1 00:00:03,050 --> 00:00:08,080 Angely i demony kruzhili nado mnoj, Angels and demons circle above me, 2 00:00:08,790 --> 00:00:13,620 rassykhali ternii i vechnye puti. through the thorns to the stars. 3 00:00:14,160 --> 00:00:19,360 Ne znaet shast'je tol'ko tot, Only those unable to perceive its call... 4 00:00:20,000 --> 00:00:26,140 kto jevo zova ponjat' ne smog. ...do not know happiness. 5 00:00:26,140 --> 00:00:31,910 Naljubuites', naljubuites'. Watch in awe, watch in awe. 6 00:00:31,910 --> 00:00:37,280 Aeria gloris, aeria gloris. 7 00:00:37,620 --> 00:00:42,990 Naljubuites', naljubuites'. Watch in awe, watch in awe. 8 00:00:43,390 --> 00:00:48,060 Aeria gloris, aeria gloris. 9 00:00:48,060 --> 00:00:54,330 I am calling, calling now, 10 00:00:54,670 --> 00:01:00,300 spirits rise and falling. 11 00:01:01,240 --> 00:01:06,040 Soboj ostat'sja dol'she. To remain myself longer. 12 00:01:06,380 --> 00:01:17,950 Calling, calling, in the depths of longing. 13 00:01:18,460 --> 00:01:23,630 Soboj ostat'sja dol'she. To remain myself longer. 14 00:01:23,630 --> 00:01:25,970 Naljubuites', Watch in awe, 15 00:01:25,970 --> 00:01:29,830 aeria gloris. 16 00:01:30,080 --> 00:01:32,000 Home 17 00:01:30,080 --> 00:01:32,000 Affairs 18 00:01:30,080 --> 00:01:32,000 Ministry 19 00:01:31,550 --> 00:01:33,920 I believe you understand the situation. 20 00:01:34,420 --> 00:01:37,820 As you know, hostility directed towards the police because of... 21 00:01:38,330 --> 00:01:42,790 ...the suspicion of improper usage of audiovisual devices is on the rise. 22 00:01:43,000 --> 00:01:45,670 And now a warning hinting at the assassination of the... 23 00:01:45,670 --> 00:01:48,140 ...Superintendent-General of the Metropolitan Police was carried live on the media. 24 00:01:48,470 --> 00:01:52,570 This is a serious problem that will affect the prestige of the police as a whole. 25 00:01:52,840 --> 00:01:54,810 That would seem to be a reasonable opinion. 26 00:01:55,680 --> 00:02:01,310 Police headquarters is working with the utmost resolution to solve this case. 27 00:02:02,890 --> 00:02:05,950 I want Section 9 to work in close cooperation with the police. 28 00:02:06,320 --> 00:02:09,310 Practice self-restraint and don't rush into anything reckless. 29 00:02:12,360 --> 00:02:15,160 Moderation in all things, you see. 30 00:02:16,100 --> 00:02:17,830 I understand. 31 00:02:23,340 --> 00:02:25,670 The Chief sure is taking a long time... 32 00:02:26,010 --> 00:02:27,200 He sure is. 33 00:02:28,580 --> 00:02:29,570 Here he comes. 34 00:02:31,380 --> 00:02:34,680 Now that is the face of a man who just got screwed over. 35 00:02:42,790 --> 00:02:45,430 Did something he said get to you, Chief? 36 00:02:45,430 --> 00:02:47,060 By the Minister of Home Affairs? 37 00:02:47,600 --> 00:02:51,530 Good or bad, he's nothing but a public servant. 38 00:02:52,570 --> 00:02:57,700 The problem is with police HQ, which is leisurely conducting a steamroller operation... 39 00:02:57,870 --> 00:03:02,040 ...while the Superintendent-General's life was threatened with everyone watching. 40 00:03:02,380 --> 00:03:05,350 We're just going to be spectators and watch it unfold on TV? 41 00:03:06,220 --> 00:03:09,780 I'm going to work you like dogs and make you earn your pay. 42 00:03:15,460 --> 00:03:18,450 In regards to the criminal announcement made at the press conference last night... 43 00:03:18,530 --> 00:03:22,400 ...by a terrorist who has resurfaced after six years and is believed to be the Laughing Man, 44 00:03:22,770 --> 00:03:27,670 I believe it to be a farce which was written and staged by the Metropolitan Police. 45 00:03:27,870 --> 00:03:28,970 Hey, now! 46 00:03:28,970 --> 00:03:33,310 I'll admit that last night's incident put the Interceptor misuse issue on the back burner, 47 00:03:33,680 --> 00:03:36,670 but isn't your reasoning a bit farfetched? 48 00:03:37,510 --> 00:03:42,510 True. It's not like you to be so imprudent. What are you basing this on? 49 00:03:43,920 --> 00:03:44,890 Togusa. 50 00:03:44,890 --> 00:03:46,050 Yes, sir. 51 00:03:48,520 --> 00:03:49,860 Nanao=A. 52 00:03:50,490 --> 00:03:53,760 He's a material witness in the Laughing Man case who has been under surveillance... 53 00:03:53,760 --> 00:03:59,200 ...by the Metro Police's Special Investigations Unit for the past three months. 54 00:03:59,200 --> 00:04:02,930 Him? Looks like a plain old office worker to me. 55 00:04:03,440 --> 00:04:09,870 Yeah, I pictured the Laughing Man as having more of a Peter Pan feel to him, too. 56 00:04:10,380 --> 00:04:14,370 According to the SIU's records, he is 36 years of age. 57 00:04:14,650 --> 00:04:19,050 He is the son of a police officer, and had a perfectly normal childhood. 58 00:04:19,520 --> 00:04:25,120 After entering college, he joined the "Green Tower," a part of the Human Liberation Front. 59 00:04:25,900 --> 00:04:28,960 They championed a direct action policy while working with the "New World Brigade," 60 00:04:29,400 --> 00:04:31,770 a powerful ultra left-wing group of the time. 61 00:04:31,770 --> 00:04:35,230 He was involved in armed conflicts, and has an arrest record. 62 00:04:35,470 --> 00:04:39,570 But after he was released, he hid his entire history as an activist, 63 00:04:40,480 --> 00:04:45,350 and nonchalantly joined Serano Genomics as an agent programmer. 64 00:04:45,720 --> 00:04:51,310 A year later, though, a tip exposed his past as an activist, and he was let go. 65 00:04:52,790 --> 00:04:54,920 That's a pretty straightforward résumé... 66 00:04:55,960 --> 00:04:59,660 And now, Special Investigations HQ has suddenly started turning up more and more... 67 00:04:59,660 --> 00:05:03,830 ...circumstantial evidence that makes them think Nanao is their man. 68 00:05:04,000 --> 00:05:07,870 The SIU is focusing their investigation on the "grudge against Serano" angle. 69 00:05:07,870 --> 00:05:09,570 They're currently tailing Nanao. 70 00:05:09,570 --> 00:05:14,530 Once they get to the bottom of this death threat, they'll move in and arrest him. 71 00:05:14,680 --> 00:05:16,110 Are they idiots?! 72 00:05:16,110 --> 00:05:19,100 There's no way a guy like that could be the Laughing Man! 73 00:05:19,450 --> 00:05:22,450 He's so guilty he's gotta be innocent! 74 00:05:22,450 --> 00:05:24,150 I think so, too. 75 00:05:24,590 --> 00:05:27,760 But why would Special Investigations swallow bait... 76 00:05:27,760 --> 00:05:31,590 ...that you can easily tell is a decoy if you look at the big picture? 77 00:05:32,830 --> 00:05:36,230 Setting aside the Interceptor incident, wouldn't you say that the police conspiracy... 78 00:05:36,570 --> 00:05:41,800 ...is still being continued for some reason in the Laughing Man case? 79 00:05:42,270 --> 00:05:46,680 Yamaguchi died when he got caught in the crossfire. 80 00:05:46,680 --> 00:05:47,780 Probably. 81 00:05:47,780 --> 00:05:49,680 I don't have any hard evidence, either. 82 00:05:49,680 --> 00:05:52,510 But if we catch both this "something" that's managed to fool the SIU... 83 00:05:52,950 --> 00:05:56,410 ...and Nanao=A, who's been playing the role of the Laughing Man, 84 00:05:56,750 --> 00:05:58,520 the answer should surface on its own. 85 00:05:58,950 --> 00:06:02,450 We'll find that "something" before the crime is committed the day after tomorrow! 86 00:06:02,830 --> 00:06:05,590 See if I care. We're opening up a big can of worms here... 87 00:06:06,400 --> 00:06:10,060 Batou and Togusa, begin 24-hour surveillance on Nanao. 88 00:06:10,630 --> 00:06:11,830 Yes, sir. 89 00:06:12,070 --> 00:06:13,170 Don't screw up. 90 00:06:13,170 --> 00:06:15,340 And I don't wanna see you getting bored and walking out. 91 00:06:15,340 --> 00:06:17,240 The rest of you, follow the Major's instructions... 92 00:06:17,240 --> 00:06:19,610 ...and learn the real story behind this man who's fooled the SIU. 93 00:06:19,610 --> 00:06:21,080 - Yes, sir! - Yes, sir! 94 00:06:22,910 --> 00:06:24,000 What is it, Major? 95 00:06:24,580 --> 00:06:25,740 Nothing. 96 00:06:31,390 --> 00:06:33,320 Again, detectives? 97 00:06:34,560 --> 00:06:36,420 I wish you'd give it a rest. 98 00:06:36,760 --> 00:06:38,890 Look, I admit we went to the same school... 99 00:06:39,230 --> 00:06:42,890 ...and were involved in some activist stuff together, 100 00:06:43,300 --> 00:06:47,870 but that guy is way scarier than I ever was. 101 00:06:47,870 --> 00:06:49,540 We're talking dyed-in-the-wool. 102 00:06:49,540 --> 00:06:52,030 He's tenacious like you wouldn't believe. 103 00:06:52,370 --> 00:06:58,840 Once he started a plan, he'd see it through, no matter how long it took. 104 00:06:59,750 --> 00:07:02,510 I think it's a bad idea to overestimate him, 105 00:07:02,950 --> 00:07:08,410 but back in school, nobody was as worldly as that guy. 106 00:07:08,820 --> 00:07:10,790 Yeah, and that's a fact. 107 00:07:12,500 --> 00:07:16,200 If I was asked if Nanao had a grudge against the company, 108 00:07:16,200 --> 00:07:17,290 I'd have to say yes. 109 00:07:18,200 --> 00:07:23,430 The reason being that the basic systems for the micromachine design line... 110 00:07:23,810 --> 00:07:26,830 ...here at Serano were pretty much assembled by Nanao himself. 111 00:07:27,910 --> 00:07:30,950 The company used his past as an excuse to dismiss him, 112 00:07:30,950 --> 00:07:33,470 and they got all the rights to his work. 113 00:07:33,820 --> 00:07:35,980 You'd have to be crazy not to be angry. 114 00:07:36,520 --> 00:07:39,290 Didn't he claim his rights to his work in court? 115 00:07:39,290 --> 00:07:43,190 Forget about it. We've got a powerful defense counsel here. 116 00:07:44,590 --> 00:07:50,000 But just between you and me, Detective, I for one have the urge to cheer Nanao on. 117 00:07:50,370 --> 00:07:51,260 And that's a fact. 118 00:07:51,670 --> 00:07:52,530 Yeah! 119 00:07:53,900 --> 00:07:56,370 You detectives are persistent, I'll give you that. 120 00:07:58,170 --> 00:08:02,080 This really brings me back, though, so I don't mind telling you about him. 121 00:08:02,380 --> 00:08:06,640 The financial yakuza back then were already controlled by eggheads. 122 00:08:07,120 --> 00:08:10,720 That Nanao kid was a pretty sharp customer, 123 00:08:10,720 --> 00:08:13,880 and was always doing or saying antiestablishment stuff. 124 00:08:14,760 --> 00:08:17,090 I don't think the last detective who was here... 125 00:08:17,090 --> 00:08:20,690 ...could understand why Nanao would work with the yakuza, 126 00:08:21,300 --> 00:08:26,700 but that whole "social provocation equals left wing" idea is so last century. 127 00:08:27,500 --> 00:08:31,060 There ain't no left or right when it comes to making money, and that's a fact. 128 00:08:33,310 --> 00:08:38,710 Just to be on the safe side, this is the Nanao=A you're talking about, right? 129 00:08:39,420 --> 00:08:40,710 Yeah... 130 00:08:41,280 --> 00:08:43,840 His hairline's receded a lot, though. 131 00:08:45,290 --> 00:08:46,490 Ishikawa here. 132 00:08:46,490 --> 00:08:50,320 I'm amazed SIU did such a thorough job using six-year-old records. 133 00:08:50,990 --> 00:08:54,930 Even restricting it to Level D-class, I pulled up 1023 records. 134 00:08:55,530 --> 00:08:57,870 I'm checking them in order, starting from Level E-class, 135 00:08:57,870 --> 00:09:01,130 but it looks like it'll take a long time just to clear the decks. 136 00:09:01,970 --> 00:09:03,060 Here you are, sir. 137 00:09:03,410 --> 00:09:05,900 That's all right. I'll be leaving now. 138 00:09:07,340 --> 00:09:10,340 34 hours to go until the crime will be committed... 139 00:09:11,250 --> 00:09:14,380 There has to be some clue. Find it, no matter what it takes. 140 00:09:14,380 --> 00:09:15,350 Roger. 141 00:09:15,580 --> 00:09:18,950 Chief, why not let us give up on this dull-ass investigation, 142 00:09:18,950 --> 00:09:21,150 grab Nanao, and make him talk? 143 00:09:21,560 --> 00:09:24,130 Section 9's specialties are playing rough and cyber warfare. 144 00:09:24,130 --> 00:09:28,000 SIU has the manpower and resources, so let's let them handle the routine snooping. 145 00:09:28,000 --> 00:09:29,200 Don't be so hasty. 146 00:09:29,200 --> 00:09:34,330 If our timing is off when Nanao is arrested, we may end up in hot water. 147 00:09:34,800 --> 00:09:35,790 Any change in his behavior? 148 00:09:36,670 --> 00:09:40,570 He's just been sending out short e-mails from his apartment at regular intervals all day. 149 00:09:40,980 --> 00:09:43,770 We've checked the contents, but most are spam, 150 00:09:44,410 --> 00:09:48,650 and there's no sign of virus data in any of the outgoing mail. 151 00:09:49,220 --> 00:09:52,450 Hey, we can wait here for as long as you want... 152 00:09:53,860 --> 00:09:55,290 Good work, fellas. 153 00:09:55,920 --> 00:09:59,260 Well, if anything happens, we'll bust our way in. 154 00:10:00,830 --> 00:10:03,530 - I'm sorry for the trouble. - Not at all. Any time. 155 00:10:04,170 --> 00:10:05,720 By the way, Ishikawa, where's the Major? 156 00:10:06,300 --> 00:10:08,900 Now that you mention it, I haven't heard from her since she left. 157 00:10:08,900 --> 00:10:12,270 She said she was gonna check on something with her own external memory device. 158 00:10:12,840 --> 00:10:15,140 What's she up to? 159 00:10:21,480 --> 00:10:24,540 Don't they have those records at your work? 160 00:10:24,820 --> 00:10:28,020 Yes. I was out of the country at the time of the incident, 161 00:10:28,460 --> 00:10:31,520 so I want to hear the gossip about it that was going around at the time. 162 00:10:32,830 --> 00:10:34,100 Gossip, huh? 163 00:10:34,100 --> 00:10:37,190 I can't get a feel for it from the police records. 164 00:10:37,400 --> 00:10:38,230 Thanks. 165 00:10:38,230 --> 00:10:41,070 But it's been so long since you've stopped by... 166 00:10:42,240 --> 00:10:43,800 Sorry, I'll make it up to you. 167 00:10:51,650 --> 00:10:53,110 Hey, you said Motoko's here? 168 00:11:01,720 --> 00:11:06,890 It's 7:20 on February 3rd, and it's time for Drive Time Weather. 169 00:11:07,400 --> 00:11:10,160 Good luck with your commute, everyone. 170 00:11:10,830 --> 00:11:15,400 The weather won't be perfect today, but it looks like it will be fair. 171 00:11:16,040 --> 00:11:21,740 Apparently, a micromachine dispersal will accompany this afternoon's CO2 cleanup. 172 00:11:22,440 --> 00:11:26,350 Those of you with throat trouble might want to wear a mask. 173 00:11:27,580 --> 00:11:29,920 And do you remember, everyone? 174 00:11:30,250 --> 00:11:35,620 Today marks 100 days before the opening of the World's Exposition. 175 00:11:36,230 --> 00:11:39,820 With that in mind, we've come up with the following questionnaire. 176 00:11:41,730 --> 00:11:42,900 The topic is, at the expo... 177 00:11:42,900 --> 00:11:44,370 That's no fair! 178 00:11:48,400 --> 00:11:52,000 Look into that camera and tell them the truth! 179 00:11:52,810 --> 00:11:54,740 Stop it. You won't shoot me. 180 00:11:55,440 --> 00:11:56,740 Are you sure? 181 00:12:06,560 --> 00:12:09,120 If your word is any good, tell... 182 00:12:09,120 --> 00:12:12,560 I can't, not right now! Why don't you tell them? 183 00:12:13,060 --> 00:12:14,360 It wouldn't mean anything! 184 00:12:14,700 --> 00:12:18,290 Mr. Serano, if you don't tell them the truth, I'll... 185 00:12:19,030 --> 00:12:20,970 I...can't do that. 186 00:12:22,040 --> 00:12:23,300 Why not?! 187 00:12:35,880 --> 00:12:38,010 February 3, 2024. 188 00:12:38,350 --> 00:12:41,220 Serano's kidnapping had occurred two days earlier, 189 00:12:41,660 --> 00:12:44,890 but no announcements had been made due to press control. 190 00:12:45,790 --> 00:12:49,360 Investigators hadn't found a single clue in this difficult case, 191 00:12:49,700 --> 00:12:53,460 and then, ironically, it suddenly broke with this leak to the media. 192 00:12:55,000 --> 00:12:57,130 This was where it all began, 193 00:12:57,570 --> 00:12:59,910 the theatrical crime commonly known as "The Laughing Man Incident." 194 00:13:01,140 --> 00:13:01,480 According to the police reports back then, 195 00:13:01,480 --> 00:13:02,910 Metro P.D. Directive A.P.B. 081 196 00:13:01,480 --> 00:13:02,910 According to the police reports back then, 197 00:13:02,910 --> 00:13:06,180 Ernest Serano had received warnings prior to the incident... 198 00:13:06,180 --> 00:13:11,140 ...via the mouths of people around him whose cyberbrains had been hacked, 199 00:13:11,490 --> 00:13:15,250 so this kidnapping happened because he didn't take the situation seriously. 200 00:13:15,760 --> 00:13:19,820 Immediately after Mr. Serano himself was hacked and kidnapped from his residence, 201 00:13:20,160 --> 00:13:25,530 an enormous ransom of 10 billion yen and 100 kilos of gold bullion was demanded. 202 00:13:25,870 --> 00:13:31,270 After that, however, all contact was lost, and until they appeared on that TV monitor, 203 00:13:31,710 --> 00:13:35,230 there had been no news of Mr. Serano whatsoever. 204 00:13:36,040 --> 00:13:40,480 And then, while he threatened Mr. Serano on live TV, 205 00:13:40,480 --> 00:13:42,350 the Laughing Man wrote his logo over not only the TV camera's Al, 206 00:13:42,680 --> 00:13:49,280 but the eyes of nearby passersby, and even those of the TV station's staff, all in real time. 207 00:13:50,530 --> 00:13:54,330 Despite the fact that many people saw the Laughing Man after the incident... 208 00:13:54,600 --> 00:13:57,290 ...when he fled from policemen who had rushed to the scene, 209 00:13:57,730 --> 00:14:00,100 the only people who were able to see the man's real face... 210 00:14:00,100 --> 00:14:03,040 ...were two homeless men who had no cyber implants. 211 00:14:04,170 --> 00:14:07,440 There's a famous story that most of the people who testified that they saw the man's real face... 212 00:14:07,780 --> 00:14:13,040 ...drew this mark when the police artists were working up a composite sketch. 213 00:14:13,820 --> 00:14:17,150 That pop-culture logo that bears no resemblance to that shocking incident... 214 00:14:17,850 --> 00:14:22,420 ...gained popularity among some young people and subculture commentators. 215 00:14:24,630 --> 00:14:27,690 The M.O. resembles the death threat against the Superintendent-General. 216 00:14:28,030 --> 00:14:32,470 If he really did all this by himself, he must be a super-class-A hacker. 217 00:14:35,400 --> 00:14:39,030 But this anachronistic kidnapping case is beneath his abilities... 218 00:14:52,120 --> 00:14:56,890 After his shocking debut, he avoided the public eye... 219 00:14:57,430 --> 00:15:02,360 ...and went on to blackmail the Serano Corp. by planting the "Virus Program Unto Death"... 220 00:15:02,860 --> 00:15:05,030 ...into their micromachine production line. 221 00:15:05,570 --> 00:15:09,660 Sales of their main product, medical micromachines, slowed, 222 00:15:10,010 --> 00:15:12,010 the price of Serano stock took a nose dive, 223 00:15:12,010 --> 00:15:16,410 and the blackmail against them stopped, as if that was the goal all along. 224 00:15:17,480 --> 00:15:20,420 The Laughing Man went on to blackmail... 225 00:15:20,420 --> 00:15:23,850 ...six other micromachine manufacturers one after another using the same M.O. 226 00:15:25,520 --> 00:15:28,890 This continued for about three months after this incident... 227 00:15:28,890 --> 00:15:31,690 ...that made one wonder if blackmail itself were the goal. 228 00:15:31,920 --> 00:15:35,300 Criminal Commentator 229 00:15:32,490 --> 00:15:34,900 What was his true objective? What's his criminal profile? 230 00:15:34,900 --> 00:15:36,900 Did he act alone or as part of a group? 231 00:15:35,300 --> 00:15:35,430 Criminal Commentator 232 00:15:35,430 --> 00:15:35,550 Criminal Commentator 233 00:15:35,550 --> 00:15:35,680 Criminal Commentator 234 00:15:35,680 --> 00:15:35,800 Criminal Commentator 235 00:15:35,800 --> 00:15:35,930 Criminal Commentator 236 00:15:35,930 --> 00:15:36,050 Criminal Commentator 237 00:15:36,050 --> 00:15:36,180 Criminal Commentator 238 00:15:36,180 --> 00:15:36,300 Criminal Commentator 239 00:15:36,300 --> 00:15:36,430 Criminal Commentator 240 00:15:36,430 --> 00:15:36,550 Criminal Commentator 241 00:15:36,550 --> 00:15:36,680 Criminal Commentator 242 00:15:36,680 --> 00:15:36,800 Criminal Commentator 243 00:15:36,800 --> 00:15:36,930 Criminal Commentator 244 00:15:36,900 --> 00:15:38,470 What's his race? His age? 245 00:15:36,930 --> 00:15:37,050 Criminal Commentator 246 00:15:37,050 --> 00:15:37,180 Criminal Commentator 247 00:15:37,180 --> 00:15:37,300 Criminal Commentator 248 00:15:37,300 --> 00:15:37,430 Criminal Commentator 249 00:15:37,430 --> 00:15:37,550 Criminal Commentator 250 00:15:37,550 --> 00:15:37,680 Criminal Commentator 251 00:15:37,680 --> 00:15:37,800 Criminal Commentator 252 00:15:37,800 --> 00:15:37,930 Criminal Commentator 253 00:15:37,930 --> 00:15:38,050 Criminal Commentator 254 00:15:38,050 --> 00:15:38,180 Criminal Commentator 255 00:15:38,180 --> 00:15:38,300 Criminal Commentator 256 00:15:38,300 --> 00:15:38,430 Criminal Commentator 257 00:15:38,430 --> 00:15:38,550 Criminal Commentator 258 00:15:38,470 --> 00:15:40,990 Was there something hidden in his criminal ideology? 259 00:15:38,550 --> 00:15:38,680 Criminal Commentator 260 00:15:38,680 --> 00:15:38,800 Criminal Commentator 261 00:15:38,800 --> 00:15:38,930 Criminal Commentator 262 00:15:38,930 --> 00:15:39,050 Criminal Commentator 263 00:15:39,050 --> 00:15:39,180 Criminal Commentator 264 00:15:39,180 --> 00:15:39,300 Criminal Commentator 265 00:15:39,300 --> 00:15:39,430 Criminal Commentator 266 00:15:39,430 --> 00:15:39,550 Criminal Commentator 267 00:15:41,440 --> 00:15:43,710 He left these and many other riddles unanswered. 268 00:15:43,710 --> 00:15:47,660 Just when the government decided to allocate public funds to the victim companies, 269 00:15:48,240 --> 00:15:52,240 the Laughing Man suddenly vanished into the shadows of the Net. 270 00:15:52,750 --> 00:15:56,580 But why would he start off by doing something as risky as appearing in public... 271 00:15:56,920 --> 00:15:59,220 ...and try to make Mr. Serano disclose some fact or other? 272 00:15:59,220 --> 00:16:01,120 That's one thing I just can't understand. 273 00:16:01,620 --> 00:16:03,890 It's almost as if the criminal's message was secretly switched... 274 00:16:03,890 --> 00:16:07,060 ...from 1st person to 3rd person halfway through. 275 00:16:07,060 --> 00:16:09,830 So he's saying that that is just wishful thinking. 276 00:16:09,800 --> 00:16:13,500 All-Night Debate TV 277 00:16:09,800 --> 00:16:13,500 "Why Did the Laughing Man Appear Again?" 278 00:16:10,400 --> 00:16:12,770 This incident isn't that simple. 279 00:16:13,070 --> 00:16:16,040 Personally, I believe that the culprit is a life form... 280 00:16:16,040 --> 00:16:18,770 ...that was spontaneously generated in the shadows of Net society. 281 00:16:18,770 --> 00:16:22,740 In other words, I believe that this is a complex incident... 282 00:16:22,740 --> 00:16:24,800 ...caused by completely standalone conspirators. 283 00:16:25,250 --> 00:16:29,740 I also have to wonder if this Laughing Man ever existed in the first place. 284 00:16:51,710 --> 00:16:54,440 Chief, I'm taking myself off the Nanao investigation. 285 00:16:54,810 --> 00:16:57,180 Also, I need you to assign Paz and Saito to me. 286 00:16:57,610 --> 00:16:59,010 What do you have in mind? 287 00:16:59,010 --> 00:17:00,680 I'm going to guard the Superintendent-General. 288 00:17:01,420 --> 00:17:03,420 I think your reasoning is on the money, Chief, 289 00:17:03,420 --> 00:17:06,110 but I can't shake the feeling that there's one piece that doesn't fit. 290 00:17:06,920 --> 00:17:10,790 My Ghost is telling me to tail the Superintendent-General to find out what it is. 291 00:17:11,330 --> 00:17:13,120 It's whispering to me. 292 00:17:16,900 --> 00:17:22,270 All right. We don't have convenient excuses like team plays here at Section 9. 293 00:17:22,700 --> 00:17:26,730 There's just teamwork that comes about as a result of a grandstand play. 294 00:17:27,140 --> 00:17:28,340 I'm out of here! 295 00:17:29,380 --> 00:17:31,370 Get the word out to Saito and Paz, okay? 296 00:17:36,790 --> 00:17:40,020 Did you copy that? I'm sending Paz and Saito to back up the Major. 297 00:17:40,020 --> 00:17:41,490 Be my guest. 298 00:17:41,490 --> 00:17:45,220 We're done with our inquiries, so Borma and I can manage by ourselves from here on. 299 00:17:46,760 --> 00:17:49,730 Borma, mobilize all the A.I. ladies. 300 00:17:50,330 --> 00:17:54,030 Also, get authorization to use the Sci-Tech Bureau's Hekatoncheir. 301 00:17:54,440 --> 00:17:56,170 We'll check 'em all out, one by one. 302 00:17:56,910 --> 00:17:58,030 Yes, sir... 303 00:17:58,740 --> 00:18:00,610 It's me. What's Nanao's status? 304 00:18:01,140 --> 00:18:02,740 Still no sign of any activity. 305 00:18:03,780 --> 00:18:06,410 He's still sending out e-mails by fits and starts. 306 00:18:16,460 --> 00:18:19,430 Yes. Thank you for all your help. 307 00:18:20,160 --> 00:18:22,290 Hm? Oh, that? 308 00:18:23,270 --> 00:18:24,820 Yes, that's right. 309 00:18:25,170 --> 00:18:28,400 As you say, the reaction was even better than expected. 310 00:18:30,040 --> 00:18:33,630 That was just one of the plans I had worked out in advance. 311 00:18:34,610 --> 00:18:37,050 Well, then, I hope you'll look forward to it. 312 00:18:37,050 --> 00:18:39,040 Right. If you'll excuse me, then. 313 00:18:42,050 --> 00:18:45,880 I wasn't the one who issued that threat, but no matter. 314 00:18:46,560 --> 00:18:49,320 Oh, well. It'll all be over soon. 315 00:19:12,450 --> 00:19:14,380 Major, the Superintendent-General has entered the building. 316 00:19:17,790 --> 00:19:19,250 Can I get you anything? 317 00:19:20,160 --> 00:19:21,320 I'm fine. 318 00:19:29,800 --> 00:19:32,100 Regular check-in. Superintendent-General has entered the building. 319 00:19:32,100 --> 00:19:34,040 Take assigned positions and stay on alert. 320 00:19:34,040 --> 00:19:35,900 Batou, what's Nanao doing? 321 00:19:36,840 --> 00:19:40,110 No change. We have verification of short e-mails being sent and received, 322 00:19:40,110 --> 00:19:42,180 but we haven't netted anything that looks like a virus. 323 00:19:42,180 --> 00:19:43,010 I see. 324 00:19:43,080 --> 00:19:46,780 Major, I tapped the SIU's radio. 325 00:19:47,920 --> 00:19:50,010 They sound pretty impatient. 326 00:19:50,350 --> 00:19:53,050 Why aren't we moving in? He's right under our damn noses! 327 00:19:53,460 --> 00:19:54,950 The unfortunate thing is... 328 00:19:55,020 --> 00:20:00,030 ...that we couldn't pinpoint Nanao's location when he threatened the Superintendent-General. 329 00:20:00,030 --> 00:20:02,760 We have you bums at HQ to thank for that, too! 330 00:20:03,200 --> 00:20:05,930 Thanks to that Interceptor mess, those of us out here in the field got screwed over! 331 00:20:05,930 --> 00:20:07,200 Chief, how are things on your end? 332 00:20:08,840 --> 00:20:09,860 Got it. 333 00:20:10,710 --> 00:20:15,070 Like it says in the SIU's report, Nanao's activities at the time of the crimes... 334 00:20:15,580 --> 00:20:19,240 ...substantiate the possibility that he's the Laughing Man, all right. 335 00:20:19,350 --> 00:20:24,050 There's a lot of strange stuff in the testimony of the people who knew Nanao, though. 336 00:20:24,290 --> 00:20:26,750 Based on my investigation of the 43 files in question, 337 00:20:27,220 --> 00:20:30,420 I noticed a definite trend of admiration for Nanao. 338 00:20:30,860 --> 00:20:34,630 I believe this trend may be the result of a forced language recognition program. 339 00:20:35,230 --> 00:20:38,430 And then there's the descriptions of Nanao mentioned in the testimony. 340 00:20:38,500 --> 00:20:41,130 It's subtle, but they don't appear to be the same person. 341 00:20:41,440 --> 00:20:45,000 I've determined that it's a composite of several different personalities. 342 00:20:45,210 --> 00:20:49,970 And despite the fact that the content of the testimony itself is in the 1st person, 343 00:20:50,550 --> 00:20:55,350 all the witnesses confirmed that Nanao was the man in the picture showed to them. 344 00:20:56,950 --> 00:20:59,150 I can tell you that these are clearly manufactured records. 345 00:20:59,490 --> 00:21:01,720 Or rather, records that were overwritten. 346 00:21:02,220 --> 00:21:04,490 Not even the Cybercops could see through these. 347 00:21:05,060 --> 00:21:07,600 This document falsification is so skillfully done... 348 00:21:07,600 --> 00:21:11,360 ...that not even Special Investigations could tell they were fakes. 349 00:21:11,930 --> 00:21:15,300 Good work. Batou, apprehend Nanao immediately! 350 00:21:15,640 --> 00:21:16,300 Roger! 351 00:21:16,570 --> 00:21:19,340 There's more to this case than I ever imagined. 352 00:21:20,040 --> 00:21:23,940 Saito, Paz, are you getting any static in our signal... 353 00:21:24,180 --> 00:21:26,350 ...from the jamming barrier put up by the police? 354 00:21:26,350 --> 00:21:27,720 No, it's loud and clear. 355 00:21:27,720 --> 00:21:28,920 Same here. 356 00:21:28,920 --> 00:21:29,820 Really? 357 00:21:29,820 --> 00:21:33,450 Regular check-in. All personnel, go from security level B to level C. 358 00:21:41,330 --> 00:21:43,160 Hey! Who are you people with?! 359 00:21:43,160 --> 00:21:44,290 Public Security! 360 00:21:47,000 --> 00:21:48,130 Hey! Stop that! 361 00:21:51,970 --> 00:21:55,270 Nanao=A, we're taking you in for threatening to kill the Superintendent-General! 362 00:21:58,280 --> 00:21:59,710 Hey! What the hell does Public Security want with... 363 00:22:09,120 --> 00:22:10,390 - What the hell? - What's going on?! 364 00:22:13,330 --> 00:22:15,850 I was never there in the first place! 365 00:22:18,500 --> 00:22:22,660 Now I'll go down in the history books as the Laughing Man. 366 00:22:25,010 --> 00:22:26,270 That static, it's... 367 00:22:29,240 --> 00:22:31,210 That's...Interceptors! 368 00:22:31,880 --> 00:22:35,080 The static in the regular check-ins was a modular delayed-action virus! 369 00:22:35,450 --> 00:22:37,620 He's out there somewhere, peeking through the SIU's eyes! 370 00:22:37,620 --> 00:22:41,210 Batou, Nanao's been sending out a modular virus via that room. 371 00:22:41,990 --> 00:22:44,080 I'll trace the point of origin! 372 00:22:47,730 --> 00:22:48,190 Send 373 00:22:48,190 --> 00:22:48,650 Send 374 00:22:48,650 --> 00:22:50,900 Send 375 00:23:16,310 --> 00:23:20,660 She's so cold and human 376 00:23:20,660 --> 00:23:23,560 It's something humans do 377 00:23:23,560 --> 00:23:25,870 She stays so golden solo 378 00:23:25,870 --> 00:23:28,930 She's so number nine 379 00:23:28,930 --> 00:23:31,680 She's incredible math 380 00:23:32,940 --> 00:23:35,960 Just incredible math 381 00:23:36,230 --> 00:23:40,420 And is she really human? 382 00:23:40,420 --> 00:23:43,710 She's just so something new 383 00:23:43,710 --> 00:23:45,960 A waking lithium flower 384 00:23:45,960 --> 00:23:48,820 Just about to bloom 385 00:23:48,910 --> 00:23:51,620 I smell lithium now 386 00:23:52,660 --> 00:23:55,740 Smelling lithium now 387 00:23:56,910 --> 00:24:00,950 How is she when she doesn't surf? 388 00:24:00,950 --> 00:24:04,780 How is she when she doesn't surf? 389 00:24:04,780 --> 00:24:07,680 How is she when she doesn't surf? 390 00:24:07,680 --> 00:24:11,880 I wonder what she does when she wakes up? 391 00:24:13,160 --> 00:24:16,450 When she wakes up?