1
00:00:03,093 --> 00:00:08,123
Angely i demony kruzhili nado mnoj,
Angels and demons circle above me,
2
00:00:08,833 --> 00:00:13,663
rassykhali ternii i vechnye puti.
through the thorns to the stars.
3
00:00:14,203 --> 00:00:19,403
Ne znaet shast'je tol'ko tot,
Only those unable to perceive its call...
4
00:00:20,043 --> 00:00:26,183
kto jevo zova ponjat' ne smog.
...do not know happiness.
5
00:00:26,183 --> 00:00:31,953
Naljubuites', naljubuites'.
Watch in awe, watch in awe.
6
00:00:31,953 --> 00:00:37,323
Aeria gloris, aeria gloris.
7
00:00:37,663 --> 00:00:43,033
Naljubuites', naljubuites'.
Watch in awe, watch in awe.
8
00:00:43,433 --> 00:00:48,103
Aeria gloris, aeria gloris.
9
00:00:48,103 --> 00:00:54,373
I am calling, calling now,
10
00:00:54,713 --> 00:01:00,343
spirits rise and falling.
11
00:01:01,283 --> 00:01:06,083
Soboj ostat'sja dol'she.
To remain myself longer.
12
00:01:06,423 --> 00:01:17,993
Calling, calling, in the depths of longing.
13
00:01:18,503 --> 00:01:23,673
Soboj ostat'sja dol'she.
To remain myself longer.
14
00:01:23,673 --> 00:01:26,013
Naljubuites',
Watch in awe,
15
00:01:26,013 --> 00:01:29,873
aeria gloris.
16
00:01:30,123 --> 00:01:32,043
Home
17
00:01:30,123 --> 00:01:32,043
Affairs
18
00:01:30,123 --> 00:01:32,043
Ministry
19
00:01:31,593 --> 00:01:33,963
I believe you understand
the situation.
20
00:01:34,463 --> 00:01:37,863
As you know, hostility directed
towards the police because of...
21
00:01:38,373 --> 00:01:42,833
...the suspicion of improper usage
of audiovisual devices is on the rise.
22
00:01:43,043 --> 00:01:45,713
And now a warning hinting
at the assassination of the...
23
00:01:45,713 --> 00:01:48,183
...Superintendent-General of the Metropolitan
Police was carried live on the media.
24
00:01:48,513 --> 00:01:52,613
This is a serious problem that will affect
the prestige of the police as a whole.
25
00:01:52,883 --> 00:01:54,853
That would seem to be
a reasonable opinion.
26
00:01:55,723 --> 00:02:01,353
Police headquarters is working with
the utmost resolution to solve this case.
27
00:02:02,933 --> 00:02:05,993
I want Section 9 to work in close
cooperation with the police.
28
00:02:06,363 --> 00:02:09,353
Practice self-restraint and
don't rush into anything reckless.
29
00:02:12,403 --> 00:02:15,203
Moderation in all things, you see.
30
00:02:16,143 --> 00:02:17,873
I understand.
31
00:02:23,383 --> 00:02:25,713
The Chief sure is taking
a long time...
32
00:02:26,053 --> 00:02:27,243
He sure is.
33
00:02:28,623 --> 00:02:29,613
Here he comes.
34
00:02:31,423 --> 00:02:34,723
Now that is the face of a man
who just got screwed over.
35
00:02:42,833 --> 00:02:45,473
Did something he said
get to you, Chief?
36
00:02:45,473 --> 00:02:47,103
By the Minister of Home Affairs?
37
00:02:47,643 --> 00:02:51,573
Good or bad, he's nothing
but a public servant.
38
00:02:52,613 --> 00:02:57,743
The problem is with police HQ, which is
leisurely conducting a steamroller operation...
39
00:02:57,913 --> 00:03:02,083
...while the Superintendent-General's life
was threatened with everyone watching.
40
00:03:02,423 --> 00:03:05,393
We're just going to be spectators
and watch it unfold on TV?
41
00:03:06,263 --> 00:03:09,823
I'm going to work you like dogs
and make you earn your pay.
42
00:03:15,503 --> 00:03:18,493
In regards to the criminal announcement
made at the press conference last night...
43
00:03:18,573 --> 00:03:22,443
...by a terrorist who has resurfaced after six
years and is believed to be the Laughing Man,
44
00:03:22,813 --> 00:03:27,713
I believe it to be a farce which was written
and staged by the Metropolitan Police.
45
00:03:27,913 --> 00:03:29,013
Hey, now!
46
00:03:29,013 --> 00:03:33,353
I'll admit that last night's incident put the
Interceptor misuse issue on the back burner,
47
00:03:33,723 --> 00:03:36,713
but isn't your reasoning
a bit farfetched?
48
00:03:37,553 --> 00:03:42,553
True. It's not like you to be so imprudent.
What are you basing this on?
49
00:03:43,963 --> 00:03:44,933
Togusa.
50
00:03:44,933 --> 00:03:46,093
Yes, sir.
51
00:03:48,563 --> 00:03:49,903
Nanao=A.
52
00:03:50,533 --> 00:03:53,803
He's a material witness in the Laughing Man case
who has been under surveillance...
53
00:03:53,803 --> 00:03:59,243
...by the Metro Police's Special Investigations
Unit for the past three months.
54
00:03:59,243 --> 00:04:02,973
Him? Looks like a plain old
office worker to me.
55
00:04:03,483 --> 00:04:09,913
Yeah, I pictured the Laughing Man as having
more of a Peter Pan feel to him, too.
56
00:04:10,423 --> 00:04:14,413
According to the SIU's records,
he is 36 years of age.
57
00:04:14,693 --> 00:04:19,093
He is the son of a police officer,
and had a perfectly normal childhood.
58
00:04:19,563 --> 00:04:25,163
After entering college, he joined the "Green
Tower," a part of the Human Liberation Front.
59
00:04:25,943 --> 00:04:29,003
They championed a direct action policy
while working with the "New World Brigade,"
60
00:04:29,443 --> 00:04:31,813
a powerful ultra left-wing
group of the time.
61
00:04:31,813 --> 00:04:35,273
He was involved in armed conflicts,
and has an arrest record.
62
00:04:35,513 --> 00:04:39,613
But after he was released, he hid
his entire history as an activist,
63
00:04:40,523 --> 00:04:45,393
and nonchalantly joined Serano Genomics
as an agent programmer.
64
00:04:45,763 --> 00:04:51,353
A year later, though, a tip exposed
his past as an activist, and he was let go.
65
00:04:52,833 --> 00:04:54,963
That's a pretty
straightforward résumé...
66
00:04:56,003 --> 00:04:59,703
And now, Special Investigations HQ has
suddenly started turning up more and more...
67
00:04:59,703 --> 00:05:03,873
...circumstantial evidence that makes
them think Nanao is their man.
68
00:05:04,043 --> 00:05:07,913
The SIU is focusing their investigation
on the "grudge against Serano" angle.
69
00:05:07,913 --> 00:05:09,613
They're currently
tailing Nanao.
70
00:05:09,613 --> 00:05:14,573
Once they get to the bottom of this
death threat, they'll move in and arrest him.
71
00:05:14,723 --> 00:05:16,153
Are they idiots?!
72
00:05:16,153 --> 00:05:19,143
There's no way a guy like that
could be the Laughing Man!
73
00:05:19,493 --> 00:05:22,493
He's so guilty
he's gotta be innocent!
74
00:05:22,493 --> 00:05:24,193
I think so, too.
75
00:05:24,633 --> 00:05:27,803
But why would Special
Investigations swallow bait...
76
00:05:27,803 --> 00:05:31,633
...that you can easily tell is a decoy
if you look at the big picture?
77
00:05:32,873 --> 00:05:36,273
Setting aside the Interceptor incident,
wouldn't you say that the police conspiracy...
78
00:05:36,613 --> 00:05:41,843
...is still being continued for some reason
in the Laughing Man case?
79
00:05:42,313 --> 00:05:46,723
Yamaguchi died when he got
caught in the crossfire.
80
00:05:46,723 --> 00:05:47,823
Probably.
81
00:05:47,823 --> 00:05:49,723
I don't have any
hard evidence, either.
82
00:05:49,723 --> 00:05:52,553
But if we catch both this "something"
that's managed to fool the SIU...
83
00:05:52,993 --> 00:05:56,453
...and Nanao=A, who's been playing
the role of the Laughing Man,
84
00:05:56,793 --> 00:05:58,563
the answer should
surface on its own.
85
00:05:58,993 --> 00:06:02,493
We'll find that "something" before the crime
is committed the day after tomorrow!
86
00:06:02,873 --> 00:06:05,633
See if I care. We're opening up
a big can of worms here...
87
00:06:06,443 --> 00:06:10,103
Batou and Togusa, begin 24-hour
surveillance on Nanao.
88
00:06:10,673 --> 00:06:11,873
Yes, sir.
89
00:06:12,113 --> 00:06:13,213
Don't screw up.
90
00:06:13,213 --> 00:06:15,383
And I don't wanna see you
getting bored and walking out.
91
00:06:15,383 --> 00:06:17,283
The rest of you, follow
the Major's instructions...
92
00:06:17,283 --> 00:06:19,653
...and learn the real story behind
this man who's fooled the SIU.
93
00:06:19,653 --> 00:06:21,123
- Yes, sir!
- Yes, sir!
94
00:06:22,953 --> 00:06:24,043
What is it, Major?
95
00:06:24,623 --> 00:06:25,783
Nothing.
96
00:06:31,433 --> 00:06:33,363
Again, detectives?
97
00:06:34,603 --> 00:06:36,463
I wish you'd
give it a rest.
98
00:06:36,803 --> 00:06:38,933
Look, I admit we went
to the same school...
99
00:06:39,273 --> 00:06:42,933
...and were involved in
some activist stuff together,
100
00:06:43,343 --> 00:06:47,913
but that guy is way
scarier than I ever was.
101
00:06:47,913 --> 00:06:49,583
We're talking
dyed-in-the-wool.
102
00:06:49,583 --> 00:06:52,073
He's tenacious like you
wouldn't believe.
103
00:06:52,413 --> 00:06:58,883
Once he started a plan, he'd see
it through, no matter how long it took.
104
00:06:59,793 --> 00:07:02,553
I think it's a bad idea
to overestimate him,
105
00:07:02,993 --> 00:07:08,453
but back in school, nobody
was as worldly as that guy.
106
00:07:08,863 --> 00:07:10,833
Yeah, and that's a fact.
107
00:07:12,543 --> 00:07:16,243
If I was asked if Nanao had
a grudge against the company,
108
00:07:16,243 --> 00:07:17,333
I'd have to say yes.
109
00:07:18,243 --> 00:07:23,473
The reason being that the basic systems
for the micromachine design line...
110
00:07:23,853 --> 00:07:26,873
...here at Serano were pretty much
assembled by Nanao himself.
111
00:07:27,953 --> 00:07:30,993
The company used his past
as an excuse to dismiss him,
112
00:07:30,993 --> 00:07:33,513
and they got all
the rights to his work.
113
00:07:33,863 --> 00:07:36,023
You'd have to be crazy
not to be angry.
114
00:07:36,563 --> 00:07:39,333
Didn't he claim his rights
to his work in court?
115
00:07:39,333 --> 00:07:43,233
Forget about it. We've got a
powerful defense counsel here.
116
00:07:44,633 --> 00:07:50,043
But just between you and me, Detective,
I for one have the urge to cheer Nanao on.
117
00:07:50,413 --> 00:07:51,303
And that's a fact.
118
00:07:51,713 --> 00:07:52,573
Yeah!
119
00:07:53,943 --> 00:07:56,413
You detectives are persistent,
I'll give you that.
120
00:07:58,213 --> 00:08:02,123
This really brings me back, though,
so I don't mind telling you about him.
121
00:08:02,423 --> 00:08:06,683
The financial yakuza back then
were already controlled by eggheads.
122
00:08:07,163 --> 00:08:10,763
That Nanao kid was
a pretty sharp customer,
123
00:08:10,763 --> 00:08:13,923
and was always doing or saying
antiestablishment stuff.
124
00:08:14,803 --> 00:08:17,133
I don't think the last detective
who was here...
125
00:08:17,133 --> 00:08:20,733
...could understand why Nanao
would work with the yakuza,
126
00:08:21,343 --> 00:08:26,743
but that whole "social provocation equals
left wing" idea is so last century.
127
00:08:27,543 --> 00:08:31,103
There ain't no left or right when it comes
to making money, and that's a fact.
128
00:08:33,353 --> 00:08:38,753
Just to be on the safe side, this is the
Nanao=A you're talking about, right?
129
00:08:39,463 --> 00:08:40,753
Yeah...
130
00:08:41,323 --> 00:08:43,883
His hairline's receded
a lot, though.
131
00:08:45,333 --> 00:08:46,533
Ishikawa here.
132
00:08:46,533 --> 00:08:50,363
I'm amazed SIU did such a thorough job
using six-year-old records.
133
00:08:51,033 --> 00:08:54,973
Even restricting it to Level D-class,
I pulled up 1023 records.
134
00:08:55,573 --> 00:08:57,913
I'm checking them in order,
starting from Level E-class,
135
00:08:57,913 --> 00:09:01,173
but it looks like it'll take a long time
just to clear the decks.
136
00:09:02,013 --> 00:09:03,103
Here you are, sir.
137
00:09:03,453 --> 00:09:05,943
That's all right.
I'll be leaving now.
138
00:09:07,383 --> 00:09:10,383
34 hours to go until the crime
will be committed...
139
00:09:11,293 --> 00:09:14,423
There has to be some clue.
Find it, no matter what it takes.
140
00:09:14,423 --> 00:09:15,393
Roger.
141
00:09:15,623 --> 00:09:18,993
Chief, why not let us give up
on this dull-ass investigation,
142
00:09:18,993 --> 00:09:21,193
grab Nanao,
and make him talk?
143
00:09:21,603 --> 00:09:24,173
Section 9's specialties are playing rough
and cyber warfare.
144
00:09:24,173 --> 00:09:28,043
SIU has the manpower and resources, so let's
let them handle the routine snooping.
145
00:09:28,043 --> 00:09:29,243
Don't be so hasty.
146
00:09:29,243 --> 00:09:34,373
If our timing is off when Nanao is arrested,
we may end up in hot water.
147
00:09:34,843 --> 00:09:35,833
Any change in his behavior?
148
00:09:36,713 --> 00:09:40,613
He's just been sending out short e-mails
from his apartment at regular intervals all day.
149
00:09:41,023 --> 00:09:43,813
We've checked the contents,
but most are spam,
150
00:09:44,453 --> 00:09:48,693
and there's no sign of virus data
in any of the outgoing mail.
151
00:09:49,263 --> 00:09:52,493
Hey, we can wait here
for as long as you want...
152
00:09:53,903 --> 00:09:55,333
Good work, fellas.
153
00:09:55,963 --> 00:09:59,303
Well, if anything happens,
we'll bust our way in.
154
00:10:00,873 --> 00:10:03,573
- I'm sorry for the trouble.
- Not at all. Any time.
155
00:10:04,213 --> 00:10:05,763
By the way, Ishikawa,
where's the Major?
156
00:10:06,343 --> 00:10:08,943
Now that you mention it, I haven't
heard from her since she left.
157
00:10:08,943 --> 00:10:12,313
She said she was gonna check on something
with her own external memory device.
158
00:10:12,883 --> 00:10:15,183
What's she up to?
159
00:10:21,523 --> 00:10:24,583
Don't they have those records
at your work?
160
00:10:24,863 --> 00:10:28,063
Yes. I was out of the country
at the time of the incident,
161
00:10:28,503 --> 00:10:31,563
so I want to hear the gossip about it
that was going around at the time.
162
00:10:32,873 --> 00:10:34,143
Gossip, huh?
163
00:10:34,143 --> 00:10:37,233
I can't get a feel for it
from the police records.
164
00:10:37,443 --> 00:10:38,273
Thanks.
165
00:10:38,273 --> 00:10:41,113
But it's been so long
since you've stopped by...
166
00:10:42,283 --> 00:10:43,843
Sorry, I'll make
it up to you.
167
00:10:51,693 --> 00:10:53,153
Hey, you said
Motoko's here?
168
00:11:01,763 --> 00:11:06,933
It's 7:20 on February 3rd,
and it's time for Drive Time Weather.
169
00:11:07,443 --> 00:11:10,203
Good luck with
your commute, everyone.
170
00:11:10,873 --> 00:11:15,443
The weather won't be perfect today,
but it looks like it will be fair.
171
00:11:16,083 --> 00:11:21,783
Apparently, a micromachine dispersal will
accompany this afternoon's CO2 cleanup.
172
00:11:22,483 --> 00:11:26,393
Those of you with throat trouble
might want to wear a mask.
173
00:11:27,623 --> 00:11:29,963
And do you remember, everyone?
174
00:11:30,293 --> 00:11:35,663
Today marks 100 days before the
opening of the World's Exposition.
175
00:11:36,273 --> 00:11:39,863
With that in mind, we've come up
with the following questionnaire.
176
00:11:41,773 --> 00:11:42,943
The topic is, at the expo...
177
00:11:42,943 --> 00:11:44,413
That's no fair!
178
00:11:48,443 --> 00:11:52,043
Look into that camera
and tell them the truth!
179
00:11:52,853 --> 00:11:54,783
Stop it.
You won't shoot me.
180
00:11:55,483 --> 00:11:56,783
Are you sure?
181
00:12:06,603 --> 00:12:09,163
If your word is any good, tell...
182
00:12:09,163 --> 00:12:12,603
I can't, not right now!
Why don't you tell them?
183
00:12:13,103 --> 00:12:14,403
It wouldn't mean anything!
184
00:12:14,743 --> 00:12:18,333
Mr. Serano, if you don't
tell them the truth, I'll...
185
00:12:19,073 --> 00:12:21,013
I...can't do that.
186
00:12:22,083 --> 00:12:23,343
Why not?!
187
00:12:35,923 --> 00:12:38,053
February 3, 2024.
188
00:12:38,393 --> 00:12:41,263
Serano's kidnapping had
occurred two days earlier,
189
00:12:41,703 --> 00:12:44,933
but no announcements had been
made due to press control.
190
00:12:45,833 --> 00:12:49,403
Investigators hadn't found
a single clue in this difficult case,
191
00:12:49,743 --> 00:12:53,503
and then, ironically, it suddenly
broke with this leak to the media.
192
00:12:55,043 --> 00:12:57,173
This was where
it all began,
193
00:12:57,613 --> 00:12:59,953
the theatrical crime commonly known
as "The Laughing Man Incident."
194
00:13:01,183 --> 00:13:01,523
According to the
police reports back then,
195
00:13:01,523 --> 00:13:02,953
Metro P.D. Directive
A.P.B. 081
196
00:13:01,523 --> 00:13:02,953
According to the
police reports back then,
197
00:13:02,953 --> 00:13:06,223
Ernest Serano had received
warnings prior to the incident...
198
00:13:06,223 --> 00:13:11,183
...via the mouths of people around him
whose cyberbrains had been hacked,
199
00:13:11,533 --> 00:13:15,293
so this kidnapping happened because
he didn't take the situation seriously.
200
00:13:15,803 --> 00:13:19,863
Immediately after Mr. Serano himself was
hacked and kidnapped from his residence,
201
00:13:20,203 --> 00:13:25,573
an enormous ransom of 10 billion yen
and 100 kilos of gold bullion was demanded.
202
00:13:25,913 --> 00:13:31,313
After that, however, all contact was lost,
and until they appeared on that TV monitor,
203
00:13:31,753 --> 00:13:35,273
there had been no news
of Mr. Serano whatsoever.
204
00:13:36,083 --> 00:13:40,523
And then, while he threatened
Mr. Serano on live TV,
205
00:13:40,523 --> 00:13:42,393
the Laughing Man wrote his logo
over not only the TV camera's Al,
206
00:13:42,723 --> 00:13:49,323
but the eyes of nearby passersby, and even
those of the TV station's staff, all in real time.
207
00:13:50,573 --> 00:13:54,373
Despite the fact that many people
saw the Laughing Man after the incident...
208
00:13:54,643 --> 00:13:57,333
...when he fled from policemen
who had rushed to the scene,
209
00:13:57,773 --> 00:14:00,143
the only people who were able
to see the man's real face...
210
00:14:00,143 --> 00:14:03,083
...were two homeless men
who had no cyber implants.
211
00:14:04,213 --> 00:14:07,483
There's a famous story that most of the people
who testified that they saw the man's real face...
212
00:14:07,823 --> 00:14:13,083
...drew this mark when the police artists
were working up a composite sketch.
213
00:14:13,863 --> 00:14:17,193
That pop-culture logo that bears no
resemblance to that shocking incident...
214
00:14:17,893 --> 00:14:22,463
...gained popularity among some young
people and subculture commentators.
215
00:14:24,673 --> 00:14:27,733
The M.O. resembles the death threat
against the Superintendent-General.
216
00:14:28,073 --> 00:14:32,513
If he really did all this by himself,
he must be a super-class-A hacker.
217
00:14:35,443 --> 00:14:39,073
But this anachronistic kidnapping case
is beneath his abilities...
218
00:14:52,163 --> 00:14:56,933
After his shocking debut,
he avoided the public eye...
219
00:14:57,473 --> 00:15:02,403
...and went on to blackmail the Serano Corp.
by planting the "Virus Program Unto Death"...
220
00:15:02,903 --> 00:15:05,073
...into their micromachine
production line.
221
00:15:05,613 --> 00:15:09,703
Sales of their main product,
medical micromachines, slowed,
222
00:15:10,053 --> 00:15:12,053
the price of Serano stock
took a nose dive,
223
00:15:12,053 --> 00:15:16,453
and the blackmail against them stopped,
as if that was the goal all along.
224
00:15:17,523 --> 00:15:20,463
The Laughing Man
went on to blackmail...
225
00:15:20,463 --> 00:15:23,893
...six other micromachine manufacturers
one after another using the same M.O.
226
00:15:25,563 --> 00:15:28,933
This continued for about three months
after this incident...
227
00:15:28,933 --> 00:15:31,733
...that made one wonder
if blackmail itself were the goal.
228
00:15:31,963 --> 00:15:35,343
Criminal Commentator
229
00:15:32,533 --> 00:15:34,943
What was his true objective?
What's his criminal profile?
230
00:15:34,943 --> 00:15:36,943
Did he act alone
or as part of a group?
231
00:15:35,343 --> 00:15:35,473
Criminal Commentator
232
00:15:35,473 --> 00:15:35,593
Criminal Commentator
233
00:15:35,593 --> 00:15:35,723
Criminal Commentator
234
00:15:35,723 --> 00:15:35,843
Criminal Commentator
235
00:15:35,843 --> 00:15:35,973
Criminal Commentator
236
00:15:35,973 --> 00:15:36,093
Criminal Commentator
237
00:15:36,093 --> 00:15:36,223
Criminal Commentator
238
00:15:36,223 --> 00:15:36,343
Criminal Commentator
239
00:15:36,343 --> 00:15:36,473
Criminal Commentator
240
00:15:36,473 --> 00:15:36,593
Criminal Commentator
241
00:15:36,593 --> 00:15:36,723
Criminal Commentator
242
00:15:36,723 --> 00:15:36,843
Criminal Commentator
243
00:15:36,843 --> 00:15:36,973
Criminal Commentator
244
00:15:36,943 --> 00:15:38,513
What's his race?
His age?
245
00:15:36,973 --> 00:15:37,093
Criminal Commentator
246
00:15:37,093 --> 00:15:37,223
Criminal Commentator
247
00:15:37,223 --> 00:15:37,343
Criminal Commentator
248
00:15:37,343 --> 00:15:37,473
Criminal Commentator
249
00:15:37,473 --> 00:15:37,593
Criminal Commentator
250
00:15:37,593 --> 00:15:37,723
Criminal Commentator
251
00:15:37,723 --> 00:15:37,843
Criminal Commentator
252
00:15:37,843 --> 00:15:37,973
Criminal Commentator
253
00:15:37,973 --> 00:15:38,093
Criminal Commentator
254
00:15:38,093 --> 00:15:38,223
Criminal Commentator
255
00:15:38,223 --> 00:15:38,343
Criminal Commentator
256
00:15:38,343 --> 00:15:38,473
Criminal Commentator
257
00:15:38,473 --> 00:15:38,593
Criminal Commentator
258
00:15:38,513 --> 00:15:41,033
Was there something hidden
in his criminal ideology?
259
00:15:38,593 --> 00:15:38,723
Criminal Commentator
260
00:15:38,723 --> 00:15:38,843
Criminal Commentator
261
00:15:38,843 --> 00:15:38,973
Criminal Commentator
262
00:15:38,973 --> 00:15:39,093
Criminal Commentator
263
00:15:39,093 --> 00:15:39,223
Criminal Commentator
264
00:15:39,223 --> 00:15:39,343
Criminal Commentator
265
00:15:39,343 --> 00:15:39,473
Criminal Commentator
266
00:15:39,473 --> 00:15:39,593
Criminal Commentator
267
00:15:41,483 --> 00:15:43,753
He left these and many other
riddles unanswered.
268
00:15:43,753 --> 00:15:47,703
Just when the government decided to
allocate public funds to the victim companies,
269
00:15:48,283 --> 00:15:52,283
the Laughing Man suddenly vanished
into the shadows of the Net.
270
00:15:52,793 --> 00:15:56,623
But why would he start off by doing
something as risky as appearing in public...
271
00:15:56,963 --> 00:15:59,263
...and try to make Mr. Serano
disclose some fact or other?
272
00:15:59,263 --> 00:16:01,163
That's one thing
I just can't understand.
273
00:16:01,663 --> 00:16:03,933
It's almost as if the criminal's
message was secretly switched...
274
00:16:03,933 --> 00:16:07,103
...from 1st person to
3rd person halfway through.
275
00:16:07,103 --> 00:16:09,873
So he's saying that that
is just wishful thinking.
276
00:16:09,843 --> 00:16:13,543
All-Night Debate TV
277
00:16:09,843 --> 00:16:13,543
"Why Did the Laughing Man Appear Again?"
278
00:16:10,443 --> 00:16:12,813
This incident
isn't that simple.
279
00:16:13,113 --> 00:16:16,083
Personally, I believe
that the culprit is a life form...
280
00:16:16,083 --> 00:16:18,813
...that was spontaneously generated
in the shadows of Net society.
281
00:16:18,813 --> 00:16:22,783
In other words, I believe that
this is a complex incident...
282
00:16:22,783 --> 00:16:24,843
...caused by completely
standalone conspirators.
283
00:16:25,293 --> 00:16:29,783
I also have to wonder if this Laughing Man
ever existed in the first place.
284
00:16:51,753 --> 00:16:54,483
Chief, I'm taking myself off
the Nanao investigation.
285
00:16:54,853 --> 00:16:57,223
Also, I need you to assign
Paz and Saito to me.
286
00:16:57,653 --> 00:16:59,053
What do you
have in mind?
287
00:16:59,053 --> 00:17:00,723
I'm going to guard
the Superintendent-General.
288
00:17:01,463 --> 00:17:03,463
I think your reasoning
is on the money, Chief,
289
00:17:03,463 --> 00:17:06,153
but I can't shake the feeling that
there's one piece that doesn't fit.
290
00:17:06,963 --> 00:17:10,833
My Ghost is telling me to tail the
Superintendent-General to find out what it is.
291
00:17:11,373 --> 00:17:13,163
It's whispering to me.
292
00:17:16,943 --> 00:17:22,313
All right. We don't have convenient excuses
like team plays here at Section 9.
293
00:17:22,743 --> 00:17:26,773
There's just teamwork that comes about
as a result of a grandstand play.
294
00:17:27,183 --> 00:17:28,383
I'm out of here!
295
00:17:29,423 --> 00:17:31,413
Get the word out
to Saito and Paz, okay?
296
00:17:36,833 --> 00:17:40,063
Did you copy that? I'm sending
Paz and Saito to back up the Major.
297
00:17:40,063 --> 00:17:41,533
Be my guest.
298
00:17:41,533 --> 00:17:45,263
We're done with our inquiries, so Borma
and I can manage by ourselves from here on.
299
00:17:46,803 --> 00:17:49,773
Borma, mobilize all
the A.I. ladies.
300
00:17:50,373 --> 00:17:54,073
Also, get authorization to use the
Sci-Tech Bureau's Hekatoncheir.
301
00:17:54,483 --> 00:17:56,213
We'll check 'em all out,
one by one.
302
00:17:56,953 --> 00:17:58,073
Yes, sir...
303
00:17:58,783 --> 00:18:00,653
It's me.
What's Nanao's status?
304
00:18:01,183 --> 00:18:02,783
Still no sign
of any activity.
305
00:18:03,823 --> 00:18:06,453
He's still sending out
e-mails by fits and starts.
306
00:18:16,503 --> 00:18:19,473
Yes. Thank you
for all your help.
307
00:18:20,203 --> 00:18:22,333
Hm? Oh, that?
308
00:18:23,313 --> 00:18:24,863
Yes, that's right.
309
00:18:25,213 --> 00:18:28,443
As you say, the reaction was
even better than expected.
310
00:18:30,083 --> 00:18:33,673
That was just one of the plans
I had worked out in advance.
311
00:18:34,653 --> 00:18:37,093
Well, then, I hope
you'll look forward to it.
312
00:18:37,093 --> 00:18:39,083
Right. If you'll
excuse me, then.
313
00:18:42,093 --> 00:18:45,923
I wasn't the one who issued
that threat, but no matter.
314
00:18:46,603 --> 00:18:49,363
Oh, well.
It'll all be over soon.
315
00:19:12,493 --> 00:19:14,423
Major, the Superintendent-General
has entered the building.
316
00:19:17,833 --> 00:19:19,293
Can I get you anything?
317
00:19:20,203 --> 00:19:21,363
I'm fine.
318
00:19:29,843 --> 00:19:32,143
Regular check-in. Superintendent-General
has entered the building.
319
00:19:32,143 --> 00:19:34,083
Take assigned positions
and stay on alert.
320
00:19:34,083 --> 00:19:35,943
Batou, what's Nanao doing?
321
00:19:36,883 --> 00:19:40,153
No change. We have verification of
short e-mails being sent and received,
322
00:19:40,153 --> 00:19:42,223
but we haven't netted anything
that looks like a virus.
323
00:19:42,223 --> 00:19:43,053
I see.
324
00:19:43,123 --> 00:19:46,823
Major, I tapped the SIU's radio.
325
00:19:47,963 --> 00:19:50,053
They sound
pretty impatient.
326
00:19:50,393 --> 00:19:53,093
Why aren't we moving in?
He's right under our damn noses!
327
00:19:53,503 --> 00:19:54,993
The unfortunate thing is...
328
00:19:55,063 --> 00:20:00,073
...that we couldn't pinpoint Nanao's location
when he threatened the Superintendent-General.
329
00:20:00,073 --> 00:20:02,803
We have you bums at HQ
to thank for that, too!
330
00:20:03,243 --> 00:20:05,973
Thanks to that Interceptor mess, those of
us out here in the field got screwed over!
331
00:20:05,973 --> 00:20:07,243
Chief, how are things
on your end?
332
00:20:08,883 --> 00:20:09,903
Got it.
333
00:20:10,753 --> 00:20:15,113
Like it says in the SIU's report,
Nanao's activities at the time of the crimes...
334
00:20:15,623 --> 00:20:19,283
...substantiate the possibility
that he's the Laughing Man, all right.
335
00:20:19,393 --> 00:20:24,093
There's a lot of strange stuff in the testimony
of the people who knew Nanao, though.
336
00:20:24,333 --> 00:20:26,793
Based on my investigation
of the 43 files in question,
337
00:20:27,263 --> 00:20:30,463
I noticed a definite trend
of admiration for Nanao.
338
00:20:30,903 --> 00:20:34,673
I believe this trend may be the result of
a forced language recognition program.
339
00:20:35,273 --> 00:20:38,473
And then there's the descriptions
of Nanao mentioned in the testimony.
340
00:20:38,543 --> 00:20:41,173
It's subtle, but they don't
appear to be the same person.
341
00:20:41,483 --> 00:20:45,043
I've determined that it's a composite
of several different personalities.
342
00:20:45,253 --> 00:20:50,013
And despite the fact that the content
of the testimony itself is in the 1st person,
343
00:20:50,593 --> 00:20:55,393
all the witnesses confirmed that Nanao
was the man in the picture showed to them.
344
00:20:56,993 --> 00:20:59,193
I can tell you that these are
clearly manufactured records.
345
00:20:59,533 --> 00:21:01,763
Or rather, records that
were overwritten.
346
00:21:02,263 --> 00:21:04,533
Not even the Cybercops
could see through these.
347
00:21:05,103 --> 00:21:07,643
This document falsification
is so skillfully done...
348
00:21:07,643 --> 00:21:11,403
...that not even Special Investigations
could tell they were fakes.
349
00:21:11,973 --> 00:21:15,343
Good work.
Batou, apprehend Nanao immediately!
350
00:21:15,683 --> 00:21:16,343
Roger!
351
00:21:16,613 --> 00:21:19,383
There's more to this case
than I ever imagined.
352
00:21:20,083 --> 00:21:23,983
Saito, Paz, are you getting
any static in our signal...
353
00:21:24,223 --> 00:21:26,393
...from the jamming barrier
put up by the police?
354
00:21:26,393 --> 00:21:27,763
No, it's loud and clear.
355
00:21:27,763 --> 00:21:28,963
Same here.
356
00:21:28,963 --> 00:21:29,863
Really?
357
00:21:29,863 --> 00:21:33,493
Regular check-in. All personnel,
go from security level B to level C.
358
00:21:41,373 --> 00:21:43,203
Hey! Who are
you people with?!
359
00:21:43,203 --> 00:21:44,333
Public Security!
360
00:21:47,043 --> 00:21:48,173
Hey! Stop that!
361
00:21:52,013 --> 00:21:55,313
Nanao=A, we're taking you in for threatening
to kill the Superintendent-General!
362
00:21:58,323 --> 00:21:59,753
Hey! What the hell does
Public Security want with...
363
00:22:09,163 --> 00:22:10,433
- What the hell?
- What's going on?!
364
00:22:13,373 --> 00:22:15,893
I was never there
in the first place!
365
00:22:18,543 --> 00:22:22,703
Now I'll go down in the history books
as the Laughing Man.
366
00:22:25,053 --> 00:22:26,313
That static, it's...
367
00:22:29,283 --> 00:22:31,253
That's...Interceptors!
368
00:22:31,923 --> 00:22:35,123
The static in the regular check-ins
was a modular delayed-action virus!
369
00:22:35,493 --> 00:22:37,663
He's out there somewhere,
peeking through the SIU's eyes!
370
00:22:37,663 --> 00:22:41,253
Batou, Nanao's been sending out
a modular virus via that room.
371
00:22:42,033 --> 00:22:44,123
I'll trace the point of origin!
372
00:22:47,773 --> 00:22:48,233
Send
373
00:22:48,233 --> 00:22:48,693
Send
374
00:22:48,693 --> 00:22:50,943
Send
375
00:23:16,353 --> 00:23:20,703
She's so cold and human
376
00:23:20,703 --> 00:23:23,603
It's something humans do
377
00:23:23,603 --> 00:23:25,913
She stays so golden solo
378
00:23:25,913 --> 00:23:28,973
She's so number nine
379
00:23:28,973 --> 00:23:31,723
She's incredible math
380
00:23:32,983 --> 00:23:36,003
Just incredible math
381
00:23:36,273 --> 00:23:40,463
And is she really human?
382
00:23:40,463 --> 00:23:43,753
She's just so something new
383
00:23:43,753 --> 00:23:46,003
A waking lithium flower
384
00:23:46,003 --> 00:23:48,863
Just about to bloom
385
00:23:48,953 --> 00:23:51,663
I smell lithium now
386
00:23:52,703 --> 00:23:55,783
Smelling lithium now
387
00:23:56,953 --> 00:24:00,993
How is she when she doesn't surf?
388
00:24:00,993 --> 00:24:04,823
How is she when she doesn't surf?
389
00:24:04,823 --> 00:24:07,723
How is she when she doesn't surf?
390
00:24:07,723 --> 00:24:11,923
I wonder what she does when she wakes up?
391
00:24:13,203 --> 00:24:16,493
When she wakes up?