Manchuria.
That was the name given to northeastern China, which shared a border with Russia.
The garrison stationed there by Japan, secured their authority over the vast region,
and reorganized as an independent party called the Kwantung Army in 1919.
Ever since then, their secret involvements in various historical turning points made the world recognize their existence.
However, it remained confidential that one of the companies of the army vanished unannounced, two years before the Manchurian Incident.
Even now, only a handful of people know the truth behind their disappearance.
Oh, it's just the radio.
Oh, Fuuran.
What do you mean "just?"
I was trembling in fear thinking you had suddenly mastered the violin.
What nonsense are you spouting now?
I don't need lunch today.
I finished my lunch just a moment ago.
Don't be so quick to judge.
You'll regret it for the rest of your life if you don't buy the dim sum today.
It's so good, it's earth-shattering.
Well, I'm one unlucky man.
I'm too full right now.
No need to feel discouraged.
With enough effort, it'll go down your throat.
I wouldn't enjoy it if I had to force it.
Are you the Aoi who knows or doesn't know that such trivial matters will hardly hinder the delicious taste of my dim sum?
Which are you?
Whoever I am, I'm only one person, so I'm not having a second lunch today.
Maybe tomorrow.
Shanghai is so cruel...
I didn't know you had such a small stomach until now!
I'm so disappointed in you!
You're exaggerating.
Besides, we only met two days ago.
Oh?
Coming!
Huh?
A guy over there asked me to bring it here.
Thanks.
Here.
Thank you!
A shady transaction.
What are those photos of?
Can't tell you.
You can't tell me?
Is it porn?
It's hardcore.
It was in the mail box downstairs.
It's our next meeting place.
Understood, Madam.
Sergei Krainev.
He's a Jewish Russian.
He immigrated to Germany with his family when he was little, and has been performing as a violinist.
He finished his performance in Japan, and his next one will take place here in Shanghai.
Krainev is a prominent figure.
Is he really a spy?
It's not conclusive. He's being suspected...
by the Kwantung Army.
The Kwantung Army?
What's their basis?
This is Kajikawa. A former professor at an imperial university.
He was an expert in geometry and passed away last year.
Three days ago, Krainev paid a visit to his house in Kyoto, and it's possible that he found confidential information there.
That's very ambiguous.
Sounds like a conjecture made by the Kwantung Army.
You'd think so, wouldn't you?
But there's actually a very important connection.
When Professor Kajikawa was still alive, an agent under the influence of the Kwantung Army paid him several visits.
So there was some form of exchange between the professor and the Kwantung Army.
Which is precisely why they are concerned about a foreigner who made a sudden visit to his home.
Yes.
You catch on quickly.
To determine if Krainev is indeed a spy,
check the identities, luggage, and accessories of anyone he comes in contact with.
If there's anything written on music scores, make sure to take a picture.
I shouldn't need to say this, but don't let Krainev catch on.
I got some information.
There's a welcoming party tonight hosted by the people who invited him.
Krainev is scheduled to leave the hotel within two hours.
Father!
I will be leaving for Etajima next month!
Is that so?
Takuma!
Takuma, what made you pull such a cowardly act?
It's shameful to lose in martial arts,
but it is much more shameful to win by striking at your opponent's wound.
Raise your chin.
Do not lose your pride as a member of a samurai family.
Know that walking any path other than the path of righteousness is shameful.
Hey.
I see, so you've already noticed.
Yes, it crossed my mind.
I thought I should at least tell you about it,
but it's natural to be aware of matters concerning your family.
As you have guessed, the agent of the Kwantung Army I spoke about yesterday is your brother, Takachiho Isao.
Brother?
Where are you, Brother?
So this is where you were.
Father is infuriated that the star of the party is missing.
Kichizou, you too.
I made Kichizou stay.
I wanted to reminisce about the past.
He's taken care of me since I was a kid.
Please, don't say something so...
Ominous?
Don't worry.
I'm not joining the army during a time of war.
I'm simply joining to learn a bit about society.
But...
Well then, I guess I'll go back.
Wouldn't want Dad's blood pressure to rise.
Father?!
Master!
Don't move him.
Call the doctor.
Yes, Ma'am!
What did you tell him?
Was it something emotionally unsettling?
That is strictly confidential!
Father?
I-Isao...
No, Isao!
Father?
You can't!
What did Brother do?
Father, what could they have possibly told you?
F-Father!
Madam.
I am going to go find my brother.
One of the companies of the Kwantung Army vanished somewhere in Manchuria.
And the one who's known to be behind the incident is your brother, Captain Takachiho Isao.
I never thought I'd hear his name here.
Hearing his name no longer startles me.
I simply want to know.
What is my brother thinking, and what is he trying to do?
Know that walking any path other than the path of righteousness is shameful.
Righteousness, huh?
Couldn't find anything decisive in his hotel room, huh?
No music scores?
No.
So he's got it memorized...
The piece he's performing is in his head.
I've heard that many musicians memorize their scores, but I want to look into this a little more.
I'd like to investigate how good his memory is.
Alright.
What did you find?
I looked at everything including the inside of his clothes and the bottom of his shoes...
but I couldn't get a clear look at the violin.
He keeps it in his violin case wrapped in many layers.
He also takes it everywhere he goes which makes it difficult to focus on.
I don't think he'll hide anything there.
The Stradivarius is much too valuable, and I've heard that violinists see their violins as parts of themselves.
So the only thing we clearly know is that nothing is clear.
If he is indeed a spy, it would be difficult to deduce what his true intentions are.
I'd like a chance to touch him.
You don't happen to play the violin, do you?
I am greatly obliged to you for seeing us in your spare time, Maestro.
I graciously thank you from the bottom of my heart.
We can begin without the formalities.
Is she the girl?
Yes, she's my sister.
She is truly grateful to be able to receive your instruction, Maestro.
I actually don't have time to spend supervising an amateur's hobby,
but I couldn't possibly refuse a request from my host.
I don't know how much you've practiced,
but please go ahead and play a piece for me.
Okay.
You are undoubtedly an amateur, but you have talent.
Indeed she does.
Are you surprised? Don't tell me this is the first time you've heard her perform.
Could you hold up the violin again?
O-Okay.
A little softer.
The elbow should be held closer to your body.
Good, now continue.
That took two hours...
He was quite enthusiastic about teaching you.
You know, you literally blew my mind.
Where did you take up the violin?
The town hall.
I saw an image of the town hall, where he's performing tomorrow.
I assume that's where he's passing on the information.
That's all I got out of him.
So Krainev is a spy?
Unfortunately.
He was having fun.
He was honestly enjoying teaching the violin to an amateur like me.
I could clearly feel his love for music.
I didn't even need to read his heart.
That's no surprise. He's a musician.
Yes, a real musician.
That's why I still can't believe it.
Why would he become a spy and choose to taint his own music?
Because there were people who wanted to use his ability.
Not just memorizing scores.
Krainev also excels in observation and memorization.
To the point where some could consider it a special power.
That's more than enough reason for him to be hired as a spy.
But he could've declined-
He's of Jewish descent.
Even before the Russian Revolution, there was fierce persecution in Russia based on religious and cultural prejudices.
I assume he and his parents immigrated to Germany to escape.
I see.
Even in Germany, an anti-Semitic party has been rising in power recently.
He decided to become a spy as a collateral for a secured life in the future.
If only he didn't have power...
Attention!
Representing the Emperor, the aide-de-camp to the Emperor, Naeyama Chuujou,
shall grant this honorable saber to the most excellent student...
In both classwork and military drills.
Kishida Takuma, step forward.
Sir!
I ask with all due respect, sir.
Why, when I was granted the saber, the imperial gift,
am I not being admitted to any company?
If I cannot be admitted, I will have no way of entering the Army War College.
Mr. Sakurai.
Could you come out and explain?
Hello there.
Oh, please.
I'm just a civilian...
but I require your power.
I'm sure you've come to realize it.
The power you hold.
An unnecessary amount of power...
only derails one from his fate.
Okay.
So he's undoubtedly with Krainev.
He just came out.
He came in contact with Krainev and handed him his violin.
So he was hiding it in his violin!
I don't believe it!
How could he use a violin for something like this?!
It just makes him a professional spy.
He's on to us!
This isn't it.
This isn't the Stradivarius.
The information wasn't concealed in the violin.
Then what about him?
He's a decoy.
Krainev knew we were on to him.
The music?
There seems to be an encrypted code in the allegro part of the piece he's playing right now.
They're using the radio to pick it up.
The radio?!
They're intercepting the broadcast music to receive the information.
So that was their plan.
We don't have much time until the allegro.
I'm also short on time.
One minute left.
I'll shut down the power for the concert hall and the broadcasting van.
Get Natsume out here!
Okay.
I don't have the time to go inside!
Find the main power switch!
Yukina, show me what Natsume's seeing!
Found it.
Only five seconds left.
Why is he still playing?
He should've realized that he has failed by now.
It's precisely because he realizes it.
He no longer has to play as a spy, so he's simply playing music.
Playing his heart out as a musician...
Come in, it's open.
So it was you two.
You didn't consider running away?
Perhaps I should be thanking you.
Thank us?
I didn't need to hold a dishonest performance, and I was able to enjoy music from my heart.
The power to play music... That was all I ever asked for.
I asked for nothing more.
Now, I'm sure your agency is waiting for me,
but I will choose my own destination.
Dammit!
In the end, what information was Krainev hiding?
I don't know,
but the Kwantung Army is quite displeased with us for not finding it.
Wait a minute.
We were never asked to do that much, were we?
Besides, weren't the Kwantung Army already investigating the information?
The one who does the investigation won't always give you every detail of what they find.
Sometimes, they vanish with the information.
Are you suggesting that our plan to take action was already formulated back then?
By my brother?
Episode 02
Rondo of Reminiscence
The man she's been searching for sends her a letter from the darkness.
A shadow creeps up to a heart full of confusion and pulls the trigger to an unforeseen incident.
Unknowingly, spite poured into the city quells its festivity,
instilling fear into everyone's little eyes.
The enemies shadows reappear one after another, never seeming to stop.
A battle foreshadowing future events brews.
Next time:
A shadow falls on the big four.
Next Episode
"A Shadow Falls on the Big Four"