Original subtitles

- One three! One three! - No! Four six! Four six!

Defeat the brutal British and Americans!

Mr. Mizorogi, this is a great hospital.

You didn't come to give me stupid compliments, did you Bruckmayer?

Nor did you come for an analysis.

My mental health is extremely sound. Just like yours.

That's good.

I have a request. Something important.

You can go.

Mi-zo-ro-gi...

Monogrammed cigarettes. You're as wasteful as ever.

That's my thing. Money only dazzles when wasted.

Is killing also your thing?

Of course.

This place is completely soundproof. Let's hear it.

We, the secret organization of the Nazi Party

have decided to ask the Population Control Council for information.

You are well informed. I admire how you found our secret office.

I've heard you are training lunatics to be assassins.

Right. All great men are crazy in some way.

Of course we only choose appropriate subjects.

The results are devastating.

Before we talk of details, I'd like to see what they can do.

What will they do?

Give me the phone book.

First this one.

Then this one.

And lastly him.

I know nothing about them, but you have three days to kill them and bring them here.

Can you do it?

Two days are enough.

THE AGE OF ASSASSINS

STARRING:

Tatsuya NAKADAI Reiko DAN

Hideo SUNAZUKA Eisei AMAMOTO Tatsuyoshi EHARA

Directed by Kihachi OKAMOTO

Madam?

Or is it Miss?

Can't you hear?

What do you want?

Go away you monster!

That's fine.

What about the other one?

No need to hurry.

Still have two hours left.

Mama.

I'm home.

Today at the seminar, the students gave me a hard time.

Teaching at a university isn't as easy as I thought it would be.

These flowers last a long time.

Oh yeah, they're artificial.

You're Shinji Kikyo, right?

Yes, that's right.

How long have you been there?

This whole time!

Oh, I'm sorry.

This athlete's foot is so hard to get rid of.

Don't worry. It's not that bad.

But when it itches, I just can't stop scratching.

Such an unreasonable disease.

By the way, who are you?

No one to speak of, but...

This is me.

"The Greater Japan Population Control Council, Director Kensaku Mabuchi"

What is this Population Control Council?

In short...

I'm hungry.

Sorry. I'm famished.

How about one for you?

I'm fine.

Then I'll eat two.

In short, there are too many people in Japan.

Poverty is caused by overpopulation.

In order to make Japan a better place, the population must be controlled.

That makes sense.

The lives of people who might become useful in the future

must not be destroyed before they're born.

I see...

So instead of that,

the people who will be useless should be asked to bow out.

I see.

And this Population Control Council...

wants something from me?

You teach criminal psychology at the university, right?

That's right, but the students just yawn from boredom.

I know.

But that boredom will end starting tomorrow.

What?

Don't joke.

I'm a diligent teacher, so as long as they can't help themselves...

But they can.

What are you saying?

I'm going to eat now, Mama.

Something's not right.

It's strange...

Wait a sec.

This is a Rorschach test.

Depending on what you see in these pictures, your personality will be revealed.

First, what's this?

A girl's nipple.

It is?

Of a foreign slut.

And this?

A snake that's been slaughtered.

Simpler answers please.

A snake that's been slaughtered.

How about this?

A bloody saw.

A bloody saw?!

Yes. I see.

Complete paranoia.

Paranoia?

A mutant strain, and yours is especially bad.

A mutant strain?

Tell me now, could a crazy guy do this?

What did you do to Mama's flower?

Good thing it wasn't Mama's head.

Head?

Unlike flowers, they can't be cut with cards.

Queen of Spades and Joker.

I put this between them.

When thrown, it slices the throat open and down they go.

Lying next to the corpse...

a blood-stained Spade and Fool.

Such a nice touch.

Art? Yes, great art!

Mama!

Mama, are you alright?

A case of extortion. One honey-trap scam.

- Is that all? - Yep.

Today is peaceful.

We can't have murders all the time.

But there was one.

- I killed him just now. - What?

- Where's the body? - Right here...

That's strange.

I'm sure it was here.

I'm not lying.

He had a face like a marshmallow monster.

He put a razor blade between two cards and...

Let me ask you...

I seem like an honest guy, right?

Why would that Population Control Murder Inc. target a guy like me?

Even involving the police.

Never heard of such a ridiculous thing.

It's more unreasonable than athlete's foot.

Hey. Are you listening?

Of course I'm listening.

After all, I agreed to listen in exchange for this meal.

Whether I believe it is a different matter.

Hey!

Don't startle me!

Forks are dangerous.

I get it. I won't ask any more.

I'll solve this murder case on my own.

Hey, I've been wondering. What's that carnation for?

Does it mark you for murder?

Not at all.

This is my protection.

My dead Mama is protecting me.

- Mama? - By the way...

Now it's my turn to ask...

Who are you anyway?

Oh! I forgot to introduce myself.

I'm a reporter for the Weekly Mystery magazine, Keiko Tsurumaki.

I'll let you help me solve the mystery.

Does that mean you believe me?

That's a different matter.

Not that again...

Thief!

Stop! Thief!

What's wrong with this stinking car?

Hey! What's with this car?

It only goes 20 km/h at full speed. What's with that?

Cars like this are why Tokyo traffic grinds to a halt.

Yes, sorry.

I'll have you know...

My name is Otomo Bill.

I'm not quite an inspector, but if it's a car, leave it to me.

Otomo Bill?

Otomo's my real name. Bill's my nick.

If you want, you can have my autograph.

I'll have it...

at the police's.

I'll decline.

Hold it.

I could forget it... for a favor.

A favor?

We're looking for someone.

Aren't you widely known?

Sort of.

Population Control Council?

What's that?

I don't use them kind of things.

What things?

Silly.

It's not like that. It's the name of a murder organization.

What?

We'll keep your secret. Tell us.

We'll reward you. We want a big job done.

If it's a big job, we'll do it for you.

Right. Put down a million cash.

Whether it's Billy the Kid or John Wayne...

Hey Bill...

We've gotten off track.

These guys are obviously delusional.

Oh, these itchy feet.

What did you say?!

You... joker!

Wow!

- Boss! - You're amazing.

It was just my itchy feet.

So to find that Population Control thing,

you posed as customers.

What a surprise. You're amazing, Boss.

Wiping out two guys...

Stop saying that. It was just my itchy feet.

So then, where will you stay tonight?

If you go home, it'll be "may he rest in peace."

If it's a hotel, leave it to me!

Here we are.

What the? This is a love hotel!

It's a good one. When the train passes, the bed shakes.

Well, I'll be going.

Have a long rest until morning.

Hey, wait!

Whatever.

Bill...

Will you stay with me?

It says it's 800 yen for two.

No, I'll have to decline.

I can't sleep unless I'm in a car.

So, goodnight.

You don't have to strain yourself.

Thanks.

But it's strange...

Do you have a twin?

You were out...

I changed my mind.

After all, we haven't made the contract yet.

I can't let you sell to another magazine.

Do you usually make contracts looking like that?

Depends on my mood.

It's my prerogative.

Seeing you nude isn't payment for the story is it?

Don't make a mistake.

Nude models get paid in advance.

Oh... excuse me.

Then let's make the contract.

What are you looking for?

My fountain pen.

We don't need that.

I said it depended on my mood.

Many ways to sign a contract.

What's wrong? Afraid of your Mama?

Excuse me.

I wonder where I should sign...

It's up to you.

Is that so?

You have a scar right here.

It doesn't lower my life insurance.

Dummy.

Speak!

Why are you making a fuss about the third man?

This was a test. If you don't complete the test...

If it was really a test, it ended when I failed.

Isn't that right?

But our organization gives unlucky people another chance.

Don't lie!

What kind of organization do you belong to?

Talk!

Tell me quickly, Bruckmayer.

It's probably your own personal organization.

That's right, Mr. Mizorogi. Just as you say.

I have big plans. That's why I tested you.

If you passed, I was to create a new Nazi organization with you.

Your kindness is appreciated. But the Nazi Party is a phantom of the past.

I have a new organization more powerful than the Nazi Party!

Now the question is... your secret.

That's...

Yes, Pentathol... A truth serum.

You know its effects very well.

Mr. Mizorogi, stop this. I'm not lying!

Praiseworthy. Just what I expect from the former head of Gestapo intelligence.

Rudolf von Bruckmayer...

You are in Berlin in 1940.

There was no special meaning. It was just a test...

You are now in Berlin in 1940.

It was a test... A test...

You are now in Berlin in 1940.

Tear... Cleopatra's Tear has disappeared.

What?

Tear...

Tear...

Cleopatra's Tear. Terrible. What shall I tell the Führer?

Cleopatra's Tear.

Strange. It's not very flattering.

Somehow I look like a priest.

I'll pass on this.

It looks good!

A priest ordering a murder. How good is that?

Maybe so.

Stop it. You're not an ad for artificial flowers.

What are you doing?

Sorry, Mama.

She's just jealous of you. Don't worry.

I give up!

Hey! I'll have you know...

Boss! News! Big news!

Where's Boss?

I'm here.

Here I am.

This is a shock.

Never thought you'd mutate into this.

Hey!

Never mind that. What's the big news?

That's right. There's a message from the Population Control Council.

What's that?

Well it seems that Ishide was out last night.

This morning he called and said he'd introduce you to them.

So be at Shinjuku subway station at 4 pm.

- Did something happen? - A suicide it seems.

What happened, Boss?

Get ahold of yourself!

It's him, Boss!

What are you doing?

Sorry. He seems to be a friend of this man.

Wait!

So he was murdered by one of their killers?

Of course. But you don't have to believe it.

I get it. I get it!

I'm scared. Let's go to the police.

We can't.

The police wouldn't believe us.

And we don't have the time.

I know! The murderer is still here...

Theoretically, he would have gotten away from the crowd...

Someone looking our way would be suspect.

He's one of them? Which one is he?

I don't know.

Hey...

- Do you have a mirror? - Yes, but...

What are you planning?

A duel.

That's all there is now.

Eat or be eaten.

Let's move!

Why over here?

Anyone who was on the platform but doesn't get on the train is suspicious.

Sorry I'm late.

That's okay. It was only 50 minutes.

Whew...

Oh no!

The old man who was on the bench is gone!

That ice pick umbrella was a surprise, wasn't it?

It really was.

Even my athlete's foot got surprised and ran away.

That's silly!

But Boss, it's no laughing matter.

They knew you were only pretending to be a customer.

Watch out.

Danger is coming.

An evil spirit has latched on to you.

- Evil spirit? - I am...

what it says here.

"Japan Spiritualism Research Center. Hikaru Aoji."

They must be occultists.

Why not write it in Japanese?

Listen to me.

Our leader is Yumie Komatsu.

She's a world famous spirit medium.

If you think I'm lying, go and see her.

The evil spirit that's attached to you will be revealed right before your eyes.

- I'm sorry, but... - Wait.

Let's go see her. We might find out something about the case.

- Aoji, please arrange it. - Hey!

Agreed. I'll make a call and then we'll depart right away.

Excuse me.

Don't you know spirit mediums are usually a scam?

But there's no harm in trying.

What happened?

No use chasing him. He has a sports car.

Yes, and he hates spiritualists.

Sorry, but could you take just us?

Very well.

I'll do it.

Enter.

I shall call forth a spirit.

You mustn't utter a sound.

Understood?

Now, go to the dark world of spirits.

The spirits are calling for you.

Now answer, Keiko Tsurumaki.

Where is Shinji Kikyo?

I... like Shinji. I love him.

That's not what I asked!

Okay.

Otomo... Tell me where Shinji is.

Yes. Shinji is...

in the trunk... of the car.

It's useless to hide, Shinji. Come out!

Good job finding out about us...

But you scholars are all stupid.

Now come out!

Hey you!

It's too soon to die. Please wait!

Hey, just tell me one thing...

Why are they out to kill me?

Now it's your turn.

You are a bird.

Wings are sprouting from your back.

They're getting bigger and bigger and bigger.

That's fine.

Try and flap them.

Let's fly. You are a crow.

Then a condor. A condor's okay, right?

This limitless sky is yours.

Now fly!

Damn!

Help!

Please! Help me!

Please forgive me!

Bill!

Boss!

Bill, look up!

Boss! It's terrible!

What's wrong?

This is no time to play with toys.

The occultists packed up and disappeared.

And a new group showed up saying they've been renting the place for eight years.

Said they'd never heard of the spiritua-what's-it.

Did you see the caretaker?

No, he's gone and the cleaning lady was looking for him.

Just as I thought.

Get rid of the caretaker... The place was theirs.

I see. That makes sense.

But Boss, the caretaker...

He died... suddenly.

Maybe she did too?

Good shot! Changing the spring worked.

Stop messing around!

Last night, while under hypnosis,

what do you think she said when they asked her where you were?

"I like Shinji. I love him. Love him..."

That spunky sincerity blew me away!

And right now Keiko could be...

Boss, doesn't that bother you?

Bill, if it didn't bother me, I wouldn't be playing with toys.

Only one shot...

But it's still a fine weapon.

Even this.

Or this.

Then...

Yep.

I don't know how much I can do...

And I don't care why they want me anymore.

Offense is the best defense.

Miss Tsurumaki? She's absent.

Sorry, but could we have her address?

But we're near deadline...

Come off it!

Aren't you Keiko's superior? Don't you care what happens to her?

Wait.

I know Keiko very well.

Excuse me, but what was it you wanted?

Nothing at all.

I just like to watch the exploited workers.

So let's go. It's very close.

And there are many more of the people I like.

Did you hear Yamaguchi bought a car?

A new manager driving to work?

To seduce the boss' daughter.

Teranishi already has.

Hey! Give me another.

Alcohol leads to ulcers.

Maybe he'll get cancer. Where's the john?

Bastard! I'd like to kill him!

I can't take it any more! Damn it!

Her husband died too? How terrible.

But don't they have money?

Actually they're in deep debt.

Yeah? How tragic. Bring me another!

How's that? Aren't humans such sinful animals?

What do you think life's greatest pleasure is?

Huh...

So is Miss Tsurumaki a regular here too?

You don't know? It's murder!

Murder?

It's man's fate to struggle for survival.

That creates enemies, which breeds hatred,

and leads to killing and murder.

No matter how close they seem, underneath, people want each other to drop dead.

Drop dead...

Nobody says it,

but we're all trapped in the same pit.

You too!

And you!

And, of course, myself.

But unlike you, I don't try to hide it.

You think I'm crazy!

Crazy is fine.

Throughout human history, everyone who has done great things has been crazy.

Dostoyevsky, Nietzsche, Van Gogh, Hitler, Nero...

And man's greatest desire is...

undoubtedly, war.

Although they chant "world peace," they all jump eagerly at news of war.

Because it's fun!

Because mass murder is the most fun!

I've gotten a bit off topic.

Want one?

I'm fine, thanks.

You've been talking so seriously.

What do you people do?

Take a guess. What do you think?

Let's see...

Shall I tell you?

This man is a killer. Right?

How wonderful!

Maybe I'll have you do someone.

Sure. But my hands are full right now.

So business is good.

You're after some big prey?

He's not much of a person.

A disgraceful man, hard to get rid of.

An innocent woman is in danger because of him.

Who is this woman?

Who are you anyway?

Usually I enjoy killing slowly...

Even a cat plays with a mouse before killing it.

When this job's finished, I'll be back for your order.

What does that man really do?

He's boss of a gang of certified killers.

That's mean. I was really asking!

Is that really true, Boss?

I don't get any of this.

Look at this, Bill. It's hollow.

Knock-out drops.

If he had lit my cigarette with this, I'd be out cold.

He meant to carry me out like I was drunk.

This is no joke! What are you waiting for?

It's no use.

He's a typical criminal with honor.

Even if strangled, he wouldn't talk.

Better to find out their next...

Huh?

What is it?

POPULATION CONTROL COUNCIL PROMOTIONAL VIDEO

"Let's get rid of the inessentials!"

What's this? That joker!

Monsters! How could they?

We offer a painless death by drinking this drug.

We'll offer it as many times as necessary.

Shinji Kikyo, be waiting for our messenger at ten tonight.

Boss!

What should we do, Boss?

We wait until ten.

There's nothing else to do.

They really are insane.

A gang of paranoid killers.

If we make a mistake, she will surely die.

You say that, but...

Is there a Shinji Kikyo here?

That's me. What is it?

It might be a prank, but...

I found this on the street.

"I'll probably be killed." Boss!

Where was this?

Near my doctor's clinic.

I can take you there if you want. I have a car.

But is it real? It's so melodramatic.

If it was thrown from a window, she must be in a nearby building.

If only it were that simple.

That's no way to drive!

Careful, Bill!

Hey!

I had you...

But... I lost.

Please, before you die, tell us...

Where's Keiko Tsurumaki? Where is she?

Fuji. The base of Mt. Fuji.

Hey! Where on the base of Mt. Fuji?

But Boss, the base of Mt. Fuji covers a large area.

And what if our enemies see us coming?

They'd think we knew where she...

Oh, so that's what you're planning.

Nothing to do but catch another one of them and find out more.

Looks like we got a response.

With them watching from the sky, what can we...

But from up there, they can't do anything either.

That's right. At least we're safe.

If I were them, I'd radio someone to cut us off.

I get it. They could have...

There they are!

We can't stop. We'd better push past them killers...

Damn! Don't fall for that trick!

Bill, stop the car.

Be careful of the bag.

Thanks! We're saved!

Our car broke down.

Hey, can't you step on it?

If you don't like it, get out.

By the way, where are you headed?

The Mount Fuji Hotel at Lake Yamanaka.

Thanks so much.

We'll come to your room later.

I did it again.

The Population Control...

See you later!

Bill, let's get going.

What's the matter?

Boss! Those two are in on it.

What's going on here, Boss?

Letting us see the envelope on purpose, to see what we'd do, perhaps.

Don't let your guard down.

Will you let us rest in your room?

Room?

We don't have one yet, but we'll work it out.

Please use this.

"I once had a dream of deep passionate love"

"Beautiful hair, myrtle, fragrant olives..."

Thanks.

So let's get down to business.

Business? What are you talking about?

You're so cruel, with us shivering like this. Aren't you going to hold us?

Hold you? What a joke. Show us your true nature!

True nature?

Why did you approach us?

Are you just decoys?

Are there other killers?

Killers?

What's this about?

Don't play dumb! We know what's up.

Look at this. It says...

JAPAN BIRTH CONTROL ASSOC.

Boss, it's different.

I see. It is different.

Stop that! What's wrong with this?

What's wrong with ordering a birth control catalog if I don't want a baby?

Sorry. It was a different "control."

Suddenly, I have the urge to warm you up. What do you say?

How about it?

After that, they'd better!

Don't stop. I'm still cold.

That's not nice. Don't interrupt.

"Blood will flow from your wounds"

"Tears will flow without end"

He's getting away!

Crutches are just crutches in the beginning.

Under one's nose they're just junk.

Get in the car.

- Boss! Help! - Let's go!

Okay, leave the car to me.

Now tell me.

Where is Keiko Tsurumaki?

You failed, you know.

The organization won't forgive that.

Loyalty to your boss is worthless.

That's what makes them killers.

This is Oba-Q. Oba-Q calling Atom. Over.

This is Atom. Over.

A black sedan, license plate Nerima-3-489, passed at 02:05. Recommend caution. Over.

Understood!

Now, tell me. Where is she?

If you don't, your nose goes flying.

Never again will you recite Hange poetry.

In the bunker.

Bunker?

The Defense Force exercise begins at three.

Their target is the destruction of the bunker.

- What? - Give up.

You won't be in time.

Their compound is so well defended, you'll never get in.

Bill, we only have 30 minutes. Go!

Calling Solan and Pappy.

The black sedan is now traveling to the test site at breakneck speed. Caution.

Only 15 minutes. Hang in there, Bill.

Leave it to me. Oh, something's written there.

DANGER: ARTILLERY RANGE 2 KM

We made it!

Defense force. Let's ask for help.

Wait. We don't know if they're real.

Sorry. The artillery begins in 15 minutes. You can't go any further.

Don't worry. We just came to watch.

Just had to see the Defense Force in action.

Them's good words! Wanna watch here with us?

Please don't worry about us.

Don't be shy. These are the best seats.

That over there's the target.

Please, I'm a taxpayer.

I'd really like to see how my taxes are used.

This is too far away. Please let me watch a little closer.

Hold it! Ya can't do that!

Hey! Don't make such weird faces.

There's something strange about you guys.

HQ! HQ! This is Solan and Pappy.

There are two characters here acting suspiciously.

It's a satellite!

Hey! Someone's in the armory! Get in!

But what about these guys?

Leave them and hurry!

- Three minutes left. - But Boss, those forces are real!

Leave that till later.

Two minutes to firing!

Miss Tsurumaki!

Keiko!

Thanks for coming so far.

That's the...

The old philosopher of murder.

I told my comrades in advance...

If something went wrong,

they were to get you to where you are now.

I'm very satisfied with the way my comrades followed their leader's orders successfully.

Now it's one minute to the first barrage.

How do you like my control of timing? Never too early or too late.

Shit! Those forces were...

Now the final prayer.

"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities."

"The chastisement of our peace was upon him."

"And with his stripes we are healed."

Boss!

Listen. We only have one chance.

When the first shell explodes, jump in the hole.

After that, go from hole to hole to get away.

Two shells probably won't fall in the same place.

Probably? But what if...

Don't worry.

If they always hit their target, they wouldn't need to practice.

Ten seconds!

Nine, eight...

Seven, six, five...

Four! Three!

Two, one, zero!

Success.

It was a struggle.

"The beginning sings the song of eternity"

"With this sharp blow it is thought"

"At that time anger melts"

"Your breasts bleed the joyful blood"

Did you think I would forgive failure?

- They're alive! - What?

It's a dud.

That's what your tax dollars get you.

No way! I've never paid taxes in my life!

Then it's my tax dollars.

What a waste.

Boss, what are you...

What do you mean? If we sell it we get something back.

My year-end rebate.

Look out, It's dangerous!

I'm getting out of here!

We've come this far...

Rest a second.

What are you doing? It'll go boom!

Hey, soldier! Save me! Here I am!

Oh no, Boss!

It's that soldier. What should I do?

Nothing to be done. They're over here too.

Where's the other one?

I'm over here.

Boss! No good!

Idiot! Run away!

But there's a cannon over there...

It doesn't hurt to be blown up! Go!

Boss!

Bill, are you alright?

I'm okay, but what was that?

Oh that.

I buried that dud pointing upward.

The dud?

Let's go, Bill.

I can't. It's busted.

What?

My ass.

It's busted.

Well done. Did you smell me?

Yes, I did. Smelled like blood.

Did you come to get your shell back?

That's lost and forgotten.

Those four men were the same battalion, but second squad.

For me, killers are expendable.

But I can't play on without pieces.

Mr. Kikyo, it isn't your life that I want.

Do you plan to keep on killing with me to the end?

Or would you rather get Keiko back through negotiation?

An easy choice, I'd bet.

Guess you're right.

After coming this far, there's not much difference between left and right.

Good. Very good.

I'm beginning to like you.

Come. Let's get off.

I'll be going, Bill.

Leave it to me.

By the way, Mr. Kikyo, how old were you when you went to Germany?

- Germany? - No need to hide it.

In 1940, as part of the Nazi propaganda,

a group of Japanese youths were invited to Germany.

You were one of the members.

Yes, but I hardly remember anything.

I was only eight.

I went in 1936, as a medical researcher.

One day, I heard Hitler speak.

Suddenly my eyes were opened.

I'd never seen such a fascinating madman.

A great liar, a gigantic ball of homicidal fury standing before me.

I was impressed. He was a true human.

Shinji!

Don't break your promise. We still have to talk.

We're finally able to be alone together.

This place is completely soundproof.

The sane care-givers go home at night, so we won't be bothered.

Please feel safe and be comfortable.

And now, about what I want...

Cleopatra's Tear, right?

Nothing to be surprised at. It's my body's secret.

I should know it better than you.

But...

I pretended not to know because it was safer.

If I'd shown that I knew why you were after me,

you would have attacked with ten times the speed and ferocity.

Cleopatra's Tear.

It once belonged to the French royal family.

A three million dollar diamond.

This diamond, with its malevolent legacy,

brought misfortune when it fell into Nazi hands.

Another doctor in your murder association, Riehart Hinkel,

stole the diamond after it was shown to him.

It threw the Gestapo into chaos.

They discovered the thief was Dr. Hinkel.

Then there was a bomb set off by a Jewish guerilla.

A young boy with an injured shoulder was taken to Dr. Hinkel.

Hinkel, knowing he'd be caught, sewed the diamond into the boy's shoulder.

He intended to retrieve it later,

but died of a heart attack under Gestapo interrogation.

And that brings us 20 years to the present.

The Nazis eventually discovered what had happened.

- Didn't they? - That's how it was.

They got the news from a nurse who had seen the operation.

Bruckmayer killed a friend for the information, and then came to me.

Likewise, I killed him for the information.

More than that,

tell me how you knew...

It's just a zip gun, but it's powerful enough to rip leather.

Shall we test it on a throat?

Let's not.

After all, this is only for show.

I don't use vulgar things like pistols.

Commendable.

Then shall we continue like this upstairs, and release her from the ward?

This isn't like you. Are you going to break your promise?

I can't help it.

I don't have what you want.

What?

Sorry to disappoint you,

but the diamond put inside me was one of Hinkel's fakes.

Ten years ago, the wound started to hurt,

so I had the university hospital redo the operation.

What they took out of me was a piece of glass the size of my thumb.

And that's why I became interested in this affair.

I'll believe you, Mr. Kikyo.

Because it isn't the diamond that I want.

What?

Why would I have tried to blow you to pieces if I thought the diamond was inside you?

I just wanted to give you a gorgeous murder.

Can you understand that?

A murder where three million dollars worth of diamond goes up in fire and smoke.

It would have been spectacular.

The climax of my murderer's art!

That's enough. Release her.

Wait.

Who are you?

Shinji Kikyo.

That's not possible. And yet it's not impossible.

Then how about this?

Maybe Shinji Kikyo...

is a man who travels the world making criminals cry.

The man who's been searching ten years for the real Cleopatra's Tear.

After hearing that the Nazis had come here,

maybe he took the opportunity to set a trap for them.

How's that? Does that make the story better?

I can't believe it.

Then getting past my men wasn't just luck or chance?

If that was done through your skill, you are truly to be feared...

Get going!

I don't have time for useless conversation.

I'm amazed. You really do make criminals cry.

That man has the strength of three men.

He's more like a gorilla than a man.

Shall we cleanly take off our caps?

No. Let's take off our gloves.

I'm Shogo Mizorogi, and I can't just crawl away quietly.

But I can't beat you at fisticuffs.

What do you say we settle with a Spanish duel?

Spanish duel?

We tie our left wrists together and fight with knives.

It's quite a stylish way to duel.

I accept.

Choose one and place it at your feet.

Now I'll count to three and we'll see what happens.

How does it feel? What's become of your murderer's philosophy?

Your philosophy leaves out one important thing.

People may want to kill each other, but nobody wants to die.

The irony is that you wanted to help society through population control.

Shall we proceed to the finalé?

You'll taste something you've never tasted before.

The fear of death!

Do you get it yet? Shogo Mizorogi is invicible!

I suffered a lot to create this machine gun.

The safety is released along with the glove.

Then I just do this...

It's alright. Only the moon is watching.

It's over now.

It's like a dream.

Just you and me together like this.

Don't think badly of me.

This is Mama's business.

So it's poison.

Then what about you?

Who are you?

Who are you really?

It doesn't matter.

I'd rather know about you. What the hell are you?

Mizorogi's daughter.

Mizorogi's?

My body's getting numb.

I'm not being killed by you.

I'm dying on my own.

I see.

Is that the maniac killer's pride?

Maniac?

No, I'm not crazy!

I just couldn't bear all the stupid people in the world.

I just enjoyed deceiving them.

But...

I was the one deceived by you.

Rather than being stupid, you were frightening.

What?

I'm a bit foolish compared to you.

Although I doubted you, you were so pitiful I believed half.

You doubted? Me?

Yes.

The first time was in the subway.

Bill couldn't even recognize me in that get up, so how could that old man?

Easy. He knew because you were with me.

And another...

When I fought with that gorilla man,

You didn't say anything, even though you knew he was waiting for me.

That's when I knew.

It's so humiliating that you saw right through me.

It's the same for me.

Instead of defeating you, I just wanted to hold you again.

The stuff in here was just ordinary anesthesia.

That makes me happy.

The truth is...

You were the only one I didn't want to know about my family.

But it's all over now.

It's time to part.

It hurts.

Hold me.

Harder. Hold me harder.

Don't let go.

I'm so happy.

You're here with me.

Yes, for the moment.

No...

Always. Forever.

How's that?

The TNT you used is just like your organization.

Rest now...

My dear.

Hey Boss, where have you been?

Is Otomo Bill here?

What? Boss, get ahold of yourself.

I'm right in from of you.

You're Bill? I want to thank you.

Seems you took care of my little brother.

Your brother?

He's such a handful.

Ten years ago, he ran away from Japan and then suddenly came back again.

When he got back, he forced me to check into the hospital for a week-long physical.

No matter how I look, I'm only 35.

Why the check up?

Now that I'm out after a week, he only left a note that he's after the real diamond.

A note like someone talking in their sleep.

And again I have no idea where he's gone.

And it seems he left something with you.

Yeah, this.

Thanks.

What's this?

"Thoughts on Cases of Murder Paranoia"

That showoff!

"No. 1: A man in his forties puts a razorblade between two cards."

"No. 2: An old man in his seventies puts an ice pick on the tip of his umbrella."

What's he going on about?

Writing such fiction about criminals when he knows nothing of the subject.

By the way, I'm Shinji written with the characters "to believe" and "to master."

My brother is Shinji written "to believe" and "the next," so don't mistake them.

Our old man was so anal. Thanks to him, our childhood was filled with confusion.

What a shame.

They check me out for a week in a hospital, and all they find is athlete's foot.

And then they tell me it can't be cured.

You wouldn't believe the things he does. Oh my itchy feet.

Hey... What's going on around here?

THE END