Ikebukuro West Gate Park (池袋ウエストゲートパーク)

This is a work of fiction. The characters, organizations, and names herein are fictitious,and bear no relation to existing entities.

Sometimes, as you walk down a busy street,

you encounter a vacuum-- a place with no air whatsoever.

Someone lost their life,

and someone who cared about them left behind some white flowers.

What would you do if the one who died there was irreplaceable for you?

This is a story about a funny old man for whom I harbor heartfelt pride.

Ikebukuro West Gate Park

Free tissues!

"...searching for whoever... ...24 around 7PM... ...manslaughter was committed here."

Excuse me.

Do you pass by here often?

Huh?

"...searching for whoever... ...24 around 7PM... ...manslaughter was committed here."

Huh?

Do you remember what you were doing at that time, and where?

Here.

Oh, thanks.

If my Toshi was alive now, he'd be about your age.

And if my old man was alive, he'd be about yours.

He was my only son.

He had a bit of a reputation in Ueno.

He was the leader of some sort of street gang, I guess.

He was rowdy, maybe because I raised him on my own.

But he also had a kind side. He took care of his guys.

It was five years ago today.

I was suddenly told to come to the hospital,

and there was Toshi, already turning cold.

He was a hotheaded guy, so maybe he got into a scuffle with some punk.

Hey, do you know any gang members or punks?

I'd like you to see if you can casually get any info.

Sure. My situation's kind of similar.

I'll try asking around.

Thank you.

Grandpa!

Oh, there you are!

Akihiro, this guy's name is Makoto.

Say hello.

I'm Akihiro Matsuda, age four!

My favorite foods are apples, melons, and fruit!

That's perfect. We sell fruit at my place.

Next time, I'll give you a bunch of unsold stuff.

Thank you for listening to his grandpa's story.

I'm Harumi, Akihiro's mother.

Oh, sure thing.

I'm Makoto Majima.

Big Sis Harumi! It's been forever!

Keep your voice down. I'm not involved with the Team anymore.

Number two's not with you today?

That's right. Kouji- san is at work.

Well, Dad. We're going to go.

Already? I'll join you!

No, I've got an errand to run.

Oh, yeah? I'll bring Akihiro's Christmas present by later.

Now, Makoto. Where do you live?

I'll drive you home.

Oh, it's really close. I don't need a ride.

Just humor me. You can fit in at least one song.

Song?

You've never heard of a jazz taxi?

I've never been in a taxi like this .

Here.

Choose which one you want. It'll be the BGM for tonight's drive.

Okay, this one.

"Night Train," is it? You've got good taste for one so young.

Radio

Radio

Radio

Video

Video

Video

Settings

Settings

Settings

Settings

Settings

Navigation

Navigation

Navigation

Navigation

Navigation

"Night Train," is it? You've got good taste for one so young.

Takashi

Takashi

Takashi

Takashi

Takashi

Takashi

Takashi, is this about what I asked you?

I had a dozen G-Boys go ask around, but they found nothing.

I checked with former members, too,

but nobody knew about any murders from five years ago.

Okay. Thanks for checking around.

I did find some other info, though, about a "Team" in Ueno.

Miki no Kashi

I did find some other info, though, about a "Team" in Ueno.

Toshi of Ame-Yoko is famous for putting together an Ueno gang called Team Apollo.

Apparently, they're on their third leader now--name of Rintarou.

Gumbo

I'll have a dark beer.

I'm writing a column for a fashion magazine.

Is there anyone who could tell me about the late Toshi- san ?

I also know his old man, Yasuhiro Nanjou- san .

If I can get an interview, I'd love to do the story justice.

You won't get any help here.

Don't go digging up the past.

Is that how all of Ueno's Team feels, not just you?

We don't plan on telling you a thing.

Finish your beer, then get out of here.

It's all yours.

Okay, got it. Thanks.

Looks like I'm finally going to hear the story.

What are we supposed to tell you?

You've been banned from this town.

I don't think so. I'm not on some fool's errand.

Asshole!

Get him!

A fight?

We'd better call the police.

Never come to Ueno again.

Next time you show your face here, it'll go down the same as today.

All of Apollo stands behind that.

Oww...

Majima Produce

Makoto! A man named Nanjou- san is here to see you!

What happened, Makoto?!

Oh, this happens all the time.

He can take it, he's tough. No need to worry.

I got beat up in Ueno.

Today I'm going to go talk to Apollo's leader.

What do you mean?

It looks like they're hiding something about Toshi- san .

You never learn.

I'm not here by myself today. I brought Toshi- san 's old man with me.

I know Apollo is hiding something about Toshi- san .

If you insist that you don't want to tell me, I'll bring his dad up here.

What'll it be?

You don't know anything. That's why you can be so drastic.

I don't plan on giving up until I find out that thing I don't know.

Your face looks awful.

It's true. Some people do some awful things.

Okay, then. I'll get in touch with our boss.

You're the head of Apollo?

I'm Rintarou Nagai, the third-generation head of Apollo.

Sorry to trouble you.

But I have to know what it is you guys are hiding about Toshi- san .

What have you heard about Toshi- san from his old man?

That he raised him alone, and he's proud of him.

And that he had a kind side.

Is that not true?

It's true.

But that was limited just to Toshi- san 's favorite members.

You never knew what he might do when he snapped.

After the incident, Harumi- san 's current husband, Kouji- san

became our second leader. Toshi- san was harsh with him, too.