Original subtitles

Something is wrong with the sea?

Yes! They're doing land reclamation along the coast now, right?

Ever since it started, something has been up with the sea.

We're catching fewer fish than before, and digging up fewer clams too.

That's because of the reclamation work?

They're definitely leaking toxins into the sea, I tell you!

At the briefing,

they said they tested the soil used in the work and found it to be safe.

But I'm sure they're using garbage as landfill!

Miss,

many people in Konan City make a living through fishing or marine tourism.

At this rate, we will all lose our jobs.

You are the only person we can rely on.

Please help us.

We conducted a water quality test after the construction started.

However, nothing was detected.

There is no connection

between the sea acting strange and the land reclamation.

We believe there are other causes, such as climate change.

I hope you understand.

That's a lie. It must be because of that construction!

-I'm telling you-- -Could you test it one more time?

The water quality may have changed after the last test.

It's not impossible.

That's right. It's just as she says.

Re-testing won't change the results.

Hey, look!

The sea is huge!

It sure is. It's huge.

I want to go into the sea!

You can, once you get a little bigger.

Really? When?

When you're as tall as Daddy?

Okay.

During the environmental lawsuit,

these water quality figures were accepted as evidence of pollution by the judge.

-Thank you. -Have a seat.

Just so you know, this is a special favor!

Despite you leaving our firm to go independent.

I'm counting on you, sir!

You're so smooth, calling me "sir" only at times like this.

But are you really going to take this on?

Of course.

There is no way I can abandon them.

Still, that place is…

What about it?

The urban development of Konan City

is a pet project of Mr. Furuse, the Minister of MLIT, right?

If you try suing, who knows what he will do. I would stay away from it!

I want to help the people.

Imagine you're screaming in distress, and no one comes to help you.

When you feel it's going badly, give up right away!

Think about your own well-being.

Please.

Can you please tell Mr. Furuse

about Mr. Suzuhara and the others' appeal just one more time?

How many times do I have to tell you?

If there really is water pollution,

it will eventually affect Konan City's urban development too.

Enough already.

I think you've already realized it too.

Those people, they just want compensation or settlement fees.

They all just want money.

When will you stop believing their lies?

They are genuinely in trouble!

Are you in it for the money too?

Why do you assume Mr. Suzuhara's group is lying?

Do you understand how they felt when they asked for my help?

It's not about money.

I just want to protect their livelihoods.

If that's the case, why don't you investigate it yourselves?

I think it would be pointless, though.

At any rate, your sense of justice is warped.

Asking Mr. Furuse to do a water quality test…

will be very difficult.

The heck.

In the end, you're just like them.

Let's go.

THIS IS SECRETARY NITOU I WOULD LIKE TO MEET YOU DIRECTLY

Mr. Furuse, were you unaware of Sendo's wrongdoing?

It is shameful to admit, but I was completely unaware.

Some say you received slush funds generated from their fraud.

How can you say you don't know?

Sendo Construction is involved in the Konan City development,

so did they give you kickbacks?

Regarding Sendo's wrongdoing,

I intend to thoroughly investigate the matter myself.

So you are saying you didn't collude with or receive slush funds from them?

Of course, I did nothing of the sort.

He cut them off so masterfully.

Look at this.

We found this to be embezzlement by some of our company's employees.

We did not provide any financial support to Mr. Furuse!

Sendo is fully willing to take the fall. They're saying it's their fault!

However, the media will probably be in an uproar for a while.

With the rival party lobbying too,

Furuse might not be able to handle the resort.

Then…

he won't be able to mess with us for a while, right?

Let's use this opening to prove that Ms. Shiramoto is innocent!

Right?

Ms. Shiramoto definitely didn't do it.

Right, Mr. Uramawashi?

I don't know.

You "don't know"? Do you not care about Ms. Shiramoto?

-Ms. Aso. -Huh?

-Ms. Aso. -What is it?

-Ms. Aso. -What?

-Ms. Aso. -Ms. Aso.

Mr. Uramawashi was shocked too, you know.

Shocked?

I mean, he was fidgeting with that thing faster than usual.

But knowing Mr. Uramawashi, he must have something in mind.

Let's leave him be for a bit…

Oh, Ms. Aso?

Ms. Aso.

JUSTICE'S FORM

I killed Nitou.

Knock before you come in!

We're going to drink.

She must have had her reasons. Don't you think so?

-Yeah. -I think so too.

Are you listening?

Did I hit the bullseye? You feel that way too?

You haven't.

Let's believe in her.

I'm sure Ms. Shiramoto understands how much you fought for her.

-I did nothing-- -I mean, you became a lawyer for her sake!

-I'm telling you-- -Right!

If it's to help Ms. Shiramoto, I'll go along with your lies.

I don't need you--

Please forget what Ms. Shiramoto said, okay?

Well then, excuse me!

Bye!

-Bye! -See you!

As I thought, Ms. Aso was hit the hardest by it.

I mean, the person she trusted most just admitted to murder.

So, what are you plotting?

No way you don't have a plan in mind, right?

Ms. Aso.

Didn't you say you were going straight home?

Ms. Aso.

You didn't go home?

Not yet.

Why?

I see, so Ms. Shiramoto admitted to it.

I think she was lying.

But why did she admit to it, after all these years…

I wanted to request a retrial someday and prove Ms. Shiramoto's innocence.

And yet…

Is there anyone who knows what happened back then I could talk to?

There is someone, but…

But what?

Right after the murder, there was an article, right?

Article?

Even the victims' association that was planning to file a lawsuit got angry,

saying Ms. Shiramoto lied to them.

Most of them were given money and moved elsewhere.

No way…

But the representative, Mr. Suzuhara, should still be in Konan City.

Where does he live?

I'm not sure if he'll talk to you.

Even so, I want to meet him.

Okay.

But before that…

Tomorrow might work.

Ms. Aso, are you free tomorrow?

What?

Mr. Moriki, where are we going?

What? The library?

Oh, there he is.

Yes?

That should be him. That boy right at the front.

Who is that?

Taiji Shiramoto. He's probably in middle school now.

Shiramoto?

He's Ms. Shiramoto's son.

What?

Ms. Shiramoto is actually a widow, and when that murder happened,

her late husband's parents took him in.

Is that so?

If she makes an enemy of Mr. Furuse, that boy may also be in danger.

That's probably what she thinks.

-See you. -Bye.

Excuse me…

Hello.

A lawyer?

Wait, hold on!

HIGASHIHAMA CITY HALL INADA BRANCH OFFICE

Does Taiji know about Ms. Shiramoto?

No, he was still very young when the incident happened,

so he shouldn't know anything.

I'm not sure if he even remembers who Ms. Shiramoto is.

When that incident happened, so many things changed.

This is Mr. Suzuhara's address.

Thank you very much.

He's not an easy person to deal with. He'll probably chase you away.

Mr. Moriki, why do you help Mr. Uramawashi?

To tell the truth,

I wanted to take on Ms. Shiramoto's defense.

She was a dear coworker.

But I couldn't do it.

If you get cocky and challenge a powerful politician,

it will hurt the people around you.

You'll cause a lot of trouble for everyone.

The firm's director at the time warned me off.

I still regret it today.

That's why I want to help this time.

Go home!

Please, just a moment! What happened ten years ago in Konan City?

What happened to Ms. Shiramoto? I want to know!

I have nothing to tell you.

Ms. Shiramoto might be innocent.

Mr. Suzuhara, tell me what you know.

I told you to get lost! Don't ever come back!

Ms. Shiramoto is not someone who acts for money.

She fights fiercely for others' sake.

I want to believe that.

Please tell me what happened ten years ago.

I've already forgotten. Please, just leave.

-I'll get the car. -Okay.

Mr. Katono.

You haven't been to our representative's meetings lately.

I'm sorry about that.

The election is soon.

I've been going back to my constituency and greeting support groups.

I understand that, but weren't you very enthusiastic about the resort?

The media is all over the matter with Sendo, isn't it?

I can't afford to get dragged into it.

Aren't you an accomplice too?

Yes, and I will repay the favor somehow.

Please tell Mr. Furuse that.

Well then, excuse me.

Bringing Mr. Katono back into the fold won't be easy.

Younger members are so quick to jump ship.

He bit the hand that fed him.

I have an idea.

Mr. Yamaguchi was in the same class as Mr. Katono.

How about we bring him over to our side?

If I recall correctly, he's from the rival party, right?

If we bring him into our fold, our network of contacts might expand too.

Amazing, Murota. You have an eye for opportunities.

I will arrange a meeting right away.

You should accompany me, Murota.

If you establish a connection with him,

your foundation as a politician will become rock solid.

Isn't it about time you made your move into the political world?

Certainly. Thank you very much.

Donghyuk. What is it?

Our company's delegation will participate

in the Japan-Korea Cultural and Economic Forum,

taking place next Friday.

Next Friday?

Yes.

Will you be okay?

The Sendo scandal…

Don't worry about that.

If they ask about Sendo, Murota will speak on my behalf.

Understood. Please do.

I will come over as soon as my meeting ends.

Give my regards to Representative Kang.

I will. Goodbye.

RGC Resorts Representative Kang Jun-ho will be in Japan in one week.

Since the resort plan was announced,

he'll probably want to see the site in person, not just attend the event.

To establish an integrated resort in Japan,

you must have a company with casino experience like RGC,

or it won't meet the legal standards.

That's why Furuse considers Mr. Kang to be an important partner.

If RGC can set up a casino in Japan,

vast amounts of money will keep flowing in forever.

It's a win-win.

But isn't Furuse involved in the slush fund scandal now?

On top of that, it seems some of his political allies are starting to dump him.

Hey, Nakazaki.

He probably used all the money he got from Sendo

to bribe politicians to support him.

To advance the resort plan, he needs as many allies as he can get.

However, once the money runs out, they'll dump him.

We have to make sure Mr. Kang understands this situation.

However…

For that,

we need a special pillar.

A special pillar?

Hup.

Good morning.

I'll help you!

I didn't say you could do that!

Come on, doing this work all by yourself must be tough.

What's your schedule?

Their director wants to talk to me at 4 p.m.

Understood.

What's wrong?

Please go on ahead.

Very well.

What do you want?

Did you ask Furuse about what happened ten years ago?

There's no need to ask.

I believe in him.

Something is bothering you, right?

Are you scared of realizing your own mistake?

If you're lying to yourself, you won't be able to see anything.

The liar here is you.

BOARD MEETING ROOM

MR. FURUSE

Your sister will definitely turn you away.

I killed Nitou.

Ms. Shiramoto definitely didn't do it!

SMALL BANQUET HALL

It's done.

This blueprint leaves no room for lies to escape.

Incredible how Mr. Uramawashi found out all this stuff.

-Ms. Konno, how about the costumes? -They're done.

Maybe I should start attending a language school.

No, a translation app is enough for something like this.

Ten more boxes to go!

Hey. Why do I have to do it too?

Mr. Moriki is working me to the bone!

It's fine from time to time!

Jeez!

You're really going so far for this case.

To know someone, you must try living their life.

Depending on one's environment and position,

the form of justice can change.

Not justice as written in books, but "the justice inside you," was it?

Did you read Ms. Shiramoto's book too?

Well, yeah.

To thoroughly become the client's ally,

it's harder than it sounds.

But I'm sure Ms. Shiramoto tried to do it.

Ten years ago, she felt the same as Suzuhara's group and fought for them.

So now I must do all I can to fight for her too!

Come on, we'll never finish at this rate.

I know that, but this is surprisingly difficult.

All right, this is the last one.

Finally all done.

Thank you very much.

I didn't ask you to do it!

I'm sorry.

Enough.

What?

You…

are just like that person.

I went to meet Mr. Suzuhara, who tried to file a lawsuit ten years ago.

Mr. Suzuhara said…

I only met that Nitou person twice.

At first, he flatly insisted that there was no water pollution.

There is no connection

between the sea acting strange and the land reclamation.

We believe there are other causes, such as climate change.

I hope you understand.

That's a lie. It must be because of that construction!

-I'm telling you-- -Could you test it one more time?

The water quality may have changed after the last test.

It's not impossible.

After that, Ms. Shiramoto investigated

the water quality around the reclaimed land on her own.

She found water pollution.

Look at this.

It really was polluted!

Why are the documents you submitted different?

Well…

We intend to submit this data.

Please don't! Wait a moment.

If Mr. Suzuhara knew about it, why didn't he tell anyone?

That's because…

I'm sorry.

Honestly, I knew I had to say it.

But…

I thought Ms. Shiramoto lied to us in order to make money, and I got mad,

so I also…

took the money.

If I did something reckless,

they could expose the fact that I took money from them, so I…

I got scared.

Are you saying Mr. Furuse handed over money

to buy his silence?

I believe so.

No, but still,

it doesn't prove Ms. Shiramoto didn't kill my father.

It doesn't.

However, on the day Mr. Nitou passed away…

I got a message from Mr. Nitou just now.

I WOULD LIKE TO MEET YOU DIRECTLY

I'll meet and talk with him again.

I'm sure Mr. Nitou will understand. We just need to talk to him.

Maybe he'll even fight together with us.

Please take a look at this.

Mr. Uramawashi was looking into it.

Teito Medical University…

From back then…

DEATH CERTIFICATE (AUTOPSY RESULTS)

This is Mr. Nitou's actual death certificate.

Between the time of death

and the time Ms. Shiramoto went to see Mr. Nitou,

there is a huge gap.

Why don't we verify what happened ten years ago?

I'm sure Mr. Furuse knows the truth.

Donghyuk.

I…

owe a debt of gratitude to Mr. Furuse.

No matter what happened,

to me, he is like a second father.

LAW

JUSTICE'S FORM

MIYUKI SHIRAMOTO

I have a copy too.

JUSTICE'S FORM

TALKING CORNER

This is my bible.

Whenever I'm stuck, I read it.

But she's a murderer.

Who told you that?

No one.

Nobody would tell me anyway.

I searched her name online.

I found a photo of my mother at home,

and realized it was probably her.

She had a fight over some money and killed a man, right?

That's not true.

What? But…

Everything they wrote about her online is a lie.

Your mother would never do something like that.

She is an amazing lawyer.

She cares about what brings happiness to her client

and stays their strongest ally until the very end.

The way she stands in court is so cool.

Right now,

I'm investigating to prove your mother is innocent.

That's why I came to see you, Taiji.

I don't know anything.

I know nothing about my mother.

But I need your help.

My help?

Please.

Help me.

I'm begging you.

Sir,

it seems Mr. Furuse will be late today.

His secretary is holding a conference at Hotel Bellezza Tokyo

to discuss the Sendo scandal.

Is that so? I understand.

I'll set off now.

We're departing now.

ELECTION STRATEGY MEETING

To explain the situation to Mr. Kang,

we will have Mr. Shoji, a famous corporate criminal lawyer, accompany us.

I see.

Mr. Shoji, please do your best.

Leave it to me.

By the time Mr. Kang is here,

I think we can go back to discussing business, as usual.

That's reassuring.

-I will get going now. -Good.

Mr. Kang has arrived.

GUEST ENTRANCE

This way, please.

-Huh? What's going on? -This way, please.

Are they parking the car?

Welcome.

Please follow me.

Ms. Konno, let's go.

Got it.

Mr. Murota, Mr. Shoji, thank you for using our hotel today.

Right this way, please.

Right this way.

You came a long way to get here. I hope your effort wasn't in vain.

Representative Kang.

Who are you?

Long time no see, Mr. Murota.

What is the meaning of this?

Since Furuse couldn't make it,

I thought I would share the recent news from Japan

with our representative here.

Who is he?

Shall we call the police?

Please do.

Take a look at this.

I'll now tell you the top five shadiest rumors about Mr. Furuse!

In the Super Tech Expo planned in Konan City,

the main sponsor, Isogai Tech,

colluded with the police to commit technology theft.

It is suspected that Mr. Furuse exerted pressure from behind the scenes.

And then, Representative Furuse hatched a plan to get

world-famous three-star chef Kohei Kajiwara

to be the Expo's main food producer.

However, there were complications, and the position remains vacant even now.

Now, let's talk about the resort project,

meant to take place in Konan City after the Expo.

Its main contractor, Sendo,

got involved in data fraud and embezzlement.

It's suspected that some of the money was used by Mr. Furuse as his slush fund.

Mr. Furuse seems to have used that money for lobbying activities

to get supporters for the resort project.

However, after the Sendo scandal,

more and more politicians are opposing the resort project.

Also, ten years ago,

Mr. Furuse's secretary was assumed to have been murdered by an attorney.

But now there's a possibility that she may be innocent.

Mr. Furuse ordered a weekly tabloid to write articles

slandering the attorney's reputation.

And now, it's suspected he may even be involved in his secretary's murder.

What is this?

This is the reality of the resort plan that you are trying to invest in.

The true nature of Furuse, whom you trust.

I think you understand now.

Mr. Murota!

What is the meaning of this?

No, well…

You never told me any of this.

This is basically a scam!

METROPOLITAN POLICE

We're the police.

Mr. Kang, you must be careful when judging people.

If what they said is correct,

I'll need to have an investigation done in Korea.

Please wait. I can explain--

There's no need!

This way.

Let's hurry.

-Hello. -Hello.

I need a quick word with Mr. Furuse.

Please check if he can step out of the meeting.

Where did that man go?

He went out from over there.

-Go. -Yes, sir. Let's go.

I'll go look for him too.

Okay.

-Split up and search! -Yes.

We can't get out from here.

What?! This wasn't in the plan!

-Did we take the wrong route? -What do we do?

Kureta. Sabayama.

This way.

Huh?

Let's go!

Are you sure this is the right way?

I have the whole structure memorized.

Mr. Uramawashi, please hurry up a bit.

An architect shouldn't rush things.

What is he even saying?

Hey, wait…

-Where is this? What is this place? -I don't know either.

Let's check inside here.

Yes!

I have no idea where this is.

I'm getting scared.

It will be okay.

Huh?

Is that the exit?

Over there?

-First floor clear. -Head to the second.

Search this floor!

Are you serious?

We need reinforcements downstairs!

-Search down here. -Yes!

It's possible he entered the boiler room.

-Search this area. -Yes.

There is no change to the blueprint.

Blueprint?

We're running away, right?

Yeah.

Did you see three strange men passing through here?

Can't say I have.

I see. Let's search elsewhere. Head back!

Yes.

Here they come.

Hurry and get in. Hurry!

Seatbelts!

That was close.

I didn't think Donghyuk would save us.

-Won't the police raid our place? -Let's go home.

Go!

Uramawashi hasn't been found yet. He probably escaped.

I see.

I won't be meeting Mr. Furuse anymore.

Understood?

Huh?

The evidence is all there,

if you don't admit to the crime now, your sentence will only be longer.

But I didn't kill Mr. Nitou.

So why is there evidence?

This is strange!

Listen!

You won't be able to see your son anymore.

Taiji!

Oh, it's Mom!

You're late.

Sorry I'm late.

All right, let's go get some food.

Yeah, I want ice cream.

Really? Dessert already?

Ms. Shiramoto, you have a visitor.

Mr. Suzuhara told me what happened ten years ago.

He apologized.

He apologized for being fooled by the false articles.

"Even though she was always so supportive," he said.

And Mr. Moriki said

that if you request a retrial, he'll lend a hand this time.

I told you, I won't request a retrial.

I did it.

Please tell Mr. Moriki that too.

I also met Taiji.

Ten years ago,

you didn't appeal because you worried about Taiji?

Did you talk to him?

What did you tell him?

Ms. Shiramoto.

Why did you have to do that?

He has nothing to do with this. Don't involve him!

I will protect Taiji.

I won't let anything happen that would make you sad.

I will stand beside you in court and fight for you. So--

Leave me alone!

Wait!

Why…

Not like this…

I told her I wanted to meet you.

Taiji knew everything.

You're… my mom, right?

I heard from Ms. Aso.

Mom, you didn't actually do anything bad, right?

Why?

Why are you in prison when you didn't do anything wrong?

You don't have to protect me.

I'll be fine.

I'm already a middle schooler!

So…

I'm sorry.

Mom.

I'm sorry, Taiji.

I'm sorry.

I'm so sorry.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry. I'm truly so sorry.

Ms. Shiramoto is now in favor of requesting a retrial.

What did you do?

I had Taiji meet Ms. Shiramoto and talk to her.

So you are actually an uncle, Mr. Uramawashi.

Was it Moriki?

And so, after hearing Taiji's feelings, Ms. Shiramoto finally reconsidered--

You used Taiji to play on her emotions.

You also used quite a sneaky tactic.

Sneaky?

By doing that, she would have no choice but to agree!

Please call it the power of love.

Now we just need to organize the evidence for the retrial--

Mr. Uramawashi. We have trouble.

RGC Resorts Representative Kang Jun-ho…

Look at that.

Attended the three-day Japan-Korea Cultural Arts Forum

and called for the necessity of economic cooperation.

Furthermore, Mr. Furuse also attended this ceremony.

After this event, I can truly feel that Mr. Kang and I share a strong bond.

We showed Mr. Kang all that data yesterday, right?

Didn't we create a rift between Furuse and Kang?

-Why are they smiling and shaking hands? -What are you talking about?

I thought we stopped their plan.

But this is the result?

We were deceived?

So that's why the police didn't pursue us to our office.

MR. MORIKI

Yes?

Is Uramawashi with you?

Yes, he's right next to me.

Uramawashi, can you hear me?

I'm listening.

Mr. Furuse just said he's going to sue you, Uramawashi.

-What? -What?

Come to my office right away!

Mr. Furuse is suing you for defamation.

He claimed you spread false news that greatly damaged his credibility.

He is asking for

300 million in damages.

Isn't this a SLAPP lawsuit?

So that's his move.

What is a SLAPP lawsuit?

It's a lawsuit claiming unreasonable damages,

but whose real purpose is to silence people who criticize or protest.

Big organizations or powerful individuals, guys like Furuse, have money.

They can afford court costs and lawyer fees.

But the person being sued can't do that.

They'll be forced to stay quiet.

That's absurd!

Well, if we promise not to do anything further,

there's a chance he would withdraw the lawsuit.

Do you think Mr. Uramawashi would agree to that?

Not a chance.

Now that it has come to this, we have to fight.

Today is also the day your business suspension ends.

Sir…

COURTHOUSE

He's back to being a lawyer, but now he's the one getting sued.

Typical Mr. Uramawashi.

Yeah.

All rise!

This trial has only one purpose.

Only after doubting everything does the truth become visible.

That's a lie, right?

This is the last piece.

Your Honor,

I'm submitting new evidence.

Subtitle translation by: Nix S.