Original subtitles

For causing a 500-million yen loan mishap,

Osaka Nishi Branch of Tokyo Chuo Bank

was subjected to a discretionary on-site inspection by Headquarters.

However, that was a malicious scheme plotted by

Manager Asano in order to shift all responsibility to Hanzawa.

Hanzawa saw through the underhanded tactics of Ogiso, who was an inspector,

and somehow managed to overcome the on-site inspection.

And in exchange for leaking the information on

the loan mishap to the media,

Hanzawa finally ascertained Higashida's hideout.

However, who should appear there but...

Sounds like a good piece of real estate but it's rather pricey.

Beat them down as much as you can.

Get it done right. I'm counting on you.

Branch Manager Asano Tadasu

Sounds like your new venture in Vietnam's progressing smoothly.

There's bound to be an ever-increasing demand for specialty steel.

Higashida's mistress Fujisawa Miki

Nishi Osaka Steel President Higashida Mitsuru

Although I can't do it openly in view of

the Taxation Bureau and the personal bankruptcy.

I fully intend to make it big again.

Why don't you join me, Ta-chan?

I'll pay you more than you're getting now.

I'm still on track for an elite career at a mega-bank.

I have no intention of abandoning that career.

Then you'd better watch out.

For that Hanzawa dude.

Don't worry.

Now that this article's come out,

the top won't remain silent.

At the next board of directors' meeting,

an official decision will be made on Hanzawa's disposition.

There's no way he can get out of this

anymore.

I got beat up pretty good by this guy too.

This is Asano's personal history that was in the bank's personnel file.

And this is President Higashida's personal history that's been made public.

Umeda Daiichi Middle School.

Umeda Daiichi Middle School...You're right! They attended the same middle school.

But how did you know Asano lived here during his middle school years?

There's a very capable detective in our family.

Apparently, Manager Asano's originally from Osaka.

He attended a middle school near here.

What's more, they were even in the same grade.

Which means they knew each other since middle school

President of the now bankrupt Takeshita Kogyo Takeshita Kiyohiko

and they're connected in the background.

If you think of it that way, everything falls into place.

Why Nishi Osaka Steel suddenly decided to

do business with us, why Asano tried to

force through the 500-million yen loan.

Perhaps the window dressing and intentional bankruptcy

weren't Higashida's idea, but

something Asano put him up to.

Asano knew that we were getting deceived out of that 500 million

from the very start.

And he had already decided to put that blame on you.

Headquarters Loan Section Tomari Shinobu

- But, Tomaru-han. - It's Tomari.

Tomari-han... Why would he take

such a risk for a classmate?

More than likely, in order to receive some kind of kickback,

Asano took the risk.

But there's no proof. That picture alone isn't enough.

If he says he just got together with his classmate, that's the end of story.

That's right. Hanzawa-han, what shall we do?

Until now, I felt responsible as a banker for

failing to recognize the window dressing.

So after doing everything within my power,

I was prepared to accept any punishment in the end.

But not anymore.

Asano crossed the line as a banker.

I won't let him get away with it.

I'll make sure I find the evidence

and drag the bastard down.

If they screw you, they get double payback...right?

No.

It's 10 times the payback.

We determined that 100 million is the appropriate amount for Hagimoto Unyu's new loan.

Fine. Submit the request for approval.

However, for the foreseeable future, Ejima-kun

will have concurrent duties as Loan Section Chief.

Hanzawa-kun, as far as new loans go,

please step aside for a while.

What do you mean?

While it's true there was misconduct on

Ogiso-kun's part at the last discretionary on-site inspection,

I understand upper management is deliberating if the problem doesn't lie with you too

for bringing on the situation.

Pray tell what my problem is.

Don't you even understand something like that?

What's more, because some trashy magazine found out about it,

our branch is currently being viewed with critical eyes by the public.

There's no way I can continue to entrust you,

the very cause of the problem, with any kind of work.

As far as this loan is concerned,

I don't recall doing anything to warrant a punishment.

That attitude is the problem, is what I'm saying!

It's obvious I'm wasting my breath on you.

Assistant Manager, the next agenda topic, please.

Next, Kakuta. The additional loan of 50 million to Sakaishi Kogyo.

Sakaishi Kogyo is in the process of...

You two look very close. How much kickback did you get for the 500 million? Hana

Is something wrong, Manager?

No...it's nothing.

What's the outlook for collecting the loan?

Wakaike Shoji, who we've been doing business with for a long time, is a company in good standing,

and Sakaishi Kogyou's performance is rising steadily.

We don't foresee any problems.

All right. Next...

We were photographed together?

Yes, looks like someone snuck a camera shot of us meeting yesterday.

Any idea who this Hana is?

I have no idea, but it's probably an alias. However, being that she has my e-mail address,

my guess is it's someone relatively close to me...

Are you sure it isn't Hanzawa?

Even if it was him,

you just keep your head held high.

What's the problem with two classmates meeting, I say.

If you run scared, you're gonna get tripped up!

I know.

What's wrong?

Nothing!

Well, well. I'm surprised you found me here.

We followed you from your place.

- My place? - Komura-san was kind enough to tell us.

- That old geezer... - Higashida.

- How much do you have stashed away? - I don't know what you're talking about.

Inflating payments, tax evasion, 500 million from our bank.

Estimating roughly, more than 1 billion?

Looks like I nailed it.

- The hiding place of your hidden assets... - Stop right there!

If you don't stop your jabbering,

I'm gonna report you to the police.

You're the one who's getting reported.

Attorney Katayama Hironori

I'm pleased to tell you

I applied to declare bankruptcy.

Persist attempts to collect from me in the future

will be considered illegal. You'd better be watch out.

You've got tons of money. There's no way they'd recognize your bankruptcy!

I'm protected by the law.

Don't ever show that sleazy face

in front of me again!

- What did you say? Hey! - Takeshita-san.

Declared himself bankrupt? The impertinence!

But now

the bank can't openly interfere either.

Don't we have the permission to search yet?

We need more conclusive evidence, otherwise we may get sued...

Every one of you,

will you quit shrinking in fear!

Ah, damn. Hanzawa-han.

You're not planning to drop the matter, are you?

- What the heck are you doing? - Takeshita-san.

- Have you ever seen this logo? - What is this?

It was on the box of tissues in Higashida's car.

It might be the logo of a financial institution, don't you think?

Like those promotional goods banks pass out to their customers?

Yes. I'd recognize it right away if it was a major regional or city bank, but

I've never seen this logo before. Maybe it's a credit union.

Wait a minute. Why would

Higashida do business with a place like that?

That may be where he has his hidden account.

- What?! - But I have no proof.

- It's just a gut feeling. - No.

It's not just a gut feeling.

It's your gut feeling as a banker.

Okay, leave that to me.

- I'll go check them all out one by one. - Thanks.

I'll try to find out what kind of a kickback Asano was getting from Higashida.

Hanzawa-han, this is a critical point for us.

I'm working on a side job from tomorrow.

- Side job? - That's right.

It's only for a week, but my senpai who lives here asked me if I wanted to do it.

- Floral design? - No, it isn't.

It's just clerical work. They're shorthanded.

Why? Do you need the money?

Not especially, but...

Why not?

I mean,

I can understand if it's floral design work that you enjoy, but

if it's not, I don't see why you need to work.

Can't a housewife work if there's no reason?

That's why bankers are hopeless.

Women assigned to main career track positions at the bank

are still less than 1 percent of men, right?

Deciding who does or doesn't get the loan for the convenience of men.

Do you really understand how working women feel?

What do you mean, for the convenience of men?

Don't worry, I'll do the housework as always.

It's just a side job. Let me do as I please. Fix your own dinner.

Why is she so mad?

"Higashida-san and I were classmates in middle school."

"Beyond that, we don't have any association."

"I don't know who you are, but you seem to be misunderstanding something."

If you send me any more false unwanted e-mail,

I'll report you to the police.

I knew you'd say that.

The Chairman was called to

Main Building Great Conference Room

the Financial Services Agency on a short notice and will not be attending.

So, what is the situation with this matter, Kishikawa-kun?

Director Kishikawa Shingo

I've received reports that

the responsibility lies with Loan Section Chief Hanzawa Naoki's arbitrary decision,

and we're currently in the process of selecting his place of transfer.

Member of the Former Tokyo Daiichi Bank Managing Director Takagi

Chairman Nakanowatari is very concerned too.

It will be troublesome if we get marked by the Financial Services Agency.

Remedy the situation posthaste.

Is that all right with you, Executive Director Owada?

Executive Director Owada Akira

That branch has a lot of employees from the old Sangyo Chuo.

I figured you must be

very distressed with the misconduct of your junior.

It's crying. This room, that is.

Since 1902

when the former Sangyo Chuo Bank was founded,

the Board of Directors' meeting has traditionally been held in this room.

Even after the merger, that tradition is being carried on.

Whenever I come to this room,

I feel motivated and inspired.

However,

this room, which carried the Japanese economy on its shoulders,

is about to be sucked into this worthless conflict

between the Sangyo Chuo faction and the Tokyo Daiichi faction.

Don't you think that's sad, Managing Director Takagi?

You're the one who should be punished. Hana

Was that you, Hanzawa?

Are you Hanzawa-san?

I'm appalled.

I've been working here for a long time, but

I've never felt more disgusted than today.

But this by itself can't be the trump card to corner Asano.

I want proof that Asano was getting kickback from Higashida.

Can you guys lend me a hand?

Please tell me if there's anything I can do.

I can't sit still after being taken for a fool like this.

Please let me do everything in my power too.

Thank you. I appreciate it.

As for me,

please know that I didn't hear any of this.

I'm sorry. If you'll excuse me first.

Actually, Kakiuchi was

apparently warned by the Manager.

If he's too cooperative with you, that...

What is it?

After you get transferred out,

he's next.

I want you to observe Chief Hanzawa's behavior.

Observe?

With him, if it's not one problem, it's another.

In particular, I want you to note the times when he's entering text.

Osaka Nishi Branch Hankyu Umeda Office Underground Parking Garage

Kakuta-san, what on earth are you doing?

- I'm Loan Section Chief Hanzawa. - I know.

You're the celebrity of our bank right now.

I have no excuse to offer.

Can we talk to you about Manager Asano?

Where is this?

The Manager often had me park the car here

while he conducted his business.

What business? Don't tell me...

- Is that where he goes? - Yes.

Since about 6 months ago, the Manager

has been using Kansai City Bank frequently.

Do you know what he does with his bank book?

It's like he keeps it with him at all times.

He makes sure he puts it away in his brief case.

It's true he carries it with him whenever he goes out.

It appears that when he doesn't go out, he keeps the brief case

locked up in his desk.

He's being very cautious indeed.

What to do...

Hana-chan, bring them up front and start with the white ones.

Hana, why don't you join us and work with me?

I had decided to do it just this one time.

But you know, it's such a waste of your talent.

Why did you quit? Because you got married? Your husband?

No, my husband encouraged me to continue even after we got married, but

it's me who couldn't do it. I knew I'd get totally wrapped up in my work

and household matters would end up on the back burner.

I told my husband I got tired of it and quit.

If I didn't say that, he would've persuaded me to continue.

It's hard for me to comprehend.

Is your husband that important?

More than this work?

Yes.

I told you not to get involved with new loans.

I don't recall agreeing to it.

This is a Branch Manager's order. It's not for you to agree or disagree!

Are you trying to ignore me? I don't see much sign of repentance. Hana

- That wasn't you? - Excuse me?

Nothing.

As punishment, I'm faxing the attached photo to the teller window on the first floor.

I wonder what the female employee who sees this will say. Hana

What's wrong?

- I doctored it up real good. - Let's get this over with quickly.

Here's the duplicate key.

He sure has a nice brief case, that son of a gun Asano.

It's not here...

It's not here.

You there. Uh...

Did you get like a weird fax...

Oh, that. We got it a little while ago.

Oh, that's...

how do I say, just a prank.

This is it, right?

"Asano-chan. Good job!"

- I don't see it, - Let's look elsewhere too.

Hey, are you done yet?

- He'll be back any minute. - This isn't working. We can't find it.

Chief, it's impossible. Let's pull out for now.

Chief!

"Science Fair Season"? As I recall, this book was released...

Right around the time the loan was made.

This is where it was.

Fujisawa Miki... 50 million yen!

Damn, he's back.

If we step out now, he'll find out.

Manager.

There's something I'd like to talk to you in regards to Chief Hanzawa.

Can you come this way for a minute?

Is Hanzawa scheming something again?

Manager, I can't

betray Chief Hanzawa after all.

Please allow me to excuse myself

from the task of observing the Chief.

You'll be sorry.

Are you saying that knowing I'm from the personnel field?

Excuse me.

I swear, that guy's subordinates, they're all fools!

I imagine you don't have any.

Foolish subordinates like that.

Being kept useless on the payroll by a guy like that

is a fate worse than getting shipped out.

That's just what I thought.

I feel the same way.

You found the bank book, right?

Don't let him beat you, Chief.

Chief.

It's begun.

50 million, huh?

March 29th

is the day after we executed the

500 million yen loan to Nishi Osaka Steel.

In other words, 10 percent of 500 million, or 50 million, was Asano's compensation.

Probably... Moreover, 48 million of that was

transferred to Goyo Securities before the day was over.

Asano probably took a loss on stock credit transactions or something and

- needed the money. - But how stupid can he be,

walking around with such a precious bank book.

He probably thought it was safer than storing it somewhere.

It's typical of him who doesn't trust anyone but himself.

The problem is this Fujisawa Miki, huh?

"Miki" is that Miki, right? Higashida's woman.

Yes.

Higashida transferred the money to Asano through an account in here name.

Higashida ? Miki ? Asano

This isn't enough to prove the connection between Higashida and Asano.

This is really pissing me off. He's sure a cagey dude.

Locating Higashida's hidden account and

revealing the flow of money to Miki and Asano's accounts

is the only thing we can do.

Did you find out anything about that logo?

Oh, that.

I went around all over the place and

checked out more than 50 logos, but I couldn't find the same one.

- It might not be a bank logo. - I see.

I'll go stake out Higashida now and see if I can find out anything.

Where is Higashida now?

More than likely, he's at a club called "Artemis"

where Miki works, alongside the Dotonbori canal.

He practically lives there these days.

Even after declaring bankruptcy, he has no shame.

You lost the bank book?

Yes. By the time I realized, it was nowhere to be found.

- Are you sure it wasn't Hanzawa? - I don't know.

I wouldn't think so, but...

Come on, get a hold of yourself, Ta-chan.

If Hanzawa did take it,

kill him.

You gotta get him before he gets you.

I mean as a banker, that is.

If you screw up now, you're gonna lose everything.

You're walking the career path of a mega bank, right?

Get a hold of yourself.

- Are you all right? - Shut up!

Even if someone was to see Asano's bank book,

I have it so it can't be traced back to me.

- That's a relief. - You sure you mean that?

You're just worried about your shop, aren't you?

That's not true. I'm worried about you the most.

So that shop,

did you find a good place for it?

- Yeah. - I see.

Go make a tentative offer on it.

Really? Are you sure?

Yeah.

I'm so happy.

Without you,

I can't do anything.

Go ahead and put all of these in there.

All right.

Heck, no one's showing up.

Well? Do you have any idea?

It seems I've seen this somewhere or maybe not...

- Try to remember right now! - Ouch, don't be unreasonable.

- Actually, I just thought wrong. - You're worthless.

Worthless? Isn't that a bit harsh?

After I came here out of concern for you using business trip as an excuse.

You just wanted to see the bank book, didn't you?

Yes, you're absolutely right.

But Hanzawa, don't get caught off guard.

You never know what a cornered tiger might do.

The Board of Directors is making a move towards officially transferring you out.

There's no time to spare.

What?

- New York... - What?

- It's New York Harbor Trust Bank. - A foreign bank?!

They only have the Tokyo Branch in Japan, and none in Kansai.

They change their logo every time they have a merger.

The logo you saw is the one before they merged with Duke Brothers about 6 months ago.

- No wonder we couldn't find it. - Hey, Hanzawa.

This bank's potential client for private banking

has to have a financial asset of at least 1 billion.

If Higashida has his hidden account here, he has more than 1 billion in his stash.

Just as I thought.

You can do it, Hanzawa. Recover that 500 million no matter what.

What? What's wrong?

I just wondered how you recognized the logo of a foreign bank.

Huh? I just happened to recognize it, that's all.

Were you thinking about changing jobs?

If I stay here,

I feel as if I might forget why I became a banker.

I'm hoping to get into Project Finance.

Now that I'm a banker, I'd like to move billions of yen and

get involved in big projects that would have an impact on the future.

If I went to a foreign bank, I thought maybe...

But as you can see, I'm still tied down to Tokyo Chuo.

Sorry. That was nosy of me.

Yeah, that's for sure.

In the first place, is this the time to be worrying about me?

A box of tissues in the car doesn't provide any proof

whether Higashida has an account there or anything.

What the heck. It's just the phone.

Takeshita-san, I was about to call you.

I found out what that logo is.

Really. Before the merger... So that's what it was.

As a matter of fact, I found something interesting too.

Something interesting?

FOR LEASE

Good day.

Nail salon.

This is a nice location.

The best district in Dotonbori.

It's a great place to do business.

- How did you... - Oh, also...

we took the liberty to look up a few more things.

You're sure a scary woman.

Looks like you were getting financial assistance, not only from Higashida, but from Itabashi as well.

I wonder what Higashida would say if he sees this.

What are you scheming?

We'd like to ask you to do something for us.

New York Harbor Trust Bank...

That's where Higashida has his hidden account. Isn't that right?

Damn, did we get it right?

- So what if he does? - I want the breakdown of his assets deposited there

and the record of transactions. In addition,

your bank book from Kansai City Bank

that shows the 50-million transfer to Asano.

If you bring me all that, I'll keep quiet about Itabashi.

Higashida has all the important documents hidden away.

I have no idea where he keeps them.

Same goes for the bank book in my name.

It's absolutely impossible to sneak all that out.

I see.

In that case, I guess I'll just have to send this photo to Higashida.

I bet he'll be mad.

He might even kill you.

In any case,

if he dumps you, you'll just have to give up

opening your nail salon.

You're disgusting.

If you want to open your salon, do as I say and bring the stuff.

However, I'll tell you one thing.

Whether it's a nail salon or whatever,

even if you start a business with money you cajoled out of men,

it'll go under right away.

Don't take running a business lightly!

What would a mere banker know.

I know because I'm a banker.

Why don't you go ahead and send that picture if you want?

I can make any number of excuses!

I don't think we can count on her after all.

What happened to your lips?

It's just...

Did you finally have it out with the Branch Manager?

No, it's nothing like that.

I smell something fishy~.

I smell something fishy~ with you. What are you hiding?

Here! For you.

Hurry up and open it.

The one you're using now is getting all raggedy, right?

Are you sure? This is an expensive one, isn't it?

Did you perhaps work to buy this...

Don't mention it~.

If I was going to buy one anyway,

rather than using the money you bring home,

I wanted to buy it with the money I earned myself.

That way, you'd be more appreciative, right?

There's something I realized after working for the first time in a while.

Like your mother's desire to protect the company your father left behind,

like senpai's dream to someday be a leading flower designer,

like my desire to buy Naoki a new brief case.

That women, too, are working,

not just for money, but

for all kinds of different reasons.

The bank better respect the feeling of those women, you hear?

You'll just have to give up

opening your nail salon.

Don't take running a business lightly!

Hey, what is this?

Thank you, Hana.

What's come over you?

You're Fujisawa Miki-san, right?

I'm Wakiya with the Regional Taxation Bureau.

Do you have some time right now?

I told you, I don't know anything about a hidden account.

Both you and the bank are real pests.

Bank?

I don't know what the bank told you, but

if you're willing to tell me about Higashida's hidden account,

I'm willing to close my eyes to

the funding source of your business and

all your other illegal activities up to now.

Higashida.

The bank.

Me.

A smart girl would know who to cooperate with, right?

Manager went to Tokyo again. How many times is this?

Support System for Business Start-up

There's no doubt he's laying the groundwork to kick Chief out of here as soon as possible.

Chief, I still think we should

use that bank book and rattle up Asano.

No, he'll just feign ignorance right now.

But if we don't do something...

Chief, what have you been doing there?

Banker's work.

At the Board of Directors' meeting earlier,

it was officially decided to transfer Hanzawa-kun out.

Thank you, sir.

Let's consider this matter closed now.

I apologize for bothering you.

I didn't do anything in particular.

You may leave.

If you'll excuse me then.

Oh, come to think of it,

there was a similar occurrence long time ago.

There was a man who was on the fast track to an elite career from the time he joined the bank.

His performance at Headquarters was outstanding.

However, he didn't have any field experience.

That's an absolute necessity to be on the board of directors, right?

And so he volunteered and became the branch manager of a major branch.

He struggled there for 3 years and

and finally even got the Best Branch Office Award.

However, you never know what life has in store for you.

Just because of one loan mishap due to an undetected window dressing,

his career was in jeopardy. What do you think he did?

...I don't know.

Of all things, he shifted all the responsibility on his subordinate

who was opposed to the loan from the start, and evaded the issue claiming he was blameless.

The boss takes credit for his subordinate's good deed.

The subordinate takes responsibility for his boss's blunder.

This quote that's been passed down at the bank,

there was a guy who used that quote to a tee.

You're not hiding anything else from me, are you?

- Definitely not. - I see.

I'm placing my trust in you.

Asano-kun.

You're a real pest.

But I have no intention of submitting to your threats.

That was a pretty good idea to open a shop there.

There's a good chance hostesses will stop by there before going to work.

What are you saying? Are you trying to be nice

to win me over to your side now?

But I won't be deceived.

You're gonna seize Higashida's money in the end anyway, right?

When that happens,

I'll have to give up my dream anyhow.

Isn't that right?

Not necessarily.

You can borrow money from the bank.

Do you know what you're saying?

If I could do that, I wouldn't have approached a man like Higashida in the first place.

A man like Higashida...

I'm talking to you as a banker.

If you have any other ideas, I'd like to hear about it.

And...

I summarized the conditions you need to meet in order to get a loan.

How much do you have in savings right now?

5 million.

There's this thing called business start-up loan.

If you use that 5 million for a down payment and apply for a loan,

it's possible to get a loan of up to 15 million yen.

I'll help you with the paperwork.

Are you serious?

If you truly want to start a business, if you have a dream,

you shouldn't depend on someone like Higashida.

Borrow openly from the bank.

That's why there are banks in this world.

If you're serious,

I'll give you advice seriously too.

Just as you took advantage of Higashida,

take advantage of me and the bank.

You seem like a changed person.

That's because I have a new brief case.

What's that supposed to mean?

Do you think...

I can start all over again?

Sure.

Say what you want, but I won't be deceived by a bank.

I was slapped twice by you.

Women with inner fortitude like that are suited to be business owners.

You can do it.

As a banker,

that's what I think.

You're a real fool, aren't you?

Are you sure you haven't fallen for me?

All right.

Let me take advantage of you.

I just got some personnel news.

- Is it me? - Yup.

They decided where you'll be going.

You should be getting official word by tomorrow.

I see.

So how's it going there?

My fate is in Fujisawa Miki's hands.

Miki? Higashida's woman?

Will that be all right?

�Do your best and let the heavens do the rest,� as the saying goes.

Tomorrow's the critical point here too.

Oh yeah?

Say, Hanzawa. Do you still want to repay the debt to this bank?

You know, at the job interview...

That is the reason I want to join your bank

and repay that debt.

But after watching you all these years,

I find it hard to believe that was your true intention.

Hey, what's your real reason for wanting to climb to the top?

You said if I mortgaged the property, you'd continue to finance us.

That's what you said!

Sangyo Chuo Bank-san, please spare them at least! I beg you!

I'll tell you one of these days.

If I can survive as a banker.

Sorry, I have another call.

- Hello. - Hanzawa-han. We're screwed.

That woman, of all people,

jumped ship to the Taxation Bureau!

Welcome.