Human beings live
Human beings fall.
There is no convenient shortcut to save human beings, except that.
(From "Discourse on Decadence" by Sakaguchi Ango)
(Breathing hard)
(Breathing heavily) Over here! There he is!
Ah... ah!
Ah...!
Please... let me free! Ah! Get me out of here!
Ahh! Set me free! Ah~!
Checkmate. - I knew it...
Hey, wait a minute... please!
I can't wait.
Hey, don't say that.
Why don't you ask Shinjuro-san to teach you?
You're so annoying.
Katsu-sensei, all you do is play with Shinjuro.
Of course he would. He's the detective of the moment, naturally.
It's like the difference between night and day
Hey, hey, hey! If I get serious, I'll solve a case or two!
I'm sorry. - I'm sorry.
Ah, Rie-san. Who's this?
Ah, this is Otaki-san from Inga-san's store.
Actually, Inga-san hasn't been home for a week.
I thought you might not know... What? Hey, where did he go?
It's about Inga. Don't worry about it.
I doubt that...
Well then, I guess this is it for today's match.
I would like Shinjuro-san to help Otaki-san look for him
I'm sorry. I have an appointment with someone.
Is that so... Excuse me.
Hey.
Be careful with Okubo.
Okubo... is that Lord Saigou's childhood friend?
Yes, that's right, the Minister of Finance, Okubo Toshimichi.
Case 4 - Lincoln's Shadow
(Applause)
Ah, well... All of you gathered here today
are treasures of this country. Let's deepen our friendship.
Okubo Toshimichi
I hope you will make the most of your abilities cultivated through your sea voyages for the sake of the Meiji government.
(Everyone) Yes! Yes!
(Applause)
Oh, Yuki-kun.
How is life since you arrived here?
Yes, well.
The professor in Boston spoke very highly of you.
I see.
How do you like it, being a detective?
People are..... corrupt.
Corrupt?
Yes, as a special detective, I've seen a lot of people in my investigations.
Compared to the Tokugawa era, people in this Meiji era are abhorrent and ugly.
Ohh.
The rich get richer, while the abandoned and the weak...
accumulate their anger and commit crimes.
Yes, hahahahahaha.
Yuki-kun, that's because people suddenly became free.
Free? Yeah.
Well, in America.
Freedom may be the most important thing in America, but not in this country.
In the Meiji era, when people are suddenly told they're free...
I don't know who I am or what I should do.
In fact, they can't help but want someone else to decide for them.
Isn't that so?
That's why we believe that
we need to set up our national system as soon as possible.
What this country needs is not freedom to do whatever we want, but order.
Yes. Oh, please, be my guest. Thank you.
Order...
I'm thinking of a suitable position for you.
I want you to use the insight you gained as a special detective within this new government.
Eh... Has Inga-san been acting strangely lately?
The day before he disappeared, he was writing something over there...
That's not unusual
Did he go on a trip or something?
I certainly hope so...
What's this?
"Government of the people, by the people, for the people, in Japan"?
"Lincoln Association"
"Lincoln Association"?
What about this? I don't know.
The address is... Hongo 26-ban Yashiki.
Hongo 26-ban Yashiki... - Hm?
This is the 26th residence...
It's the Yamaga family after all. - Yes.
BUTLER ASANO SAZEN
The Yamaga family? One of the wealthiest families in Tokyo.
They're also successful in trade. - Really?
I once attended a tea ceremony with a lady from this family...
(Gate opening sound)
Welcome. Please come in.
Please come in. - Ah, no, um...
Please don't hesitate. Please
Eh...
I'm Sasaki Sozo, the Chief Secretary of the Lincoln Association.
May I ask if you'd like to join us today?
Joining? No, we're not... yet.
Ah~ What the hell is this place?
Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't explain myself well enough.
We, the Lincoln Association, are a group for practicing and learning the teachings of the great American president,
Abraham Lincoln, on a daily basis.
What kind of big boss? A carpenter's boss?
I think someone more like a Shogun
Here, people who agree with his vision gather and live together.
We are living together and practicing to spread it throughout Japan.
Practicing? That's right.
But why at Yamaga-sama's residence?
The Yamaga family are ardent members of the Lincoln Association.
They donated the entire site of this residence to the Lincoln Association.
Wow, these are very benevolent people.
Excuse me, is there a man named Hananoya Inga here?
He's been missing for about a week. We're looking for him.
Hananoya Inga-san...
He's here. - What?
Unfortunately, today is a practice day, so you can visit him tomorrow.
We will make our stand here!
Our freedom and equality.
We will raise up a new nation.
Since ancient times, many wise men...
What the...? Shh!
That's Serada Makitaro, the leader of the Lincoln Association.
That's the one whose name was on the flyer.
Ah! Ah!
Inga-san! Don't waste your life.
Everyone please stand.
"Government of the people, by the people, for the people."
I pledge that this world will never be destroyed!
(cheering)
For the Lincoln Association! Let's work together!
How was it? Inga-san? He looked fine, but...
Inga, he seemed like a different person...
I'll go back and talk to him.
Wait a minute. We can talk to him tomorrow.
Let's consult Shinjuro-san first.
No, my intuition as a detective is telling me to go back to the villa once more.
That's even worse. Let's go back.
Wh-What?
You're all making fun of me like that!
That's not what I'm doing.
I'll show you what I can do even without Shinjuro! Hmph!
Wait a minute! Shut up! Don't come!
Ugh...
(Shamisen music)
Shinjuro-san has not come back yet. Ah
It's unusual for you to be so concerned about something like this.
He's not sure of his path yet.
I wonder what Okubo is saying to him.
Hmph!
You said the other day that he might have a grudge against you or Saigo-san
Yeah...
Why do you want Shinjuro-san to stay with you?
I wonder why...
Heh, I don't know either.
(sound of door opening)
I'm back.
Sorry!
I came here to ask Shinjuro-dono for a favor.
METROPOLITAN POLICEMAN FUKUHARA KISUKE
METROPOLITAN POLICEMAN SAMESHIMA ITSUHIKO
What's up with you guys?
There have been eight disappearances, including three property owners.
Nah, five gallons of coal oil were stolen.
I'll be fired if I can't solve this...
One way or another! Shinjuro-dono, I need your help!
Is that a request from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department?
No, it's a private request.
If it's not an official request, I'll decline.
Ah... it's over...
Now we'll join the ranks of the discontented.
Hahahahaha...
BOSTON, AMERICA
HASHIMOTO KEITARO
Shinjuro, you always think too much.
What? Keitaro's in too much of a hurry.
Even Lincoln said it's not a matter of how many years you live.
It's how you live that matters.
Um...
Ahem!
May I?
Toranosuke is not coming back?
Yes. When we went to look for Inga-san, he just went back to the house...
I went to Toranosuke's house just now, but it seems he hasn't returned...
I have to bring them both back from there...
But... Inga-san entered that place of his own volition, right?
Yes, probably.
If that's the case, there's no way I can force him back.
But he was acting differently than usual!
People and this world, not everything stays the same
Shinjuro-san...
Aren't you worried that someone close to you may have changed or disappeared?
I can't just leave them alone.
I will go to the Lincoln Association again tomorrow.
Wait a moment.
I'll be there too.
After the two of you left yesterday, no one else has come.
No one came? That can't be...
Excuse me.
Our leader, Serada Makitaro, has arrived.
Hello, I'm Serada.
Shinjuro! Keitaro!
Ahahaha! Long time no see!
Why didn't you call me? That's my line.
What's with that name?
"Serada Makitaro". It's better than Hashimoto, isn't it?
What are you talking about?
Um, what's going Shinjuro-san?
You're the daughter of the Kano family who came yesterday, aren't you?
Actually, this Shinjuro Yuki fellow,
we went to school together in America. We are comrades!
Hey! Ah.
Comrade? That's right.
He was so shy and withdrawn back then,
he was often told by his professors to speak his mind more.
Shut up! I was deep in thought
But we were both moved by Lincoln's speech...
"Government of the people, by the people, for the people."
When we returned to Japan, we wanted to make this ideal a reality.
Right? Yeah.
So that's what it was...
What's wrong?
No, this is the first time I've seen Shinjuro-san looking so happy.
He's thinking too much.
I never thought he'd bring such a beautiful girlfriend.
This... this... this... this is not right!
I'm not his girlfriend!
Ahahaha! I'm just kidding!
(laughs)
As you can see, the Lincoln Association is a place to learn and embody freedom and equality.
All of our expenses are covered by donations from like-minded people.
We accept applicants from all over the country, rich and poor alike.
Those people...
They're samurai descendants who had lost their way.
It doesn't matter if you're a samurai or a noble, whether you have money or not.
It doesn't matter in here. We're all equal.
Serada-sama! Hello.
Did everyone behave well? Yes!
Eat. Yes!
This is my comrade, Yuki Shinjuro.
We are truly grateful to you, Serada-sama.
We were running out of food and our children were about to starve to death.
Here, we don't have to worry about food.
The seem to be having fun
Right?
Thanks to Yamaga-san's donation.
Eat lots of food. - Yes!
Excuse me! Excuse me!
See you. Yes
Keitaro, what did you do in Kanazawa?
I went back to my hometown for a while. That's where I met Sasaki.
The Chief Secretary? That's right.
So the two of us decided to try our luck in Tokyo...
I see.
Lord Okubo was concerned that he couldn't get in touch with you.
Oh, that cold-blooded man.
Cold-blooded?
He cuts down anyone who disagrees with him without mercy.
That's why he's surrounded by money grubbers.
You better make sure you don't become one too.
Of course not.
I'm sure you won't. Serada-sama.
Speak of the devil.
Yamaga-san, this is my comrade Yuki Shinjuro and
Rie Kano. It's been a while.
Hello.
I heard you donated this entire mansion to the Lincoln Association.
Yes. For us, a detached house is all we need.
Where is your husband today?
My husband...
He's in a special room doing concentration practice.
Concentration practice?
Yes, it's a practice where he stays in his room in order to completely free his mind.
Yamaga-san is such an excellent person,
he was quick to embark on trade with the U.S. and has great foresight.
Now, if you'll excuse me.
Inga-san! Ah~! I heard you were looking for me.
I was already worried about you. I'm sorry I didn't contact you
But this place is great. There's no top or bottom, and everyone is trying to realize their ideals.
It's like a paradise.
But Otaki-san...
Oh, that's right! And Otaki, too.
You should encourage him to come here.
Thank you for coming, Shinjuro. It's my pleasure.
What do you think? Will you work with me?
Keitaro... aren't you too much in a hurry?
Hahahahahaha, you never change.
You're always thinking too much like that.
I'm waiting for you.
Are you planning to leave like this? Yes.
Didn't you think there was something wrong with Inga-san after all?
Well... And Toranosuke-san...
He definitely went to the Yamaga residence again.
But he didn't show up. So you think I'm lying?
No, it's not like that...
Shinjuro-san, you believe Keitaro and the others more than what I say.
That's enough. Please do your best at the Lincoln Association with your best friend.
My lady. My lady! Please wait a minute.
My lady.
Where the hell did that idiot Toranosuke go?
I don't know, the Lincoln Association people seem to be free and open-minded.
They seem to be satisfied with their work. Including Inga-san.
I see.
Since Keitaro came back from America,
he's been realizing his ideals. He's a great guy.
But...
But what?
No, it's a bad habit for a detective.
You know, Lincoln...
He fought to unite the two halves of the country.
He also did his best to free the slaves, but before that...
He caused the deaths of many generals and citizens.
There have been eight disappearances, including three property owners.
Nah, five gallons of coal oil were stolen.
I need the names of the three missing property owners.
What's your business here?
Don't send me to hell oh merciful Buddha...
You useless assistant!
I'm told it's Sir Okubo's auspices...
Hurry.
Here it is! Hey!
PROPERTY OWNERS DISSAPEARANCE CASE FILE
Grand Inspector! There's been another fire, too, with coal oil.
Fortunately, it was quickly extinguished, but...
I'm sorry... Where is it? The address of the house.
It's here. Hey!
LINCOLN ASSOCIATION
Something strange.
We won't waste this life.
For us, a detached house is enough.
Light always creates shadow...
(Applause)
This is Shinjuro Yuki, who will be an honorary member of the Lincoln Association from today.
I look forward to working with you.
(Applause)
Thank you, Shinjuro. - Ah.
Let's start discussing the finances. Yeah, let's talk about it later.
Now, everyone, please begin your voluntary practice.
Yes!
I'm looking forward to working with you. Let's make things exciting together.
I'm so happy. Let's learn Serada-sama's teachings together.
You can ask me anything.
Then, there's something I'd like you to teach me right away.
Yes, anything you want.
Inga-san, do you know what the special room is? The special room?
Yes, for intensive concentration.
That's right. I was wondering if I could observe it.
No~ It's locked in the basement.
Only authorized personnel are allowed in.
Do you recognize any of these names?
Trade Association Sakagami Keiichiro Morie Trade Director Morie Noritsuna Koukouji Trade Director Koukouji Kuma
Yes, these are the people my husband invited to become members of the Lincoln Association.
They are all trade associates...
Where are these people and your husband now?
My husband and these people are in the special room for intensive concentration...
It's urgent.
You have a duplicate key, don't you?
This is the special room in the basement. You shouldn't do that.
If other people see you... Ah...
Who is it! You can't be in here!
Ugh...
This... is... Yamaga-san!
Ugh~! Unh! U~!
Toranosuke! Ugh! Unh!
Ah~! Shinjuro, you're here.
I thought they were going to kill me!
Sorry to keep you waiting, buddy.
YAMAGA SADANOBU
Yamaga-san, what the hell is going on?
I was trapped by Sasaki and the others.
I first said I'd rent out this mansion for the Association.
But then my wife noticed that all the jewels and paintings were missing...
What's going on? Sasaki!
You...
You're the one who gave us everything in this mansion.
I never said anything about giving it all away!
It's too late for that. Please give up.
Let me talk to Serada-san!
Or I'll go to the police!
You don't have the freedom to do either right now.
To the Special Room. Sasaki!
This isn't freedom, it's jail.
No way...!
Let's hurry. Hurry.
I knew it something like that would happen
Yuki Shinjuro.
Sasaki-san. You drugged me out of nowhere!
It's because you tried to sneak in without saying goodbye.
You stole oil and burned down the house to scare these people, didn't you?
There was coal oil left on the foot of your robes
What's wrong with that?
Eventually, I'll burn this corrupt and degenerate government to the ground.
Sasaki, what the hell is this?
Serada-sama, this is an intensive concentration session.
Those who object while participating in this meeting...
Bullshit! We've been locked up.
Release everyone now.
I can't do that.
What?
Don't you understand yet?
The world doesn't work on pretty things alone.
Beautiful ideals require the power to make them obeyed.
That's what this imprisonment is... deceiving me.
You can't accomplish anything in the end.
It's the same in Kanazawa. No one followed you.
That's why I've arranged everything for you.
Get out of the Lincoln Association right now!
It's a pity...
The chairman is in disarray. Take him into custody.
Yes! Keitaro!
What are you guys doing...!
Traitor! Let me go!
Keitaro... this is not what you and I set out to do!
In the end... it's the same everywhere, in this post-revolutionary world.
Keitaro...
Return to Kanazawa from America.
I tried to spread Lincoln's ideas, but no one took any notice.
"You spent the clan's money."
"You should get more money from the government."
No matter what I said, it was useless.
I formed this association to change this world...
This time, Sasaki... you created a shadow there.
What do you know! That's enough! Sasaki.
No! Even if you die.
I'll use Lincoln Association to change this country.
Lincoln said it!
Violence conquers all, but its victory is short-lived!
Shinjuro...
Shinjuro Yuki is a great enemy who wants to destroy our ideals.
Kill him. Huh!
Oh! I'll be useful this time. Ah. Don't kill him.
Please wait. Move! Get out of the way!
I'm here to see Yamaga Sadanobu.
(Scream) Stop!
As a master of the Jigen-ryu, this is Inspector Hayami Seigen of the Metropolitan Police Department. Back off.
Damn it! Attack!
Run! Oh, no!
Don't let him get away!
Whoa~! Ah~.
Aah! Take it!
Wow~!
You guys go too. Huh?
Eeeee! Huh! Huh!
Hah! Huh!
Run!
Shinjuro Yuki~!
(gunshot)
Keitaro! Ah~ Taa!
Hmph! Hmm...
Sh... Shinjuro...
I'm... Keitaro...
Don't talk anymore.
Was I in too much of a hurry?
That's not true.
I was...
envious of you...!
Shinjuro...
I'm counting on you...
Our ideal...
Of the people, by the people, for the people...
Government
Keitaro.
Keitaro!
Keitaro~!
Keitaro!
Keitaro~!
Then he rescued Shinjuro Yuki.
I heard that he rescued Shinjuro Yuki and destroyed the rebel group in advance.
That's right, sir.
This Hayami led the charge, with his elite men in tow.
As the saying goes, "If you do it decisively, even the demons will avoid it.
I see. It's a big deal. It's a big deal.
Heh heh heh heh.
(Knock)
Oh, Yuki.
Lord Saigou has come all the way here to congratulate us on the resolution of this case.
Yuki-don, It's been hard on you.
No, it wasn't.
My friend Keitaro Hashimoto, aka Serada.
lost his life trying to change this Meiji era.
What are you saying?
How many people has this country stepped on in order to create a new era?
Wasn't it for the sake of the government of the people!
Yuki!
You're right.
There is no such thing!
I'm sorry about that.
I'm sorry.
But when I was there... I was happy, right? Happy?
I thought how good it would be if that ideal spread to the whole country...
As for Shinjuro-san...
He lost his dearest friend...
(footsteps)
I, too, lost many dear friends at the end of the Edo period.
But... the ideals they left behind...
I'm still holding them here.
You, too, should cherish what you have here.
You just have to cherish what you have here.
I didn't think you'd be able to get rid of Serada with his entire association.
Looks like he's worth using, Yuki Shinjuro.
You can't use people, Ichizo-don.
(whistle blowing)
It's not a question of how many years you'll live.
It's how you live that matters.
Here, let me give you this.
Hmm? What's this?
Kaleidoscope (mangekyou)
If you look at it with a wish, you'll find your way.
There is nothing but flowers.
There are more! keep going!
Shinjuro, I'm counting on you...
Case 5 The Art of Rottenham Beauty
Maybe that woman... is a secret agent from some other country!
Taa~! The three of us are supposed to be one person...
Beauty should be a woman's strength to live in this world.