(Scene: Tokyo streets, midnight. Taro and Kenji walk in silence, away from the nightclub. Neon lights flicker, reflecting off puddles on the wet asphalt. The revelation about Yuu hangs in the air.)

Kenji (glancing at Taro): "You haven't said anything since we left. What's going on in your head?"

Taro (seriously, not looking at him): "Yuu... I knew he was alive, but I didn't think he'd show up again so soon."

Kenji (frowning): "How long have you known that?"

Taro (sighs, his gaze hardens): "We ran into each other a few days ago. I didn't know what he was up to, but now it's clear that he hasn't forgotten that night at the bar..."

Kenji (stopping): "Taro, if that guy is still alive and remembers what you did... that's a problem."

Taro (serious, lighting a cigarette): "I know. But it's not just him... This is all just the beginning of something bigger."

(Scene: A dark alley. Yuu is leaning against a wall, with a crooked smile. He's talking on the phone.)

Yuu: "Yes, I saw him... Taro Matsumoto is still the same as ever."

Mysterious voice (on the phone): "Did he say anything about the incident at the bar?"

Yuu (laughing softly): "He didn't have to. I know he remembers... and he'll do everything he can to keep the truth from getting out."

Mysterious voice: "Then keep pushing him. I want to see him fall."

(Scene: Taro's apartment. Taro enters and drops onto the couch. He looks up at the ceiling, but his mind is stuck in the past. The reflection of the night at the bar comes back strongly.)

Flashback:

Taro, with the smoking gun in his hand, looks at the bodies scattered on the floor. His heart is pounding, but his face shows no emotion. He turns to leave… but in the darkness, eyes are watching him. A thread of life clings to one of the bodies.

End of Flashback

Taro sits on the bed, his expression cold.

Taro (quietly): "Yuu... what do you really want?"

End of Chapter