapping of Ernest Serano,
CEO of Serano Genomics.
1983
01:54:37,454 --> 01:54:41,750
Labelled an international rescue team,
Section 9 was formed by the MHA.
1984
01:54:41,792 --> 01:54:45,296
But their excessive information gathering
and use of force under their own authority
1985
01:54:45,337 --> 01:54:46,714
have long been viewed with concern.
1986
01:54:46,797 --> 01:54:49,550
This event also strongly suggests
that Section 9 was involved
1987
01:54:49,633 --> 01:54:52,303
in the 2024 string of Laughing Man incidents.
1988
01:54:53,429 --> 01:54:54,430
Major!
1989
01:54:54,471 --> 01:54:56,932
They're calling an emergency cabinet session.
1990
01:54:56,974 --> 01:54:58,976
Look what you've got me mixed up in.
1991
01:54:59,059 --> 01:55:00,644
I want you to get over here, too.
1992
01:55:00,686 --> 01:55:02,187
In the meantime, you'd better think about
1993
01:55:02,271 --> 01:55:04,481
what you're going to say to them
in your defence.
1994
01:55:05,482 --> 01:55:08,777
Our intel was leaked before the op,
is that what this means then?
1995
01:55:08,819 --> 01:55:10,237
Just calm down.
1996
01:55:10,321 --> 01:55:13,157
All it means is that
the operation is now underway.
1997
01:55:13,198 --> 01:55:15,659
We'll go to the Prime Minister's residence
as planned.
1998
01:55:17,494 --> 01:55:19,121
ARAMAKI: (OVER COMMS) Major.
MAJOR: Yes?
1999
01:55:19,163 --> 01:55:21,957
ARAMAKI: The rest of you, find out where
news of our op was leaked from.
2000
01:55:21,999 --> 01:55:23,000
MAJOR: Roger.
2001
01:55:33,636 --> 01:55:34,637
(SIGHS)
2002
01:55:35,179 --> 01:55:38,140
Well, it seems you weren't exaggerating
when you said it was top secret.
2003
01:55:38,182 --> 01:55:40,225
Who else besides you
knows of this this money trail?
2004
01:55:40,309 --> 01:55:42,770
Now that you've read it,
there is you, of course,
2005
01:55:42,853 --> 01:55:45,648
Mr Serano,
who decided to accuse Yakushima,
2006
01:55:45,689 --> 01:55:47,691
and there are my people. That's all.
2007
01:55:48,233 --> 01:55:50,194
I see. Very well then.
2008
01:55:50,611 --> 01:55:54,031
As for Mr Yakushima,
we will deal him when the timing is right.
2009
01:55:54,657 --> 01:55:58,953
However, with the Lower House elections,
we're in a crucial time now.
2010
01:55:59,036 --> 01:56:02,706
I want the public and the media
to feel as if they've won a victory.
2011
01:56:02,748 --> 01:56:05,542
If I let a man as powerful as Yakushima go,
2012
01:56:05,584 --> 01:56:08,712
proportional casualties on our side
are very likely to occur.
2013
01:56:09,254 --> 01:56:12,341
I don't understand
what you're trying to imply, Prime Minister.
2014
01:56:14,009 --> 01:56:15,010
(SIGHS)
2015
01:56:15,386 --> 01:56:17,846
I mean passage of the Special Forces Bill.
2016
01:56:27,398 --> 01:56:30,025
-Hey, Chief.
-Mmm-hmm.
2017
01:56:30,734 --> 01:56:31,986
(ACCELERATING)
2018
01:56:36,240 --> 01:56:37,574
TOGUSA: They're following us.
2019
01:56:56,218 --> 01:56:58,262
(HELICOPTER BLADES WHIRRING)
2020
01:57:06,520 --> 01:57:08,605
MAN: (OVER COMMS)
The enemy has nine think tank units.
2021
01:57:08,689 --> 01:57:12,901
Squads 3 and 4, you will drop in from above
and infiltrate the hangar from the heliport.
2022
01:57:12,943 --> 01:57:15,612
Your top priority
is the destruction of the tanks.
2023
01:57:15,654 --> 01:57:18,824
Squads 5 and 6, quickly capture
the seven primary members
2024
01:57:18,907 --> 01:57:20,868
and gain control of the entire facility.
2025
01:57:20,951 --> 01:57:23,287
All units, go autistic once we're in.
2026
01:57:23,328 --> 01:57:25,998
These people specialise
in information warfare.
2027
01:57:26,081 --> 01:57:28,333
We'll pin 'em down with brute force!
2028
01:57:38,635 --> 01:57:39,970
(TYRES SCREECHING)
2029
01:57:53,984 --> 01:57:55,611
(GRUNTS)
2030
01:57:59,323 --> 01:58:00,449
Wait, Chief!
2031
01:58:01,658 --> 01:58:03,702
We came here to pick you up, sir.
2032
01:58:03,786 --> 01:58:05,996
There are still a few things
you need to do for us.
2033
01:58:10,000 --> 01:58:13,670
Making all the necessary arrangements
in such a short amount of time.
2034
01:58:13,712 --> 01:58:16,048
The Prime Minister is certainly a capable man.
2035
01:58:16,507 --> 01:58:19,176
Section 9 is probably being
neutralised as we speak.
2036
01:58:19,259 --> 01:58:20,511
Neutralised?
2037
01:58:20,552 --> 01:58:22,012
-(THUDS)
-(GROANS)
2038
01:58:26,266 --> 01:58:28,060
Take him away.
MAN: Yes, sir.
2039
01:58:29,311 --> 01:58:31,438
Wait, Chief! What's going on? What is this?
2040
01:58:32,064 --> 01:58:34,191
Please explain it to me! Chief!
2041
01:58:34,942 --> 01:58:36,068
Tell me!
2042
01:58:44,785 --> 01:58:45,869
BATOU: (OVER COMMS) Is it just me,
2043
01:58:45,911 --> 01:58:48,038
or does something seem different
about the building?
2044
01:58:48,080 --> 01:58:51,208
And what's with this muster call?
It's a little weird.
2045
01:58:51,250 --> 01:58:53,961
MAJOR: I don't have time
to fill you in on the situation right now.
2046
01:58:54,044 --> 01:58:56,255
Just keep quiet and carry out my orders.
2047
01:58:56,338 --> 01:59:00,050
Prep six generic prosthetic bodies
and bring them to the command centre.
2048
01:59:00,676 --> 01:59:03,554
BATOU: Hmm? Hold on, are you saying...
2049
01:59:04,388 --> 01:59:05,389
MAJOR: Get to it.
2050
01:59:07,391 --> 01:59:08,392
(LOUD THUD)
2051
01:59:15,023 --> 01:59:16,024
(LIFT DINGS)
2052
01:59:16,984 --> 01:59:20,279
Major, you want to tell us
what the hell's going on?
2053
01:59:24,908 --> 01:59:26,577
You two take these seeds.
2054
01:59:26,660 --> 01:59:27,786
Once we get out of here,
2055
01:59:27,870 --> 01:59:30,414
leak the information and then
let it sprout among the media.
2056
01:59:30,455 --> 01:59:33,584
We'll need a push
to oust the Secretary-General.
2057
02:00:13,832 --> 02:00:17,252
Verify the situation and see
to the wounded on the double, damn it!
2058
02:00:22,007 --> 02:00:25,302
TACHIKOMA: Oh, goodness gracious,
what are we going to do with you?
2059
02:00:25,969 --> 02:00:28,597
You know you shouldn't
spill your tea like that.
2060
02:00:28,639 --> 02:00:30,057
(TACHIKOMA HUMMING)
2061
02:00:30,140 --> 02:00:31,558
Hey, look, the news is on! Let's watch TV!
2062
02:00:31,642 --> 02:00:33,977
NEWSREADER: We interrupt this programme
to bring you breaking news
2063
02:00:34,061 --> 02:00:35,646
-on the latest Section 9 developments.
Huh ?
2064
02:00:35,729 --> 02:00:39,066
An emergency Cabinet meeting passed
a special forces restriction bill,
2065
02:00:39,149 --> 02:00:40,776
ended military deployments
2066
02:00:40,817 --> 02:00:43,987
after urging the dismantling
of Public Security Section 9.
2067
02:00:44,071 --> 02:00:46,865
Special forces stormed
Section 9's facility moments ago
2068
02:00:46,949 --> 02:00:48,909
when they failed to respond
to repeated warnings,
2069
02:00:48,992 --> 02:00:51,954
indicating the groups' intent
to maintain this stand-off.
2070
02:00:51,995 --> 02:00:53,789
We now take you live to the scene.
2071
02:00:54,456 --> 02:00:55,666
REPORTER: A short While ago,
2072
02:00:55,707 --> 02:00:57,960
above the building which houses
the Section 9 complex...
2073
02:01:00,170 --> 02:01:03,799
MAJOR: From here, we'll go off in three
directions in order to split up our pursuers.
2074
02:01:03,840 --> 02:01:07,052
After that, we go to ground in the city
and head our separate ways.
2075
02:01:07,970 --> 02:01:11,431
Security Section 9 has now disbanded.
That is all.
2076
02:01:14,935 --> 02:01:16,061
Hmm.
2077
02:01:17,271 --> 02:01:18,480
They're severely damaged,
2078
02:01:18,522 --> 02:01:20,857
but we believe these are the corpses
of the six members.
2079
02:01:20,899 --> 02:01:23,902
We're analysing the cyberbrains
for traces of residual usage.
2080
02:01:24,695 --> 02:01:27,281
Call Squad 5 in here
while you're waiting for the results.
2081
02:01:27,364 --> 02:01:31,034
Assume that this operation is camouflaged
and seal off any exit you can think of,
2082
02:01:31,118 --> 02:01:34,538
including the elevator shafts,
ventilation ducts and every sewer outlet.
2083
02:01:34,621 --> 02:01:35,664
Yes, sir!
2084
02:01:41,128 --> 02:01:43,463
BATOU: So, Section 9 is finally finished, huh?
2085
02:01:43,547 --> 02:01:46,675
All that blood and sweat we poured into it
just went poof. Up in smoke.
2086
02:01:47,134 --> 02:01:50,387
Yeah. Free access to the latest
maintenance and cutting-edge equipment
2087
02:01:50,429 --> 02:01:51,513
was a sweet setup.
2088
02:01:51,555 --> 02:01:54,057
But when you get down to it,
that's really all it was.
2089
02:01:54,141 --> 02:01:56,143
The only thing we need to do
is find a new sponsor.
2090
02:01:57,269 --> 02:02:01,565
Or is there something else? Have you got
some kind of attachment to the place, Batou?
2091
02:02:01,648 --> 02:02:03,275
Hmm, not if you put it like that.
2092
02:02:03,358 --> 02:02:05,610
If anything,
it's the good and bad times we had.
2093
02:02:05,694 --> 02:02:07,070
All the memories.
2094
02:02:07,154 --> 02:02:10,032
MAJOR: Memories?
That's awfully sentimental of you.
2095
02:02:12,242 --> 02:02:14,202
While we're on the subject, that reminds me.
2096
02:02:14,244 --> 02:02:16,580
Where's that watch you're usually wearing?
2097
02:02:16,663 --> 02:02:20,083
Oh, I had to pick today to leave it
next to my bed at my safe house.
2098
02:02:20,125 --> 02:02:23,670
Since they've hit Section 9,
they've probably got my place secured, too.
2099
02:02:24,087 --> 02:02:25,130
That sucks.
2100
02:02:25,213 --> 02:02:27,424
Because I seem to remember
you got that as a gift
2101
02:02:27,466 --> 02:02:30,802
to mark the occasion of your very last
prosthetic body resizing.
2102
02:02:30,886 --> 02:02:32,763
But I don't know who gave it to you.
2103
02:02:34,014 --> 02:02:36,808
MAJOR: So you knew?
Well, don't get the wrong idea.
2104
02:02:36,892 --> 02:02:39,353
I didn't actually wear it
for sentimental reasons.
2105
02:02:46,193 --> 02:02:48,070
Well, enough idle chatter.
2106
02:02:48,111 --> 02:02:50,572
Once we're out of here,
we can't get in touch with each other again.
2107
02:02:51,239 --> 02:02:54,284
Even if we do meet,
I might not be who I am now.
2108
02:02:54,368 --> 02:02:57,746
I want you to give your own survival
top priority, Batou.
2109
02:03:09,883 --> 02:03:11,009
We should split up here.
2110
02:03:12,302 --> 02:03:13,345
All right.
2111
02:03:22,604 --> 02:03:24,314
(RAPID FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)
2112
02:03:24,356 --> 02:03:25,732
(ELECTRONIC HUMMING)
2113
02:03:36,368 --> 02:03:37,369
(GUN COCKS)
2114
02:03:42,958 --> 02:03:44,543
Hell, this is my life, isn't it?
2115
02:03:44,626 --> 02:03:47,629
How I decide to waste it
is my own damn business.
2116
02:04:06,314 --> 02:04:11,069
(SIGHS) That report about Section 9
has me worried.
2117
02:04:12,154 --> 02:04:14,948
-OLD MAN: The battle is going badly.
-Huh?
2118
02:04:19,870 --> 02:04:22,414
TACHIKOMA: I know. It sure is, mister.
2119
02:04:23,415 --> 02:04:25,876
The battle is going badly.
2120
02:04:25,917 --> 02:04:28,378
You know the building
that blew up last night?
2121
02:04:28,420 --> 02:04:31,381
That's where I used to live.
The place was my home.
2122
02:04:32,257 --> 02:04:36,553
It's pretty nice here, I can't complain.
And I like all you old folks.
2123
02:04:36,970 --> 02:04:38,722
-You're OK, but...
-(SOFTLY HUMMING)
2124
02:04:38,805 --> 02:04:40,891
There's someone that I really want to go help.
2125
02:04:41,725 --> 02:04:44,895
-Huh?
-The battle is going badly.
2126
02:04:46,938 --> 02:04:48,857
(GASPS) Mister, is that what I think it is?
2127
02:04:49,733 --> 02:04:51,526
Mister, I... Thanks!
2128
02:04:51,568 --> 02:04:52,986
I'm gonna go now!
2129
02:05:05,540 --> 02:05:07,083
Oh, Batou.
2130
02:05:09,085 --> 02:05:10,587
Hey, there!
2131
02:05:10,629 --> 02:05:12,964
-(GASPS)
What are you guys doing here?
2132
02:05:13,048 --> 02:05:16,760
Once a problem child, always a problem child,
know what I'm saying?
2133
02:05:16,843 --> 02:05:18,678
This means each of us have the same thought
2134
02:05:18,762 --> 02:05:20,805
even though we were independent
of each other.
2135
02:05:20,889 --> 02:05:24,100
One thing we all share in common
is the desire to help Mr Batou.
2136
02:05:24,684 --> 02:05:26,603
Right. And besides, it's impossible for you
2137
02:05:26,686 --> 02:05:29,648
to load that howitzer shell you're holding
by yourself, isn't it?
2138
02:05:29,731 --> 02:05:33,443
Yeah. But are we the only Tachikomas
who came here?
2139
02:05:34,152 --> 02:05:37,989
Out of all of us that were sent back to the lab,
I'm the only one who survived.
2140
02:05:38,073 --> 02:05:40,325
They just left me lying around,
hooked up to equipment
2141
02:05:40,408 --> 02:05:42,452
for final testing like some specimen.
2142
02:05:42,536 --> 02:05:45,038
So I ripped out the cords and ran away!
2143
02:05:45,121 --> 02:05:46,957
I couldn't stop wondering what was going on
2144
02:05:47,040 --> 02:05:51,169
while I was doing high-altitude work
at a construction site. How about you?
2145
02:05:51,753 --> 02:05:53,713
I'd say it was pretty much the same.
2146
02:05:53,797 --> 02:05:56,883
But what happened to the rest
who went to the lab?
2147
02:05:56,967 --> 02:05:59,469
They're all having structural analyses
run on them.
2148
02:05:59,511 --> 02:06:03,139
They had their Als removed to help them
run simulations on the Laughing Man.
2149
02:06:03,640 --> 02:06:06,810
But you know what?
Everybody who had their brains taken apart,
2150
02:06:06,851 --> 02:06:10,146
they kind of looked like
they were enjoying it.
2151
02:06:10,188 --> 02:06:11,648
Oh, I see.
2152
02:06:22,409 --> 02:06:23,660
(GRUNTS)
2153
02:06:32,252 --> 02:06:33,253
Hmm?
2154
02:06:34,796 --> 02:06:37,716
That's my Major. She doesn't miss a trick.
2155
02:07:04,409 --> 02:07:05,410
Huh?
2156
02:07:22,636 --> 02:07:23,637
(GASPS)
2157
02:07:23,720 --> 02:07:24,929
(GUNS COCK)
2158
02:07:25,013 --> 02:07:27,057
Don't do it! Drop your weapon!
2159
02:07:28,975 --> 02:07:31,561
Yeah. OK. I give up.
2160
02:07:40,904 --> 02:07:42,030
(EXPLOSION)
2161
02:07:47,577 --> 02:07:48,745
(MEN GROANING)
2162
02:07:54,376 --> 02:07:55,377
(RAPID GUNFIRE)
2163
02:08:20,694 --> 02:08:21,778
Score!
2164
02:08:21,820 --> 02:08:24,364
I knew the Major'd have
a stash hidden around here.
2165
02:08:30,578 --> 02:08:31,579
(EXPLODES)
2166
02:08:38,628 --> 02:08:39,879
(EXPLOSION)
2167
02:08:44,467 --> 02:08:47,137
MAN 1: (OVER DEVICE)
You finally done putting up a fight?
2168
02:08:49,556 --> 02:08:50,890
Uh-oh.
2169
02:09:00,108 --> 02:09:01,568
Damn, I killed him.
2170
02:09:02,026 --> 02:09:03,695
(CLEARS THROAT) What's wrong?
2171
02:09:03,778 --> 02:09:05,989
Right, I forgot. I look dead to you, don't I?
2172
02:09:06,072 --> 02:09:07,574
-Don't believe it.
-Huh?
2173
02:09:08,199 --> 02:09:09,200
(GASPS)
2174
02:09:09,743 --> 02:09:12,454
I'm sorry. But I had to hack your eyes, pal.
2175
02:09:13,037 --> 02:09:14,038
(GRUNTS)
2176
02:09:17,375 --> 02:09:18,501
(EXPLOSION)
2177
02:09:26,676 --> 02:09:27,761
(SCANNING)
2178
02:09:29,888 --> 02:09:32,056
Huh? (GRUNTS)
2179
02:09:39,272 --> 02:09:42,275
You're kidding! There's more?
2180
02:09:51,576 --> 02:09:52,786
(GROANING)
2181
02:09:53,787 --> 02:09:55,205
(GROANS LOUDLY)
2182
02:09:57,165 --> 02:09:58,374
(STRAINING)
2183
02:09:59,375 --> 02:10:01,711
You didn't have to go and kill my partner.
2184
02:10:02,253 --> 02:10:04,047
You're not coming back alive!
2185
02:10:04,714 --> 02:10:06,299
(OVER DEVICE) A corpse Will do.
2186
02:10:07,509 --> 02:10:08,802
But before that...
2187
02:10:09,385 --> 02:10:10,637
(GROANS LOUDLY)
2188
02:10:11,554 --> 02:10:14,682
I want to give you this.
For my buddies you killed!
2189
02:10:23,274 --> 02:10:25,568
This is for my dead partner!
2190
02:10:36,663 --> 02:10:37,664
What the...
2191
02:10:38,414 --> 02:10:40,708
Now's our chance! Get Mr Batou out of here!
2192
02:10:41,125 --> 02:10:42,168
Right!
2193
02:10:44,087 --> 02:10:45,588
MAN 2: The think tanks.
2194
02:10:49,217 --> 02:10:50,426
(EXCLAIMING)
2195
02:10:54,013 --> 02:10:55,974
I'll go in first. (GRUNTS)
2196
02:10:57,225 --> 02:11:00,103
Mr Batou, I'm sorry I was late.
2197
02:11:00,144 --> 02:11:02,814
It took us a while
to tap into their comm signals.
2198
02:11:04,691 --> 02:11:06,526
Don't worry. We'll take that guy.
2199
02:11:06,609 --> 02:11:08,403
You can count on it.
2200
02:11:08,444 --> 02:11:10,321
Wait right here until we get back, OK?
2201
02:11:11,030 --> 02:11:13,366
-MAN 2: Son of a...
-(GUN COCKS)
2202
02:11:17,662 --> 02:11:19,205
Where the hell were they?
2203
02:11:19,956 --> 02:11:20,999
I've got a plan.
2204
02:11:21,082 --> 02:11:24,168
-Think you can pin him down with your wires?
-I'll give it a shot!
2205
02:11:30,592 --> 02:11:32,343
(SCANNING)
2206
02:11:34,304 --> 02:11:36,431
Matsukei Construction
2207
02:11:41,728 --> 02:11:43,187
-(EXPLODES)
-Ow!
2208
02:11:43,271 --> 02:11:44,606
(YELLS)
2209
02:11:44,647 --> 02:11:45,690
(COCKS GUN)
2210
02:11:50,570 --> 02:11:51,571
Uh-oh!
2211
02:11:51,821 --> 02:11:52,989
(EXCLAIMING)
2212
02:11:58,912 --> 02:11:59,996
Easy does it.
2213
02:12:00,079 --> 02:12:03,291
Don't rush this. I only have one shot.
2214
02:12:03,333 --> 02:12:04,792
-(RAPID GUNFIRE)
-(SHRIEKS)
2215
02:12:14,677 --> 02:12:16,137
Now! Shoot!
2216
02:12:16,387 --> 02:12:17,472
Right!
2217
02:12:21,935 --> 02:12:23,561
Eat this!
2218
02:12:24,145 --> 02:12:25,313
(FIZZLES)
2219
02:12:26,356 --> 02:12:27,357
(GROANS)
2220
02:12:29,442 --> 02:12:31,027
You're kidding!
2221
02:12:33,029 --> 02:12:34,489
It's a dud?
2222
02:12:35,740 --> 02:12:38,409
(GRUNTS) I'm still alive?
2223
02:12:40,578 --> 02:12:42,205
-(EXPLOSIONS)
-(SHRIEKS)
2224
02:12:47,877 --> 02:12:48,878
Huh?
2225
02:12:51,005 --> 02:12:52,298
Oh, God.
2226
02:12:53,383 --> 02:12:54,592
We're weak,
2227
02:12:55,385 --> 02:12:56,552
we're powerless,
2228
02:12:58,054 --> 02:13:00,181
my fellow Tachikomas and I.
2229
02:13:00,223 --> 02:13:01,891
MAJOR: (OVER COMMS) That's not true.
2230
02:13:02,684 --> 02:13:06,562
What you and the others have gained
makes you far from powerless.
2231
02:13:10,066 --> 02:13:12,568
-Huh?
-That voice!
2232
02:13:15,071 --> 02:13:16,406
(GRUNTING)
2233
02:13:18,116 --> 02:13:20,201
This is the last I've got!
2234
02:13:24,747 --> 02:13:25,915
(YELLS)
2235
02:13:27,333 --> 02:13:28,334
Now!
2236
02:13:28,418 --> 02:13:30,628
(GRUNTS) Right!
2237
02:13:33,631 --> 02:13:35,133
Mr Batou!
2238
02:13:36,926 --> 02:13:39,095
Goodbye, Mr Batou.
2239
02:14:04,579 --> 02:14:06,414
BATOU: What were they doing here?
2240
02:14:07,331 --> 02:14:10,209
The only thing they could
think about was saving you.
2241
02:14:10,293 --> 02:14:12,628
-So they escaped from the lab.
-Huh?
2242
02:14:14,297 --> 02:14:16,591
Major? Is that you?
2243
02:14:16,632 --> 02:14:19,552
I was the one who made the call
that they were useless as weapons
2244
02:14:19,635 --> 02:14:22,472
because their Al had evolved too quickly.
2245
02:14:22,513 --> 02:14:26,059
But the entire time that they were
busy pursuing the accumulation of data,
2246
02:14:26,142 --> 02:14:29,103
and synchronising
with each other again and again,
2247
02:14:29,145 --> 02:14:32,148
they were also acquiring individuality.
2248
02:14:32,231 --> 02:14:34,942
I never knew. Not an inkling.
2249
02:14:34,984 --> 02:14:37,612
They even became capable of self-sacrifice.
2250
02:14:38,613 --> 02:14:42,575
If only I'd realised that sooner,
instead of now when it's too late.
2251
02:14:42,658 --> 02:14:44,452
Because maybe then I could have found out
2252
02:14:44,494 --> 02:14:48,206
whether or not what the Tachikoma
had acquired were Ghosts.
2253
02:14:48,664 --> 02:14:49,665
BATOU: Ghosts?
2254
02:14:51,125 --> 02:14:55,963
Well, if they hadn't shown up here,
then You would be dead right now.
2255
02:14:56,005 --> 02:14:58,007
-(HELICOPTERS HOVERING)
Let's move it.
2256
02:15:13,397 --> 02:15:15,566
Nice view of Section 9.
2257
02:15:15,650 --> 02:15:19,070
You could pick anywhere in the world to live
but here's where you choose a safe house?
2258
02:15:22,406 --> 02:15:23,574
Hey.
2259
02:15:24,534 --> 02:15:25,535
Hmm?
2260
02:15:34,210 --> 02:15:37,338
This body has always suited me.
No other will do.
2261
02:15:41,759 --> 02:15:44,720
Huh, that was a remote puppet
the whole time?
2262
02:15:46,639 --> 02:15:47,932
MAJOR: Uh-huh.
2263
02:16:00,111 --> 02:16:01,571
(HELICOPTER APPROACHING)
2264
02:16:12,748 --> 02:16:13,749
By the way,
2265
02:16:14,750 --> 02:16:17,461
I have something of yours
that almost didn't make it here.
2266
02:16:20,339 --> 02:16:21,507
MAJOR: I knew it.
2267
02:16:22,258 --> 02:16:25,052
BATOU: No matter how many
prosthetic bodies you went through,
2268
02:16:25,094 --> 02:16:27,763
this was the one thing
that was always ticking away,
2269
02:16:27,805 --> 02:16:29,765
keeping the same time as you.
2270
02:16:30,600 --> 02:16:32,310
In the midst of life's fleeting moments,
2271
02:16:32,393 --> 02:16:34,645
people entrust their memories
to external devices
2272
02:16:34,729 --> 02:16:37,523
because they want to set down
solid, physical proof
2273
02:16:37,607 --> 02:16:40,276
that can distinguish them
as unique individuals.
2274
02:16:41,444 --> 02:16:43,988
That watch is all you have though, isn't it?
2275
02:16:44,071 --> 02:16:46,699
Your only external memory device
that identifies
2276
02:16:46,782 --> 02:16:48,993
the person you've been up till this minute.
2277
02:16:51,287 --> 02:16:53,581
Those are pretty serious words.
2278
02:16:53,623 --> 02:16:55,958
I'd really like to know
where you got them from.
2279
02:16:56,876 --> 02:17:00,004
Hmm. A watch and weight training gear.
2280
02:17:00,796 --> 02:17:03,674
Both of us have clung to useless
scraps of memory, haven't we?
2281
02:17:05,343 --> 02:17:06,552
(MAJOR SIGHS DEEPLY)
2282
02:17:06,928 --> 02:17:08,679
In all probability, you and I are
2283
02:17:08,763 --> 02:17:13,142
the only members of Section 9
who haven't been arrested or killed yet.
2284
02:17:13,226 --> 02:17:15,061
Let's make sure that we both stay alive.
2285
02:17:15,144 --> 02:17:18,773
At least long enough to leave behind a record
of what we tried to accomplish.
2286
02:17:19,315 --> 02:17:22,902
Yeah, I'm not about to die
without completing my mission.
2287
02:17:22,985 --> 02:17:25,780
(HELICOPTERS HOVERING)
2288
02:17:45,716 --> 02:17:48,886
MAN: (OVER COMMS)
Primary sniping target, Motoko Kusanagi.
2289
02:17:49,387 --> 02:17:52,098
The committee has issued
an order for her termination.
2290
02:17:54,558 --> 02:17:56,227
We've only got one shot at this.
2291
02:17:56,852 --> 02:17:58,896
Take her out when she's climbing aboard.
2292
02:18:14,996 --> 02:18:15,997
Hmm.
2293
02:18:30,052 --> 02:18:31,220
(GASPS) Motoko!
2294
02:18:35,683 --> 02:18:36,684
(GUNSHOT)
2295
02:18:44,025 --> 02:18:45,526
Motoko, no!
2296
02:18:46,193 --> 02:18:47,403
Motoko!
2297
02:18:47,486 --> 02:18:49,155
(GRUNTING AND STRAINING)
2298
02:18:50,364 --> 02:18:51,866
Damn it!
2299
02:18:54,452 --> 02:18:57,705
No vitals detected.
Target destruction confirmed.
2300
02:18:59,248 --> 02:19:01,417
You dirty sons of... (GRUNTING)
2301
02:19:08,132 --> 02:19:10,343
Motoko!
2302
02:19:14,680 --> 02:19:17,767
LAUGHING MAN: (OVER COMMS) You mean
to tell me that even if the flesh is lost,
2303
02:19:17,808 --> 02:19:22,355
a person's thoughts can wander the Net
and continue to exist as a unique individual?
2304
02:19:22,438 --> 02:19:26,942
MAJOR: I'm not so sure. It's hard to imagine
that a will which is free of its shell
2305
02:19:27,026 --> 02:19:30,696
could maintain its individuality
in the sea of the Net.
2306
02:19:30,780 --> 02:19:33,574
LAUGHING MAN: Then, for someone
that continuously loses their individualities,
2307
02:19:33,616 --> 02:19:34,658
they live on.
2308
02:19:34,742 --> 02:19:36,494
This is a world of despair.
2309
02:19:36,577 --> 02:19:39,330
MAJOR: I guess that depends
on your definition of despair.
2310
02:19:39,413 --> 02:19:42,458
Besides, there's always
the option of giving death a try, right?
2311
02:19:42,500 --> 02:19:45,336
LAUGHING MAN: I suppose
that's an ever available choice.
2312
02:19:45,419 --> 02:19:48,297
Anyway, I'm in your debt. Thank you.
2313
02:19:48,381 --> 02:19:52,009
The way you kept your promise
was extremely charming.
2314
02:19:56,722 --> 02:19:59,266
TOGUSA: (OVER COMMS)
"You know what needs to be done," he said.
2315
02:19:59,308 --> 02:20:02,353
"Every Section 9 member has a unique ability.
2316
02:20:02,436 --> 02:20:04,271
"And you work best on your own.
2317
02:20:04,313 --> 02:20:07,942
"But individual success is a reflection
of strong teamwork."
2318
02:20:07,983 --> 02:20:10,903
That was the first nugget of wisdom
the old man offered us
2319
02:20:10,986 --> 02:20:13,489
back in the glory days of Section 9.
2320
02:20:20,329 --> 02:20:23,666
NEWSREADER: We've been informed that
the public prosecutor will be arriving shortly.
2321
02:20:23,749 --> 02:20:26,836
Throngs of reporters are gathered here
in front of the ruling party headquarters
2322
02:20:26,919 --> 02:20:28,587
and the atmosphere is tense.
2323
02:20:28,671 --> 02:20:31,507
Making the tabloid rounds
before Lower House elections,
2324
02:20:31,590 --> 02:20:34,677
the MHLW scandal
involving Serano Genomics
2325
02:20:34,718 --> 02:20:36,929
implicated Secretary-General Yakushima.
2326
02:20:37,012 --> 02:20:39,014
Now, a week after the forming
of a new Cabinet,
2327
02:20:39,056 --> 02:20:41,350
this scandal has prompted
a full-scale investigation
2328
02:20:41,392 --> 02:20:42,685
by the Public Prosecutors Office.
2329
02:20:42,768 --> 02:20:46,230
...said the prosecutor.
A full-scale investigation has been launched.
2330
02:20:46,313 --> 02:20:48,190
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
2331
02:20:49,692 --> 02:20:51,527
MAN: It's the DA! The DA!
2332
02:20:51,694 --> 02:20:53,195
(CLAMOURING)
2333
02:20:54,405 --> 02:20:55,990
Sir, things are just getting started,
2334
02:20:56,031 --> 02:20:58,367
but before the day is out,
will Yakushima be arrested?
2335
02:20:58,451 --> 02:21:01,370
What about the Serano stocks rumoured
to be here at ruling party headquarters?
2336
02:21:02,246 --> 02:21:04,331
We have reliable information.
2337
02:21:04,373 --> 02:21:07,501
The Secretary-General would like to be asked
to come with us for questioning.
2338
02:21:07,543 --> 02:21:09,962
Any chance that the cash
in sequentially numbered bills
2339
02:21:10,045 --> 02:21:12,965
referred to in Mr Serano's testimony
is being kept here?
2340
02:21:13,883 --> 02:21:16,385
Everything will be made clear very shortly.
2341
02:21:16,427 --> 02:21:19,472
My staff and I have laboured long and hard
to prepare for this day,
2342
02:21:19,555 --> 02:21:21,974
in anticipation of arresting Mr Yakushima.
2343
02:21:22,057 --> 02:21:24,143
TOGUSA: (OVER COMMS)
Is this how things should be?
2344
02:21:24,226 --> 02:21:26,395
Don't these facts that
Section 9 pieced together
2345
02:21:26,479 --> 02:21:29,899
show the truth about the Laughing Man
incident from six years ago?
2346
02:21:30,774 --> 02:21:34,445
And even if the prosecutor succeeds
in uncovering the whole scandal,
2347
02:21:34,528 --> 02:21:37,781
Yakushima still might not resign
from the assembly.
2348
02:21:37,865 --> 02:21:40,868
Exactly how does this
make the world a better place?
2349
02:22:03,265 --> 02:22:06,393
It's not like I had aspirations
to be a hero or anything.
2350
02:22:08,229 --> 02:22:12,608
However, I'm positive we followed a code
of justice that all of us believed in
2351
02:22:12,650 --> 02:22:14,777
without condition or compromise.
2352
02:22:15,152 --> 02:22:16,612
Laughing Man,
2353
02:22:16,654 --> 02:22:20,783
you were the one who first tried to shed
some light into the black abyss of this case
2354
02:22:20,824 --> 02:22:22,826
and bring it to the world's attention.
2355
02:22:22,910 --> 02:22:27,039
Is it possible that at this moment
you're feeling the same as I am?
2356
02:22:28,749 --> 02:22:30,459
No, you wouldn't.
2357
02:22:30,501 --> 02:22:33,170
You're not the type to be
bothered by something like that.
2358
02:22:33,254 --> 02:22:35,047
You must have had a revelation
about something,
2359
02:22:35,130 --> 02:22:37,967
and you're watching this with eyes
that see the big picture.
2360
02:22:38,050 --> 02:22:40,427
Isn't that right? I can tell.
2361
02:22:41,262 --> 02:22:45,641
Major, if all this plays out like I think it Will...
2362
02:23:05,119 --> 02:23:06,120
(GUN COCKS)
2363
02:23:10,541 --> 02:23:12,334
-(GUN COCKS)
-BATOU: Hold m
2364
02:23:12,376 --> 02:23:14,962
Pull your hands up nice and slow,
and turn around.
2365
02:23:20,009 --> 02:23:21,176
(CHUCKLING)
2366
02:23:23,345 --> 02:23:26,974
As lousy as you are, you'd be caught
before you could even see Yakushima.
2367
02:23:27,433 --> 02:23:28,684
Batou, uh...
2368
02:23:32,813 --> 02:23:36,525
You're a dummy, you know that?
Come on, let's go.
2369
02:23:47,828 --> 02:23:48,829
(PROCESSING)
2370
02:23:55,294 --> 02:23:57,212
(CHUCKLES) And the star arrives!
2371
02:23:57,254 --> 02:23:59,214
What took you so long?
2372
02:23:59,256 --> 02:24:01,550
So, where did you end up tailing him?
2373
02:24:01,634 --> 02:24:04,678
Just as we figured,
he went to the ruling party HQ.
2374
02:24:04,720 --> 02:24:06,472
-(ALL CHUCKLING)
Are you serious?
2375
02:24:06,555 --> 02:24:08,265
Hmm, what's wrong? Hey!
2376
02:24:08,682 --> 02:24:12,227
-Are you crying?
-(CLEARS THROAT) Yeah, sure. Get real.
2377
02:24:12,269 --> 02:24:14,438
Well, how did everything go on your end?
2378
02:24:14,521 --> 02:24:16,690
It seems like Yakushima's given in.
2379
02:24:16,732 --> 02:24:18,150
He's cooperating with them.
2380
02:24:18,233 --> 02:24:20,319
That's a typical ex-military fellow for you.
2381
02:24:20,402 --> 02:24:24,073
I'll bet the prosecution's gonna get
the hero treatment because of this.
2382
02:24:24,156 --> 02:24:25,449
BATOU: You got that right.
2383
02:24:26,116 --> 02:24:27,534
And you're all OK with this?
2384
02:24:27,576 --> 02:24:29,745
I mean, don't you think the credit
for tracking him down...
2385
02:24:29,787 --> 02:24:33,165
"Should go to us here at Section 9?"
That's what you wanna say?
2386
02:24:33,707 --> 02:24:36,669
(CHUCKLES) Well, it ain't like
we don't feel the same way.
2387
02:24:36,752 --> 02:24:39,880
However, this is the way the old man
had it set up the whole time.
2388
02:24:39,922 --> 02:24:41,548
So, we're rolling with it.
2389
02:24:41,590 --> 02:24:43,384
-Set up?
-Yeah.
2390
02:24:44,468 --> 02:24:47,554
When it dawned on the old ape that
the Prime Minister was going to avoid
2391
02:24:47,596 --> 02:24:51,016
a Secretary-General shake-up
before the elections took place,
2392
02:24:51,100 --> 02:24:55,187
he made a hell of a bold decision
to make Section 9 out as the bad guys.
2393
02:24:55,604 --> 02:24:58,148
Right when the Major was disguised
as the Laughing Man
2394
02:24:58,232 --> 02:25:00,275
finagling the truth out of Serano,
2395
02:25:00,317 --> 02:25:02,778
Section 9's existence
was leaked to the media.
2396
02:25:02,861 --> 02:25:06,657
That made it impossible for us to do
our thing secretly like before.
2397
02:25:06,740 --> 02:25:08,117
So the Chief cooked up a scheme.
2398
02:25:08,158 --> 02:25:09,410
He'd make a deal with the PM,
2399
02:25:09,451 --> 02:25:11,995
and force the Public Prosecutors Office
to take action.
2400
02:25:12,079 --> 02:25:14,123
He pretended to sacrifice Section 9.
2401
02:25:14,748 --> 02:25:16,625
"Sacrifice Section 9."
2402
02:25:18,335 --> 02:25:19,503
Even if that's the case,
2403
02:25:19,586 --> 02:25:22,548
have you any idea what it was like for me
these past three months?
2404
02:25:22,631 --> 02:25:24,925
I had no way of knowing
what had happened to you guys.
2405
02:25:24,967 --> 02:25:29,096
Hey, don't take it so hard.
Think of it as an extended vacation.
2406
02:25:29,138 --> 02:25:32,641
It's not as if we were filled in on the details
of this little op beforehand, either.
2407
02:25:33,142 --> 02:25:35,227
The Chief was confident
that we would survive,
2408
02:25:35,310 --> 02:25:37,020
then find each other and regroup,
2409
02:25:37,104 --> 02:25:40,023
which is why he made the tough decision
to go ahead with his plan.
2410
02:25:40,691 --> 02:25:43,694
Hell, your arrest and confinement
was a way to protect you.
2411
02:25:43,777 --> 02:25:45,654
The Chief had kept you alive and safe
2412
02:25:45,738 --> 02:25:48,657
by getting you clear of
the Section 9 clean-up operation.
2413
02:25:49,241 --> 02:25:53,579
For one thing, your body's totally natural
and you'd just gotten out of the hospital.
2414
02:25:53,662 --> 02:25:55,456
Not to mention that you're a married man,
2415
02:25:55,497 --> 02:25:58,542
fudging data would be hard,
so he kept you out of the loop till it was safe.
2416
02:25:59,168 --> 02:26:00,753
Don't be too offended.
2417
02:26:00,836 --> 02:26:04,173
According to the records, I'm a convict
spending the rest of my days up the river.
2418
02:26:04,673 --> 02:26:06,425
More profit, less honour.
2419
02:26:06,508 --> 02:26:09,052
Meaning that we're once again
an offensive organisation,
2420
02:26:09,136 --> 02:26:11,972
which doesn't officially exist, of course.
2421
02:26:12,014 --> 02:26:13,849
That's what this was all about?
2422
02:26:14,767 --> 02:26:16,643
Uh, but, hey, GUYS,
2423
02:26:16,685 --> 02:26:18,979
the Major, what happened to her?
2424
02:26:19,021 --> 02:26:22,608
Hmm. Who cares?
I don't give a rat's ass about that bitch.
2425
02:26:25,402 --> 02:26:27,029
(LAUGHTER)
2426
02:26:29,156 --> 02:26:32,576
Batou, that reminds me, weren't you
bawling your eyes out a few months ago?
2427
02:26:32,659 --> 02:26:34,870
-Oh, screw you.
-Oh, really?
2428
02:26:34,953 --> 02:26:38,290
In that case, what do you say I grab
the satellite footage from the scene?
2429
02:26:38,373 --> 02:26:40,667
Yeah. And you ought to
send it to the Major, too.
2430
02:26:40,709 --> 02:26:43,587
-All right, cut it out!
-"Motoko!" Right?
2431
02:26:43,670 --> 02:26:45,047
-You bastard!
-(BOTH GRUNT)
2432
02:26:45,088 --> 02:26:47,132
-I told you to stop, damn it!
-(LAUGHTER)
2433
02:26:47,216 --> 02:26:48,884
Take it back! (GRUNTING)
2434
02:26:48,967 --> 02:26:49,968
ISHIKAWA: I give, I give.
2435
02:26:55,557 --> 02:26:57,351
Seems like it's over.
2436
02:26:58,393 --> 02:26:59,478
Hmm.
2437
02:26:59,728 --> 02:27:02,105
The rest can be left to the Attorney General.
2438
02:27:02,189 --> 02:27:03,732
My work here is done.
2439
02:27:04,566 --> 02:27:08,570
The Public Prosecutors Office will be able
to hold their heads high, thanks to this.
2440
02:27:08,654 --> 02:27:11,198
But now that it's all behind us,
what remains for you?
2441
02:27:11,573 --> 02:27:15,452
From my part, I'm just gratified
that I was able to see justice served.
2442
02:27:15,911 --> 02:27:17,955
-And that's enough for me.
-Hmm.
2443
02:27:20,290 --> 02:27:22,209
So, what are your current plans?
2444
02:27:23,418 --> 02:27:27,172
You can't keep on playing war
with tanks and weapons forever, you know.
2445
02:27:27,965 --> 02:27:29,591
Why not join up with us?
2446
02:27:30,676 --> 02:27:34,054
I've always thought you were
better suited for the judicial world.
2447
02:27:34,096 --> 02:27:35,973
Well, I'm not so sure.
2448
02:27:36,056 --> 02:27:39,017
Section 9 wasn't finished
by this trivial matter.
2449
02:27:39,643 --> 02:27:41,770
I intend to rebuild my unit.
2450
02:27:41,854 --> 02:27:44,731
In fact, I'm on my way to scout
a prospective member.
2451
02:27:44,773 --> 02:27:45,774
Oh.
2452
02:28:22,519 --> 02:28:23,562
MAJOR: Now I get it.
2453
02:28:25,314 --> 02:28:28,525
Hah! You really aren't
the Laughing Man, that's for sure.
2454
02:28:45,834 --> 02:28:47,252
(MACHINE WHIRRING)
2455
02:29:10,442 --> 02:29:11,777
MAN: Welcome.
2456
02:29:11,860 --> 02:29:13,362
You took longer than I expected.
2457
02:29:14,071 --> 02:29:15,364
MAJOR: Don't give me that.
2458
02:29:16,031 --> 02:29:18,200
You didn't even send me an invitation.
2459
02:29:18,283 --> 02:29:21,954
"If you stay right where you are,
eventually the world will come to you."
2460
02:29:22,371 --> 02:29:24,539
I believe it was Doisneau who said that.
2461
02:29:24,623 --> 02:29:25,707
Yes.
2462
02:29:25,791 --> 02:29:29,044
I had a lot of time to think
about what should be done with you.
2463
02:29:29,086 --> 02:29:31,546
Wasn't much else to do
while I was floating around.
2464
02:29:31,588 --> 02:29:33,715
Speaking of which,
I thought you might have decided
2465
02:29:33,757 --> 02:29:35,467
to keep on floating like that.
2466
02:29:35,717 --> 02:29:36,927
I was afraid that you were going to die.
2467
02:29:37,010 --> 02:29:39,429
I'm not ready to bid life farewell just yet.
2468
02:29:39,513 --> 02:29:42,057
Though I did have an interesting
little near-death experience
2469
02:29:42,099 --> 02:29:43,850
during this recent business,
2470
02:29:43,892 --> 02:29:46,561
when my fully-remote cyberbrain
was blown off.
2471
02:29:47,354 --> 02:29:51,900
Your brand new body was destroyed, but
you still haven't done a prosthetic swap out.
2472
02:29:55,487 --> 02:29:56,905
MAJOR: You've got a sharp eye.
2473
02:29:57,489 --> 02:29:59,032
Well, peeking is my hobby.
2474
02:30:00,075 --> 02:30:03,495
So, what's the deal? Meaning, what is this?
2475
02:30:03,870 --> 02:30:06,081
Some kind of information graveyard?
2476
02:30:06,164 --> 02:30:09,584
Did you seriously think you could
somehow change the world from here?
2477
02:30:10,252 --> 02:30:11,920
Yeah. Sort of, at first.
2478
02:30:12,337 --> 02:30:15,048
Hmm. How do you feel about it now?
2479
02:30:15,507 --> 02:30:17,926
I'm not blazing with satisfaction or anything.
2480
02:30:18,927 --> 02:30:23,306
But the truth is, it all ended for me
the instant I shared my memories with you.
2481
02:30:23,390 --> 02:30:25,058
At that point, my work was done.
2482
02:30:25,559 --> 02:30:28,353
I figured that you'd probably
be able to run with it from there.
2483
02:30:28,770 --> 02:30:31,690
Is that so?
You're a hell of a liar, kid.
2484
02:30:31,773 --> 02:30:33,984
I clearly recall you didn't want me involved.
2485
02:30:34,276 --> 02:30:35,444
I'm sorry.
2486
02:30:35,485 --> 02:30:39,448
But the minute you share and synchronise all
your information, you lose your uniqueness,
2487
02:30:39,531 --> 02:30:43,952
and become absorbed into the unconscious
malice of a third party that has no motive.
2488
02:30:43,994 --> 02:30:46,997
Or perhaps into the will of someone
who does have one.
2489
02:30:49,207 --> 02:30:50,333
Are those your words
2490
02:30:50,417 --> 02:30:52,919
based on what you've acquired
from a hard-earned experience?
2491
02:30:52,961 --> 02:30:53,962
Yes.
2492
02:30:54,046 --> 02:30:58,258
Because the fact is, you yourself played the
role of a Laughing Man copycat as well.
2493
02:30:58,300 --> 02:31:01,178
Well, I have to admit,
it was a fascinating phenomenon.
2494
02:31:01,803 --> 02:31:03,764
At any rate, what was your underlying reason
2495
02:31:03,805 --> 02:31:06,516
for orchestrating such a huge event
in the first place?
2496
02:31:07,184 --> 02:31:09,811
"To you everything that's happening
in the world appears phoney,
2497
02:31:09,895 --> 02:31:12,064
"to be something other than what it is, right?"
2498
02:31:13,315 --> 02:31:14,775
J.D. Salinger?
2499
02:31:15,233 --> 02:31:16,318
Yes.
2500
02:31:18,070 --> 02:31:21,907
And when it comes to cyberisation,
I'm pretty much the perfect poster boy.
2501
02:31:22,699 --> 02:31:25,202
(OVER COMMS) So, you'd think,
at the very least, I would have felt terrified
2502
02:31:25,285 --> 02:31:27,996
at the thought of contracting
cyberbrain sclerosis.
2503
02:31:28,747 --> 02:31:30,207
I'll tell you.
2504
02:31:30,290 --> 02:31:34,503
It was a simple piece of mail I stumbled
across in the Net that began this whole thing.
2505
02:31:36,797 --> 02:31:38,673
What I'd found was a blackmail document
2506
02:31:38,715 --> 02:31:41,676
that had probably been sent
to Serano Genomics.
2507
02:31:41,718 --> 02:31:45,138
It was armed with a thesis that was
a comparative study of the inadequacy
2508
02:31:45,180 --> 02:31:49,142
of Serano micromachines versus
the effectiveness of the Murai Vaccine.
2509
02:31:50,143 --> 02:31:53,146
Then the original Laughing Man
was the person who authored it?
2510
02:31:53,730 --> 02:31:56,108
You could say that, I suppose.
2511
02:31:56,191 --> 02:31:58,360
"I am the machine that reveals
the world to you
2512
02:31:58,401 --> 02:32:00,153
"as only I alone am able to see it."
2513
02:32:00,529 --> 02:32:03,365
Dziga Vertov.
He was a Russian filmmaker, wasn't he?
2514
02:32:03,448 --> 02:32:04,533
Yes.
2515
02:32:04,574 --> 02:32:07,369
I was kidding myself by thinking
it was my personal mission
2516
02:32:07,452 --> 02:32:11,331
to prove and circulate that information,
vital data I alone had discovered.
2517
02:32:11,832 --> 02:32:13,875
Failing spectacularly.
2518
02:32:13,959 --> 02:32:17,879
The pure, innocent mediator grew dejected
at the base nature of the social system,
2519
02:32:17,963 --> 02:32:19,131
and he turned mute.
2520
02:32:19,214 --> 02:32:23,218
Yes. It was because of that
I became the vanishing mediator.
2521
02:32:23,301 --> 02:32:26,388
Just like an author whose existence
is emphasised by the fact
2522
02:32:26,471 --> 02:32:29,516
that he rarely puts out
any new works for publication.
2523
02:32:29,558 --> 02:32:31,434
"In other words, by disappearing,
2524
02:32:31,518 --> 02:32:35,147
"it acts as a regulating medium
for the dynamism of the social system."
2525
02:32:35,230 --> 02:32:37,941
"Per sociological theory,
it ultimately vanishes,
2526
02:32:38,024 --> 02:32:41,486
"leaving no trace of its presence
inside or outside the system."
2527
02:32:41,820 --> 02:32:43,446
Fredric Jameson, I believe.
2528
02:32:44,114 --> 02:32:45,740
Yes. But no.
2529
02:32:46,241 --> 02:32:48,243
The latter was Masachi Osawa.
2530
02:32:48,326 --> 02:32:50,245
Even though I was familiar with the words,
2531
02:32:50,328 --> 02:32:52,914
I didn't believe it
until I saw it with my own eyes.
2532
02:32:52,998 --> 02:32:56,918
Who knew that copies could still be produced
despite the absence of an original?
2533
02:32:57,627 --> 02:33:00,505
If you had to give a name to this
phenomenon, what would you label it?
2534
02:33:02,090 --> 02:33:04,009
It would be Stand Alone Complex.
2535
02:33:04,384 --> 02:33:06,970
Right. Yes. The Stand Alone Complex.
2536
02:33:07,721 --> 02:33:10,557
From the start, the very nature
of our current social system
2537
02:33:10,599 --> 02:33:14,144
has contained the mechanisms
to trigger such an amazing occurrence.
2538
02:33:14,603 --> 02:33:18,481
Personally, however, I feel this marks
the beginning of a new era of despair.
2539
02:33:19,024 --> 02:33:20,108
What's your opinion?
2540
02:33:20,483 --> 02:33:23,195
I don't know. It's impossible for me to say.
2541
02:33:24,070 --> 02:33:27,449
Although I have found one thing
capable of restoring your individuality
2542
02:33:27,532 --> 02:33:29,618
after all your information
has been synchronised.
2543
02:33:30,577 --> 02:33:32,120
Oh, really? And what's that?
2544
02:33:37,042 --> 02:33:38,877
MAJOR: Everyday human curiosity.
2545
02:33:39,502 --> 02:33:41,129
Oh, you're right.
2546
02:33:41,796 --> 02:33:44,549
You know, that's something
that never occurred to me.
2547
02:33:44,633 --> 02:33:46,885
I think my brain has already
started to harden.
2548
02:33:48,803 --> 02:33:50,639
(SIGHS) OK, what's going
to happen to me now?
2549
02:33:50,722 --> 02:33:52,265
Will I be arrested for kidnapping?
2550
02:33:52,307 --> 02:33:55,977
Or for inciting multiple,
simultaneous terrorist acts?
2551
02:33:56,019 --> 02:33:57,604
Hey, don't ask me.
2552
02:33:57,646 --> 02:33:59,856
That little matter is completely
at his discretion.
2553
02:34:00,857 --> 02:34:02,609
Why not ask him yourself?
2554
02:34:03,735 --> 02:34:05,403
I've been listening in for a while now.
2555
02:34:05,987 --> 02:34:09,407
But without an external memory device,
I couldn't keep up with you two.
2556
02:34:10,450 --> 02:34:13,245
Have you read every single book
in here, young man?
2557
02:34:13,328 --> 02:34:14,329
Not every book.
2558
02:34:15,413 --> 02:34:16,831
Let me introduce you.
2559
02:34:16,873 --> 02:34:20,502
This is Daisuke Aramaki. He's my boss.
The Chief of Section 9.
2560
02:34:21,253 --> 02:34:22,462
I'm very pleased to meet you.
2561
02:34:24,047 --> 02:34:27,592
Do you actually plan to continue
with this dull, futureless occupation
2562
02:34:27,676 --> 02:34:29,719
of preserving obsolete printed materials
2563
02:34:29,803 --> 02:34:32,430
that nowadays are only published
out of force of habit?
2564
02:34:33,556 --> 02:34:35,892
Yes. If I'm allowed to, then I will.
2565
02:34:35,976 --> 02:34:38,979
ARAMAKI: As far as this case is concerned,
it will probably be concluded
2566
02:34:39,020 --> 02:34:42,065
that the original Laughing Man
never officially existed.
2567
02:34:43,024 --> 02:34:45,986
So I have an offer to make. It's this.
2568
02:34:46,027 --> 02:34:48,113
Do you want to put your hacker skills
to good use
2569
02:34:48,196 --> 02:34:51,491
and join up with Section 9
as our ninth regular team player?
2570
02:34:54,119 --> 02:34:57,080
Wow! I'm surprised.
You came here to recruit me.
2571
02:34:57,706 --> 02:34:58,707
That's right.
2572
02:34:59,708 --> 02:35:01,376
Man, I'm speechless.
2573
02:35:01,960 --> 02:35:06,214
It does sound like it would be interesting,
but I'm gonna have to pass.
2574
02:35:07,132 --> 02:35:10,010
Cos, as much as I hate to say it,
I'm not a team player.
2575
02:35:11,386 --> 02:35:12,387
MAJOR: Hmm.
2576
02:35:19,728 --> 02:35:21,980
Well, the kid shot you down. Now what?
2577
02:35:22,564 --> 02:35:23,606
Not a thing.
2578
02:35:24,316 --> 02:35:27,360
Section 9 will resume work
as an anti-crime unit.
2579
02:35:27,402 --> 02:35:30,822
It will remain that way
for as long as you and I want it to.
2580
02:35:30,905 --> 02:35:31,990
That's all, Major.
2581
02:35:54,763 --> 02:35:57,932
ARAMAKI: (OVER COMMS) Major!
Assemble the team with an A-2 loadout!
2582
02:35:59,100 --> 02:36:00,602
MAJOR: Batou, you copy that?
2583
02:36:04,356 --> 02:36:05,607
BATOU: You need a lift?
2584
02:36:08,651 --> 02:36:09,652
MAJOR: Togusa!
2585
02:36:11,780 --> 02:36:13,448
TOGUSA: I'm already on my way.
2586
02:36:13,531 --> 02:36:14,824
MAJOR: lshikawa! Saito!
2587
02:36:14,949 --> 02:36:16,785
SAITO: I'll go separately
and meet up with you.
2588
02:36:21,206 --> 02:36:22,499
ISHIKAWA: Ready on my end.
2589
02:36:23,833 --> 02:36:25,460
MAJOR: Paz! Borma!
2590
02:36:25,543 --> 02:36:28,797
PAZ: Just give the word.
BORMA: We gotta get lucky sometime.