Episode 21 - The Stranger in No. 4

[Fade in to the boarding house. With autumn coming, the leaves have begun falling, covering the lawn with a multitude of colors. As Fujimoto and Egami work together to clear the lawn, a tall, sandy-haired young man climbs out of a taxi and sets his bags on the sidewalk.]

Kasuga Narration:
The fall of our first year was one I'll never forget. It was a formative time; one that I look back, not with pleasure but with a solemn understanding of friendships and trust. It started with the meeting of strangers, both the ones we didn't know, and the ones we thought we knew...

Fujimoto:
[Stops raking.] Ara! Okaeri nasai Sakurai-san!*

*Oh my! Welcome back Sakurai-san!

Sakurai:
Tadaima!*

*I'm back!

Egami:
[Ties a bag of leaves closed.] You're very late! You almost missed fall-registration!

Fujimoto:
How was London? Are you still seeing Michiko-san?

Sakurai:
[Unconcerned.] No, she and I both decided that we just weren't right fo--

Egami:
[Look of satified glee.] Well anyway, you're still in time for the upcoming baseball tournament!

Sakurai:
[Look of fearful worry.] Ahh...I'll pass. I'm still recovering from last year's annihilati--

Egami:
Nonsense! "Seishun-kan*" will be triumphant this time!

*House of Spring/Youth

Fujimoto:
Ahh...what happened to "Yujou-kan*"?

*House of Friends

Egami:
That name has led us to seventeen straight ignoble losses! [With a huff.] Obviously it's time for a change!

Fujimoto and Sakurai:
[As both try to comprehend Egami's conclusion.] Ahh...obviously...

Sakurai:
[Watches Egami gloat.] I...almost wish I stayed in England...

Fujimoto:
[Understanding tone.] Don't be too harsh. You were here last year; you know the renters' baseball tournament is one of the few things he looks forward to each year.

Sakurai:
That and dumping my furniture on the lawn.

Fujimoto:
Well, maybe he's calming down. Come to think of it, he hasn't done that in...[Counts back.] about five months.

Sakurai:
So he's almost due then. [Tries not to notice Fujimoto's embarrassed expression.] Good thing I left behind a large deposit. So is Akemi-san still around?

Fujimoto:
No, I'm afraid all the others have left except Tanaka-san. I'm sure you'll like the new tenants though.

Sakurai:
[Picks up his bags and carries them up the front door.] Well, at least they can't be as much a bunch of weirdos as that last batch was.

Fujimoto:
Well...actually, they all have...unique distinctions that make them a special group of young people.

Sakurai:
[Waves Fujimoto's explanation off as he walks to Room No. 1.] Fine, fine, just as long as none of them...<Sniff!> What's that awful smell...?

<BBBBOOOOOOOOOMMMM!!!!>

Egami:
[Gloats as he turns his attention back to the lawn.] Meet your new upstairs neighbor!

Sakurai:
...

[Cut to the Butsumetsu University library. With the first wave of mid-terms over, the main reading room is only at half-capacity. Ayukawa is reading a book marked "The Works and Influence of John William Fenton*". After finishing the book, she puts it down and takes a few notes. When a shadow blocks the fluorescent lights, she looks up and takes note of the approaching form.]

*An Englishman who began teaching Western music in Yokohama circa 1869. One of the first foreign music teachers; he formed Japan's first brass band.

Hayashibara:
Do you have a minute?

Ayukawa:
Sure. [Sets the book aside and follows Hayashibara to a secluded corner of the library.]

Hayashibara:
[Whispers.] I was wondering if you'd be willing to have dinner with me tonight.

Ayukawa:
Well...I'm not sure it'd be proper...

Hayashibara:
Please...it's important to me. [Pauses to consider the appropriateness of his request.] I think you should bring Kasuga-san along as well.

Ayukawa:
Well, OK.

Hayashibara:
How about I meet you two at the Kisso restaurant in the Ginza district at 7:00pm?

Ayukawa:
That would be fine.

Hayashibara:
I will look forward to seeing you there! [Teeth gleam.]

[As Hayashibara leaves and Ayukawa returns to her studies, she overhears the sounds of muted whispers. Although exact words are lost, Ayukawa belatedly realizes that they were not as isolated as either of them had hoped. She tries to go back to studying, but without success. Deciding to call it a day, she checks her watch.]

Ayukawa:
Hmm...Kasuga-kun probably won't be back from classes for a few hours. [Walks out of the library and gets on her scooter.] He should be back in time to make it tonight though. [Rides several miles through traffic and reaches the boarding house in just over an hour. As she parks, she is surprised to see someone greet her.]

Ayukawa:
Tanaka-san?

Tanaka:
[Smoothly.] I saw you pull up and thought I'd be the first one to welcome you here.

Ayukawa:
[A bit uncomfortable.] Well, thanks. Kasuga-kun isn't back by chance?

Tanaka:
No he isn't. I don't expect him back for another hour or so.

Ayukawa:
[Eyes narrow.] I'm surprised you know his schedule so well.

Tanaka:
[Looking a little hurt by the insinuation.] Simple neighborly concern. The break-in a few weeks ago and all...[Shakes his head.] It's simply shocking, such moral degradation in these trying times.

Ayukawa:
I don't suppose you know any more than that?

Tanaka:
[Chidingly.] You shouldn't be so suspicious...next thing you know, you'll be suspecting me of following you...

Ayukawa:
Yes, I've been warned about you.

Tanaka:
[Eyebrow raises slightly.] You have? [Pauses.] I suppose it's something I should have expected.

Ayukawa:
Oh? Why?

Tanaka:
[Exhales with fatigue.] You see, there was a time in my life when I engaged in financial endeavors of questionable character; perhaps even illegal. I don't pretend I didn't take professional pride in my activities; one could even say I enjoyed it. It wasn't until a close...personal friend of mine suffered a grievous loss when I realized the consequences of my actions. [Looks down with bereavement.] I renounced my profession and have tried to make amends for my past.

Ayukawa:
Why are you telling me all this?

Tanaka:
Because I wouldn't want you to get any false impressions about me. Please understand I hold Kasuga-san and you with the highest regard. His friendship...and yours...[Watches for a reaction and notes Ayukawa stiffen slightly.] mean a great deal to me. [Looks away in light of Ayukawa's discomfort.] Besides, I could be very helpful with regard to your roommate.

Ayukawa:
[Suspiciously.] How do you know about her?

Tanaka:
Call it mutual interests. You did mention she was in finance; think of it as one peer knowing another. [Noting that Ayukawa is entering the house.] Is there someone else you're here to see?

Ayukawa:
Is anyone else here?

Tanaka:
Fujimoto-san is aiding her son with his schoolwork; like most mothers in Japan, she frets endlessly for her son's education. The boisterous young twins are at the gymnasium, Ooya-sama is in his office, our recently-returned Sakurai-san is at school completing his late registration and Katsu-san left word that he's "at a crucial stage" and doesn't want to be disturbed.

Ayukawa:
[Deciding to leave the matter alone.] I guess I'll just leave a message then. Kasuga-kun doesn't have an answering machine yet.

Tanaka:
I see...how interesting...

[Tanaka enters his room and closes the door. After making sure Tanaka isn't coming back out, Ayukawa pulls out a small pad of paper and writes a short note. She then tapes it securely on the door to Room No. 5. and heads back downstairs. As the sounds of the scooter fade away down the street, the door to Room No. 4 opens and Tanaka takes a few steps down the hallway and look at the door to No. 5]

Tanaka:
[Reading at the note to himself.] Kasuga-kun,

Please meet me at the Kisso restaurant in Ginza tonight. There are a few important things I need to talk to you about regarding what happened a couple of months ago at the dinner. Hayashibara-san will be there and I think there are a few things he wanted to clear up.

The reservation is at 7:00pm. I look forward to seeing you there.

Ayukawa Madoka

[Tanaka checks his watch and silently ponders the contents, then gingerly removes the note. As he palms it, his motion to put the note in his pocket is slightly rushed by the sound of an opening door.]

Katsu:
[Coming out of No. 6.] Tanaka-san? Was someone just here?

Tanaka:
[Nods amiably.] Yes, Ayukawa-san was just looking for Kasuga-san.

Katsu:
Hmm...a shame she couldn't stick around. We could have played some tennis.

Tanaka:
Yes a pity. However, she apparently has a pressing commitment elsewhere.

[Tanaka goes into his room to place a few phone calls, then leaves to go downstairs and lights a cigarette. Stepping outside, he sits on the porch steps and waits for half an hour. When the sounds of another scooter are heard down the street, he extinguishes his current cigarette and stands up.]

Tanaka:
[To Kasuga.] Kasuga-san, good to see you.

Kasuga:
[As he parks his scooter.] Ah...hai. [Noting that Tanaka looks like he's waiting for something.] Anything going on?

Tanaka:
If you didn't have any plans, I was wondering if you would be interested in coming with me tonight. I've just been in contact with some old business associates and I think I may be able to swing a few possible student internships for you. This would be a great benefit to your future career prospects.

Kasuga:
Well...sure, I guess. I was going to see if Ayuka--

Tanaka:
Ayukawa-san was just here and I think she was going to leave a message.

Kasuga:
Hmm...[Goes inside and looks at the message board, then goes upstairs and looks at his door.] There's no message here.

Tanaka:
There isn't? Strange...I suppose it probably wasn't that important. Then are you free tonight?

Kasuga:
Well...[Unsure.] I guess that'd be OK. But why the interest in me?

Tanaka:
Because we're friends... [Kasuga looks a little uncomfortable, but nods.] and I've noted a few...special qualities that can be used to carry you far in the business community. I think if you started early, I can help you find a few inside roads to your future career. You do want to be a successful salaryman, right? For Ayukawa-san? She...[Subtly emphasizes.] deserves someone who is a success, correct?

Kasuga:
Ah...[Nods with a bit more confidence.] hai.


[COMMERCIAL BREAK.]

[Fade into a pair of anime fans driving on their way to a hotel.]

Anime fan 1:
Can't believe we're going to an anime con...

Anime fan 2:
I can just picture it...

[Fade into an imaginary desolate scene. A few sleezy looking dealers sell pirated tapes as several otaku huddle around a 9-inch screen watching a 5th generation copy of "Gatchaman".]

Anime fan 1:
Hey, check it out...[Points to a pair of convention gofers carting several packs of Keystone beer in the back entrance.]

Voiceover:
Who says you can't have a good time at an anime con? You *can* have a good time!

[Both fans walk into the dealers room and are awed by the selection. Both spend a great deal of money.]

Voiceover:
With a great tasting beer like Keystone...

[Both fans walk into the video theatre and are blown away by the 100" screen and surround sound.]

Voiceover:
A smooth never bitter taste in a specially lined can...

Anime fan 1:
[To one of the con personnel.] Hey great con!

Anime fan 2:
[To one of the con personnel.] Yeah, what's next?

Con staff:
Costume contest!

[Crowd of fans gather around to watch "characters" from Gundam, Sailor Moon, Ranma, Giant Robo, Dirty Pair, Urusei Yatsura, Ushio to Tora, Lupin, Video Girl Ai, and several other shows dressed with varying degrees of accuracy.]

Voiceover:
Keystone: the "can" beer. Who says you can't have a good time?

[END COMMERCIAL BREAK.]

[Cut to the Kisso restaurant. Unlike most kaiseki* restaurants, the decor flaunts a sleek modernity with artistic flair. Black granite walls separate it from the Mitsukoshi and Matsuya depaato. At the front of the restaurant, Ayukawa checks in with the maitre'd, who in turn confirms the reservation.]

*One of the three basic styles of traditional Japanese cooking. Meals are presented with exquisite arrangements, with appearance, color and texture carefully chosen. Most kaiseki restaurants are decorated with the traditional decor of tatami floors and shoji walls.

Maitre'd:
[Takes a menu from the rack and escorts Ayukawa to one of the tables.] One of your party has arrived, but the other is still not here.

Ayukawa:
[Nods.] Un...[Looks at the back-half of the dining area and sees Hayashibara.] Hayashibara-san!

Hayashibara:
[Stands up and bows.] I'm glad you could make it! [Waits for Ayukawa to seat herself before sitting down again, then looks at his watch.] It's a little early, Kasuga-san will be here right?

Ayukawa:
Sure...I left a note on his door.

Hayashibara:
That's good... [Smiles, then to himself.] that'll keep the atmosphere strictly platonic.

[Cut to Lupin's bar. The long wooden bar, booths and cabinets create a rustic environment, dampening the ambient sounds. Several young salarymen build their company "esprit de corps" with generous helpings of complimentary popcorn and large bottles of beer. At the entrance, the sounds of the nearby German restaurant Ketel can be heard as Kasuga and Tanaka enter the front of the establishment.]

Tanaka:
So what do you think? When you become a salaryman, you'll be spending quite a bit of time in places like this to help nurture the success of your company.

Kasuga:
[Feeling a bit out of place.] Ah...hai...

Tanaka:
Relax Kasuga-san, that's what we're here for. Remember that drinking is an outlet and an important unwritten rule of cultural intermission. [Tanaka escorts Kasuga to the bar and order two large bottles. He then helps himself to some of the popcorn made available to the customers and motions to Kasuga to follow suit.]

Kasuga:
[Hesitantly while helping himself to some popcorn.] I don't...really like to drink too much.

Tanaka:
Well I'm not encouraging you to lose control. [Picks up one of the bottles as they are set in front of them and pours the first mug for Kasuga.]

Kasuga:
[Looks around while filling Tanaka's glass.] So who are these business friends of yours?

Tanaka:
[Puts the bottle down and raises his glass.] Patience Kasuga-san...Good things come to those who wait... Kampai!*

*Literally dry glass; traditional salutation or toast before drinking

Kasuga:
[Raises his glass.] Kampai.

[Cut back to Kisso. The clock on the wall reads 7:30pm and both Hayashibara and Ayukawa show signs of restlessness.]

Hayashibara:
[As he notes the time.] Maybe he's held up with something?

Ayukawa:
[Looking a little disappointed.] Un...

Hayashibara:
How about we go ahead and start? He'll probably show up later. [Motions to the waiter to start the first course of the meal.]

Ayukawa:
[To herself.] I hope. [Tries to ease the tension from Hayashibara.] How is...the baseball team?

Hayashibara:
[Relaxes.] Well we've just completed the last set of home games against the division. The large schools have been tough this year, but the Coach thinks we have an outside chance to make the tournament if a few things go right for us. Basically, we're rooting for some teams to beat some other teams. We...[Looks at Ayukawa's face with some regrets.] don't have control of our own destiny...[Trails off.]

Ayukawa:
[To herself, not missing the reference.] Kasuga- kun...where are you?

[Cut back to Lupin's bar. With the evening in full swing, more young businessmen are milling around, discussing informal matters of business and personal lives.]

Tanaka:
[Spots a familiar face in the crowd.] Ginga-san, my old friend.

Ginga:
[Walks up to Tanaka, shakes his hand and embraces him.] You're looking fit, Tanaka-san. I'm glad to see you getting back into the world; the business hasn't been the same without you.

Tanaka:
[Face turns calm.] You know why I had to leave.

Ginga:
[Looking sympathetic.] What happened...wasn't your fault!

Tanaka:
Well...[Turns to Kasuga.] what am I thinking, my manners! [Berates himself mildly.] Kasuga-san, this is my long-time business associate Ginga-san!

Kasuga:
How do you do?

Ginga:
Kasuga-san! You're the young man Tanaka-san has spoken so highly about!

Kasuga:
Eh? [Looks surprised at Tanaka.] Really?

Ginga:
Tanaka-san's a very good judge of character and I've never known him to lie on matters of business.

Tanaka:
[Smiles at Ginga.] You flatter me...

Kasuga:
But...but I'm not a business major.

Tanaka:
Perhaps not, but have you considered public relations work? Companies always need people who are good writers and communicators.

Ginga:
That's right. There were more than a few times that we could have used some really good Public Relations personnel. [Looks at his watch.] Well, I'd better leave.

Tanaka:
So soon?

Ginga:
Personal business. [To Kasuga as he leaves.] You should listen to what he says. It'll be good for your future. [Leaves.]

Kasuga:
[Nods.] Un...

[Kasuga watches him leave and wonders to himself what Tanaka said about him. After a few more drinks, he turns back to Tanaka.]

Kasuga:
[A little unsure if he should be asking.] What...was Ginga-san talking about when he mentioned "fault"?

Tanaka:
Well...[Exhales with fatigue.] Back when I was in the trade, I negotiated several financial deals. Usually, I prided myself on my integrity and discretion, but as you know, these are still important deals of a highly sensitive nature. On one particularly important one, I rushed a client into closing a deal that I genuinely thought would be to his best benefit. I was wrong...[Lights a cigarette and takes a puff.] The client lost a great deal of money and many people were hurt. [Looks down with regret.] Even though my colleagues insist that I acted properly and with good faith, I felt I had to resign. Put simply Kasuga-san, I made mistakes. At the time, my conscience wouldn't let me continue doing the kind of business that was necessary. Remember Kasuga-san, you're not a kid anymore. It's time you started joining the real world of business. The change and growth will be good for your future prospects. You must assume responsibility both for yourself and the ones who care about you.

[Cut back to Kisso. Ayukawa stands in the back of the restaurant next to a pink telephone by the restrooms.]

Ayukawa:
[Holding the phone to her ear for several rings, then finally hanging up.] Where could he be?

[When she returns to the table, she sees beautifully arranged dishes of sashimi*, suimono** and yakimono*** have been placed on the table.]

*Sliced raw fish
**Clear soup
***Grilled food

Ayukawa:
Sorry I took so long.

Hayashibara:
It's OK. They just started the first course.

Ayukawa & Hayashibara:
[Both pick up their chopsticks.] Itadakimasu!*

*I humbly receive; traditionally said before a meal.

Hayashibara:
So, you were talking about the first time Kasuga-san declared the two of you a "couple".

Ayukawa:
[Noticably more relaxed.] Well, at first it was supposed to be an act, [Thinks back and remembers Hikaru whispering from a script while hiding in a barrel.] it ended up being more than that. [Looks wistful.]

Hayashibara:
But I thought you said there were several other students heading towards the yard. How did you get away?

Ayukawa:
Kasuga-kun and I used one of the yard rail cars to get away. Unfortunately, it didn't occur to me that we were on a circular track until Kasuga-kun asked me where we were going. [Takes a bite of sashimi and continues.] The misunderstanding was cleared up though and I'm just glad that no one was really hurt.

Hayashibara:
So whatever happened to Hoshi-san?

Ayukawa:
Well, I lost touch with her and haven't heard from her since. Kasuga-kun took everything in stride though.

Hayashibara:
[Smiles.] I knew Kasuga-san was a special guy. That kind of reminds me of something that happened to me.

Ayukawa:
Eh? Really?

Hayashibara:
It was during my second year in high school. There was a friend of mine who was in the same class as I was. [Picks up his cup of tea.] One day after baseball practice, Hiro-kun asked me to meet a friend of his named Chiba Aya. It seems he was having some problems telling her how he really felt about her and he wanted my advice. He figured that I had it all worked out with girls.

Ayukawa:
Oh? You were a "ladies man" in school?

Hayashibara:
That was something of a reputation I ended up with. Kiite gokuraku mite jigoku*. Perception can oftentimes equate reality. So I..."introduced" Chiba-san to Hiro-kun, but he still couldn't tell her what was in his heart. Part of that was my fault; I think my being there partially ruined the mood. *Imagination goes a long way/Sounds like paradise, but hell when you see it (Japanese proverb/dual possible translation)

Ayukawa:
So did they ever get together?

Hayashibara:
[Smiles.] Sure, right before our last year in high school ended. It came down to a choice for him; either lose her as we all separated to various colleges and trade schools or make his declaration right there. They're going to different schools last I heard, but I understand they write and call one another a lot.

Ayukawa:
You know, I was wondering...did you ever have a girlfriend?

Hayashibara:
[A little evasive.] I had many friends back in high school. [Finishes his tea.]

Ayukawa:
[To herself.] That's not an answer...

[Cut back to Lupin's bar. A young businessman asks Kasuga several questions while Tanaka looks on.]

Businessman:
...and what else do you think you can contribute to our company?

Kasuga:
[Tries to be confident.] I don't have a lot of experience Harada-san, but I learn fast and I'm willing to work very hard. [To himself.] I hope that's the right answer...

Harada:
[Nods and makes a notation.] Very good. I'm sure our company will be contacting you shortly. [Puts away his notebook and bows.] Sayonara*, Takana-san.

*Good-bye

Tanaka:
[Casually nods.] By the way, I trust your latest government contract came through?

Harada:
[Slyly smiles.] Of course. The construction business has never been so profitable.

[The evening goes on as Tanaka introduces Kasuga to more acquaintances. Although clearly nervous at times, he tries with apparent success to make some good impressions.]

Kasuga Narration:
Being submerged in Tanaka-san's world, and meeting his friends made me feel vaguely uncomfortable. I wasn't sure I belonged here...but I was determined to try my best...for both my future, and for Ayukawa's sake.

Tanaka:
How is the publishing business these days, Kotani- san?

Kotani:
[Sips his drink.] Doing quite well, in fact we're considering expanding our market overseas. There seems to be a high demand for certain products, especially in the United States. [Turns to Kasuga.] Why are you interested in our company?

Kasuga:
Well...I'm a literature major. I like to read and I'm hoping some day to write fiction.

Kotani:
Really? [Dryly.] JUMP Publications is always looking for new talent. You don't happen to draw do you? Maybe you'll be the next Takahashi. [Stares at Kasuga, then begins to laugh.] Ha ha!

Kasuga:
... [Then nervously joins in the laughter.]

[Later, the evening is winding to a close. Tipsy businessmen stagger out even as sober ones enter to replace them, but the bar becomes less and less crowded.]

Tanaka:
Well, I think that's enough for our first time out wouldn't you say? Definite interest from three companies, I'd say you've made some progress. You've made some positive contacts and abetted your chances at getting an internship considerably. [Nods with approval, looks at his watch and empties the last of his mug.] Responsibility and growth changes a person; makes him better prepared to face the real world. You'll see it in the way other people treat you.

Kasuga:
Ah...hai. Do you really think Ayukawa will notice the change?

Tanaka:
[Nods and smiles.] Count on it.

[Cut back to Kisso. By now, Ayukawa and Hayashibara are finishing up their meal and the dining room is emptying out as they begin to close down for the evening.]

Hayashibara:
[Looks at his watch, then pours Ayukawa another glass of wine.] It looks like Kasuga-san didn't get your message. Would you...[Uncomfortably loosens his collar.] like to stop somewhere on the way back for dessert?

Ayukawa:
[Distractedly looks up.] Eh? Ah...sure.

Hayashibara:
Well...things didn't turn out like I had hoped, but I hope you still had a good time.

Ayukawa:
[Nods.] Un...this really is a nice restaurant.

Hayashibara:
[Nods in agreement.] Un...

Ayukawa:
[Absent-mindedly.] You know, someone seeing us like this would almost think we're...

Hayashibara:
Eh? What?

Ayukawa:
N...[Looks away.] nothing. Just...thinking about...something else.

[Cut back to the boarding house. Kasuga exits a taxi cab as Tanaka takes care of the bill. Kasuga is a little unsteady on his feet, but is able to manage.]

Tanaka:
[Helping to keep Kasuga steady.] Whoa there...had a little too much tonight?

Kasuga:
[A little loudly.] I can handle it...!

Tanaka:
Well next time we'll...

[Just then, a familiar looking RX-7 pulls up to the boarding house. The doors open and Ayukawa and Hayashibara step out of the car. Ayukawa coldly notes his mild inebriated state with disapproval.]

Kasuga:
[Rapidly sobering up.] A...Ayukawa...

Ayukawa:
[Face softening.] I'm sorry we missed you tonight.

Kasuga:
M...missed me? Where?

Ayukawa:
I left a message on your door. [Long pause, then she turns back to the car.] It's OK, I'll see you tomorrow.

[For several long seconds, both Hayashibara and Kasuga look at each other, neither one knowing what to say or do. Then, with a slight look of embarrassment and regret, Hayashibara gets back in the car and drives away.]

Kasuga Narration:
It wasn't so much the drinking that worried me. Even the date was only planned that day. However, it was the feeling I got from Ayukawa and Hayashibara when they both saw me that night with Tanaka-san. Nothing was said, but the meaning was plain - "I'm very disappointed with you..."

[Kasuga immediately turns away and runs into the Boarding house, followed by Tanaka. He runs upstairs and turns to face the door to his room. He searches his door and can't find a thing.]

Kasuga:
Where...? [Unlocks and opens his door. He looks around the front of the room and finds nothing. Finally, after looking under the cabinets, he sees a slip of paper sticking to the underside of the door.]

Tanaka:
[With regret as he looking over Kasuga's shoulder.] Oh my... it must have slipped off the door after she taped it on. One can only guess how it got under there. If I had only known... Kasuga-san, if it's any consolation...[Stops as Kasuga immediately takes the note, enters his room and closes the door.]

[Cut to Room No. 4. Tanaka closes the door behind him and lights a fresh cigarette. Waiting for him with a fresh pot of tea is Ginga.]

Ginga:
[With some amusement.] Well, did my performance meet with your approval?

Tanaka:
[With satisfaction.] Positively theatrical. The embrace was a particularly nice touch.

Ginga:
I thought you'd like that. It did make passing that note easier.

Tanaka:
Yes, good thinking.

Ginga:
Tell me Tanaka-san...were you serious about helping Kasuga-san get an internship?

Tanaka:
[Smiles.] Of course. Consider it the cost of establishing Kasuga-san's trust. I wouldn't want to be...dishonest... [More seriously.] Besides, nothing about my goals dictates that Kasuga-san must remain a pauper. Just...not the right guy...

Ginga:
[Concerned.] What about Hayashibara-san? It seems like you're just trading one obstacle for another.

Tanaka:
A strong obstacle for a weaker obstacle. Despite his considerable assets, any relationship with him would never be as strong as with Kasuga-san. Don't worry; I think he'll serve as a useful foil until such time as I no longer need one. Yes...[Stretches to alleviate the tension of the evening.] everything is proceeding just fine.

Ginga:
Then what do you want to do now?

Tanaka:
[Voice turns cold.] First things first...find out who's talking to her about me.


END CREDITS

New Characters Designer/Writer Stephen Tsai Doujinshi Artwork Tony Jung Pre-readers Robert DeLoura Douglas Eckhart James Holman Quincy S. Huoh Jim Ramberg Lisa Richardson Tony Schrick Eric Shen Ben Taylor Jeff Williamson Very special thanks to Hitoshi Doi

A tip of the hat and a deep bow to Matsumoto Izumi for starting the whole thing

If I left anyone off, my apologies. Any mistakes/embarrassing faux pas are entirely my own. If there is anything here you must flame, aim them at me and me alone.

Thank you for taking the time to read this episode of my series. I have the next episode in the works.

Hope you enjoyed it and thanks again!


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Changes last made on: Wed Jan 28 13:22:04 1998