Ship of Theseus (2020) s01e04 Episode Script
Episode 4
1
The indiscriminate Otousu Elementary School case in 1989.
The orange juice believed to be poisoned with potassium cyanide killed 21 people.
My father, Sano Bungo was arrested.
During the time slip to the past, I realized he was innocent and pursued the real culprit.
But the culprit found my notebook filled
with details of the incident.
I had to tell my father the truth
in order to prevent the incident.
On March 12th, 21 people will be killed at Otousu Elementary school.
Who's the culprit?
It's you, Sano-san.
How dare you joke about me being a murderer?!
Dad was mad upon the revelation but he asked me to fight together.
But the time slip happened again
and I'm back in the present.
Only to find out my mother
and brother had passed away.
Why did they?
Is it because of me
returning to the past
and somehow turned
the future for the worst?
Look forward to the future together with this child and live.
What happened to Miku?
Miku!
February 18th, 2020 (Reiwa)
Miku! Miku!
Alright, it's okay
It's completely different.
It's really my room.
But both Yuki and Miku aren't here.
If the future has changed, then
Yuki
Yuki might be alive.
Yuki
Looking for someone at my house?
Yuki
Yuki!
Yuki, thank goodness!
What are you doing?!
Huh?
Oh!
You
Are you Tamura-san?
Death row prisoner
Sano Bungo's son, Tamura Shin-san.
I'm a journalist for a weekly paper.
My name's Kishida.
You must have read the article about the Otousu Elementary incident that I wrote, right?
I don't know about that.
Sano has maintained his innocence
since the death sentence.
Anything to say about that?
Some of the victims are still
suffering from the aftermath
and yet there's no apology or explanation.
As a family member, what do you think?
Isn't it irresponsible?
The case is still not over for
the victims and bereaved
Please stop!
There's nothing more
to say about it.
The altered future that awaits me
is the worst kind.
My family.
Get a grip, Papa.
Again, my most precious person
disappeared from this world.
I still can't grasp the fact that you're my son.
For my family.
1! 2! 3!
Dad
Do you remember me?
Shin-san
Can I call you
'Dad'?
I've left you alone
all this time.
I'm sorry.
Sorry.
I've been waiting.
I've been looking forward to see you again.
Dad, you okay?
Yeah, sorry. Can I sit?
After you disappeared
we looked for you at the village.
I thought you returned to the future
but of course I couldn't say it.
Right after that
Kanemaru-san died.
What?
His body was found at the valley of Mt Otousu.
His death was deemed an accident during investigation.
But he told me this.
He said he was going to find crucial evidence to prove my innocence.
So he was killed
by the real culprit?
I was hosnestly terrified after that.
Everything you said seemed to be coming true.
So I tried to make them cancel
the party numerous times.
But you failed?
Yeah.
I couldn't do anything and the day finally came.
I told Suzu and Shingo to stay home.
Early morning, I looked around the school.
The culprit might as well be someone in the village I know very well.
Good morning.
Good morning.
What are you doing?!
Don't drink anything other than tap water.
I got rid of all the prepared drinks.
I told everyone to drink only tap water.
Bun-chan, what are you doing?
But in the end
the incident still occured.
Potassium cyanide was found in the hatto soup prepared at the event.
Hatto soup?
The culprit saw my notebook and changed the tactic.
Then, they found potassium cyanide at my house.
It's my fault.
I kept doing unnecessary stuffs!
I couldn't save you.
Not even Mum and brother.
You did nothing wrong.
In fact, you're the only one
who believed I'm innocent.
I was able to keep going because of you.
I will definitely
prove your innocence.
I'm
done.
What?
I'm not pursuing a retrial.
Why not?
The lawyer told me.
As long as there is no new evidence or testimony strong enough to flip the case
it's impossible for a retrial.
What are you talking about?
Don't give up.
The other day
Suzu visited for the first time.
Sister?
She's going to give birth very soon.
I see.
She was asking about you.
I got her address since she's staying in Tokyo.
Go meet her.
Okay.
But
Suzu has finally
found a way to live her own life.
So
It's almost time.
Yes.
Anyway
I hope you can cherish and
live your own life as well.
That's my greatest wish.
I won't give up.
Glad I'm able to meet you before I go.
As long as you're okay, you can do anything.
1 2 3
Dad
Tokyo
It should be around here.
Shin?
Right?
It's really you.
I've wanted to meet you.
I'm sorry.
I left you alone at the orphanage.
I've wanted to apologize.
Sister?
You've grown so big.
You're really my sister?
Listen
I did some plastic surgery.
Changed my name too.
I'm Murata Ai now.
What?
Sorry, I need to head home.
My husband's coming back soon.
Wait, let's exchange numbers.
Yeah.
Here.
What kind of person is your husband?
Listen Shin
I feel like I've seen these two somewhere.
Ai, who is he?
Uh
He's my little brother.
He's nearby for an errand
and I ran into him.
You have a brother?
Never heard you mention him.
We don't really interact much.
He's my husband, Kimura Mikio and his mother.
I'm Shin. Nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you.
I'm Kimura Satsuki.
Have we met somewhere before?
Kimura Satsuki is she the one from the school?
No, I don't think we've met.
Ai, how about inviting him over?
Yeah, how about some tea?
But you need to rush, right?
Yeah.
-That's too bad.
Then let's give him some sweet potato.
Yes, of course.
I made too many yesterday,
we can't finish by ourselves.
Thanks.
Then, I'll drop by.
Ai-san, I'll borrow your kitchen for a bit.
-Okay.
Shin-san, stay longer for your next visit.
Okay, Ai?
Yeah.
I ended up in a wheel chair due to an incident when I was younger.
Then I met Ai at the rehab center.
She encouraged me a lot.
For the first time, I thought my life is not unfortunate.
It's thanks to her that I'm still alive today.
Excuse me, it's work.
Feel free to use that room.
Hello?
Leave now, Shin.
What?
You can't get involved any further.
Just come up with a
reason and leave now.
Hello?
You hear me, Shin?
This
It's sister.and Satsuki sensei too.
Why is this picture here?
Shin-san
Do you know the Otousu Elementary case
that happened in 1989?
I was involved in the incident and nearly died.
This is me.
Thanks, Kato Mikio-kun.
You know my name?
He's Kato Mikio from that time?
The culprit is Sano Bungo, a cop in the village.
He put potassium cyanide into the dish at the event.
As a result, I suffered lower body paralysis.
By the way, this is my mother.
I didn't have any relative so after the incident, she adopted and raised me.
Sano Bungo can never be forgiven.
Mikio's freedom and life were robbed.
Yet, Sano's still alive now.
He should be punished as soon as possible.
Ship of Theseus
Kimura-san doesn't know you're actually Sano Suzu?
He
doesn't know about my true identity.
I changed my name and face by
the time I worked as a caregiver.
Met him by coincidence.
As I watched him cry during the rehab
it made me think someone's still suffering
because of Dad's fault.
After a while
he asked me to stay with him forever.
I couldn't turn him down.
The only thing I can do is to make up for it.
Make up?
So you became his family just to
make up for what happened?
You don't love him?
Are you okay with that?
I'm fine with this.
Nobody's pointing me from behind or chased by reporters.
I can live calmly as someone unrelated to that incident.
That's no way to live.
You shouldn't drive yourself to a corner.
Let's prove Dad's innocence together.
After that, we can live proudly with our own names.
I've decided.
Tamura Suzu doesn't exist anymore.
I'm living a new life as Murata Ai.
That visit to the prison was my last.
I'm not going to meet him again.
-Wait a minute
You too.
This is the last time we're meeting.
Why?
I need to go back.
Glad I met you.
Take care.
Can't believe you brought this kind of story for me.
The culprit Sano Bungo still maintains his innocence and hasn't apologized once.
At this rate, there's no justice for
the victims and bereaved.
We don't need cheap justice.
Weekly magazine is all about sales!
The lawyer told me.
As long as there is no new evidence or testimony strong enough to flip the case
It's impossible for a retrial.
It's been 31 years since the incident.
The village is now abandoned
with nobody staying there.
I've no idea where the villagers are now.
Proving Dad's innocence seems very unlikely.
But giving up is not an option.
A gathering for the Otousu Elementary School victims.
Is this still happening?
Once a year, a gathering is held for the
victims and bereaved.
A gathering where the ones affected by the incident can share opinions.
I might be able to find new
information from the villagers.
But getting access would be tough.
For my precious family.
Glad I'm able to meet you before I go.
Dad
Thanks for waiting.
-Sorry to disturb you.
Sorry for being late.
Don't mention it.
May I take your order?
Coffee and milk tea.
Sure.
How did you know I like milk tea?
Sorry, do you want to order something else?
No, it's okay.
Sorry.
So what did you want to talk about?
Oh, um
Do you know about the Otousu Elementary School gathering?
What?
Oh, yeah.
Is it still ongoing?
I can't find anything online.
Huh?
Don't tell me
You're planning to attend?
I need to talk about my father's false accusation.
That's why I need to find new evidence or testimony.
You still believe in his innocence?
My father is innocent.
The culprit is someone else.
Are you sure?
It's been 31 years since the incident.
Sano Bungo has already been sentenced to death by the Supreme Court.
There wasn't a single evidence or testimony to prove his innocence during the trial.
But there might be someone
who couldn't speak out the truth
during that time.
So if I listen carefully to the
testimony from the villagers
new evidence that can flip the case might appear.
You're planning
to ask the victims for evidence
to prove your father's innocence?
Yes.
All the victims despised the death row prisoner Sano Bungo.
And yet you want them to prove his innocence?
That's just absurd.
21 people were killed. Any comments?
What do you feel as the wife of a murderer?
Sano claimed he's not guilty, what do you think?
I'm prepared for anything.
Thanks for waiting.
I don't get it.
What?
Why do you want to go that far?
The victims and bereaved have done nothing wrong.
They've been living miserably.
So why do you still want
to ask them to help you?
I reunited with my sister recently.
She changed her name.
Even had plastic surgery.
Eh?
She wants a peaceful life, not chased around as a murderer's family.
So she told me
she won't meet me or my father anymore.
I understand her feeling.
I'm in the same position.
I don't have a father.
That's what I think.
But I don't want to run anymore.
I pushed the blame on my father for everything that went wrong with my life.
I've been cursing my father my entire life.
But someone
Someone told me
"I want to try to believe him"
"Since he's your father".
I want to try to believe him.
Because he's your father.
Why did the incident happen?
Is your father really the culprit?
I want to know!
I met him the other day at the Miyagi Prison.
He's been looking forward to meet me.
He believed in me all this time.
So I wanted to try to believe him
without running away again.
For me
He's the only father I have.
Please
Help me.
Since the participants are aging
it's been decided to hold the
gathering for the last time this year.
This might be your last chance.
What?
Outsiders wouldn't know the date or place.
Don't tell anyone you got it from me.
Thank you.
I'm really grateful.
Tamura-san
I'm sure
that person is wonderful.
The person
who told you to believe.
Yes.
She's my most precious person.
Why the milk tea?
Let's prove Dad's innocence together.
After that, we can live proudly
with our own names.
Mikio, let's have lunch.
Oh Ai-san, you're still cutting the cabbage?
We're not rabbits.
We can't finish them all.
Sorry.
On the day of the gathering
please fetch us to the train station by car.
Since it's Sendai as usual
we might return a bit later.
I'm not going.
I have work to do.
Oh, is that so?
Then I'm not going too.
It's the same topic anyway every year.
Expedite Sano Bungo's death sentence.
That's all.
I need to discuss something with you.
Can we meet now? Please!
Shin
What the hell are you thinking?
-But
This is the only way to prove Dad's innocent.
Plus it's the final gathering.
It's our last chance!
Stop, it's too dangerous.
Don't you want to save Dad?
Please let me go.
I won't cause any trouble to you.
Both Kimura-san and his mother won't be going, right?
Nobody knows you're my sister.
The fact that you're Sano's
daughter won't come out.
No, the secret won't hold.
I'll be driven back to the old life
being chased by the media.
That's why if we prove his innocence
It's too late!
I finally found where I belong.
My name too.
Changed my face.
Build a family with a man I don't love.
I finally got a peaceful life.
I beg you, don't destroy it.
I understand but
We're his children and family.
We're the only ones who can save him.
It can't be helped.
That's our family's fate.
Wait, Sis.
It's our last chance.
Are you gonna abandon Dad?
Then why are you forsaking my life?
Don't contact me anymore.
Wait, Sis!
I don't think I'll see you again.
Sorry.
Are you okay?
We used to do it a lot, didn't we?
You can do anything as long as you're fine.
Let's go~
1! 2! 3!
As long as you're living well
that's fine with me.
Dammit.
This is the last time I'm involved in the case.
Sis
Thanks!
I won't cause you any trouble.
Hello! It's been a while!
Hey, are you going to the gathering this year?
Everybody's getting older.
It's the final gathering, right?
Yes
We can't forgive him.
31 years have passed.
Proving his innocence after all this time
Do you know the victim's gathering?
-You're planning to attend?
You want the victims to prove your father's innocent?
My father's innocent. The culprit's someone else.
It's been 31 years since my son died.
My resentment has never disappeared.
I still hope for Sano's sentence to be expedited.
When my son was killed
Scary isn't it?
Yu
Kishida-san
You came?
I've never heard of such a reckless strategy.
Thought I'd regret not witnessing it.
So you're gonna suddenly appear on stage and tell everyone "I'm Sano's son"?
Even if I ask in advance, they'd just refuse.
So might as well just go right in.
The victims and bereaved would make a huge fuss.
Is your sister okay?
She doesn't want to get involved, right?
Actually
my sister's partner is one of the victims.
What?
How does that
Of course, he doesn't know my sister's identity.
But previously
I've met both him and his mother.
If they find out I'm Sano's son
they'd know my sister is
the culprit's daughter too.
I finally found where I belong.
Changed my name and face too.
I finally got a peaceful life.
Isn't that bad?
But I've confirmed both of them aren't coming.
But what if your face gets circulated online, then
My sister's prepared for the outcome
for our father.
So I have to speak out for my sister's sake too.
For the happiness of my father, sister and me.
I have to do this.
Long time no see.
I'm Kimura Satsuki.
Since this is the last time for the gathering
Why is she here?
-Please allow me
to speak here.
What's wrong?
My sister's mother-in-law
isn't suposed to be here.
What?
What are you gonna do?
It's our last chance.
Are you abandoning Dad?
Then why are you forsaking my life?
No
I have to pass.
Destroying her happiness
isn't something I can do.
Hello, Shin?
-Sister?
Listen, Kimura-san's mother is at the gathering.
What?
So this time
I'm not doing it.
They look like jewelry.
Right, Suzu?
Shall we hold hands?
Yes, let's hold our hands.
Let's go~
1! 2! 3!
As long as you're living well, I'm fine with it.
Go, Shin.
What?
Do whatever you can to find anyone
who would prove Dad's innocent.
No, I can't.
What's gonna happen to you?
Just like you said.
If we can prove Dad was falsely accused,
all 3 of us
would be able to laugh again.
So it's up to us
to work towards it this time.
Don't worry about me.
What did she say?
Find someone who would give testimony.
My son who was a child,
an elementary student at the time
is expecting a baby soon.
Because of the incident
he was forced to live miserable life.
That's exactly why
I want him to lead a happy life from now on.
As a mother, that's my only wish.
Thank you.
With that, the gathering would be over soon.
Tamura-san
If we can prove Dad was falsely accused, all 3 of us would be able to laugh again.
I finally found where I belong.
Then why are you forsaking my life?
Looks like Suzu has finally found
a way to live her own life.
I'm not doing it.
What?
My sister has struggled so much and finally found a place of her own.
I don't have the right to take that away.
The person who hurt her the most
was our father.
Wait, Kishida-san?
Please wait a moment!
My name is Kishida, a journalist
from a Real Life Weekly.
Please give me some time.
I've been covering the Otousu Elementary School case all this time.
Why did it happen?
It's still a crucial point that
has not been resolved.
Sano Bungo, the culprit who was given the death sentence
is still maintaining his innocence.
Is he really the perpetrator?
Of course he is!
Stop this bullshit!
Of course he's the killer!
Exactly! What the hell are you doing now?
There are testimonies
about Sano Bungo which never saw the light of day.
"He was a bright and upstanding policeman."
"I can't believe he would harm villagers who had lived together for so long."
Also
"He may have pushed his wife to death
but he was a family man."
There are more.
Can we be absolutely sure
that there are no other truths during the trial?
What is this fool talking about?!
There's still someone
who believes in him and fighting hard for him.
That's nothing to do with us!
Hey you!
Get down from the stage!
Is Sano Bungo
really the culprit?
If there is another real culprit
Shouldn't he and his family
be saved from the nightmarish life they've led?
This is the last gathering
How dare you take advantage of our misery?!
You hyena journalist!
Sir!
Let go of me!
-Do you know what you've done?
I heard
that this gathering is the final one.
So if anyone holds any information who couldn't speak out at the time
Of course there's none!
Please let me know.
Thank you.
Hey, look up!
They were pissed off, big time!
Get a grip, Papa.
Thank you.
Thank you so much.
Thank you.
A few days later
Eh? There's a testimony?
Apparently someone sent a letter to Sano's lawyer.
I don't know the details yet
but it seems to be quite crucial.
Can you come out now?
We need to talk.
What a fool, like a rabbit
you are!
The indiscriminate Otousu Elementary School case in 1989.
The orange juice believed to be poisoned with potassium cyanide killed 21 people.
My father, Sano Bungo was arrested.
During the time slip to the past, I realized he was innocent and pursued the real culprit.
But the culprit found my notebook filled
with details of the incident.
I had to tell my father the truth
in order to prevent the incident.
On March 12th, 21 people will be killed at Otousu Elementary school.
Who's the culprit?
It's you, Sano-san.
How dare you joke about me being a murderer?!
Dad was mad upon the revelation but he asked me to fight together.
But the time slip happened again
and I'm back in the present.
Only to find out my mother
and brother had passed away.
Why did they?
Is it because of me
returning to the past
and somehow turned
the future for the worst?
Look forward to the future together with this child and live.
What happened to Miku?
Miku!
February 18th, 2020 (Reiwa)
Miku! Miku!
Alright, it's okay
It's completely different.
It's really my room.
But both Yuki and Miku aren't here.
If the future has changed, then
Yuki
Yuki might be alive.
Yuki
Looking for someone at my house?
Yuki
Yuki!
Yuki, thank goodness!
What are you doing?!
Huh?
Oh!
You
Are you Tamura-san?
Death row prisoner
Sano Bungo's son, Tamura Shin-san.
I'm a journalist for a weekly paper.
My name's Kishida.
You must have read the article about the Otousu Elementary incident that I wrote, right?
I don't know about that.
Sano has maintained his innocence
since the death sentence.
Anything to say about that?
Some of the victims are still
suffering from the aftermath
and yet there's no apology or explanation.
As a family member, what do you think?
Isn't it irresponsible?
The case is still not over for
the victims and bereaved
Please stop!
There's nothing more
to say about it.
The altered future that awaits me
is the worst kind.
My family.
Get a grip, Papa.
Again, my most precious person
disappeared from this world.
I still can't grasp the fact that you're my son.
For my family.
1! 2! 3!
Dad
Do you remember me?
Shin-san
Can I call you
'Dad'?
I've left you alone
all this time.
I'm sorry.
Sorry.
I've been waiting.
I've been looking forward to see you again.
Dad, you okay?
Yeah, sorry. Can I sit?
After you disappeared
we looked for you at the village.
I thought you returned to the future
but of course I couldn't say it.
Right after that
Kanemaru-san died.
What?
His body was found at the valley of Mt Otousu.
His death was deemed an accident during investigation.
But he told me this.
He said he was going to find crucial evidence to prove my innocence.
So he was killed
by the real culprit?
I was hosnestly terrified after that.
Everything you said seemed to be coming true.
So I tried to make them cancel
the party numerous times.
But you failed?
Yeah.
I couldn't do anything and the day finally came.
I told Suzu and Shingo to stay home.
Early morning, I looked around the school.
The culprit might as well be someone in the village I know very well.
Good morning.
Good morning.
What are you doing?!
Don't drink anything other than tap water.
I got rid of all the prepared drinks.
I told everyone to drink only tap water.
Bun-chan, what are you doing?
But in the end
the incident still occured.
Potassium cyanide was found in the hatto soup prepared at the event.
Hatto soup?
The culprit saw my notebook and changed the tactic.
Then, they found potassium cyanide at my house.
It's my fault.
I kept doing unnecessary stuffs!
I couldn't save you.
Not even Mum and brother.
You did nothing wrong.
In fact, you're the only one
who believed I'm innocent.
I was able to keep going because of you.
I will definitely
prove your innocence.
I'm
done.
What?
I'm not pursuing a retrial.
Why not?
The lawyer told me.
As long as there is no new evidence or testimony strong enough to flip the case
it's impossible for a retrial.
What are you talking about?
Don't give up.
The other day
Suzu visited for the first time.
Sister?
She's going to give birth very soon.
I see.
She was asking about you.
I got her address since she's staying in Tokyo.
Go meet her.
Okay.
But
Suzu has finally
found a way to live her own life.
So
It's almost time.
Yes.
Anyway
I hope you can cherish and
live your own life as well.
That's my greatest wish.
I won't give up.
Glad I'm able to meet you before I go.
As long as you're okay, you can do anything.
1 2 3
Dad
Tokyo
It should be around here.
Shin?
Right?
It's really you.
I've wanted to meet you.
I'm sorry.
I left you alone at the orphanage.
I've wanted to apologize.
Sister?
You've grown so big.
You're really my sister?
Listen
I did some plastic surgery.
Changed my name too.
I'm Murata Ai now.
What?
Sorry, I need to head home.
My husband's coming back soon.
Wait, let's exchange numbers.
Yeah.
Here.
What kind of person is your husband?
Listen Shin
I feel like I've seen these two somewhere.
Ai, who is he?
Uh
He's my little brother.
He's nearby for an errand
and I ran into him.
You have a brother?
Never heard you mention him.
We don't really interact much.
He's my husband, Kimura Mikio and his mother.
I'm Shin. Nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you.
I'm Kimura Satsuki.
Have we met somewhere before?
Kimura Satsuki is she the one from the school?
No, I don't think we've met.
Ai, how about inviting him over?
Yeah, how about some tea?
But you need to rush, right?
Yeah.
-That's too bad.
Then let's give him some sweet potato.
Yes, of course.
I made too many yesterday,
we can't finish by ourselves.
Thanks.
Then, I'll drop by.
Ai-san, I'll borrow your kitchen for a bit.
-Okay.
Shin-san, stay longer for your next visit.
Okay, Ai?
Yeah.
I ended up in a wheel chair due to an incident when I was younger.
Then I met Ai at the rehab center.
She encouraged me a lot.
For the first time, I thought my life is not unfortunate.
It's thanks to her that I'm still alive today.
Excuse me, it's work.
Feel free to use that room.
Hello?
Leave now, Shin.
What?
You can't get involved any further.
Just come up with a
reason and leave now.
Hello?
You hear me, Shin?
This
It's sister.and Satsuki sensei too.
Why is this picture here?
Shin-san
Do you know the Otousu Elementary case
that happened in 1989?
I was involved in the incident and nearly died.
This is me.
Thanks, Kato Mikio-kun.
You know my name?
He's Kato Mikio from that time?
The culprit is Sano Bungo, a cop in the village.
He put potassium cyanide into the dish at the event.
As a result, I suffered lower body paralysis.
By the way, this is my mother.
I didn't have any relative so after the incident, she adopted and raised me.
Sano Bungo can never be forgiven.
Mikio's freedom and life were robbed.
Yet, Sano's still alive now.
He should be punished as soon as possible.
Ship of Theseus
Kimura-san doesn't know you're actually Sano Suzu?
He
doesn't know about my true identity.
I changed my name and face by
the time I worked as a caregiver.
Met him by coincidence.
As I watched him cry during the rehab
it made me think someone's still suffering
because of Dad's fault.
After a while
he asked me to stay with him forever.
I couldn't turn him down.
The only thing I can do is to make up for it.
Make up?
So you became his family just to
make up for what happened?
You don't love him?
Are you okay with that?
I'm fine with this.
Nobody's pointing me from behind or chased by reporters.
I can live calmly as someone unrelated to that incident.
That's no way to live.
You shouldn't drive yourself to a corner.
Let's prove Dad's innocence together.
After that, we can live proudly with our own names.
I've decided.
Tamura Suzu doesn't exist anymore.
I'm living a new life as Murata Ai.
That visit to the prison was my last.
I'm not going to meet him again.
-Wait a minute
You too.
This is the last time we're meeting.
Why?
I need to go back.
Glad I met you.
Take care.
Can't believe you brought this kind of story for me.
The culprit Sano Bungo still maintains his innocence and hasn't apologized once.
At this rate, there's no justice for
the victims and bereaved.
We don't need cheap justice.
Weekly magazine is all about sales!
The lawyer told me.
As long as there is no new evidence or testimony strong enough to flip the case
It's impossible for a retrial.
It's been 31 years since the incident.
The village is now abandoned
with nobody staying there.
I've no idea where the villagers are now.
Proving Dad's innocence seems very unlikely.
But giving up is not an option.
A gathering for the Otousu Elementary School victims.
Is this still happening?
Once a year, a gathering is held for the
victims and bereaved.
A gathering where the ones affected by the incident can share opinions.
I might be able to find new
information from the villagers.
But getting access would be tough.
For my precious family.
Glad I'm able to meet you before I go.
Dad
Thanks for waiting.
-Sorry to disturb you.
Sorry for being late.
Don't mention it.
May I take your order?
Coffee and milk tea.
Sure.
How did you know I like milk tea?
Sorry, do you want to order something else?
No, it's okay.
Sorry.
So what did you want to talk about?
Oh, um
Do you know about the Otousu Elementary School gathering?
What?
Oh, yeah.
Is it still ongoing?
I can't find anything online.
Huh?
Don't tell me
You're planning to attend?
I need to talk about my father's false accusation.
That's why I need to find new evidence or testimony.
You still believe in his innocence?
My father is innocent.
The culprit is someone else.
Are you sure?
It's been 31 years since the incident.
Sano Bungo has already been sentenced to death by the Supreme Court.
There wasn't a single evidence or testimony to prove his innocence during the trial.
But there might be someone
who couldn't speak out the truth
during that time.
So if I listen carefully to the
testimony from the villagers
new evidence that can flip the case might appear.
You're planning
to ask the victims for evidence
to prove your father's innocence?
Yes.
All the victims despised the death row prisoner Sano Bungo.
And yet you want them to prove his innocence?
That's just absurd.
21 people were killed. Any comments?
What do you feel as the wife of a murderer?
Sano claimed he's not guilty, what do you think?
I'm prepared for anything.
Thanks for waiting.
I don't get it.
What?
Why do you want to go that far?
The victims and bereaved have done nothing wrong.
They've been living miserably.
So why do you still want
to ask them to help you?
I reunited with my sister recently.
She changed her name.
Even had plastic surgery.
Eh?
She wants a peaceful life, not chased around as a murderer's family.
So she told me
she won't meet me or my father anymore.
I understand her feeling.
I'm in the same position.
I don't have a father.
That's what I think.
But I don't want to run anymore.
I pushed the blame on my father for everything that went wrong with my life.
I've been cursing my father my entire life.
But someone
Someone told me
"I want to try to believe him"
"Since he's your father".
I want to try to believe him.
Because he's your father.
Why did the incident happen?
Is your father really the culprit?
I want to know!
I met him the other day at the Miyagi Prison.
He's been looking forward to meet me.
He believed in me all this time.
So I wanted to try to believe him
without running away again.
For me
He's the only father I have.
Please
Help me.
Since the participants are aging
it's been decided to hold the
gathering for the last time this year.
This might be your last chance.
What?
Outsiders wouldn't know the date or place.
Don't tell anyone you got it from me.
Thank you.
I'm really grateful.
Tamura-san
I'm sure
that person is wonderful.
The person
who told you to believe.
Yes.
She's my most precious person.
Why the milk tea?
Let's prove Dad's innocence together.
After that, we can live proudly
with our own names.
Mikio, let's have lunch.
Oh Ai-san, you're still cutting the cabbage?
We're not rabbits.
We can't finish them all.
Sorry.
On the day of the gathering
please fetch us to the train station by car.
Since it's Sendai as usual
we might return a bit later.
I'm not going.
I have work to do.
Oh, is that so?
Then I'm not going too.
It's the same topic anyway every year.
Expedite Sano Bungo's death sentence.
That's all.
I need to discuss something with you.
Can we meet now? Please!
Shin
What the hell are you thinking?
-But
This is the only way to prove Dad's innocent.
Plus it's the final gathering.
It's our last chance!
Stop, it's too dangerous.
Don't you want to save Dad?
Please let me go.
I won't cause any trouble to you.
Both Kimura-san and his mother won't be going, right?
Nobody knows you're my sister.
The fact that you're Sano's
daughter won't come out.
No, the secret won't hold.
I'll be driven back to the old life
being chased by the media.
That's why if we prove his innocence
It's too late!
I finally found where I belong.
My name too.
Changed my face.
Build a family with a man I don't love.
I finally got a peaceful life.
I beg you, don't destroy it.
I understand but
We're his children and family.
We're the only ones who can save him.
It can't be helped.
That's our family's fate.
Wait, Sis.
It's our last chance.
Are you gonna abandon Dad?
Then why are you forsaking my life?
Don't contact me anymore.
Wait, Sis!
I don't think I'll see you again.
Sorry.
Are you okay?
We used to do it a lot, didn't we?
You can do anything as long as you're fine.
Let's go~
1! 2! 3!
As long as you're living well
that's fine with me.
Dammit.
This is the last time I'm involved in the case.
Sis
Thanks!
I won't cause you any trouble.
Hello! It's been a while!
Hey, are you going to the gathering this year?
Everybody's getting older.
It's the final gathering, right?
Yes
We can't forgive him.
31 years have passed.
Proving his innocence after all this time
Do you know the victim's gathering?
-You're planning to attend?
You want the victims to prove your father's innocent?
My father's innocent. The culprit's someone else.
It's been 31 years since my son died.
My resentment has never disappeared.
I still hope for Sano's sentence to be expedited.
When my son was killed
Scary isn't it?
Yu
Kishida-san
You came?
I've never heard of such a reckless strategy.
Thought I'd regret not witnessing it.
So you're gonna suddenly appear on stage and tell everyone "I'm Sano's son"?
Even if I ask in advance, they'd just refuse.
So might as well just go right in.
The victims and bereaved would make a huge fuss.
Is your sister okay?
She doesn't want to get involved, right?
Actually
my sister's partner is one of the victims.
What?
How does that
Of course, he doesn't know my sister's identity.
But previously
I've met both him and his mother.
If they find out I'm Sano's son
they'd know my sister is
the culprit's daughter too.
I finally found where I belong.
Changed my name and face too.
I finally got a peaceful life.
Isn't that bad?
But I've confirmed both of them aren't coming.
But what if your face gets circulated online, then
My sister's prepared for the outcome
for our father.
So I have to speak out for my sister's sake too.
For the happiness of my father, sister and me.
I have to do this.
Long time no see.
I'm Kimura Satsuki.
Since this is the last time for the gathering
Why is she here?
-Please allow me
to speak here.
What's wrong?
My sister's mother-in-law
isn't suposed to be here.
What?
What are you gonna do?
It's our last chance.
Are you abandoning Dad?
Then why are you forsaking my life?
No
I have to pass.
Destroying her happiness
isn't something I can do.
Hello, Shin?
-Sister?
Listen, Kimura-san's mother is at the gathering.
What?
So this time
I'm not doing it.
They look like jewelry.
Right, Suzu?
Shall we hold hands?
Yes, let's hold our hands.
Let's go~
1! 2! 3!
As long as you're living well, I'm fine with it.
Go, Shin.
What?
Do whatever you can to find anyone
who would prove Dad's innocent.
No, I can't.
What's gonna happen to you?
Just like you said.
If we can prove Dad was falsely accused,
all 3 of us
would be able to laugh again.
So it's up to us
to work towards it this time.
Don't worry about me.
What did she say?
Find someone who would give testimony.
My son who was a child,
an elementary student at the time
is expecting a baby soon.
Because of the incident
he was forced to live miserable life.
That's exactly why
I want him to lead a happy life from now on.
As a mother, that's my only wish.
Thank you.
With that, the gathering would be over soon.
Tamura-san
If we can prove Dad was falsely accused, all 3 of us would be able to laugh again.
I finally found where I belong.
Then why are you forsaking my life?
Looks like Suzu has finally found
a way to live her own life.
I'm not doing it.
What?
My sister has struggled so much and finally found a place of her own.
I don't have the right to take that away.
The person who hurt her the most
was our father.
Wait, Kishida-san?
Please wait a moment!
My name is Kishida, a journalist
from a Real Life Weekly.
Please give me some time.
I've been covering the Otousu Elementary School case all this time.
Why did it happen?
It's still a crucial point that
has not been resolved.
Sano Bungo, the culprit who was given the death sentence
is still maintaining his innocence.
Is he really the perpetrator?
Of course he is!
Stop this bullshit!
Of course he's the killer!
Exactly! What the hell are you doing now?
There are testimonies
about Sano Bungo which never saw the light of day.
"He was a bright and upstanding policeman."
"I can't believe he would harm villagers who had lived together for so long."
Also
"He may have pushed his wife to death
but he was a family man."
There are more.
Can we be absolutely sure
that there are no other truths during the trial?
What is this fool talking about?!
There's still someone
who believes in him and fighting hard for him.
That's nothing to do with us!
Hey you!
Get down from the stage!
Is Sano Bungo
really the culprit?
If there is another real culprit
Shouldn't he and his family
be saved from the nightmarish life they've led?
This is the last gathering
How dare you take advantage of our misery?!
You hyena journalist!
Sir!
Let go of me!
-Do you know what you've done?
I heard
that this gathering is the final one.
So if anyone holds any information who couldn't speak out at the time
Of course there's none!
Please let me know.
Thank you.
Hey, look up!
They were pissed off, big time!
Get a grip, Papa.
Thank you.
Thank you so much.
Thank you.
A few days later
Eh? There's a testimony?
Apparently someone sent a letter to Sano's lawyer.
I don't know the details yet
but it seems to be quite crucial.
Can you come out now?
We need to talk.
What a fool, like a rabbit
you are!