Our daughter has been kidnapped.
Could you please help me get the police
to stop their involvement?
My daughter's life is on the line.
So thank you for your cooperation.
Tell them that the police are completely gone.
We, the police,
are withdrawing from the investigation of Tomoka's kidnapping.
Mommy?
Daddy?
We promise we'll come and get you.
We'll see each other soon, Tomoka.
Miwa is also here, and we'll definitely bring her back.
Thank you!
I will never forget this favor.
Now, you are the only ones who can save Tomoka.
Please help us save Tomoka and lend us a hand!
DAY 3 53 HOURS SINCE TOMOKA WAS KIDNAPPED
Okay. Nice. Here we go.
Here you are.
Yes! It's the power-up hot pot!
Since we're not poor students, there's plenty of meat.
Last time was in university?
Half our bodies were made of meals Todo cooked.
That's for sure.
But after Michiru got into the school, I didn't cook as much.
Yes. After that, we got a lot more variety.
Okay. There you go.
Whoa? Is this gratin or doria?
Gratin.
This is incredible!
Nice. A woman's touch. When I cook, it's always so heavy.
This is nice sometimes.
-Wait. You think she's your rival, Todo? -What? My rival?
Dang, are you competing with her?
No, I'm not.
Whoa!
You're taking way too much!
First come, first served.
Ladies first, you guys. Here you go, Michiru.
Oh, thank you.
This is really good. Very delicious.
Awesome!
Yes!
Nicely done.
-Hurry up and eat. -Whoa!
Then give me the ladle.
Whoa! Hurry up and give it here. Give it here. You'll burn me.
Who'd have thought we'd be eating hot pot surrounded by 500 million yen.
Here. Ladies first.
Thank you.
Here, Haruto.
First come, first served, right?
-Thank you for the food. -Thank you.
This is good, Todo.
Eat up well.
This sure brings back memories.
Hey!
It's non-alcoholic.
That's not the issue!
Haruto, you want one?
No way.
As always, you've got no tact.
That's right.
So what are we going to do tomorrow?
The biggest issue is what the cops do.
The police will never give up.
If you leave, they will tail you for sure.
Then what should we do?
We'll have to give them the slip before you hand over the ransom.
Can we do that? There are hundreds of them.
If you're not handing over the ransom, but just going out,
they will tail you with only the bare minimum.
You think it will go well with just us doing it?
That's why we need to think of a way
to make absolutely sure we get Tomoka back.
Hey, where are your mom and dad?
They went out to buy some things, but they sure are taking long.
Haruto Narusawa's mother, Mayumi, and Michiru's father, Masafumi,
have agreed to help.
What?
They've been fitted with wires.
Now we'll know what they're up to.
Isn't that going a bit far without approval?
If the Narusawas find out, they'll sue!
Worse, if things don't turn out well, the public--
I couldn't wait for approval!
The top brass told us to do anything to continue the investigation, right?
The only way to catch the culprit is to use their parents.
-Okay. -What?
I'll explain it to Detective-Sergeant Goto and Chief Shiraki. Get on with it.
Yes, sir.
Mayumi, Masafumi, act like you always do.
We're back. Sorry it took so long.
I'm not used to driving that car. I couldn't figure it out.
It's okay. Thanks.
Thank you.
Would you two like some?
-Oh, it's okay. Thank you. -Oh, it's okay. Thank you.
So what did you decide to do?
The police don't realize yet
that tomorrow is the day that we're handing over the ransom.
Now that we're not being watched so closely, we'll negotiate.
Ask what kind of plan they've made.
What will you do when the kidnapper contacts you?
When the kidnapper calls,
the police will know that we're negotiating the ransom.
They'll get our location from our phones, so they'll know where we are.
So we'll communicate with the kidnapper through my company's game.
Even if the police find out we're using it,
if they want to see what we're doing, they need our permission.
Our company can't determine the identity of our users anyway.
We can use this to convince the kidnapper that this way is safe.
The first hurdle is whether the kidnapper goes for it or not.
Are you drinking beer?
Oh, it's non-alcoholic.
Oh, that's just the way he is. Just ignore him.
What will you do then?
Even if the police don't know we're handing over the ransom,
they'll still tail Haruto and Michiru if they leave.
We'll give them the slip.
How?
-How? -How?
Dad, we want you and Mayumi to help.
What?
Us?
First, we'll all leave here in rental cars that Miwa and Todo will drive.
Michiru and I will leave our phones here.
The police will think it's possible that Haruto and Michiru are still here,
so they'll keep their tail to a minimum.
We'll all park in my office's underground parking and get out.
Miwa and Todo will drive out of the underground parking.
They will be decoys.
The ransom will actually be taken
by my mom and her dad in another car we'll have.
You two will put on disguises and follow the kidnapper's directions
to deliver the 500 million yen.
We'll deliver it?
The police won't think that you two are carrying the ransom.
The second hurdle is whether the kidnapper will accept that.
We'd be in trouble if we hadn't heard of this.
It's better for us that their parents will be the couriers.
Then what'll we do after we deliver the money?
Find out from the kidnapper where Tomoka is.
Call us as soon as you find out.
We'll be at the office, so we'll head right over.
After you two hand over the ransom,
the final hurdle is whether or not the kidnapper tells you Tomoka's location.
Local Investigation Headquarters to all L2 units.
Watch the bagman closely.
BAGMAN = MONEY COURIER
Tail the perp after the ransom is handed over and find their hideout.
PERP = PERPETRATOR
We'll storm it after determining where Tomoka's being held.
L2, copy.
L1 to all units. All of Japan is watching.
Police credibility is on the line, so let's haul in this perp!
Today really is our last chance, isn't it?
We can't make any mistakes.
Me and you, Katsuragi, everyone has seen our faces on the internet.
If we blow it, we'll be scorned forever.
If we succeed, we'll suddenly be heroes.
Here.
Got it.
I wonder when they'll call.
They didn't tell us when they would. All we can do is wait.
Let's relax, all right? We'll never last if we're always tense.
It'll be all right.
As long as the police aren't around,
we'll be able to negotiate with the kidnapper.
What are you doing?
When Tomoka comes home,
I want her to sleep under a nice and fluffy comforter.
You see, she likes it when it smells like the sun.
I'll help.
Since the cops came, things have been pretty hectic.
I'll vacuum later too.
Michiru,
you take it easy for a while.
There's something I haven't told you.
What is it?
Tomoka and I argued.
She dropped two ranks in her cram school placement test.
I scolded her
because she still keeps making careless mistakes on basic math questions.
Then...
"I'm going to cram school alone!"
That's what she told me.
It's all my fault.
If only I had taken her to cram school like usual,
this never would have happened.
I didn't know about that placement test.
I didn't even realize
that you two had argued.
I'm sorry.
Tomoka
is okay, right?
Yes.
I swear.
Tomoka will return to this room.
From now on,
make sure you always get their conversations.
Okay.
I made rice balls. Have some.
Thank you.
Thank you, Mom.
Haruto, we started without you.
Mayumi, this tastes home-cooked. It's awesome.
Is that right? I'm glad to hear it.
Here, you two also eat.
UNKNOWN CALLER
Victim's family receiving call! Unknown caller!
Local Investigation Headquarters to L2.
Incoming call.
Hello?
You have prepared the 500 million yen, I assume.
Yes.
If I find out that the police are with you,
I will kill Tomoka.
Actually, I have a proposal.
I'm not taking any proposals.
It's a proposal to make extra sure that the police keep out of this.
The police are our mutual enemy.
TOMOKA NARUSAWA (11)
This is a proposal to make sure
you get the ransom.
I'll hear your proposal.
The police know when I get calls on this phone
and are using it to locate me.
So from now on, I'd like us to negotiate using a game chatroom.
Download the game Ribbit Walker.
After it loads, just keep tapping "yes" to set it up.
ENTER YOUR NAME GUEST
Then tap the friend button.
In the search field,
enter h-a-r-u-t-o-1-0-0-1 in lowercase letters.
Then send me a friend request.
ID: HARUTO1001, LV. MAX REQUEST SENT
That way, we can communicate through the game.
It's impossible to trace you through that account.
It won't put you in any danger at all.
I'll send a friend request.
Yes! First hurdle cleared.
Let's go to the office.
The Narusawas' phones are in the house.
Mayumi, did everyone get in the cars?
L2 to all units.
The Narusawas are in two vehicles. Most likely they are rental cars.
Personal Bodyguard 1 here. Two target vehicles spotted.
One driven by a long-haired male in a brown blazer.
Other driven by a male in a black cap and gray jacket.
Heading east on Route 134.
They're headed for Harukana Online Games in Kamiosaki, Shinagawa.
All units, don't lose sight of them!
EXPLORING RIBBIT MAP
Ribbit.
FRIEND REQUEST FROM HARUTO 1212
It's here!
Since we might be tailed by the police,
we'll stop once at my office to confuse them.
I'll negotiate with you on here.
The cash will be transported and delivered by my mother, Mayumi,
and Michiru's father, Masafumi Makimura.
HOW CAN YOU GUARANTEE THAT THEY AREN'T POLICE?
This is from Michiru's Instagram.
She posted this photo on our anniversary on October 1, five years ago.
There's no way we could post a fake that long ago, right?
CONTACT ME WHEN YOU ARRIVE AT YOUR OFFICE
The second hurdle?
Cleared.
Ribbit ribbit.
This is the car.
Oh, Dad. Over here.
Masafumi!
TELL US WHAT TO DO NEXT ID: HARUTO 1001
The hat too?
Yes.
BE AT ISAKA SHRINE IN NARAMACHI 6-CHOME, AOBA WARD, YOKOHAMA BY 4 P.M.
You need to be
at Isaka Shrine in Naramachi 6-chome, Aoba Ward, Yokohama by 4 p.m.
They'll just barely make it in time.
Hey. Let's go in the decoys.
L2 to all units.
The perp has given instructions.
Isaka Shrine in Naramachi 6-chome, Aoba Ward, Yokohama by 4 p.m.
Ribbit ribbit.
Personal Bodyguard 1 here. The two target rental cars have left.
One's Gotanda bound, the other Ebisu bound.
They're decoys. Wait there.
I'm counting on you, Dad.
Right.
Mom, I'm sorry
for asking you to do this.
We're family, after all.
It's only natural.
L2 to all units. Bagman has changed vehicles.
Silver commercial station wagon. License number Tama 503 Mo 1736.
They're wearing blue and orange jackets, and caps.
Personal Bodyguard 1 and Commander Group, follow them.
Leader Group, wait at Isaka Shrine.
Copy.
There will be officers near the shrine.
We'll be ready to help at any time, so don't be afraid.
When Haruto said
he was going to quit his job and start his own company,
I was vehemently against it.
I told him there was no way whatever he would do would go well.
But my boy, he worked hard.
He grew his company.
What's the matter?
Is what we are doing
the right thing to do?
The police can hear you.
I know.
But shouldn't we have trusted our children instead of the police?
I was just thinking that.
When Tomoka is back, let's apologize.
When Tomoka is back,
let's get on our hands and knees, and apologize to Michiru and Haruto.
We'll tell them we're sorry for tricking them.
But...
But until then, let's go through with what we believe is right.
We're doing this for Tomoka.
Right!
We've prepared everything you asked for, Mr. Narusawa.
This is displaying the game screen you're looking at.
Take this.
If there's anything you need, let me know.
Thank you.
Personal Bodyguard 3 to L2.
I've spotted Michiru Narusawa in the office.
Personal Bodyguard 3, stay there.
Personal Bodyguard 3, copy.
This is Tatewaki from Harukana Online Games.
EXPLORING RIBBIT MAP
It's going according to plan.
What?
Mayumi! Over here!
All right! Where is it? What?
Oh, here it is!
Hello? We brought the money!
Show me using the phone's camera.
Show you?
Transfer the money into the duffel bags you'll find there.
And after that?
In 30 minutes, be at parking space 37
in parking area A at the Tsuzuki Plaza shopping mall
in Chigasaki-nishi.
If you are not in time...
The next location is parking space 37 in parking area A
at the Tsuzuki Plaza shopping mall in Chigasaki-nishi.
Area A, 37. Area A...
Film yourself throwing all of your phones and communication devices
into the offering box.
There is a map in the duffel bag pocket.
-Found it! -Our phones!
Put this phone into the offering box too.
You have 29 minutes.
Everything is going as we expected.
There are already officers at the next location, so don't be afraid.
How come they haven't contacted us?
Like with you and me, they may have had to give up their phones.
DID THEY ARRIVE IN TIME?
ID: HARUTO1212
Ribbit.
How are your parents doing?
-We can't contact them anymore. -What's it like outside?
I just drove around, but it didn't look like they were tailing me.
TSUZUKI PLAZA
Where? Where is it?
Hello?
Use the emergency stairs behind you
to go to parking space 12 on the roof.
Within one minute.
Hurry!
All right...
We're here.
Look below.
Below?
Drop the bags onto the bed of the mini truck.
Quickly.
Hold on! Where's my granddaughter?
I'll tell you after you drop the bags.
No! That's no good!
We'll give you the money somewhere we can see our granddaughter!
Then the negotiation is over.
What?
Let's drop them.
We'll drop them, so tell us where Tomoka is!
Ready, go!
Nice! One more!
Ready, go!
We dropped them. We dropped them!
Where's Tomoka?
2450 Nanasawa, Atsugi.
She's in a cabin in the woods.
Call Haruto!
Oh, we've got to call Haruto and the others.
The ransom money is in a white mini truck.
There is a driver, but no passengers spotted.
Bound for Tsunashima on Rekihaku Road.
Don't you dare let them get away!
Suspect's vehicle spotted. Tailing.
Local Investigation Headquarters to L2.
We've requested backup from North Atsugi Police Station.
Continue tailing suspect's vehicle to the hideout.
Rescuing Tomoko takes priority.
I can't unlock it!
We've got to call Haruto and them.
What?
-Your phone! Lend me your phone! -What?
I'm Haruto Narusawa's mother.
My granddaughter's been kidnapped. I've got to call him! Please!
Please.
Please!
-Give it to her! -Oh, here.
APRIL 14 (THU) 4:34 P.M.
-Hello. -Haruto!
Tomoko is at 2450 Nanasawa, Atsugi.
She's in a cabin in the woods there.
Here's the map!
This is where Tomoka is.
Personal Bodyguard 3 to L2. Target car has left.
They'll be going to Atsugi. Tail them.
Personal Bodyguard 3, copy!
All units. Description of suspect's vehicle again.
White mini truck with only a driver.
Driver wearing a black cap, black jacket, and white mask.
Local Investigation Headquarters to L2.
Suspect's vehicle license plate identified.
Owner is a male resident of Odawara. It's been reported stolen.
The driver still hasn't been identified.
Wouldn't it be faster to catch him and make him talk?
He could be just a mule.
MULE = MESSENGER OR COURIER
We still haven't secured the hostage.
Personal Bodyguard 3 to L2. Target car exited at Atsugi Interchange.
It takes 30 minutes from here to the Nanasawa area.
L2, copy.
Michiru, it won't be long before we're there.
Haruto and Todo are on their way too. Don't worry.
EXPLORING RIBBIT MAP
NO NEW MESSAGES OK
ASAO WARD, KAWASAKI
L2 to all squads. Perp is in the building.
Room 304 of the Uchiyama building, Katahira, Asao Ward, Kawasaki.
Arrest squad, prepare for storming.
All other squads. Surround the building.
Arrest squad, copy.
Local Investigation Headquarters to L2.
Officers from North Atsugi have been deployed
to the area around where Tomoka's being held.
Storming will occur simultaneously.
L2, copy.
Personal Bodyguard 3 to L2. Target vehicle has arrived at cabin.
NANASAWA AREA, ATSUGI
They're trying to enter the cabin.
Arrest squad in position.
L2 to Local Investigation Headquarters. What are your orders?
Storm them.
Arrest squad, storm it! Don't give him any time!
Atsugi, storm the cabin.
Tomoka!
Captured!
Victim's not here!
Not here either!
How about over there?
Victim's not here!
The victim's not here either!
Not here either!
Ouch!
Where's Tomoko?
Who the hell is that?
Why'd you take this money?
I was hired on LINE.
They said they'd give me two million
just to pick it up at a certain place and time, and hold on to it.
Who was it?
How should I know?
Oh,
I was told to do one more thing.
They told me to stream this place online.
LIVE
YOU BROKE YOUR PROMISE ID: HARUTO1212
EXPLORING RIBBIT MAP
PLEASE, WAIT!
THE DEAL IS OFF.
I'LL KILL TOMOKA.
I'LL TELL YOU AFTER YOU DROP THE BAGS. THEN THE NEGOTIATION IS OVER.
2450 NANASAWA, ATSUGI. SHE'S IN A CABIN IN THE WOODS.
PLEASE, WAIT!
Tomoka, can you hear me?
Hey! I know you're here!
Like I promised, I gave the cops the slip!
There are no cops here!
I just want to get Tomoka back!
I've left the money under the gate at the nearby shrine.
All you have to do is take that and leave!
HOW DID YOU FIND THIS PLACE? ID: HARUTO1212
Last night,
we realized our parents were very late.
When we checked the GPS, they were...
with the police.
LOCATION MAYUMI, SHICHIRIGAHAMA POLICE STATION
We're back. Sorry it took so long.
So what did you decide to do?
The two of them were working with the cops.
When I realized that,
I lied to them...
To deceive the cops.
You two will put on disguises
and follow the kidnapper's directions to deliver the 500 million yen.
We'll deliver it?
The police won't think that you two are carrying the ransom.
While they were delivering the 500 million...
It's going according to plan.
We've got the 500 million yen.
We got another 500 million yen
and I figured out where you were.
This account is being illegally accessed via an overseas server.
It won't be easy to figure out their location.
Get everyone in a meeting.
But there's a pass-by communication function in Ribbit Walker
where you can receive points
from another player if you pass within 50 meters of them.
If we traced the players who passed by you...
YOU PASSED BY! ID: I-YUKO-LOVE
...I figured I could get close to you.
ID: HARUTO1212
I want you to check the pass-by history of this account
against the accounts it passed by.
These three people have passed by the kidnapper.
Can you locate where they are?
We're ready.
To get the location,
I got the cooperation of NEX Holdings, which operates a cellphone company.
NEX can determine which antenna a user was connected to and when.
Yes?
Here's the map!
This is where Tomoka is.
MAP OF TSUNODA, SAGAMIHARA, KANAGAWA PREFECTURE 252-184
As a result,
I'm right here where you are!
Michiru went to the place in Atsugi you told us to go to.
Michiru, it won't be long before we're there.
Haruto and Todo are on their way too. Don't worry.
That's why we were able to come here!
We did it all
to get Tomoka back safely.
I don't care who you are!
You can take the money
and disappear. I don't care!
If we can get Tomoka back safely,
I won't chase after you. I...
swear this upon my family!
But...
if anything happens to Tomoka...
I will kill you.
IT'S A DEAL.
Tomoka!
Tomoka?
-Tomoka? -Where are you?
Tomoka!
Tomoka?
Tomoka!
Daddy...
Tomoka!
You did good!
You must have been scared. You did good.
You did good.
I'm here now.
You're all right now.
You did good.
Okay, let's go home.
Let's go home, all right?
Mommy's waiting.
Let's go.
It's okay.
It's okay now.
Come on...
Let's go home.
Let's go to Mommy, okay?
Let's go.
Are you injured? Do you hurt anywhere?
No.
Mommy!
Thank you.
Let's go home.
Let's go home together.
It's all right.
Come on. Can you stand up?
Nice and easy.
Without the help of you two, we couldn't have saved her.
I really appreciate this.
Thank you.
Forget it. Get going.
I'll collect a bundle in contingency fees.
Sure.
Why didn't you call the police?
If you had figured out where the kidnapper was,
why couldn't you bring the police with you?
Why do you have to come with us?
Then we could have caught the kidnapper.
That's all the cops care about.
As long as you catch the criminal, you're happy.
But to us, for Tomoka...
to come back alive and safe
is all that matters.
You'll regret this!
Letting the kidnapper get away
is something you will definitely regret.
How did it end up this way?
How the heck did things end up this way?
Translated by Brian Athey