Original subtitles

Original Work: Tongo Keigo

"Hakugin Jack"

Screenplay: Takeyama Hiroshi

Music: Asakura Noriyuki

Please look for the criminal!

The snowboarder who killed my wife!

Tatsuki! Come over here!

1 Year Ago

That's it! That's it!

Mom...

Mom! Mom!

Dad! Mom is...

Kasumi. Oi! Kasumi!

Are you okay? You're not cold?

Are you okay?

A snowboarder struck his wife...

Please hurry!

I've called for a Doctor Helicopter.

Kurata-san.

Seems a snowboarder came out of the prohibited zone and struck her...

...and the snowboard's edge cut through her neck.

Watanabe Ken

Okada Masaki

Hirosue Ryoko

Nakao Akiyoshi

Suzuki Kosuke

Shounozaki Ken

Kaneda Akio

Watanabe Tetsu

Yasuda Ken

It is our sincerest hope that you will accept this compensation for your accident.

I don't care about compensation.

Please just find the criminal!

The snowboarder who killed my wife!

This is the heavy responsibility of the Patrol team.

Our management of the safety of the prohibited run area wasn't thorough enough...

...and so your wife's life...

I am truly very sorry!

By shifting the blame to this man...

...are you trying to say it had nothing to do with the ski resort?

No, that's not...

As if you weren't aware of it.

President, you should be the one kneeling on the ground.

I am very sorry!

As the one responsible for my wife's death at this ski resort...

...the one kneeling on the ground in apology should be you, President!

I am very sorry!

Hiraizumi Sei

Nogiwa Yoko

Kunimura Jun

Director: Fujita Akiji

Iwate Prefecture - Appi Heights Ski Resort

What kind of guy was the snowboarder who got away?

Slopes General Manager

Kurata Reiji

A young man?

Was it the criminal in that incident?

Did you see his face?

Patrol Member

Nezu Shōhei

Nope.

He must be quite skilled to shake you off, Kurata-san.

Patrol Member

Kiribayashi Yūsuke

He's a tough one...

Patrol Member

Ueyama Rokurō

This is bad.

We just bought this and now we're incredibly poor...

Patrol Member

Fujisaki Eru

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday!

Eh?

Whaa!

What an incredible fragrance...

It's been a long time since I had such a nice whiskey. Oh!

Thank you.

I'll drink this tonight.

Now... there'll be a heavy snow tonight!

Houzuki Town Office

"There are rumors Hirose Sightseeing..."

"...wants to sell its 100% owned subsidiary, Appi Heights Hotel & Resort."

wants to sell its 100% owned subsidiary, Appi Heights Hotel & Resort.

"The Houzuki Area has been closed ever since last year's incident involving the death of a female skier."

"Seems they plan to carve off the Houzuki Area and just sell the resort."

This is no joke! The Houzuki Area will disappear!

Houzuki Town Chief

Masubuchi Yasuhide

Masubuchi Hideya

Houzuki Town Sightseeing Staff

They're trying to destroy Houzuki Town.

Our town depends on that ski resort's customers.

TO THOSE PERSONS CONNECTED WITH APPI HEIGHTS SKI RESORT

SKI SLOPE

TIMER SET

EXPLOSIVES PLACED

PREPARE 30 MILLION YEN WITHIN 3 DAYS.

EXPLOSIVES

The Houzuki Area over there?

That's right.

Houzuki Area

It remains closed?

Yes. Ever since that accident one year ago.

Houzuki Ski Slopes

Appi Heights Hotel President

Kakei Junichiro

I'll ask you...

Do you think there would be any benefit to reopening the Houzuki Area?

It would have a significant economic effect on the people of Houzuki Town.

The President was asking about benefits to the company.

Hotel Manager

Nakagaki Yoshiki

He's asking if it would lead to drawing in customers to the ski resort.

Cableway General Manager

Matsumiya Tadaaki

The season's biggest event is next month.

The Appi Cup's Snowboard Cross-country Championship.

Could you please host that in the Houzuki Area...

If I do reopen that, will it bring us any profits?

SKI SLOPE

TIMER SET

EXPLOSIVES PLACED

RATHER THAN BEING BURIED

Slopes Maintenance Chief

Tatsumi Yutaka

Nezu-kun, a moment...

Yes. If you would please.

"It is possible for me to activate the timer..."

"...at any time and from anywhere using a remote control."

What is this?

Excuse me.

Hello?

This is Nezu. We've got a problem.

What's the matter?

A threatening e-mail has arrived...

...saying an explosive device has been buried here at the ski resort...

An explosive device? What is that about?

They write that the device is out on the ski slopes.

The ski slopes?!

Heiwa Fansubs Presents

Hakugin Jack

(Silver Jack)

Oh...

Since it says "explosives," isn't it just a prank e-mail?

I don't know. Nezu-kun and Eru have gone out to check.

To check what?

To where the e-mail says the explosive's detonator is buried.

Where?!

"While a lack of snow is occurring worldwide due to the effects of Global Warming..."

"...you guys are the ringleaders who caused it."

"You took large quantities of trees from the mountain, exposing the soil and changing the flow of water..."

"...so I am demanding consolation money from you guys."

Consolation money?!

"30 million yen within three days."

"When it is prepared, at the gondola station on the summit..."

Administrative Manager

Miyauchi Hiroshi

"...set up a yellow cloth as a flag not less than 1 meter in length."

I think that's just a prank e-mail.

If they were threatening us, wouldn't they ask for 100 or 200 million yen?

"Explosives with a timer have been planted out on the slopes."

It's a lie. Just a lie...

Even if it is a lie or some prank, I'm nervous about it.

Hurry and get some confirmation.

"This is not just a threat."

"It is possible for me to activate the timer at any time and from anywhere using a remote control."

"When it explodes, what will happen to the nearby skiers and snowboarders?"

"If an avalanche occurs..."

"...it will become a catastrophe beyond description."

"From the first lift's 13th steel pylon..."

"...move forward five meters due east and then try digging."

"If you look at the message that is buried there..."

"...you'll come to realize the extent of my powers."

"The deadline is three days from now."

"If there is no reply by that time, I will activate the timer."

"In the event the police find out about this, I will cancel our transaction and activate it."

"I'll tell you this, but once the timer is activated..."

"...no one will be able to stop it."

"A huge explosion will occur and the ski areas will be stained with fresh blood."

What's up?

We found a round cylinder.

A round cylinder?

Be careful.

Yes.

What's inside?

Nezu-kun?

A letter and...

...electronic components.

It seems to be a detonator.

A detonator?!

"Along with this letter, I have placed a small device."

"The timer and strobe flash are on a battery."

"The real explosive..."

"...has a detonator in place of the strobe flash."

"The detonator is attached to the explosive."

I earlier set the timer for 3:10pm.

When that time comes, the strobe light should go off.

This is a test of that.

The strobe light went off according to the timer.

If this had been the real detonator, an explosion would have occurred.

We can't dismiss this as just a vicious prank any longer.

We should take this to the police as soon as possible...

Do you understand what it means when you say "take it to the police"?

I understand.

What do you understand?

Kurata, both the hotel and ski resort business would have to come to a halt.

He's saying we will have to move all the customers staying at the hotel to other places.

Plus we'll have to contact all the customers who have made reservations and turn them down.

And if we have to turn down customers, they will ask to be compensated.

That can't be helped, now can it?

At least until we've located the explosives.

Do you think the police would be able to discover the explosives...

...buried somewhere out in those vast ski slopes?

And if they don't, they'll slap us with a long business suspension.

We'll have to throw away the entire season.

Are you saying you understand that?

But human lives come first.

Just like Kurata-san says, we have to report this to the police...

Be quiet. You guys keep quiet.

Why must we be quiet?!

Nezu!

This has nothing to do with you guys on the Patrol team!

Excuse me.

What are we supposed to do?! Without contacting the police...

...you'll pay 30 million yen just to keep the hotel and ski resort doing business?

I object to that.

Even if you do pay the 30 million yen to this criminal...

...there's no guarantee that they'll tell us the location of the explosives!

Is this here your utopia?

How did you come to think of such a small ski resort as your utopia?

When you were at the Hirose Sightseeing headquarters...

...you carried the weight of the company on your back and were full of ambition.

I thought you'd become a company Director soon and would take over after my time.

So what happened?

After failing at a company project you yanked yourself away...

...sent yourself into exile...

...and had your fangs completely removed.

This ski resort is to be sold.

That's the rumor...

That's why you're complying with the criminal's demands.

If there's an explosion, then it can't be sold.

Fool.

You're a fool.

Please don't pollute the snow!

What?

I'm asking you not to pollute the snow.

Staff Quarters

"This is not just a threat."

"If an avalanche occurs..."

"...what will become of..."

"...the nearby skiers and snowboarders?"

I have returned.

Skier

Irie Yoshiyuki

Ah, Irie-san...

It's been one year since my wife passed away.

You still haven't caught the criminal who killed my wife?

No, not yet. I'm very sorry.

I see... It's been a year already, has it?

Ah, how about Tatsuki-kun?

Yes, he came with me.

Is that right.

What's with this rascal?

Ah!

You were quite showy chasing after her, weren't you?

You aren't hurt?

You have to wear your helmet properly.

A Tanuki!

Tanuki - a raccoon dog

Eh?

I crossed paths with a Tanuki!

Snowboarder

Seri Chiaki

I tried to avoid it, but failed.

Tanukis shouldn't be out.

It's unlikely you were hurt much.

What's your name?

Why should I tell you my name?

We had a snowboarder last year with a dangerous way of skiing, just like you...

...who cut open the neck of a woman skier, killing her.

That has nothing to do with me.

Your name and address.

I'll tell you the next time we meet.

Don't go without permission! We're still talking to you!

No way!

Don't get so upset.

I'm not.

It's just she might be the criminal behind Irie Kasumi-san's incident.

No. Both her build and the way she skis are different.

Did you properly compact the snow today?

I did.

I wonder?

Seems there are soft places where there normally should be compacted snow.

Such as under the lifts.

I was getting complaints from the customers.

Tatsumi. Tatsumi!

Come here a minute...

What is it?

Is there something wrong with the compacting snow car?

It's not that.

It's just that General Manager Matsumiya told me I should refrain from compacting the snow today.

Why? Did he give a reason?

No. Anyhow, I was just told to refrain from it.

It's because of that threatening e-mail, isn't it?

Well, we'll talk about that later.

General Manager!

Ah...

If you guys have some time, could you make another round across the slopes?

Since if the snow isn't packed sufficiently and it seems dangerous...

...I'll try to think of something. Please.

Roger.

Ah... Sorry for keeping you waiting.

We are to set up a yellow cloth of not less than one meter long at the summit's gondola station, right?

Yes.

Please get that cloth.

President...

Because I have contacted the Meisei Bank branch office regarding it...

...Miyauchi-kun, you will go and collect the money.

Understood. I am a little nervous about this.

President...

You will hand over the money according to the criminal's instructions.

I will no longer speak of my objections to that.

However... I do think we should report this to the police.

If one of our guests happens to ski over the explosives buried on the slopes...

We were lucky it didn't explode today.

We were barely able to compact the snow, either.

That'd be dangerous!

It might explode if we were to compact the snow too much!

If we don't compact it, the slopes will become bumpy!

It'll be dangerous in either case!

So persistent.

Appi Gondola Summit Station

As you were the first to discover the threatening e-mail...

Appi Gondola Summit Station

...Tatusmi-kun, you'll interact with the engineer.

In the strictest of confidence only, please.

Of course.

Nezu, are you there?

Yes, this is Nezu.

Looks good. Thanks.

Appi Gondola Summit Station

How does the criminal...

...intend to get the money we'll deliver in this snow?

By skiing or snowmobiling.

In any event, it would be impossible for someone who wasn't considerably accustomed to the snow.

I get extremely angry thinking of how that guy is right now looking at that yellow flag from somewhere out on the slopes!

Central First Quad Boarding Area

Excuse me a moment.

Kurata-kun!

It's not the police. Irie-san has come.

That matter should've been over with.

Over with?

What's over about it?!

The snowboarder who caused that accident still hasn't been found.

Not to mention the emotional scars between Irie-san and his son...

The Houzuki Area where that incident occurred was closed down!

That means this ski resort has surely fulfilled its responsibilities!

Irie-san!

Where is Tatsuki-kun?

In the hotel room.

He says he hates standing out on the snow.

But I will get him to stand on snow, no matter what.

I just happened to be watching...

...when those two snowboarders took my wife's life.

It's frustrating that they escaped.

Excuse me.

I expressly asked to be switched to this suite. I've truly been a nuisance.

Not at all. Of course we would.

Good afternoon.

It's Kurata-san. Please greet him, Tatsuki.

Tatsuki.

Tatsuki.

I'm sorry...

It's okay.

Would you like some?

Ah, no... I'm still on the job.

When I'm lonely, I drink this...

To me, I think I have a friend...

1 Year Ago

Irie-san...

...have this.

My favorite whiskey...?

You were always drinking it at the hotel's bar...

The one I would drink in the bar with my wife...?

Thank you.

Go ahead and give some to your wife...

Have some.

May I?

Yes.

As a friend.

My wife and I became acquainted at this ski resort.

That's why I can't bear a grudge against skiing.

My son, Tatsuki...

As his Father, I think skiing's the one thing I should make him get back.

Tatsuki-kun. Won't you come skiing with me next time?

Standing on top of new-fallen snow...

...and then skiing along, towards blue skies...

...your feelings might become a little easier.

Thank you very much for using our suite rooms at this time.

Ah, no, no.

Because skiing is our only pleasure.

Is that right.

Um... Where is the place called the Houzuki Area?

That hasn't been opened yet this year.

Why? We wanted to try it.

Skier

Hiyoshi Kōzō

I'm very sorry.

That's a shame.

Yeah...

We heard there's some terrific slopes over there.

My wife and I really wanted to try them...

Those are a little small compared to the ones on this side.

And after you've finished skiing...

...depending upon the time, it might be a little tough for you to get back.

Houzuki Area

Ah... Then maybe we shouldn't go?

At our age, it'd be trouble if we couldn't make it back.

Even if we couldn't make it back, there's nothing here for us.

Well, still, we haven't done our safety check...

...so there's no helping it.

Sorry for not telling you my name.

I'm the Manager and my name is Kurata.

Yes, yes.

If you need anything...

Ah... excuse me.

Hello?

This is Matsumiya.

An e-mail has come from the criminal.

"To those connected with the Appi Heights Ski Resort."

"I have confirmed the yellow flag. I want to transact business without delay."

"Prepare a cell phone."

"Use this number for now as my e-mail address."

"Buy a waterproof case from the 500 yen store on the hotel's first floor..."

"...place the 30 million yen inside and hand it over to the deliverer."

"Have the deliverer place a yellow bandanna around their arm..."

"...and by 8:30 pm..."

"...have them go to the Central slope's First Quad Boarding Area."

"If I feel there is something even a little suspicious about your movements..."

"...I will cancel the transaction immediately and activate the explosive's timer."

"What would the result of that be?"

"That's not my responsibility."

What are you all fidgety about? Some sort of incident going on?

Go over there.

Who's that? The criminal?

Hey... We're in the middle of work right now, so some other time.

A call!

From the criminal?

Yes?

Ride up to the Central's First Quad.

From there, ride up to lift number 2 and await orders.

That Patrol is really cute, isn't she?

Uber cute!

Where?

Um...

What in the world is the criminal making him do?

Lift 2 A

If he rides the lift at this time...

...he wouldn't be able to go to any other place.

Because there aren't any lights other than here.

Lift 2 A Platform

There were some boys who liked that woman earlier.

I'll have you banned from here if you talk to me any more than this.

Scary!

My name is Seri Chiaki.

Say, tell me her cell phone number.

I'm not telling you that.

Go down quickly!

What is this...

I don't think she has any feelings for you, after all.

Guests, we wish to inform you that the night games have come to an end.

At the present time, we...

Yes, this is Nezu.

This is Kurata. What's going on?

I'm waiting to be contacted.

Be discrete in your actions.

If that detonator is switched on, it'll be all over.

Someone is coming!

Huh?

Lift 2 A

It's Kiribayashi.

What is he doing?

He's on his patrol.

Yes?

Place the waterproof case behind the information sign pointing to Red House.

Once you've placed it, ski down to the First Quad level as soon as possible.

Wait there for your next instructions.

Kiribayashi-kun.

Yes, this is Kiribayashi.

Don't hang around in that area. Go back to your normal patrol.

Nezu-san was here, but what was he doing?

I'll tell you later.

Is it finished?

No, not yet...

Yes?

I've confirmed the money. I'll contact you again.

Wait! Tell me where the explosives are!

Damn...

Nezu-kun!

Central Slope A

Nezu?

Nezu! Nezu! Where are you going?!

I'm going to find the criminal!

Did you turn over the money?

Come back! Promptly!

Stop him! He's your subordinate!

Eru.

What are you doing?

When you were on patrol, did someone come down?

There wasn't. I'll be going on ahead.

Kurata-san.

Like I thought, the money is gone now.

Couldn't we find the bomb with a metal detector?

What would he do if the criminal saw us doing that?

That's right.

You had better not tell this to anyone!

Because you tend to chatter on too easily.

Ah... Because I would talk about it with people right away, huh?

Kurata-san went to sleep.

He's exhausted. He had to battle our stupid company bosses.

I'll give him a massage.

Because when I would go on expeditions, I was constantly giving other team members massages.

Eh? Eh? Eh?

Hey, what is it, what is it?

Oh, you surprised me!

What is it?

I just thought I'd give you a massage...

Well, you got on my back so suddenly, so I thought I was being attacked...

Eh?! He panicked...

Want something to drink?

No, I'll pass.

Since we don't know when that criminal might contact us again.

Ah, I'll do that...

Ah, it's okay, it's okay.

Will you guys eat, too?

No...

At this rate, he might not contact us.

I wonder...

If he doesn't, and the explosives remain buried...

...do they intend to go on making transactions?

The big-wigs, that is.

Unfortunately, that's what they'll do.

What sort of person is the criminal?

They said in their threat letter that we were responsible for global warming...

...by cutting down the forest and causing environmental damage, but...

Wasn't that just an excuse?

That's right...

If that were their objective, they wouldn't be demanding consolation money...

They would have planted the bomb and then announced it to the press.

And if they did that, we wouldn't be able to go on with our skiing business.

I'm sure the criminal would have foreseen that the ski resort...

...wouldn't contact the police, either.

Then is it someone with a grudge against the ski resort?

Could it be?

Such as Irie-san...

As the one responsible for my wife's death at this ski resort...

...the one kneeling on the ground in apology should be you, President!

An e-mail has come in from the criminal.

"I have confirmed receiving 30 million yen."

"I will now provide you with information about the explosives."

Just a minute, just a minute...

Go ahead.

Yes.

"First Sailer Course..."

Yeah.

"The Sekirei Course..."

Yeah.

"I didn't bury any under the family courses."

"You may use those three areas as much as you like."

And? Where is the bomb buried?

That isn't written here.

"If you seek any additional information..."

THEN PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL 30 MILLION YEN

"...then provide an additional 30 million yen..."

"...and put out a yellow flag on the summit gondola station just like last time."

"If there is no answer in three days..."

"...I will take it as a transaction failure."

I did think that 30 million yen was an extremely half-hearted sum.

I wonder what on earth the President intends to do this time?

But why would the criminal do such a thing?

Ah... thanks.

He should have just requested 60 million yen from the start.

Might be that since things went well the first time around...

...he's gotten greedy.

Miyauchi-kun.

How'd it go?

The President wants us to report it to the police this time around?

Not that.

He says it's best just to hurry and pay him then get the information on where the explosives are.

As a result, the President feels this will lead to ensuring our guests' safety.

But...

Both I and Matsumiya-san agreed.

Kurata, it's already been decided.

Let's go through the same procedures as yesterday.

Go to the bank again and collect the money.

Ah... ah...

So unpleasant...

Eru.

Yes?

Could I ask you to make the delivery this time around?

Me?

Nezu.

There's something I want you to keep an eye on.

While out on your patrol.

What can I do?

Catch the criminal?

No. We don't know what kind of moves the criminal will make.

That's absolutely impossible.

I just want you to confirm what he looks like.

If I feel there is something even a little suspicious about your movements...

...I will activate the explosive's timer.

If you don't want any victims, just follow my instructions.

Rather than being buried.

RATHER THAN BEING BURIED

About the Appi Cup Course...

You haven't started making that at all yet, have you?

When are you having it?

Why?

Because I'll be a contestant in it.

I see. A contestant, huh? You must be good, huh?

I'm entering as an ordinary woman.

That hasn't been decided on yet.

Hmm...

Say, you're Fukisaki Eru-san, aren't you?

That's right...

I heard your name from one of the Patrol people.

How about having tea sometime with my cousins here?

Huh?

This boy says he fell in love with you at first sight. He's crazy for you.

No... Why is he grinning like that?

Foolish, isn't he?

He's always grinning like that.

Since I'm in the middle of work right now, go hit up on someone else, okay?

Contact has been made. Head back.

Yes!

Kurata-san, this is Houzuki Town's Masubuchi.

I'm the Mayor's son.

I've created a proposal for inviting people to the Houzuki area and I wanted to ask that you read it.

Very well.

Because I'm a little busy right now... I'm sorry.

Well then, excuse us.

Let's work together.

Though they're saying they would build a huge kicker and half-pipe...

...for the exclusive use of the Houzuki area moguls...

...I don't think the President will agree to this.

If he enjoys being deceived this way...

...won't Kurata-san end up regretting it?

There's no way Kurata-san would regret it.

In that case...!

Who loves this ski resort the most?

You'd know if you thought about it.

The one most in pain over this is Kurata-san.

I...

...know that.

We're to put the 30 million yen into this...

...and then it says to close the opening with duct tape.

That's a bag this hotel's sports shop uses, right?

That's right.

Same as last time, the one delivering it will wear a yellow handkerchief around their arm...

...then go up to the entrance of the slopes by 3:30 pm.

It's 1:30 already.

Let's hurry.

Yes.

Miyauchi-san...

Eh? Fujisaki-kun is taking it?

Yes. I get to go this time around.

Why Fujisaki-san rather than Nezu-san?

Because Nezu has a strong competitive spirit...

...so I don't know what he might do if he encountered the criminal.

The criminal could cut out if angered.

Counting on you.

Yes.

Will it be okay leaving this to a woman Patrol member?

Eru will be fine. She's originally from around here...

...so she knows a lot more about the topography and slopes than I do.

And she can deal precisely with any instructions from the criminal.

Well, that should be fine.

Yes! This is Nezu.

Ah. How's Eru?

There's still no contact from the criminal.

Kurata-san, where are you?

I'm at the top of Ootaka slope right now.

Roger.

Go to the gondola lifts station.

Wait there until instructed.

Business Closing Time

I'm to wait here until instructed.

Yes?

What's up?

I'm to ride the gondola alone until the end.

I'm to ask the person in charge there for a ride.

After that I'm to wait for the criminal's instructions.

I'm in the gondola right now.

Take out the plastic bag with the money in it.

Open the gondola's window.

It's open.

Once you've approached tower 14, drop the plastic bag out the window.

Kurata-san.

What is it?

The cash is to be dropped under the gondola at tower 14.

I'm near tower 15 right now. The criminal isn't around.

Be careful. There's a marsh in that area.

I'm under tower 14. I've found snowboarder tracks.

I'm following it.

Where's the criminal?

I wasn't able to find him.

Seems he went over to that side using a snowboard and got away...

That's a good 30 meters high. Incredible...

Kurata-san jumped it as well and is chasing after him.

He jumped from here?!

So cool...

Ah!

This is Kurata... I had to give up the pursuit.

"I received the 30 million yen for additional information."

FEE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

"There was someone from your side who was pursuing me..."

30 MILLION YEN

"...but as they didn't seem to be police, I'll turn a blind eye to it."

"Now then, your additional information."

"There are no explosives on the next Courses."

"Hayabusa."

"Ootaka."

"The Inuwashi Course."

"And all other woodland paths, including the Houzuki area."

"In regards to areas after that, contact me again."

Damn it! Where are those explosives?!

This is your fault, Kurata!

What is?

Because of you, the criminal is giving us information in tiny pieces!

Then what are you executives doing?!

By not informing the police, the criminal has got you twisted around his finger!

You just kept quiet and didn't allow me to look for him!

You're blaming us?

Is that what you're saying?!

Be quiet!

What is it? Has something happened?

Ah... I'm sorry. Could you come out for a little while?

Kisaragi

Bar

Welcome.

Hello!

Oi, Ei! Act as our proxy.

Don't worry! I brought it to Kurata-san.

That plan for the Houzuki area. It's my plan, you know.

Unless you drink and have a heart-to-heart with him, your request won't go anywhere.

I know that!

Oi...

Ala? Matsumiya-san.

Welcome.

Oh, this is your new part-time job?

That's right.

I'm raising funds so I can practice to compete in the Cross-country tournament.

Oh... you're great, you're great. Good luck!

Why has he come?

Why? Isn't it fine?

If you come, my opposition to it will come to nothing.

I'll lose to appeals from the people of Houzuki Town.

Is that what you're talking about?

That's right.

The General Manager here was sounding me out about opening up the Houzuki Area.

He's been pressing me hard, nagging me about that.

Kurata-san! I think I offended you.

What is this? Are you in cahoots with these two?

You're wrong! Wrong, wrong!

I only wanted to talk to you, Kurata-san.

But then those people came and then this bunch... Then when Kurata-san came, I...

Won't you have something to drink? Have a drink!

Kurata-san, please make a Cross-country Course using the Houzuki Area.

I'd like to, but the mountain is...

Well, please do it, somehow!

At this rate, Houzuki Town will go under.

The townspeople will carry out managing its safety thoroughly...

...and because we will work wholeheartedly for the snowboarders, please help us out!

If you don't get to making the Course, it won't be in time.

Ah, thanks.

I was thinking, "If it's called off, what about those players from around the world?"

We won't be able to do the Cross-country tournament even if you were intending to.

Matsumiya-san, wouldn't it be wrong to cancel the Cross-country tournament?

Even if you say it's impossible to open it for a full season due to expense problems...

...then at least open it for the tournament alone.

If we open it once...

...they would hate it if it was closed mid-way through again, right?

Please stay open permanently!

The guests will complain if you close it mid-way through.

That's why I'm saying it's impossible.

Here, your change.

Thank you very much for your business.

Pathetic...

What is?

Being a yes-man for the bosses.

Truth is, even if it means my getting fired, I have to protect the safety of all you guys.

I'm off.

Do you think there'll be contact from the criminal again?

I want it to come.

If he doesn't contact us, we won't know where it is he buried the explosives.

But, he's already gotten away with 60 million yen...

And if he is lying about burying explosives...

...he might think it's high time to get going.

Last spring...

Notice of Closure

Houzuki Baths

Here's a bento.

Frustrating, isn't it? You had good baths here and great food.

In the past, it wouldn't have gone under since you were popular.

I'm very sorry...

When things have calmed down, write me a letter.

Take care!

This town in crying.

I'm from a neighboring town, but it's the same there.

It grows more deserted as the years go by.

All the jobs are gone...

...so people steadily leave their hometowns.

It's strange... somehow...

What are you doing in those clothes?

Because unless I'm like this...

...I won't be able to catch up with the criminal's snowboard.

Eru. You have a meeting with the Cross-country tournament's course builder.

Ah, that's finished already.

Ah, really?

Kurata-san is motivated about this, isn't he?

Of course he is.

Houzuki Area - Shirakabadaira (White Birch Plain)

Oi! Who allowed this?!

Closing the Houzuki Area was the President's decision!

Is this insubordination?!

Even if you say such a thing...

...unless we start making the Appi Cup Course in the next two or three days, we won't make it in time, right?

As for Houzuki, the criminal says he didn't bury explosives there...

...and the current condition of the snow there is good.

It's not just me.

Think of what the President says...

Oi, Kurata!

Tatsumi.

Ah, yes.

There are two or three places along the Houzuki lift I'll want repaired.

Ah...

Kurata-san.

Huh?

We have six suspects.

Eh?

This man is a University lecturer...

...and in his extreme actions against the construction of golf courses and apartment buildings...

...he's a man who's been marked by the police.

And this man's a professional snowboarder...

...but his business failed and he owes a considerable amount of debt.

This woman is his lover, but she's also a pro snowboarder.

The criminal is an advanced snowboarder.

That's for certain.

Let's see Hiyoshi-san.

Yes.

Ah, those two are guests staying in one of our suite rooms.

Hiyoshi Kozo. His wife says her name is Tomoe...

...but those may be pseudonyms.

Pseudonyms?

Both their address and contact information were total nonsense.

Say, what do you guys think the criminal's goal would be other than money?

Wouldn't it be to interfere with the sale?

The sale... Has that reached your ears as well?

Everyone knows about it.

When I was going to report this to the police, I came to what the criminal's purpose was.

If this made it to the press, the buyer wouldn't hang around.

But the criminal hasn't reported it.

Yes.

I think Irie-san would have a motive other than money, wouldn't he?

Good morning. Is this Irie-san?

This is Kurata. Would you have some time?

Here, there's nothing to be afraid of.

Seems unless someone is beside him, he gets scared, doesn't it?

Though he loved skiing before.

Well, take it little by little...

Irie-san, are you planning to be here for a long time?

Ah... Well, there are many other tax counselors in my office other than me.

They've all been telling me we should take our time here...

...until Tatsuki here can stand on the slopes again.

Is that right.

Good afternoon.

Ah, good afternoon.

Um... Is the Houzuki Area still closed?

Sorry for the inconvenience.

Ah, is that right.

It's still closed! Let's ski over here!

Okay. Then, let's get to skiing again.

So long. Excuse us.

Be careful.

Yes.

I know, Tatsuki-kun...

Want to go see your Mother?

Mom?

That's right.

Let's do that.

Let's go see your Mother and bring her some flowers.

It's on a pure-white slope that no one skis on.

Tatsuki! Come over here!

Thank you! Thank you!

That's great!

Tatsuki!

This is Tatsumi. The third threatening e-mail has come from the criminal.

To those connected with the Appi Heights Ski Resort.

I will propose our next business transaction.

The amount I'm demanding is 50 million yen.

The amount I'm demanding is 50 million yen.

This will be the last one.

Once this transaction is finished, I will tell you the location of the explosives.

Prepare cash in the amount of 50 million yen within 24 hours.

Set out a yellow flag at the gondola ride station as usual.

If there is a point where I sense something even a little suspicious about your movements...

...I will set off the timer for the explosives.

Don't ever forget that.

The President said to go ahead and pay the 50 million.

The criminal does say this will be the last one.

With this, it'll finally be settled.

Kurata-kun, what's the matter?

Tatsumi...

Yes?

Did this third threatening letter come from the same computer?

What do you mean?

You could say, well, that the font is different here, isn't it?

Yeah. The first and second ones had a Ming-style typeface, right?

Appi Heights Ski Resort

While this third one...

Appi Heights Ski Resort

...is in a Gothic style...

Well, the font has been changed.

Kurata-san, you think someone else wrote this one?

Ah, no, no... I was just wondering why.

You're over-thinking things, Kurata-kun.

We were really blessed with snow this year.

Once this incident has settled down... will you come skiing with me again?

Kurata-kun... It seems another threating letter has come again.

Yes.

I understand they have requested an amount of money to pay to them.

Maybe they thought it would be easy for me to pay out 60 million yen...

...but I'm the one who knows best just how long and how much effort is required....

...for this ski resort to make 60 million yen in profit.

Even so, I judged this was for the best.

It was a decision I spit up blood over.

You who are drunk on your utopia might not understand that, huh?

President, I heard you went to the company headquarters yesterday.

I guess this ski resort is going to be sold after all?

Sold?

I can't tell you the details of what was said at headquarters...

...but it's nothing like what you are imagining.

In that case, could you allow me to create the Houzuki Area course?

What do you mean by that?

That is, if there was talk of a sale...

...then you won't get a buyer for it if the unprofitable Houzuki Area is opened.

But if there is no such talk, then you wouldn't mind...

The Appi Cup Course would be pointless unless it is made there, right?

The criminal is also is saying he didn't bury explosives in the Houzuki Area.

I understand.

However, this is for after we've finished transacting with the criminal and its safety has been confirmed.

Ah...! Nezu-kun! Nezu-kun! Come here for a minute!

Come over here, over here...

Well, it's coming to a head, Nezu-kun.

Yes.

I want to beat that criminal to bits.

Eh? Director, such a thing would be...

Geez, it's because...

While I was schlepping to the bank for 30 million, 30 million and 50 million yen...

...I grew increasingly angry with the criminal!

Nezu-kun.

Chase after that criminal.

Eh?

But don't be spotted by the criminal.

You're saying it's fine not to catch him?

I just want another clue about him.

If we don't find out just who it is...

...we'll go on being threatened like this forever and ever! It's terrible already!

Do something somehow!

Have the deliverer get on the gondola at exactly 3 pm.

Once on the gondola...

...they will wait near the Hayabusa Course.

Yeah. I'll be getting on the gondola now.

I'm nervous...

I want this to be the last time I deliver any ransom money.

Ransom money?! What's that about...?

I'm in the gondola now.

The call has come in.

I don't know what they're saying.

She's started skiing!

Are you okay?

This...

There were too many people in the gallery.

I'm canceling this transaction.

I'll contact you again. You go down the slope right away.

Can you tell what the noise on the other end of the line is?

There are too many people in the gallery.

I'm canceling this transaction.

Sorry... I'm really sorry.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

You're so slow, geez!

That's...

Isn't that from here?

That call was made from here?

If that's the case, the criminal couldn't have seen us...

So it's strange they say there were too many people in the gallery, isn't it?

Hey.

Was someone kidnapped?

Kidnapped? Why would you think such a thing?

Fujisaki-san was taking up the ransom money, wasn't she?

I overheard Fujisaki-san on the phone.

I figured her partner was probably you, Nezu-san.

That time, huh...

Hey, it is a kidnapping after all?!

Promise me.

That what I tell you now will be an absolute secret.

I can be trusted.

No one has been kidnapped.

However... there are hostages.

I don't get what you mean. Who's the hostage?

That would be... you guys.

Eh?

And us at the same time.

What do you mean?

All the people at this ski resort are hostages.

This entire slope has been taken over.

All of them were outside the hotel, weren't they?

Because of this weather, right?

Why do you think the criminal always wants to do his transactions out on the slopes?

What do you mean?

I don't know if there's just one criminal or many...

...but rather than at a ski resort...

...a more deserted place would be better for delivering ransom money to, right?

Huh? Do you mean...

...there's some circumstances that force the criminal into making the transactions out on the slopes?

Yes.

If it were someone inside this ski resort...

...it would be easier for them to tell if it was being reported to the police.

And since I feel absolutely certain that call earlier was made from inside the hotel.

Then you're saying the criminal is someone staying at this hotel?

Right.

When you think about the timing of the incidents as they occurred...

The timing?

The day the threatening e-mail arrived matches with when Irie-san and his son came to the hotel.

That's just coincidence.

If so, that's fine, but...

Oh, Nezu. Give me a moment...

I'm sorry!

What's this about?

The snowboarder Seri Chiaki overheard me talking to Eru-san on the phone...

She thought we were acting strangely and deceiving her and she questioned me closely about it...

...so I told her how this was an incident.

Can you trust that girl?

If my eyes are right...

By taking her favorite ski resort hostage...

...she absolutely wouldn't forgive the criminals for that and would be angry with them from the bottom of her heart.

I see.

If you've judged her so, then that's fine.

That wasn't what you wanted to talk about?

I heard a little about this from Eru...

You suspect Irie-san with being connected to this incident?

I'm sorry!

I was worked up over how we were being played around by the criminal.

And I felt you weren't suspecting him.

Well, I have been considering that as well...

If this is to be cleared up, I think it best if we made things plain.

Yes.

When the demand comes in from the criminal...

Yes.

I was thinking of having Irie-san and his son...

...go along with Hiyoshi-san and his wife to skiing in the Houzuki Area.

Do you understand what I'm getting at?

Ah...

We've got to isolate Irie-san in the Houzuki Area.

So it's that.

If Irie-san and the others are in the Houzuki Area at the time the criminal appoints...

...then they'll have an alibi, won't they?

I'm sorry for Hiroshi-san, but I'll have you accompany them.

I wonder if I can ask you for this?

Understood.

What's that? The Houzuki Area?

We'd be thrilled to go with him!

We'd be happy to go with Irie-san whenever it's convienient for him.

I'm sorry for making this selfish request. Thank you very much.

That's okay, geez...

It was getting boring with just the two of us always skiing down together.

You'll probably go along with us, right?

Of course.

Then let's just leave this guy behind and go ski some fresh snow together.

Oi, oi! I heard that!

Think you can leave ME behind?

Did you hear that?

Hello?

This is Eru. Were you sleeping?

Ah, that's okay. What's up?

The threatening e-mail has come in.

What about the President?

Tatsumi-san has contacted him.

All right. I'm on my way!

Irie-san. Irie-san?

I've decided to give you another chance.

Place the 50 million yen into a waterproof bag like last time.

"Have the same person play the deliverer just like last time."

"Have them wait for orders at the gondola mountaintop station at 3 pm."

"This is your last chance."

This is your last chance

I couldn't find Irie-san or his son.

What's that?!

They aren't in their room.

I couldn't get in contact with them, either.

Why is this?

Why with this timing...

Can't be helped... Contact Hiyoshi-san.

Tell them going to the Houzuki Area has been postponed.

I'll be going.

Why do I have to be the deliverer again?

Since the criminal designated you, there's nothing we can do.

Eru... please.

If we don't give him the 50 million yen there'll be an explosion this time around.

You should stop Nezu.

Ah, it'll be fine this time around.

I am a little worried about Eru though.

Who's that woman? The one with Nezu.

Ah, she wants to participate in the Cross-country tournament as a snowboarder.

Tatsumi, got a minute?

Yes.

I can see the summit station.

It's certain Irie-san might bear a grudge...

...against the ski resort over his wife.

Where is he...

She's riding alone.

You were contacted by the criminal, weren't you?

Do absolutely nothing.

Because I'm the only one who guards Eru-san.

I don't get it. If the criminal appears, you have to chase after him?

Kurata-san, were you able to make contact with Irie-san?

No, not yet.

That's strange, isn't it?

He agreed to go with us to the Houzuki Area.

Then to not even contact us...

I guess Irie-san is the criminal, isn't he?

Nezu, you mustn't rush to conclusions.

This is Kurata. What's going on with Eru?

She just got off now. No contact yet.

Don't get too close to Eru. The criminal will become suspicious.

Please be careful.

Ah, she's being contacted.

She's been contacted by the criminal.

Appi Gondola Summit Station

She's skiing down.

Irie-san! What's happened with you?

Sorry for being so late in contacting you.

Ah, not at all.

Where are you right now?

I think I'm probably in the Houzuki Area.

The Houzuki Area?

First thing this morning, Tatsuki suddenly said he wanted to go to the Houzuki Area.

And do you know whereabout in the Houzuki Area you're in right now?

No...

Truth is, we lost our way in the mountain...

...and have just managed to get free at last.

Understood. Please be careful coming back.

Who said they could go skiing in the Houzuki Area without permission!?

Sorry...

Oh!

An e-mail.

"I'm canceling the transaction because another nuisance has appeared."

"This will be my act of retribution."

ACT OF RETRIBUTION

Act of retribution?

This is bad! There'll be an explosion somewhere!

A nuisance appeared? What have you guys been doing!

How could such a thing happen!

I'm very sorry.

This might be my mistake.

What did you do?

I asked Nezu-kun if he couldn't get hold of some clue...

...that would let us know the identity of the criminal.

Why would you do something unnecessary like that?

If we don't get that money into the criminal's hands, this will have no meaning!

I'm very sorry!

Kurata-san.

This is Kurata. What's up?

The criminal took off with the 50 million just now.

I'm tired...

Kurata-san, I'm totally exhausted.

Oi! You said the criminal took off with the 50 million yen?

Yes. Halfway down the Sailer Course...

...I followed the instructions to dig below where a flag had been planted.

As soon as you've refilled the money into this backpack, you will then leave right away

"As soon as you've refilled the money into this backpack, you will then leave right away."

Hold on a minute.

The criminal said to us, "I'm canceling the transaction because another nuisance appeared"...

...and "This will be my act of retribution."

That can't be.

Right after me, two snowboarders who seemed to be the criminals...

Where is Nezu right now?

Nezu-kun?

Nezu-kun is chasing after the criminals right now.

There are two snowboarders chasing them.

Evacuate the guests outside the Courses!

The criminal said he would set off an explosion! Hurry!

Nezu! Nezu! Where are you?

On the upper part of Sailer 2.

Did the criminal have the 50 million snatched away from him?

I'm taking the one to the right!

Something's strange...

"I'm canceling the transaction because another nuisance appeared"

The criminal took off with the 50 million just now.

This might be my mistake.

"This will be my act of retribution."

I think I'm probably in the Houzuki Area.

If we don't get that money into the criminal's hands, this will have no meaning!

Right after me, two snowboarders who seemed to be the criminals...

ACT OF RETRIBUTION

Nezu!

Kurata-san! That's the criminal!

Ah!

Ah, damn!

Kiribayashi...

Hello.

Don't give me "hello"!

Where's the remote control for the timer?! Oi!

Where have you got the timer?!

Timer?

It's not me! It's those guys!

The President has it!

It's me. I got caught.

Ah...

Are you looking for applause? Give it up.

Whaa! I'm shocked!

I didn't think you'd be that good on a snowboard.

Where's the money? The backpack with the 50 million in it.

I threw it away since it was getting in the way.

You threw it away?!

If we don't hurry and deliver that 50 million yen...

...he'll switch on the timer for the explosive device he had placed.

Who placed the switch?

The President.

What reason would the ski resort President have for blowing up the ski resort?

It's true we were the ones who sent the first and second threating letters...

...so that we could get money.

ON THE SKI SLOPES

EXPLOSIVE DEVICE

30 MILLION YEN WITHIN 3 DAYS

Place the waterproof case behind the information sign pointing to Red House.

Once you've approached tower 14, drop the plastic bag out the window.

Were you guys ordered to do this by the President?

We weren't.

We weren't.

The 50 million yen.

Seems the 60 million yen that was robbed earlier is safe, too.

These two are the criminals who made those threats.

Kiribayashi is with our Patrol.

Hideya-kun is the son of Houzuki Town's Mayor, Masubuchi.

President, in November of last year...

...you visited the home of Mayor Masubuchi, didn't you?

I don't know.

President Kakei here met frequently with my Father.

I felt certain they were discussing reopening the Houzuki Area.

But... that was a big mistake on my part.

President Kakei was saying how he wanted to carve off the poor profit portion that was the Houzuki Area...

...and was going to sell the ski resort.

This much, huh...

Under the rules of the Forest Service, to completely close the Houzuki Area...

...we would have to remove the lifts and reforest...

...and completely restore the mountain to how it was formerly.

Compared to the vast construction expenses needed to reopen it...

...that's cheap.

That's true, isn't it?

As you know, there is a "special case" item on the contract.

If serious damage is done as a result of a natural disaster such as an avalanche...

...it would then be possible to sell off the ski resort separately.

I see.

Causing an avalanche in the Houzuki Area with a bomb...

...and shutting it down on the pretext of a disaster...

...is a truly bold method.

Even if an explosion occurred and that caused an avalanche...

...you're saying that we of the police should not investigate it and say to the end...

...that it was just a natural avalanche?

If you would please.

In order to sell off this ski resort as a whole...

...you disrupted the Houzuki Area.

And then the guy who found out about this went and discussed it with his friend, Kiribayashi.

Yes. I felt I wanted to stop that explosion somehow...

I want to protect the Houzuki Area.

My Father is one of his cohorts, too. What should I do?

Even if you wrote about it on the Internet, it would just be thought of as some bad prank.

Ah...

As long as you don't know where the bomb was buried...

...it's hopeless trying to search for it.

Since it's the President and the others who will be burying it themselves...

...we can't report it to the police, can we?

What if instead we took advantage of the bomb and threatened the ski resort with it?

Threaten it?!

Say we're holding the ski resort hostage...

...until they create a venue for a Cross-country tournament in the Houzuki Area.

By doing that, they'll have no choice but to abandon the execution of their bombing plan.

That's good! I can get the Patrol members to cooperate, too.

If a Cross-country course was made, you wouldn't have been able to sell.

So that's why you, President...

...ordered up that third threating e-mail, wasn't it?

Prepare cash in the amount of 50 million yen within 24 hours.

This will be the last one.

The first and second ones had a Ming-style typeface, right?

While this third one...

...is in a Gothic style...

Kurata-san, you think someone else wrote this one?

President... Where is the remote-control detonator?

Please give me the remote!

Do you have any evidence that I sent that third e-mail?

You!

If that gets destroyed, I absolutely won't forgive you!

Cough it up! Cough up that remote control!

Let go!

The Houzuki course...

...is where Irie Kasumi-san's soul lives...

It was you...

The one who took Irie-san's wife's life...

That's right...

My... snowboard...

The one who struck Irie Kasumi-san...

...was me!

I... was with him, too...

I started all this...

If I hadn't caused an accident like that...

...then the Houzuki Area wouldn't have been closed...

Irie-san...

Irie-san is in the Houzuki Area...

There are people in the Houzuki Area!

If someone dies in that explosion, what are you guys intending to do then?!

Tatsumi.

Yes?

Contact the police. The fire department, too!

This town's police are useless. Call Police Headquarters!

Understood!

The timer hasn't been set yet!

The President's Secretary, Kosugi, holds the remote control.

Really?

The radio waves won't reach if the snow's too deep.

Unless he gets close to the detonator, it won't work.

Nezu!

Yes!

Let's go!

Yes!

Why did you guys tell him?!

President... people are going to die!

Let's stop this already.

Irie-san isn't picking up.

Kosugi-san isn't, either.

It's no use running away.

Kosugi-san?

This is Kosugi. What is it?

This is Tatsumi. Where are you right now?

I'm on the Houzuki Area's Shirakabadaira.

Have you set the timer already?

How do you know about that?

Stop it! Stop it! The Shirakabadaira.

It's on the Shirakabadaira!

Stop it? Too late for that...

Hello? You're saying it's too late for that?!

Why did you set the timer?!

It was the President's order...

President Kakei contacted us and wants it stopped, too!

It's too late...

Oi! How many minutes are left?!

About ten minutes left!

It's pointless! Get out!

I'm taking your snowmobile.

Kosugi-san, you head down first.

All right.

Let's go!

Yes!

Hiyoshi-san!

Ah... Kurata-san!

Hiyoshi-san, what are you doing here?

Well, she said she wanted to ski down this Course no matter what, so we came...

...but my knee gave out a little...

Are you okay?

Ah, well, I'm fine...

Could you go down from here in a hurry? An avalanche is coming.

An avalanche?

Yes.

An avalanche? Why would one come here?

That can wait till later.

Ah... Um, I don't think he can ski...

Sorry about this, but could you let him ride on that?

Nezu! Please take Hiyoshi-san down to the bottom!

Yes!

Ma'am, how about you?

I can return by skiing.

Please be careful.

Please take care of him.

This Course is marvelous.

Thank you very much.

Please take care of him.

Please hold on tightly.

Counting on you.

What about you, Kurata-san?

Hurry and go!

Yes!

Be careful.

Yes.

Irie-san!

Sorry for worrying you.

This place is dangerous. An avalanche is going to occur.

Eh?

There's no time! Hurry!

Don't worry. I'll take Tatsuki-kun down.

Please go first.

If you would please.

Tatsuki-kun, come over here!

Where's Kurata-san?

He said he would bring Tatsuki down, but...

Did it explode?

This is bad. An avalanche will occur.

Nezu-kun.

Yes?

Is everyone safe?

Yes.

But, Tatsuki-kun is...

Kurata-san said he was going to save Tatsuki-kun...

Kurata-san...

How about Kurata-san?!

Oh! Oh, there!

Ah...

It's Kurata-san!

Kurata-san is with Tatsuki-kun!

How's Kurata-san? Both Kurata-san and Tatsuki-kun are safe, right?

Yes! Both of them are safe!

They're safe, right? Both of them are safe, right?!

Thank goodness...

Thank goodness...

There. Hurry and go.

What about the President and the others?

They said to keep it confidential.

And that if we kept quiet, they'd guarantee everyone's position.

If we had reported those threatening letters to the police, it would mean trouble for us.

Well, there wasn't any serious damage.

Still...

With this, they won't be able to separate off the Houzuki Area and sell this place.

And like this, we'll have to go on getting along with them, won't we?

Yes, come in.

Excuse us...

Ah, Hiyoshi-san.

Would you have a moment?

Ah, come in, come in.

How's your leg?

Ah, thank you. That was a narrow escape.

Well...

This is a bit out of the blue.

Yes?

There's talk about this ski resort being up for sale, isn't there?

It's an embarrassing story...

It's just the Houzuki Area has become a bottleneck...

...and so that talk hasn't been progressing.

The partner this ski resort's headquarters, Hirose Sightseeing...

...has approached with the sale is Seiun Industries.

Why don't you go and persuade them?

Well, even if you tell us to persuade them...

Dear, stop being pretentious and just hurry and tell them the truth.

This is who I am.

I'll receive it.

Seiun Industries Ltd.

Chairman

Nakamura Shigeichi

You're the Chairman?

Truth is, we were spies.

Spies?

In order to investigate the Houzuki Area that had been closed...

...we falsified our identities to stay here. Right?

I was finally able to go to my long-cherished Houzuki Area.

Ah... this is a marvelous ski resort.

Well, I'm sure there must be a way of administrating it...

...without separating off that area.

When I return to the company, I will immediately give out instructions.

That we purchase both the ski resort along with the Houzuki Area.

How about it? There won't be a problem if it's like that, right?

Thank you very much!

Yeah.

Seems Seiun Industries has bought this place, right?

I was contacted by Headquarters about it.

HQ also dismissed me as a company Director.

I've been transferred to a subsidiary company.

It's their way of saying, "hurry up and quit."

"The President is chasing after the same dream that we are."

That's what I thought.

Stop calling me "President."

Without anyone to see off the man who was throwing his weight around...

...I'll take my leave of this ski resort.

Then you can laugh and say "serves him right."

Managing a ski resort becomes more difficult with each passing year.

For Hirose Sightseeing's sake, I had to part with the useless things.

That was my job.

But you went about it the wrong way.

There should have been other, better ways...

...to make this into a more wonderful ski resort.

Though you seem to think you can go on at your job in the way you have been...

...I'll just tell you that you shouldn't be so naive.

It's unlikely we'll ever go skiing together again.

Please go.

I'm not naive.

I do understand.

Hey!

I was surprised.

About what?

Kurata-san has been made the President, hasn't he?

Yeah.

The Chairman of Seiun Industries had come incognito to this ski resort to look around.

And then the Chairman bought up both the Houzuki Area and the resort together...

...and made Kurata-san its President.

We were surprised, too.

I wonder if it was a man charmed by a man thing?

What is that?

You're going out for some practice now?

Yeah.

Because I'll definitely be the winner.

Treat me when I do.

The Appi Cup will be here next week, won't it?

That the Houzuki Area will definitely be hosting the Appi Cup...

...is all thanks to Kurata-san's hard work, isn't it?

The people of Houzuki Town are grateful as well.

There isn't anyone like him.

He does love this ski resort.

This Drama is Fictional