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?