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Here's the first 12 episodes. There's a lot to read.

Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex

Episode 1

Opening Theme: Rise - Origa/Yoko Kanno

Closing Theme: One Minute Warning - Passengers (3:16 - 4:40)

Cast:

Motoko Kusanagi - Mary McGlynn

Daisuke Aramaki - William Knight

Buttetsu Batou - Richard Epcar

Togusa -

Saito -

Ishikawa -

Yoko Kayabuki -

Home Affairs Minister -

Commissioner General -

Party Secretary -

Hideki Yoshimura -

Hatsumi Shinobi - Patricia Ja Lee

Foreign Affairs Minister -

Plot Summary: Chief of Staff Hatsumi Shinobi of the GSDA is taken hostage along with the Minister of Foriegn Affairs and his staff at the Niihama Municipal Airport from a return trip from the American Empire on a diplomatic mission by a terrorist group whose name has yet to be decided. Demands are that both the Foriegn Affairs Minister and the Chief of Ground Staff leave office and put an immediate halt to the acceptance of post-war refugees. Aramaki meets with Prime Minister Yoko Kayabuki, the Minister of Home Affairs, and the Prime Minister's Cabinet on how to resolve the situation and make sure that the hostages are rescued without any harm done to them. Major Kusanagi and Section 9 are sent in and rescue the hostages without any casualties. The terrorists are neutralized with information discovered about a mysterious third-party terrorist named Masahiro Takeda who poses a threat to the Kayabuki Administration.

Part A Scene 1

After opening credits, a high view of night-time Niihama with two police helicopters fly past an head towards an airport complex that is shown in the distance. (NOTE: This is a common opening to any Ghost in the Shell work.) We then switch over to the Niihama Airport where there is a police blockade surrounding the complex with the media clamoring to get a closer view of the situation. Next, we show Major Kusanagi, Batou, Togusa, and Saito next to an armored van disguised as a simple security company van. They are outside of the airport when Batou speaks.

Batou: "Man, another one of these huh?"

Kusanagi closes her eyes and responds to Batou.

Kusanagi: "Yeah. This time, we've got two important public officials to rescue. Unfortunately, we have no way of confirming how many terrorists or hostages there are but we have an idea that there are approximately 12 terrorists and 10 to 14 hostages, including civilians."

Batou sighs.

Batou: "Great. So do we know who these officials are?"

Kusanagi responds.

Kusanagi: "The Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Chief of Staff of the GSDA."

Togusa grunts and then examines his Manteba Autorevolver.

Togusa: "Unbelievable! This is the third time that the Foreign Affairs Minister has gotten caught up in something like this. And who is the Chief of Staff now?"

Kusanagi then opens her eyes and the view closes in on them.

Part A Scene 2

We now go to the Prime Minister's residence where Kayabuki, Aramaki, the Home Affairs Minister, the Commisioner General, Lt General Hideki Yoshimura, and the Party Secretary are in a meeting concerning the hostage situation. Lt. General Yoshimura is extremely concerned about his commanding officer's safety and is starting to raise a stink about it.

Yoshimura: "We need to act now! Each and every minute that we waste discussing this leads closer and closer to the hostages getting killed! I can't stand by and wait for my commanding officer and the Foreign Affairs Minister to be killed! Prime Minister, I am asking that the GSDA step in and deal with the situation!"

While Yoshimura speaks, everyone looks at him.

Kayabuki glares and responds with a cross tone.

Kayabuki: "General, I am fully aware of the situation! I will not grant the Ground Self Defense Army to take over the operation though. If you cannot keep your temper under control, then feel free to leave this room!"

Yoshimura grunts and says nothing. Aramaki glances at Lt. General Yoshimura but says nothing. Aramaki then speaks to the Prime Minister.

Aramaki: "Madam Prime Minister, it is apparent that we cannot handle the situation with brute force. Might I suggest that we send in a discreet tactical unit that can eliminate the terrorists without causing harm to the hostages?"

The Prime Minister looks at Aramaki.

Kayabuki: "Yes, that would be best. I have no doubt that the Self Defense Army could resolve this, but I am not confident that there wouldn't be any hostages killed if they took control."

Yoshimura begins to become frustrated but still says nothing. The Minister of Home Affairs suggests that Section 9 handle the safety of the hostages.

Home Affairs Minister: "Aramaki, is your team ready?"

Aramaki nods his head. The Commissioner General suggests that there should be yet another unit to distract and eliminate the terrorists while Section 9 rescues the hostages.

Commissioner General: "What if we sent in another unit to distract the terrorists while Aramaki's team gets the Chief of Ground Staff and Foriegn Affairs Minister out of harm's way and also making sure that nothing happens to the civilians? I would suggest Public Security Section 6, but since they operate under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I wouldn't be able to get them deployed unless proper paperwork is processed."

The Party Secretary then speaks.

Party Secretary: "Actually we could get Public Security Section 4 to help instead. Since we can't contact the Chief of Ground Staff and she cannot take command because she's a hostage, I assume that Lt. General Hideki Yoshimura would be in command at the moment, correct?"

All look at Yoshimura, who is now concerned. The Commissioner General, a former GSDA officer, responds.

Commissioner General: "You're right. Lt. General Yoshimura is the commanding officer of the Ground Self Defense Army until the Chief of Staff is safe and secure."

Kayabuki becomes much more hopeful now that they have access to another tactical unit to aid Section 9. She speaks to Yoshimura.

Kayabuki: "General, would you be willing to have Public Security Section 4 aid Section 9 in resolving the situation?"

Yoshimura stands up with a solid posture and speaks with a confident tone.

Yoshimura: "Madam Prime Minister. Section 4 will be at your disposal in order to restore proper leadership to the Ground Self Defense Army."

Kayabuki smiles and speaks.

Kayabuki: "Thank you, General Yoshimura. Chief Aramaki, please have your team ready for Section 4's signal to enter."

Aramaki responds.

Aramaki: "Yes, Prime Minister."

Part A Scene 3

We return to Section 9 after Aramaki informs them of the plan. Major Kusanagi answers Togusa's previous question while they ready themselves for the assault. Each member of the team has the profile of a GSDA officer dressed in an olive green uniform appear in there cyberbrains. The officer is a 33 year old woman with crimson hair and red eyes. She appears as such in the drawing that is attached. She is also 96% cyborged.

Kusanagi: "Her name is Hatsumi Shinobi. She's the current Chief of Staff of the GSDA and is the youngest and first female to ever serve as the GSDA's commanding officer."

Batou straightens his posture a bit in concern.

Batou: "Major, wasn't she our commanding officer in South America years ago?"

Kusanagi responds.

Kusanagi: "That's right. Back then, she was still Colonel. Back then, she was a real bitch."

Batou chuckles.

Batou: "Yep, but you didn't see anyone screw around did you, huh Major?"

Kusanagi smiles and manages a small, silent chuckle. Togusa responds to their analysis on Shinobi.

Togusa: "She couldn't have been that bad."

Ishikawa talks via cybercom.

Ishikawa: "You wouldn't know, Togusa. Colonel Hatsumi Shinobi didn't mess around and she made sure that you obeyed and followed orders."

Togusa protests.

Togusa: "Then how did she make it to Chief of Staff?"

Batou responds.

Batou: "That doesn't mean she is an ignorant and arrogant C.O. I'd say she knew what she was doing and made no mistakes during her career. Each and every battle she was involved in ended in victory for our side with little casualties, which she became favored by her commanding officers and she eventually became Chief of Staff in less than 6 years. She was Chief of Staff at age 25 and has been since then."

Togusa looks surprised.

Togusa: "8 years? She's been in that position for 8 years?"

Saito responds to Togusa's confusion.

Saito: "Believe it. In the military, you can't get out unless you are discharged or you retire. She hasn't been discharged since she's full prosthetic and she's a by the book officer. She hasn't been offered retirement because of her age and her skills. I'm pretty sure that she wouldn't leave anyway."

Kusanagi adds to Saito's response.

Kusanagi: "The Self Defense Army won't let go of Shinobi and they won't replace her position with someone else unless she's killed. She's too valuable to the military and Prime Minister Kayabuki to simply cut loose."

Togusa sighs. Ishikawa responds.

Ishikawa: "Togusa, if your lucky, you might someday meet her. But, in my opinion, you'd be unlucky to meet her due to the fact that she leaves a lasting impression on people."

Kusanagi cocks her weapon and speaks.

Kusanagi: "All right people! Section 4 is ready and waiting at the south entrance of the airport. We're going through the east and north doors in two man cells. Batou and Togusa will take the north entrance while Saito and I storm the east doors. Do not hit any hostages, especially the public officials. The chief wants this operation done without any screw-ups and we'll make sure that he gets that. Let's go!"

Batou and Togusa begin running north towards their designated entrance while Kusanagi and Saito head to the east doors. They all have thermoptic camo activated. We then switch to inside of the airport where there are 12 hostages on their knees lined up against a wall. They all have their pants or skirt pulled down and around their ankles in order to prevent them from running. We see the Foreign Affairs Minister amongst the civilians along with Chief of Staff Shinobi. Each hostage has their hands tied behind their back. Some of the hostages whimper while others squint there eyes shut. The Foreign Affairs Minister is sweating while Shinobi is completely calm and watches the terrorists. She then notices cloaked figures outside of the north, east, and south entrances, but doesn't acknowledge them. She remains silent. The terrorists are speaking with each other and don't notice the police units that are about to take them by surprise. Shinobi recognizes two of the cloaked figures as the Major and Batou and decides to distract the terrorists in order to make it easier for the police to resolve the situation.

Shinobi: "How confident are you?"

The terrorists stop talking and all look at her. One growls in frustration and walks over to her. He then punches her in the side of the face and responds.

Terrorist 1: "Shut up, bitch! You'll talk when I say you talk!"

Another terrorist speaks to him.

Terrorist 2: "Hey! Knock it off! He says we can't damage those two. And besides, haven't you ever heard of never striking a lady?"

The terrorists chuckle and Shinobi responds to the one who hit her.

Shinobi: "Arrogant fool. Heads up."

The terrorists look surprised and begin to turn around, but are all shot dead by Section 4 while Section 9 starts pulling the hostages out of the airport. Section 4 and Section 9 decloak and see to the hostages. Kusanagi unties Shinobi's hands and helps her up. Shinobi reaches down and pulls up her uniform's skirt and then proceeds to walk with Kusanagi out to the waiting tent corridor and ambulance. Kusanagi speaks to her.

Kusanagi: "Are you alright, Chief of Staff?"

Shinobi responds.

Shinobi: "Yes, I'm fine. Thank you for your quick and decisive action, Major Kusanagi."

Shinobi then proceeds out of the airport and into the tent corridor alone while Kusanagi turns away and heads back to assist more hostages.

Part B Scene 1

It is now the following day and we have returned to the Prime Minister's residence where Kayabuki, Aramaki, Yoshimura, and Kusanagi are in Kayabuki's office discussing the result of the operation the previous night. Kusanagi is dressed in her GSDA tan uniform while Yoshimura is dressed in his olive green uniform. Kayabuki speaks.

Kayabuki: "Excellent work in resolving the situation last night at the airport. The Foreign Affairs Minister is glad that you carried out the operation with due diligence."

Aramaki looks pleased and responds.

Aramaki: "I am glad."

Yoshimura hasn't heard any news about Shinobi's state of being and is very anxious and curious.

Yoshimura: "Madam Prime Minister, what of Chief of Staff Shinobi?"

Kayabuki glances at Yoshimura.

Kayabuki: "She is fine. As a matter of fact, the Chief of Ground Staff is here now in order to discuss last night's occurrence as well as some information that she learned as a hostage."

Kayabuki looks at one of the security staff and nods her head once. The guard exits the room and returns with Shinobi. She is also dressed in her olive green uniform. Shinobi bows to the Prime Minister and stands next to Aramaki. Kusanagi watches Shinobi with a close eye as she moves across the room. Kayabuki becomes more relaxed in her chair.

Kayabuki: "Please, everyone, have a seat. There are a great many things to discuss."

Aramaki sits next to Kusanagi while Shinobi sits next to Yoshimura. Kayabuki looks through some paperwork before dismissing the guards. She then sets it down on her desk and begins.

Kayabuki: "Chief of Staff, please elaborate on this information that you have discovered from the terrorist organization last night."

Shinobi informs.

Shinobi: "The terrorists had little to no organizational structure to speak of, but they did in fact refer to a man that may have been the puppetteer behind the events that took place last night. I cannot say who the man was nor could I identify his intentions or motives."

Kayabuki sighs. Aramaki speaks to Shinobi.

Aramaki: "Chief of Staff, did the terrorists hint any demands or any requests from you personally?"

Shinobi looks from Kayabuki to Aramaki.

Shinobi: "No. It was unclear as to what they had hoped to gain from keeping the Foreign Affairs Minister, myself, and 10 civilians hostage. It could've been a political motive or perhaps a military or religous intention, but I'm unsure as to what they wanted."

Kusanagi looks at Shinobi and speaks.

Kusanagi: "Chief of Staff, while my team and I were getting you and the other hostages to safety, one of the members of my team did some digging and he came up with a name. Apparently the man responsible for the incident that occurred at the airport last night is a man named Masahiro Takeda. Other than that name, we haven't been able to come up with any more information on him."

All look at Kusanagi while Yoshimura stares off into space and states.

Yoshimura: "Takeda. Where have I heard his name before? Chief of Staff, ma'am, do you recall anyone by that name in our staff?"

Shinobi shakes her head once, indicating no. Kayabuki is curious as to where Yoshimura had heard of this man. She responds to the sudden appearance of Kasanaki.

Kayabuki: "It is important that we discover who this Masahiro Kasanaki is and figure out what he hoped to gain from last night. Chief Aramaki, I would like to request that Public Security Section 9 see into this."

Aramaki looks at Kayabuki and responds.

Aramaki: "Yes, Prime Minister."

Kayabuki continues.

Kayabuki: "Chief of Staff Shinobi, I would like the Ground Self Defense Army Intelligence to also investigate as to who this man is since General Yoshimura has apparently heard of him."

Shinobi and Yoshimura look at Kayabuki as well.

Shinobi: "Yes, Madam Prime Minister. Lt. General Yoshimura and I will also personally look into this as well."

Kayabuki is satisfied.

Kayabuki: "Very well. Hopefully we can discover Takeda's motives and put a stop to this. That is all."

Part B Scene 2

We are now outside of the Prime Minister's residence with a view on Aramaki and Kusanagi. Kusanagi speaks to Aramaki while watching Yoshimura and Shinobi converse in the parking lot next to two black cars, each with a driver standing next to the back door.

Kusanagi: "Do you think it's wise of the Prime Minister to let Shinobi and Yoshimura personally investigate this? She's a more than capable woman, but don't you think that she would get too involved with the case? And Yoshimura seems like the kind of guy who's just dying to gain self-gratification from a case such as this."

Aramaki doesn't look at Kusanagi and responds.

Aramaki: "It's not our place to question what the Prime Minister deems appropriate. Whatever her reasoning as to allow those two to get personally involved, she views it as necessary and we can't do anything about it but fulfill our part in the case."

Aramaki and Kusanagi continue towards Aramaki's car. Kusanagi glances over at Shinobi and Yoshimura, where they finished speaking to each other. Yoshimura bows to Shinobi as she walks away from him. The drivers open the doors to each car and the two officers get into their respected vehicles. Kusanagi then continues.

Kusanagi: "Even still, Yoshimura seems pretty anxious about this Masahiro Takeda. I hope he doesn't try anything stupid."

They reach Aramaki's car where Kusanagi gets into the driver seat and Aramaki in the passenger's. They then watch as the two black cars drive off into the city. Aramaki then comments.

Aramaki: "Lt. General Yoshimura is an intelligent man. Unfortunately he is also brash and naive, which could prove difficult for the GSDA's investigation. For now, let's not worry about those two. We have another puzzle to piece together, starting tomorrow. Let's head back to HQ, Major."

Kusanagi starts the car.

Kusanagi: "Roger."

Aramaki's car then heads toward the expressway.

Episode 2

Opening Theme: Rise - Origa/Yoko Kanno

Closing Theme: One Minute Warning - Passengers (3:16 - 4:40)

Cast:

Motoko Kusanagi - Mary McGlynn

Daisuke Aramaki - William Knight

Buttetsu Batou - Richard Epcar

Togusa -

Saito -

Ishikawa -

Pazu -

Borma -

Azuma -

Hideki Yoshimura -

Hatsumi Shinobi - Patricia Ja Lee

Yoko Kayabuki -

Masahiro Takeda - John DiMaggio

Kubota -

Tachikomas -

Plot Summary: Section 9 begins their investigation of the mysterious terrorist, Masahiro Takeda. Meanwhile, Yoshimura begins a personal search for Takeda and we learn more about the Lt. General. In this episode, Masahiro Takeda makes his first appearance, though briefly. He declares a public death threat targeted at Shinobi and Kayabuki. Aramaki and Kubota meet with Shinobi and discuss a current controversial topic concerning the Chief of Ground Staff and may lead to the instability of the entire Self Defense Army. Borma and Ishikawa conduct a classified dive investigation on Takeda while the rest of Section 9 continue to investigate him.

Part A Scene 1

We start after the opening credits with a man in a dark trench coat and a castro syle cap walking through Niihama. He has both hands in the pockets of his coat and walks toward a local post stop. He pulls out two letters and drops them both into the post box. He then continues to casually walk away from the post stop. The view is then zoomed in on the letters. One is addressed to Yoko Kayabuki, and the other is addressed to Hatsumi Shinobi. The man who mailed the letters is Masahiro Takeda. We then switch to Section 9's HQ where Aramaki is briefing them on Takeda.

Aramaki: "The man shown in this picture is Masahiro Takeda, a terrorist who is allegedly responsible for the events two days ago. He is 36 years old and is not prosthetisized."

Batou speaks.

Batou: "Does he have a cyberbrain?"

Aramaki responds.

Aramaki: "Yes. Takeda was a former GSDA officer that went AWOL for unknown reasons. He is, however, not native to Japan and is an immigrant."

Togusa speaks.

Togusa: "An immigrant?"

Aramaki responds.

Aramaki: "Yes. Our man here immigrated to Japan sometime before the third World War from the former United States. He avoided their military by coming here and joining ours. Takeda has no relatives in Japan or America. The closest kin he does have reside in Germany. Takeda is of German descent but all attempts to coax Europe into aiding in his capture have failed."

Togusa comments.

Togusa: "Do you think he has ties to Germany?"

Kusanagi adds in.

Kusanagi: "Not likely. The German people don't associate themselves with terrorists. If he had any ties in Europe, it would probably be with the underworld, but even then it's unlikely. He may have ties with the American mafia or the local Yakuza, though, but they don't like to deal with terrorists."

Borma responds to Kusanagi.

Borma: "So do we know what he's going to do next?"

Aramaki repsonds.

Aramaki: "We've just recieved intel that two letters containing death threats were mailed last night. One was addressed to the Prime Minister and the other to the Chief of Ground Staff. They state that he will cleanse Japan of their disgraceful stain and free the people from their tyrannical rule. Takeda even signed them himself."

Batou groans.

Batou: "Another one of these guys? Man, why do we always get the intangible heroes?"

Ishikawa responds to Batou's reaction.

Ishikawa: "Batou, the thing is he's not a hero. He's apparently despised as a terrorist and there are many people who would love to see him dead."

Batou responds.

Batou: "Yeah, but what if he becomes the hero of some cause like the Laughing Man or Kuze?"

Kusanagi answers his question.

Kusanagi: "He shouldn't. Not many people are appealled by his ideology and there are those who are actually taking matters in there own hands and are trying to rid of him themselves. What else do we know about Takeda's cyberization?"

Aramaki nods and continues.

Aramaki: "As I said before, he is 100% natural, no prosthetics to speak of. He does have a cyberbrain, so brain dives and hacking are a possibility. His lack of prosthetics make him much more physically frail. So it'll be easier to subdue him in combat. However, this is not a guarantee. He is of Prussian descent, whose people are known to be adepts of armed conflict and war. Not only that, he has many years of mixed styles of martial arts training under his belt, he is a deadly marksman with firearms, and he is a pro at information warfare. This means we must be cautious. We don't know what he's capable of."

Azuma gives input.

Azuma: "So, do we have any leads on where or when this guy's going to attempt the assassinations?"

All look at Azuma. Ishikawa responds to Azuma.

Ishikawa: "Yeah, he stated that he would end the dishonor of Japan's armed forces in 12 hours."

Kusanagi stares at the table.

Kusanagi: "It's odd for a terrorist to announce the time of his killings, especially when he announces who he plans on killing. From that statement, I would guess that he will first strike at the Ground Chief of Staff. Have they been told this?"

Aramaki responds to Kusanagi.

Aramaki: "Yes. The Prime Minister has been put under house arrest and into police protective custody for the time being. The Chief of Staff has refused any such treatment."

Batou comments.

Batou: "She's overconfident as always. What is Shinobi thinking? I'll admit that she's a pro and is probably the most deadly military officer there is, but don't you think she's being pretty selfish by doing this?"

Kusanagi looks at Batou and states.

Kusanagi: "I'm pretty sure that she's not even close to being overconfident. Remember, she and Yoshimura are personally investigating this case as well. She views this as the perfect opportunity to capture the man, so it makes sense that she would let herself be an open target. Although, I don't care for her way of going about this."

Aramaki informs the team of what their duties are for the death threats.

Aramaki: "All right, I want this man caught at the time of Chief of Staff Shinobi's scheduled assassination. Don't worry about the Prime Minister. Take any measures and use whatever means necessary in order to arrest Kasanaki!"

Kusanagi stands, followed by everyone else.

Kusanagi: "Ishikawa and Borma, I want you two to dig around and find out more about our terrorist. Saito, Azuma, and two tachikomas will set up a perimeter around the Ministry of Defense and will keep a sharp eye out for Takeda. Togusa and Pazu, you two will question Lt. General Yoshimura and find out how he knows Takeda. Batou and I will go undercover as GSDA officers and watch and guard Shinobi."

Everyone acknowleges their orders. Aramaki also inputs.

Aramaki: "The Major is in command for the time being. I need to meet with someone from the Defense Agency on a very important matter that requires my attention. Let's get started, people!"

Part A Scene 2

We now switch to the Defense Agency where we are inside of an elaborate office. We see a high quality wooden desk where Hatsumi Shinobi is speaking on the phone. Behind her is a flag featuring the Rising Sun hanging on the wall with a custom made katana on a stand.

Shinobi: "Yes, I know. I've recieved the letter, Colonel. I am well aware of the situation. No, tell Yoshimura that if he is concerned about my safety, he would be so kind as to let me be so I can do my job!"

We hear knocking on her office door. Shinobi glances at the door and speaks.

Shinobi: "Come in."

Aramaki and Kubota enter and wait in front of her desk. Shinobi raises her hand at Aramaki and Kubota, indicating that they wait for a moment. She continues.

Shinobi: "Colonel, I have to go now. My 11:00 appointment is here. No, I told you already, this has nothing to do with Yoshimura, do you understand? Good. Very well. Goodbye Colonel."

Shinobi hangs up and emits a stressful sigh, folding her hands with her arms upright on the desk. She then places her forehead on her hands, closing her eyes and not saying anything. Aramaki and Kubota continue to stand where they are and say nothing. Shinobi then sits upright, opens her eyes and faces the two men.

Shinobi: "I apologize, gentlemen. It's just that I've been recieving many phone calls and e-mails lately relating to the death threat. This has made my job much more difficult and I cannot concentrate. Now, you wanted to see me?"

Kubota speaks.

Kubota: "Chief of Staff, ma'am. Mr. Aramaki and myself were sent to discuss the issue retaining to the Joint Staff Office's ruling on your personal preference and if you are fit to command."

Shinobi leans her head back slightly and responds.

Shinobi: "What of it?"

Kubota continues.

Kubota: "Another trial has been called by Major General Hamauzu."

Shinobi sighs once again.

Shinobi: "This is the fourth trial that he's called for in the last six months! Each and every time, it has been unanimous. Can't he get that through his thick skull?"

Kubota responds.

Kubota: "I understand and completely agree with you, Chief of Staff, but our task is to make sure you understand the consequences if you are found guilty this time. The media would have a field day."

Shinobi speaks.

Shinobi: "Thank you, Kubota. Hamauzu has been lusting for this office for a some time now, he won't have it. If anyone were to get this office besides myself, it would be General Kawashima. At least that man is not an brainless oaf who tries persistantly to fulfill his pointless endeavors!"

Shinobi taps a fountain pen on a small stack of paperwork, staring at the window behind the two men as if spacing out. She gnaws on her opposing thumbnail at the same time. Aramaki then speaks to her.

Aramaki: "Chief of Staff, wasn't Major General Hamauzu backed by your father, Vice Admiral Masashi Shinobi, in removing you from duty?"

Shinobi stops but doesn't move. She then shifts her eyes and locks them with Aramaki's.

Shinobi: "My father has been dead for some time, Chief Aramaki. I'm not sure what he has to do with this newest trial."

Kubota listens while Aramaki explains.

Aramaki: "I'm fairly certain that this time around, the Major General will use something from your past, namely your father, as material against you. If the tribunal is filled with officers who were close the Vice Admiral, it might just be final push for them to remove you from the military. You won't be able to sway the public or the media in favor of you on this one, since cases like these are kept secret from the viewing eye. Your best bet is to gain favor from key military officers and political officials."

Shinobi still doesn't budge but responds.

Shinobi: "Such as?"

Kubota suggests.

Kubota: "Prime Minister Kayabuki, Chief of Maritime Staff Nakajima, the Joint Staff Office, Lt. General Yoshimura, General Kawashima, Admiral Mifune, just to name a few."

Aramaki continues.

Aramaki: "If you wish to remain in the Self Defense Army and retain your honor, Chief of Staff, then I would suggest speaking with these people as soon as possible. The trial is in six days and you will need an excellent defense this time around."

Shinobi stands and takes her katana from its resting place. She then walks to the huge window opposing her desk on the other side of the office, with Aramaki and Kubota watching her.

Shinobi: "Honor, huh?"

She then draws her sword from the tsuba and examines the blade, seeing her reflection in its beauty. She stands in reflection for a moment before finishing.

Shinobi: "I will see to it that Major General Hamauzu recieves his just reward for his ignorance!"

She points the blade at the Rising Sun flag hanging on the wall behind her desk, ending the scene here.

Part A Scene 3

We now see Lt. General Yoshimura standing by a large window, looking out into Niihama. We then switch to his eyeview, where a transmission from Shinobi appears.

Shinobi: "General Yoshimura, you can stop calling my Staff Office concerning my safety. Only phonecalls that are of large concern will be transferred to me, do you understand?"

Yoshimura is taken surprise by her sudden cyberbrain transmission and stutters.

Yoshimura: "I apologize ma'am. I am just concerned whether or not this is the right thing to do."

Shinobi continues,

Shinobi: "It is very difficult to finish finalizing the Itami Garrison's report on the recent Dejima incident with you pestering me constantly! If you are so concerned about my safety, then do me a favor, let me be or I'll strip you of your rank! Do you understand, Yoshimura?"

Yoshimura becomes attentive and stands straight.

Yoshimura: "Yes ma'am! My apologies ma'am!"

Shinobi finishes.

Shinobi: "Good!"

The transmission ends. Yoshimura grunts and scowls at the window. He is deep in thought when we hear his telephone ring. He walks over and answers it.

Yoshimura: "Yoshimura. Yes? Yes, of course. I understand, but-. No, no she doesn't. I know about that! No, I will not. I've already spoken with her. You too? It's quite obvious of what she thinks of you, Hamauzu. I know. You better hope you win this one. Why? Because if you don't, she's going to make sure that you don't come back. Don't underestimate her, not again. She's got support from Kawashima and Public Security Sections 1, 4, 6, and 9 too. No, you won't be able to sway any of them to your side. Good luck with getting the Joint Staff Office or Kayabuki. I have to go now. Goodbye, General."

Yoshimura hangs up on Hamauzu and leaves the room. We now switch to Kusanagi and Batou dressed in GSDA uniforms, Kusanagi in her tan uniform and Batou in an olive green one. Kusanagi's rank indicates Major while Batou's indicates Master Sergeant. They are walking side by side through a hall where there are many military officers and political officials passing them in a hurry to get to their various meetings and tasks. Kusanagi watches as some pass. Batou speaks via cybercom.

Batou: "Major, how do we even know that Takeda will strike Shinobi in her office?"

Kusanagi responds.

Kusanagi: "We don't. All we can do is simply act as bodyguards to her. He should strike in about 45 minutes if he stays true to his word."

Batou groans.

Batou: "Now we have to watch her? Man, things can't get much worse for us can they?"

Kusanagi shifts her eyes and watches as a suspicious man passes them and heads the opposite direction.

Kusanagi: "Batou, that man who passed."

Batou doesn't look.

Batou: "Do you think it was him?"

Kusanagi continues.

Kusanagi: "Maybe. For now, let's get to the Staff Office."

They continue walking until they reach double wooden doors that reads, "Ground Self Defense Force Staff Office Administration". They then enter and walk up to the main desk and speak with the secretary who is a young woman in her early 20s.

Kusanagi: "We're here from the Joint Staff Office for the Chief of Ground Staff."

The secretary looks up at them and nods.

Secretary: "Please be so kind as to wait for a few minutes, ma'am."

Kusanagi acknowledges and the two sit in the waiting area in front of the main desk. They watch the secretary as she picks up a telephone and pages her commanding officer.

Secretary: "Chief of Staff, ma'am? The officers from the Joint Staff Office are here now. Would you like me to send them in? Understood ma'am."

She hangs up and speaks to Kusanagi and Batou.

Secretary: "Chief of Staff Shinobi will see you now. Her office is at the end of this hall."

The secretary points down a corridor to her right. Kusanagi speaks.

Kusanagi: "Thank you, miss."

Kusanagi and Batou then walk down the designated hall until they come to her office door which reads, "Chief of Ground Staff Hatsumi Shinobi". Batou knocks twice. They hear Shinobi's voice.

Shinobi: "Come in."

Kusanagi and Batou enter to see Shinobi seated at her desk filling out paper work. She looks up and is much more relaxed now.

Shinobi: "I assume that Aramaki sent you."

Kusanagi speaks.

Kusanagi: "Yes. He stated that you would need protection since you have a trial in six days."

Shinobi becomes somewhat flustered.

Shinobi: "I don't understand why everyone thinks I cannot handle myself. I mean no offense to you, Major Kusanagi, or you as well, Sergeant."

Kusanagi responds.

Kusanagi: "A death threat has been made on your life, ma'am. If Masahiro Takeda is true to his word, he will attempt his assassination in approximately 45 minutes. I'd assume that he will attack while you are alone, probably when you are at your desk."

Shinobi stands and walks towards the window. She then turns and speaks to Batou and Kusanagi.

Shinobi: "How would you two like to handle my safety?"

Kusanagi responds.

Kusanagi: "What ever would make you most comfortable so you can carry out your duties, ma'am."

Shinobi looks at the floor and then turns her head and stares out the window before continuing.

Shinobi: "It would all depend on the situation, Major Kusanagi. If you would like my personal opinion, I think it would be best if I was alone or if you and the sergeant had thermoptic camouflage engaged due to the fact that Takeda will more than likely only attempt his assassination when I appear to be alone. Since our goal is to capture this terrorist, I believe this to be the best course of action."

Batou speaks to her next.

Batou: "Do you think that's safe? Allowing yourself to become a target?"

Shinobi says nothing, she simply looks at Batou as if she was expecting him to say more. She then looks away from him and continues to stare out of the window.

Shinobi: "As I have stated before, I believe this to be the best course of action."

Batou clenches his face as if frustrated. Shinobi then turns as starts to walk from the window. Kusanagi stands next to Batou and they watch as Shinobi crosses her office. Suddenly, the window shatters as a man in a black tactical BDU swings into Shinobi's office. He immediately draws a katana and shouts at Shinobi.

Man: "Absolution is mine! The Divine Wind shall cleanse you, Hatsumi Shinobi!"

The man then sprints with surprising agility at Shinobi. Her eyes grow wide and she gasps with surprise. He swings his sword with lightning fast reflexes at her, missing her by a matter of centimeters. Shinobi then does a back flip and lands on the other side of her desk. She grabs her katana and draws it. She then jumps at the man and the two blades meet. Shinobi shouts at Kusanagi and Batou.

Shinobi: "Get security! Now!"

Kusanagi and Batou immediately run out of the room and down the hall. Shinobi then swipes at the man's torso, missing. He takes a few steps back as he takes the defensive. She initiates a stabbing motion at him, only for him to leap off to the side. He swings at her head with his sword, she ducks and dismembers his right leg as he finishes his attempted attack. He screams and falls over, clutching his stump as blood seeps out of it and onto the floor. Shinobi then kicks his sword away from him and plants a foot in his face, knocking him unconscious. She looks down at the man, holding her sword at her side when security guards with Kusanagi and Batou rush into her office holding firearms. She then looks at them with a fierce expression.

Shinobi: "Don't just stand there like fools, arrest this man and see to his wound! Immediately inform me when he regains consciousness!"

The security guards run to the assassin while Shinobi walks toward Kusanagi and Batou. She then speaks to them.

Shinobi: "I must meet with Prime Minister Kayabuki immediately. I'll meet up with you two later on."

Shinobi then exits the GSDA section of the Defense Agency and she enters the main lobby where many people gasp at Shinobi's sword, as there is still much blood on the blade. She then takes a white hankerchief from her jacket and wipes her blade clean with one stroke. She then disposes of the bloody hankerchief into a trash container and continues towards the entrance of the building. Everyone watches her as she sheathes her sword back into the tsuba and walks up to the main desk. The secretary looks up at her.

Secretary: "Good afternoon, Chief of Ground Staff. What can I do for you?"

Shinobi shows her identification for proof.

Shinobi: "I need you to inform who ever is in charge of the Prime Minister's safety that I am coming to speak with her directly. Please sign me out. I will return later this afternoon."

The secretary smiles and nods.

Secretary: "Understood ma'am."

Shinobi then turns and exits the building. She then gets into her vehicle and starts it. We see her car exit the parking lot. We are now at the Prime Minister's residence where there is meeting between the Minister of Home Affairs, the Party Secretary, and the Prime Minister. A man walks in and informs them of Shinobi's sudden request.

Informant: "Madam Prime Minister, Chief of Ground Staff Shinobi wishes to speak with you immediately."

Kayabuki looks puzzled and responds.

Kayabuki: "Can't this wait? We are in the middle of an important session."

The informant states.

Informant: "She says that it is urgent."

Kayabuki closes her eyes and sighs. After a moment, she opens them and stands.

Kayabuki: "Very well. Excuse me, gentlemen."

She exits the room and sees Shinobi waiting for her down the hall. Kayabuki becomes concerned when she sees Shinobi's sheathed katana and some blood on Shinobi's uniform. When Kayabuki reaches her, she speaks.

Kayabuki: "What is so important that you must interrupt an important meeting that I must attend, Chief of Staff?"

Shinobi responds.

Shinobi: "There was recently an attempt on my life. I was attacked in my own office by a man wielding a sword. I can only guess that the man was the terrorist known as Masahiro Takeda."

Kayabuki appears shocked.

Kayabuki: "What? Are you hurt?"

Shinobi simply shakes her head no. Kayabuki looks at the blood on her uniform with concern. Shinobi notices.

Shinobi: "Don't worry, it's not mine. Did he try to assassinate you, ma'am?"

Kayabuki responds.

Kayabuki: "No. Do you think..."

Shinobi reassures her.

Shinobi: "I immobilized him by dismembering his right leg. He is currently under arrest and is being treated for his wound. I believe it's safe enough for you to come out again, Prime Minister."

Kayabuki smiles.

Kayabuki: "Thank you, Hatsumi. Now we can put this situation to rest."

Shinobi smiles back.

Shinobi: "Not at all. Please Prime Minister, if anything appears unusual in the political, military, or policing fields, contact me immediately. My interest is in your safety."

Kayabuki nods.

Kayabuki: "I will."

The episode ends with the camera slowly zooming out from the two women.

Episode 3

Opening Theme: Rise - Origa/Yoko Kanno

Closing Theme: One Minute Warning - Passengers (3:16 - 4:40)

Cast:

Motoko Kusanagi - Mary McGlynn

Daisuke Aramaki - William Knight

Buttetsu Batou - Richard Epcar

Togusa -

Saito -

Ishikawa -

Pazu -

Borma -

Azuma -

Yoko Kayabuki -

Hideki Yoshimura -

Akira Kawashima -

Toshio Hamauzu -

Hatsumi Shinobi - Patricia Ja Lee

Masahiro Takeda - John DiMaggio

Plot Summary: Masahiro Takeda has attempted an assassination on Chief of Ground Staff Hatsumi Shinobi. He failed and was arrested by military police. We find out more about this terrorist in this episode. Shinobi leaves Niihama for a few days in order to partake in the Self Defense Army's live fire exercise campaign that is being held in the ruins of Tokyo. Kusanagi and Takeda meet face to face for the first time. Batou and Togusa investigate Takeda's home while Kayabuki pledges support to Shinobi for the trial.

Part A Scene 1

We are at Section 9's headquarters where Aramaki is sitting at his desk, looking through video footage of the assassination attempt on Shinobi that was caught by security cameras. Knocking is heard from his door when the video shows Shinobi slicing off the assassin's leg. Aramaki acknowledges.

Aramaki: "Enter."

Kusanagi and Batou enter his office. She is wearing her kimono clothing while Batou is wearing his brown coat. Aramaki looks up and speaks.

Aramaki: "Well, what did you find out?"

Kusanagi speaks.

Kusanagi: "Military intelligence discovered that the assassin wasn't Masahiro Takeda as we were led to believe. He apparently used a brainwashing program on a local Yakuza thug that had a cyberbrain and used him to try and kill the Chief of Staff. Takeda's puppet failed and lost his right leg because of it. My guess is that he used the thug to fight her in order to observe her fighting style."

Batou speaks next.

Batou: "Shinobi left General Akira Kawashima in charge while she's in Tokyo for the SDA's live fire exercise campaign. He's interrogating the thug to see where the terrorist is."

Aramaki responds.

Aramaki: "What has he discovered from our puppet?"

Batou and Kusanagi sit.

Batou: "Kawashima hasn't had much luck getting anything out of him. The thug swears up and down that he has no clue what happened. He isn't going anywhere, though."

Aramaki pauses the video footage.

Aramaki: "Has Shinobi left for Tokyo yet?"

Kusanagi responds.

Kusanagi: "She left this morning around 6:30. Kawashima said that she'd be away for a few days and wouldn't be in contact unless something that not even he could handle came up. He also stated that she had Ame Akarui shipped out with the MSDA yesterday."

Batou looks confused and questions.

Batou: "Ame Akarui?"

Kusanagi looks at Batou and responds.

Kusanagi: "She owns a Sagawa Type 303 Arm Suit that she uses in combat. It has many modifications installed and she modified it so only it would respond to her Ghost Key. It's much more heavily reinforced and she is required to wear a specially made body suit in order to use the Arm Suit. The body suit directly interfaces with the sensory components of the Arm Suit, allowing heightened response time and allowing for much smoother movements. With the body suit, Shinobi's powered exoskeleton essentially becomes an extension of her own body. The weapon that is used by Ame Akarui is a Jigabachi rail minigun that punches through tank armor."

Aramaki states.

Aramaki: "The Arm Suit doesn't matter. What matters is the location of Takeda and what his next plan of action is. Major, I want you to go back to the Defense Agency and take a closer look at the crime scene. Batou, you and Togusa take a look at his home and see if you can find anything. Get going."

Kusanagi and Batou stand.

Kusanagi: "Roger."

Batou: "Roger."

Part A Scene 2

We now see the interior of Shinobi's office, where it is pardoned off due to the recent attempt on her life. There are military police officers guarding the room while investigators are inspecting it. Kusanagi enters after she shows her identification. The military police officers acknowledge her and continue their duties. She notices the blood on the floor and wall from when Shinobi dismembered the Yakuza thug. She walks to the end of her office, where the large window is replaced. Kusanagi peers out the window at the large building. She then notices a dark figure wearing a trench coat and a castro syle cap standing on the roof of the building, watching her. The scene then switches to the roof of the building where we see the man with his back facing us. We then see Kusanagi walk into view and stand. The angle then switches to a wide angle side view in which we see both of them. The man turns around and faces Kusanagi, smoking a cigarette. He speaks.

Man: "I thought you would return to her office. I've been waiting for you."

Kusanagi responds.

Kusanagi: "You're Masahiro Takeda."

Kasanaki doesn't move.

Takeda: "Yes, yes I am."

Kusanagi walks closer to him, looking at him suspiciously. He still doesn't move.

Takeda: "No tricks here."

Kusanagi stops about 8 feet away from him. She speaks.

Kusanagi: "What do you want?"

Takeda puffs on his cigarette for a moment before responding,

Takeda: "What do I want? The death of Shinobi. My puppet failed, but I don't blame him. I didn't expect him to succeed in killing a combatant of her calibur."

Kusanagi gives him a scorned look and speaks.

Kusanagi: "Why did you have me come up here?"

Takeda exhales smoke and looks up at the sky, where we see clouds slowly drifting by on a sunny day. We hear him speak.

Takeda: "There are those who would control our lives with an iron fist. Those who expect us to believe every word that is told to us and obey them without question. Those who would make us believe that they are right and only they can save us from our own free-thinking minds and make us fear those who would state their own opinion without fear of death. We are nothing more than expendable assets that are tools to be used by those in power to further their own personal goals. Do you know why I defected from the former United States?"

Kusanagi slightly turns her head and responds.

Kusanagi: "No."

Takeda looks from the sky and at Kusanagi.

Takeda: "This reason exactly. Corruption in the ideals that I held so dear to my heart. I wanted to live as a free man, only to be controlled by them. They tried to force the citizens of that corruption to give their lives for the personal gain of the powerful. Tension was rising between the United States and the rest of the world. They preached their bullshit of how the entire world should be exactly like them. They poked their noses into every country's business, making enemies left and right. When the Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan were defeated in the second World War, the United States occupied both countries for some time while they rebuilt them into democracies that followed the same structure of the United States, examplifying their influence. Later on, the United States decided to get involved with the war between North and South Vietnam during the Cold War. Once again, they tried to spread their influence like an STD. This time, they failed. There was anarchy in the United States for a time. Afterwards, the third World War was rapidly approaching. Japan stayed neutral and didn't support any side, keeping to themselves and minding their own business, like everyone should. When the dust settled, America was split up into three countries. The United States, the Russo-American Alliance, and the American Empire, with Imperial America the only country of the three having any serious influence. Japan was the only country that was virtually unscathed, save for Tokyo. I left and obtained Japanese citizenship, knowing that I was forever branded a traitor."

Kusanagi just stares at him with piercing eyes. Kasanaki turns away and continues, puffing on his cigarette.

Takeda: "After that, I decided to join the Ground Self Defense Force. The year was 2019."

Takeda continues.

Takeda: "She was my commanding officer in South America as I was her aide. I remember when I first met you, Major Motoko Kusanagi."

Kusanagi doesn't move.

Kusanagi: "Why kill her?"

Takeda turns his head and looks at her.

Takeda: "When I first saw you meet with the female Colonel, I knew that there was something between the two of you, but I couldn't figure out what it was. She disgraced me. I knew that they had a nuclear device, but she didn't believe me. Instead, she told me that I was incorrect and a fool. There was no way that they had possession of a nuke. I asked her if I could lead a platoon in order to prove it to her. She told me that I could. When I arrived with my platoon, we were ambushed with the nuke nowhere to be found. She had tricked me into thinking that there was one. There wasn't. When I returned, she deported me back to Japan. I had become a tool a second time, this time by a person I respected and trusted."

She looks at him, but he turns his head away, flicks away his cigarette, and stares at Shinobi's office.

Takeda: "I want to show this world that the people who take responsibility for the lives of many, will only abuse their power and influence. Everyone from the U.N. to Hatsumi Shinobi. Relay this to the Prime Minister, Kusanagi. If she wants to keep Niihama from being leveled, she and Shinobi will step down from office and admit to their crimes."

Takeda then walks away from Kusanagi, getting closer to the edge of the building. She gets a concerned look on her face.

Kusanagi: "What do you mean, 'leveled'?"

Takeda stands on the edge of the building and responds.

Takeda: "Don't follow me."

He suddenly leaps off of the tall building with Kusanagi sprinting after him. She looks over the edge only to find nothing. Takeda has disappeared without a trace. She then talks via cybercom to Aramaki.

Kusanagi: "Did you get all of that, Chief?"

Aramaki responds.

Aramaki: "Yes. I'll alert the Prime Minister to his threat. For now, return to HQ."

Kusanagi responds.

Kusanagi: "Understood."

She continues to peer over the edge of the building before turning away.

Part B Scene 1

We are now in Batou's car where we see both Batou and Togusa. Batou is driving while Togusa is sitting in the passenger's seat consuming a drink. They are on the expressway heading towards Takeda's residence.

Togusa: "Hey boss, what point do you think this Masahiro Takeda is trying to get across? He tried to kill the Chief of Ground Staff and threatened to assassinate the Prime Minister. Don't you think that he has some kind of grudge against them?"

Batou keeps his eyes on the road but responds.

Batou: "People like him are only after self-gratification. It doesn't matter if they try to make a point or not. They're still terrorists. Look at Kuze for example. He was an intangible hero to the refugees, but he tried to acquire plutonium in order to stage a revolution. An act of terrorism. Takeda is no different, except that he's hated by many people."

Togusa looks at the GPS and speaks.

Togusa: "Hopefully we find something that could help us. It's my understanding that he hasn't been to his home in over 4 days, correct?"

Batou responds.

Batou: "Yeah. We're here."

The car stops outside of a low quality apartment complex just off of the expressway. Batou and Togusa get out of the car and walk towards the building. Our view switches to a door that is numbered. The number is 417. We see Batou and Togusa with their guns drawn standing outside of the door. Both nod once to each other and Batou kicks the door open. They both point their guns into a short entryway, but see nothing. They then proceed to search the apartment, with Batou searching the nearby closet. The closet is empty. Togusa slowly walks foward with his gun up. He enters the main room, only to find it empty. There is a couch, recliner, coffee table, and television sitting in the main room, but nothing else. The main room is separated from the kitchen by a breakfast bar. Batou heads down a hall that is connected to the main room with his gun ready. Togusa walks into the kitchen and opens a door that contains the toilet. The toilet is empty. Togusa searches the refridgerator and cupboards, but finds nothing. Batou calls for Togusa. We then switch to the bedroom, where we see Batou kneeling next to the end table. Togusa enters and speaks.

Togusa: "What did you find?"

Batou turns holding a pouch containing medication.

Batou: "Meds."

Togusa questions.

Togusa: "Medicine? For what?"

Batou answers.

Batou: "Cancer."

Part B Scene 2

We are now in Kayabuki's office where we see her on the phone speaking with Kawashima while Aramaki is standing with Proto.

Kayabuki: "Yes. Of course I'll support her in this trial. Thank you for calling me, General. Not at all. Very well, goodbye."

She hangs up and turns her attention to Aramaki.

Kayabuki: "It's been done. Chief of Staff Shinobi now has support from the Kayabuki Administration for the tribunal in 5 days. Will she be back in time?"

Aramaki responds.

Aramaki: "Yes, both Admiral Mifune and Chief of Staff Shinobi will be back in time for the tribunal. I have no doubt that she has gained support from the Maritime Self Defense Army by speaking to both Admiral Mifune and Chief of Maritime Staff Nakajima."

Kayabuki looks more relaxed.

Kayabuki: "I hope. Now, Chief Aramaki. You needed to speak with me?"

Aramaki looks more serious.

Aramaki: "Yes. Major Kusanagi, my second, has spoken directly with Masahiro Takeda."

Kayabuki perks her head up in concern.

Kayabuki: "What?"

Aramaki responds.

Aramaki: "He has issued a warning. He wanted this message relayed to you, 'If you want to keep Niihama from being leveled, you and Shinobi will step down from office and admit to your crimes.'"

Kayabuki looks very forlorned. She stands and asks.

Kayabuki: "What do you mean, 'leveled'?"

Aramaki closes his eyes and responds.

Aramaki: "I can only guess that he threatens to destroy Niihama with a nuclear device."

Kayabuki sighs and slouches back in her chair. She speaks in a concerned and serious tone.

Kayabuki: "We must find this man! If he is in possession of a nuclear device, he is a threat to the people of Niihama and of this country! Chief Aramaki, please have your team find this man immediately."

Aramaki opens his eyes and responds.

Aramaki: "Yes, Prime Minister."

Episode 4

Opening Theme: Rise - Origa/Yoko Kanno

Closing Theme: One Minute Warning - Passengers (3:16 - 4:40)

Cast:

Hatsumi Shinobi - Patricia Ja Lee

General Kyoto -

Little Girl -

Captain Tsujimoto -

Computer Specialist -

Toshio Tanaka -

Kenji Nakajima -

Plot Summary: This episode takes place in Tokyo during the Self Defense Army's live fire exercise campaign. We focus mostly on Hatsumi Shinobi in this episode and we see her pilot her personal Type 303 Arm Suit, Ame Akarui, during part of an assault exercise while leading two squads of special ops soldiers.

Part A Scene 1

We begin this episode with GSDA vehicles driving down the Tokyo expressway. One of the GSDA semi-tractors is hauling a large piece of machinery that is covered by an olive green tarp. The machine is Ame Akarui, Shinobi's custom Type 303 Arm Suit. It is being transported to the GSDA's headquarters where she will prepare it for the first mission of the campaign. We now switch to a military complex which is the GSDA's headquarters for the Tokyo campaign. There are military vehicles parked outside of the tents and inside of the fence. There are soldiers standing guard, preparing, and socializing while we see a Jigabachi APC starting its landing sequence into the complex. We see high ranking military officers waiting next to the landing pad. The Jigabachi finally lands and we see Hatsumi Shinobi dressed in her olive green uniform including a female officer's cap that matches the uniform. She is wearing a black trench coat over her military uniform. Shinobi exits the Jigabachi with two other GSDA officers and two soldiers following her. She walks up to the high ranking military officers waiting for her in which they bow to her. She slightly bows her head and continues walking towards the dominant tent. The officers follow her inside. We are now inside where there are Operators running communication equipment, computers, and other essential terminals. There are other lower ranking military officers going about their various tasks, preparing for the campaign when they notice Shinobi walking into the tent. They all bow and salute. She dismisses them and removes her coat speaking to the GSDA headquarters commander.

Shinobi: "How much longer before we're ready to begin, General?"

General: "Ma'am. I've spoken with the Chief of Maritime Staff and we are ready to begin at any time now."

Shinobi walks up behind an Operator and watches the readings that are displayed on the screen. She then turns and speaks to the general.

Shinobi: "Very well. I will prepare my Arm Suit for our first mission of the campaign. Where is my body suit?"

The general points over to a table that houses a suit case. She walks over, grabs the suit case and leaves the tent. We then switch to the outside where we see various GSDA crewmen uncovering the tarp from the Arm Suit. Ame Akarui is a black Type 303 Arm Suit that has a Jigabachi vulcan cannon attached to the right slave arm. We also see the standard issue Type 303 weapon in a crate next to the Arm Suit. Next, the crewmen release the restraints from the exoskeleton. They then look over to see Hatsumi Shinobi walking towards Ame Akarui in her body suit. The suit covers her entire body except her head; it stops in the mid-neck region, leaving enough room for the cyberbrain implants that allow her to connect directly to external devices to be exposed in order for her to interface with her specific Arm Suit successfully. The suit also ends before both iliac regions and resembles a leotard, revealing both of her legs and feet entirely and most of her buttocks. The suit covers both her arms and her hands entirely. Her fingers are exposed, though. She is not wearing anything but her body suit at this time. The crewmen look at her with dumbstruck expressions as she approaches her Arm Suit. She notices this and speaks as she opens the cockpit.

Shinobi: "That's enough! Get back to your duties."

The crewmen frantically get back to work, not looking at her. The machine opens and Shinobi climbs into it, placing her feet in the designated areas and shifting her body into a sitting like position. She then places her arms into the armored sleeves of the exoskeleton. She then rests her head on the head cushion, causing the plugs to connect with her cyberbrain implants. The machine activates, she puts on an earpiece with a microphone, and the cockpit closes, except for the head, which stays open. Shinobi boots up her systems and stands up, causing the Arm Suit to stand as well. She moves her arms, testing the response time of the much larger slave arms. She then unlatches the vulcan cannon and places it on the trailer next to her other weapon. She then steps off of the trailer and walks around the complex, getting a feel for the Arm Suit. Soldiers, crewmen, and officers watch her as she walks by. She looks around at the GSDA personnel going about their duties before turning around and heading back to the trailer. She returns to trailer, latches her vulcan cannon back on the right slave arm, picks up her standard issue weapon, and approaches a group of soldiers. She speaks.

Shinobi: "Soldier!"

They immediately turn to Shinobi's Arm Suit and salute. She speaks to the sergeant.

Shinobi: "Where is the firing range?"

The sergeant responds.

Sergeant: "Just over there, Chief of Staff, ma'am!"

The sergeant points and Shinobi nods her head once.

Shinobi: "Thank you."

She then walks up to a gate and the guard on duty lets her through. She continues where she sees soldiers on the range, testing their weapons. Shinobi then closes the head part of her Arm Suit and sets the standard issue weapon down. She then initiates the targeting system and feeds ammunition into her minigun. She then steadies herself, grips the weapon with both slave arms, focuses on a distant destroyed car, and fires. The minigun spins and a flash of light emits from the end, summoning a loud roar. Some soldiers look and see a stream of orange ripping the car to shreds. She quits after 100 or so shots and focuses in on an old abandoned tank. She fires, decimating the tank armor to ripped up scraps of steel. She ceases firing and the view switches to the end of the minigun's barrels. The minigun stops spinning and steam is coming off of the gun. The head of the cockpit opens and we see Shinobi with a satisfied look on her face.

Part A Scene 2

We are now back in the dominant tent when we see Shinobi enter wearing her body suit and nothing else. She had just finished optimizing her Arm Suit for the first mission that will begin the next day at 4:30 AM. The officers and soldiers in the tent stare at her provacative outfit until she snaps at them.

Shinobi: "All right! That's enough!"

She then grabs her coat, puts it on, and leaves. She then walks towards a small tent that serves as her living quarters. Three soldiers eyeball her, not knowing who she is. She doesn't notice and enters her tent. Shinobi removes her coat and her body suit, becoming completely nude. We only see her from behind from the waist and up. She then dresses in her olive green uniform and places her female officer's cap on. She then pulls up her pantyhose and places her women's dress shoes on. Shinobi then leaves her tent and begins walking, making an inspection of the complex. The three soldiers that were eyeballing her begin to tail her from a distance, still not knowing that she is their superior. Shinobi continues her inspection with crewmen, soldiers, and officers bowing their heads when she passes by. She then notices that one of the gates leading outside of the complex has been carelessly left unlocked. Shinobi walks behind a truck and begins to lock the gate. She then turns around and runs into the three soldiers. They try to box her in. She speaks.

Shinobi: "Stand aside, soldier."

They ignore her and grin. She starts to become angered and warns them again.

Shinobi: "As the Self Defense Army Chief of Ground Staff and your superior commanding officer, I order you to stand aside!"

They continue to ignore her. She then backhands one of them to the the ground, breaking his nose. The other two become angered and try to charge at her. Shinobi steps to one side and trips one. She then punches the other one, causing him to fly back about 20 feet into the open. Military officials become surprised as they see Shinobi holding the other one by the scruff of the neck. She then tosses him to the ground and looks at the military police officials, speaking to them.

Shinobi: "Arrest these three men immediately! I want them stripped off their rank completely, I want them on tightened rations, and I want them off of this assignment!"

She then walks away towards the dominant tent. The men are roughly arrested and marched out of the complex. Shinobi enters the main tent and speaks to the commander.

Shinobi: "We begin tomorrow's assault at 0430 hours. Speak with Nakajima and tell him to prepare the navy. That is all."

She then turns and leaves. We then see her walking towards her tent from a side view when a young girl who is a refugee is standing next to the fence. The little girl speaks to her.

Girl: "Are you gonna hurt people?"

Shinobi stops and looks over at the girl, who is staring at her. She then walks over to the girl and kneels down to her eye level. She speaks in a calm and gentle voice to the little girl.

Shinobi: "Who said that?"

The little girl becomes defensive and responds.

Girl: "My daddy said that you are gonna hurt people!"

Shinobi smiles gently at the girl and responds.

Shinobi: "No one is going to hurt anyone. We're just going to play a game for a couple of days, so you don't have to worry about anyone getting hurt, okay?"

The little girl relaxes and smiles back.

Girl: "Okay."

She then turns around and runs away from the fence. Shinobi stands up with a straight face and watches her run. After a moment, Shinobi turns and enters her tent. Inside of her tent, she removes her cap and sets it on the table next to her trench coat. She then zips the entrance to her tent, closing it. She removes her jacket, sets it on the table with her cap and coat. She then removes her shoes and pantyhose and takes off her tie. Shinobi sits in a folding chair at her table, lost in thought. The view switches to Shinobi's red eyes, implying that the encounter with the girl has drudged up some unpleasant memories. We then switch to a back view of Hatsumi, in which she turns her head and looks at her cap. She then sighs, stands and walks towards a cupboard. She opens it and removes a wine bottle with one glass. She then fills the glass halfway, lifts it, and gazes into dark liquid. She then takes one drink and sets the glass on the table. We see her unbutton her shirt and remove her skirt, setting them with the rest of her uniform. She is wearing her underclothing now. After she finishes her wine, she lies down on her cot and falls asleep.

Part B Scene 1

It is now early the next morning where we see MSDA ships setting up defensive positions in Tokyo harbor and in the sunken Shinjuku district area of the former capital. There are naval crewmen running about their carriers Jigabachi copters preparing to take off. We see Umibozu units boarding their transport helicopters along with marines. We also see Type 303 Arm Suits boarding as well. We now switch to the skies above Tokyo where we see GSDA helicopters carrying soldiers in full gear. Then another helicopter joins up with the squadron. This helicopter is seen carrying Hatsumi Shinobi piloting Ame Akarui accompanied by two squads of special ops soldiers. The head of her suit is opened in which she is watching the abandoned city below. She notices marines and Arm Suits being deployed in a park nearby. There are multiped tanks moving through the streets below with other squads of soldiers and Umibozu moving through the buildings. She then looks down a main street where she sees Type 26 Arm Suits moving as a squad. Jigabachis move as a squadron, heading somewhere into Tokyo. The head of the Ame Akarui closes and Shinobi speaks to her men.

Shinobi: "All right, listen up! S1 and S3 will provide covering fire while S2 and S5 storms the power plant from the main entrance to the south. S4 will flank from the east and we're going in from the west. I'll take point on this one and clear the way while my two squads follow me in. Once inside, the enemy will be aware of us, so take extreme caution when moving through the plant. Our objective is to clear the power plant of all hostiles and capture the primary pumping station, the primary control room, and the reactor. Take and hold the power plant until reinforcements arrive! We'll then prepare for the next phase! Understood?"

The men under her command acknowledge. She then speaks to the pilot of the helicopter.

Shinobi: "Pilot, take us closer to that parking lot!"

The pilot responds.

Pilot: "Yes ma'am."

The helicopter then hovers above the parking lot as Shinobi's men rappel down from the helicopter and take up formations. Hatsumi follows her men by jumping down from the helicopter. She then feeds ammunition into her vulcan cannon and begins towards the power plant, with her troops following her. Two more helicopters drop down troops behind them. The troops head for their designated targets while Shinobi and her men approach an underground parking garage, where she scans for hostile forces. She directs one squad to approach the gate checkpoint with caution and directs the other to act as backup. She then approaches the garage entrance while her forces carry out her orders. As she is about to cross into the building, she notices movement and scans the area once again. She detects enemy forces taking up defensive positions. Shinobi then directs her backup squad to move up and alerts her men to their presence. She then steadies her minigun and it starts to spin. A hail of glowing orange lead spews and the abandoned vehicle wrecks and defensive positions are ripped apart, leaving the enemy androids exposed. She orders her men to open fire. They do and the androids are eliminated. Her gun stops spinning and she conducts one last scan and finds nothing. She speaks to the GSDA forces that are part of the power plant assault.

Shinobi: "My men and I have engaged hostile forces in the west parking garage. Status?"

She then recieves responses from squads that are elsewhere around the power plant.

S1: "S1 is green, no activity to report."

S3: "S3 is green, nothing to report."

S2: "S2 is green, hostiles encountered."

S5: "S5 is green, we have encountered enemy opposition."

S4: "S4 is green, taking heavy fire!"

Shinobi responds to Squad 4.

Shinobi: "S4, are you all right?"

S4 responds.

S4: "For now, ma'am!"

Shinobi motions for det charges on the doors to the power plant. Two men carrying a pack run up to the door and begin planting the charges. She then speaks to S4.

Shinobi: "Are you able to make it to the primary pumping station, S4?"

S4 responds.

S4: "Not without reinforcements, ma'am!"

Shinobi speaks to S4.

Shinobi: "Copy that, S4. Sending S3 to provide support."

S4 responds.

S4: "Understood, ma'am!"

Shinobi speaks to Squad 3.

Shinobi: "S3, get to the east entrance of the power plant and give S4 some support!"

S3 responds.

S3: "Yes, ma'am."

Shinobi then takes a few steps back as the bomb squad finish planting their charges. They run away from the door and take cover with the rest of Shinobi's men. She crouches and shields herself with her left slave arm as one of the bomb squad members is about to flip the detonator. He shouts.

Detonator: "Fire in the hold!"

The door suddenly bursts open with a loud blast from the det charges, causing a shockwave. Shinobi's Arm Suit gently rocks from the shockwave as soldiers brace themselves from the blast. After the explosion, she transmits to the Maritime Self Defense Army headquarters.

Shinobi: "HQ, this is Ame Akarui. My men and I have breached the power plant. Preparing to enter."

The MSDA headquarters responds.

MSDA Operator: "Roger that, Chief of Ground Staff. We are sending in a squad of Type 303 Arm Suits to give you some support."

Shinobi and her men then begin to enter the power plant while she speaks.

Shinobi: "Copy that, HQ. Send them in the west entrance at my position. We'll hold our position until they arrive. Be advised, I have soldiers storming the power plant from the east and south sides with one sniper squad holding position on the building directly south of the plant. I am sending you their coordinates now."

The MSDA headquarters responds.

MSDA Operator: "Coordinates recieved. Arm Suit squad inbound."

Shinobi's men take up defensive positions and on alert for enemy forces while she enters the parking garage. She sees 5 Type 303 Arm Suits approaching from the same path that she and her men took. When they meet up with her, the squad leader speaks.

Type 303 Leader: "Chief of Staff Shinobi, ma'am. We're here to give you some firepower."

Shinobi responds.

Shinobi: "Very well. You're now a part of this op so you now belong to me, understood?"

The squad leader responds.

Type 303 Leader: "Yes, ma'am. What are your orders?"

Shinobi speaks.

Shinobi: "I want your squad to follow us in. When we reach the generators in the basement level, we'll break off into two groups. You and one of my special ops squads will branch off and head to the primary control room. You'll meet up with two squads of GSDA soldiers and safely shut down the primary reactor. I'll take the other squad and head towards the primary pumping station. There, we'll join with the other two groups of GSDA soldiers. After both the reactor and the turbines are shut down, both teams will meet up in the lobby and commence a sweeping advance of the entire power plant. After the power plant is under our control, I'll call in reinforcements to take over for us. We'll then initiate phase two of our campaign. Your team will then be dispatched to wherever you are needed."

The squad leader acknowledges her command. Shinobi then motions for them to follow her into the power plant. A special ops soldier then hacks into the primary computer terminal and downloads the schematics to the building. He then speaks to Hatsumi.

Terminal: "Chief of Staff, ma'am. I've obtained the building's schematic layout."

Shinobi's Arm Suit moves towards the soldiers, keeping an eye open for enemy androids. Her right arm and right slave arm move simultaneously, directing a squad to cover the entrance to the south corridor. She then motions with the same arm(s) for the Arm Suit squad to move up. They do. She then directs the other squad to cover the east corridor with her left arm and left slave arm. She then speaks to the computer specialist.

Shinobi: "Upload those schematics to the cyberbrains of each operative, including the Arm Suit squad and the sniper team."

The computer specialist nods his head once. We then switch to Shinobi's eyeview, where we see part of the inside of her cockpit, primarily the visor and targeting system. There are digital readings about the visor, displaying open communication channels, power supply statistics, ammunition count, damage assessment, tracking reticles along with other readings. Then a transmission appears in her cyberbrain. It opens, showing many schematics and layouts of the entire facility. She copies them to a temporary memory data file and speaks via cybercom to every operative.

Shinobi: "Take note of these and put them to memory. Continue with your assault."

The computer specialist speaks to her.

Terminal: "The generators are on level B4. Elevators are not functioning and the stairwell doors are either locked or sealed. We have two options, ma'am."

Shinobi responds as she reloads her vulcan cannon.

Shinobi: "What are our choices?"

The computer specialist speaks.

Terminal: "It'll be easier to explain if I showed you the plant layout, ma'am."

The cockpit of Ame Akarui opens, revealing Hatsumi Shinobi inside. She powers off the slave arms for a few minutes as the computer specialist connects a data link cord to his cyberbrain implants. He then offers the other end of the cord to his commanding officer, in which she takes it and plugs it into the back of her neck, linking her cyberbrain with his. The schematics then open in her cyberbrain, with the computer specialist speaking via cybercom and using his cyberbrain to demonstrate his suggested options to her.

Terminal: "From what I can tell, this facility was built last century, meaning it was secured by an old fashioned alarm system. If an alarm was triggered, certain doors would lock and others would slam shut. Now, since we cannot access the elevators to reach the basement floor, we have two options. One, we can force our way through the stairwell doors, which is safer but risk tripping an alarm. Or two, we can rappel down the elevator shafts until we reach our destination and not worry about alarms, but is much more dangerous, even for an Arm Suit. It's your call, ma'am."

Shinobi then disconnects the data link cord, handing it back to the computer specialist. She then reactivates the slave arms and closes the cockpit to her Arm Suit. Shinobi then states her decision.

Shinobi: "We'll split up into two groups."

She turns and speaks to the Arm Suit squad leader.

Shinobi: "Captain, you and your squad will lead one of my special ops teams through the stairwell. Understood?"

The Arm Suit squad leader responds.

Type 303 Leader: "Yes, ma'am. As soon as we reach the control room, we'll contact you."

Shinobi responds.

Shinobi: "Very well."

She turns back to the computer specialist's team and speaks.

Shinobi: "We're entering via the elevator shafts. We'll take two shafts down due to this Arm Suit. Let's get started people!"

They all acknowledge her and split up. Shinobi and squad A take the east corridor towards the eastern lobby while the Arm Suits and squad B take the south corridor towards the primary stairwell. We follow Shinobi, where squad A is in front of her. They enter the lobby as she conducts a scan of the area, finding nothing. A soldier hears the rustling of paper when 6 android opponents suddenly ambushes them. The soldiers immediately take cover and return fire. One android is armed with an anti-armor gun and fires at Ame Akarui. Shinobi takes one direct hit to the torso, denting her powered exoskeleton and feeling the impact of the shell. She then leaps off to one side, trying to obtain a target but is unable due to the fact that her squad is in the way. She orders them to throw grenades. They do, eliminating all except for one. Shinobi then grabs the android by the head with her left slave arm and begins crushing it in her fingers. She applies pressure until the head finally gives way. She then drops the body and motions for her squad to secure the lobby. She notices that there are three elevators and one is functioning. A soldier that is near the elevator shouts to Shinobi.

Soldier: "The elevator's stopping here!"

Shinobi then aims her vulcan cannon at the elevator door. Inside of her cockpit, we see her look at the ammunition count on her HUD. It reads 4463. Her men take up defensive formations and aim their guns at the elevator. After a moment, the elevator stops on their floor and the doors open. The elevator is empty. Hatsumi then conducts a scan of the elevator. There are 4 individuals with thermoptic camouflage inside of the elevator. Shinobi speaks to them.

Shinobi: "Disengage your active camouflage and reveal yourselves immediately!"

The men begin to creep out of the elevator. Shinobi speaks again.

Shinobi: "This area and the surrounding districts are under the control of the Japanese Self Defense Army for live fire exercises! If you do not reveal yourselves and state your purpose in being in this district to either myself or the Chief of Maritime Staff, we will open fire!"

The four men switch off their camouflage. They are black ops soldiers that are a part of the GSDA. Shinobi recognizes their uniforms and opens the head of her cockpit. She speaks to them.

Shinobi: "Who's in charge?"

One of the commandos responds.

Black Op Leader: "I am. Sergeant Toshio Tanaka. GSDA Special Operations Squad Leader."

Shinobi notices that he didn't acknowledge her.

Shinobi: "Chief of Ground Staff Hatsumi Shinobi of the GSDA. We're conducting a live fire exercise campaign over the course of the next few days. What are you doing here, Sergeant?"

Tanaka salutes Shinobi and speaks.

Tanaka: "My apologies for not recognizing you earlier, ma'am. We've recieved a tip from a reliable source that terrorists had planted a nuclear device somewhere in this district. Our mission is to find the device, disarm it, and remove it from the area."

Shinobi opens the cockpit of her Arm Suit as Tanaka removes his headgear. She then unplugs herself from Ame Akarui and climbs out of it. Her men point their guns down as Tanaka and his squad approach their commanding officer.

Shinobi: "Is Nakajima aware of the situation?"

Tanaka shakes his head.

Tanaka: "No, ma'am. We haven't told any of the top brass, except for you, about this op."

Shinobi looks at the floor for a moment before continuing.

Shinobi: "I see. In that case, I'll inform Nakajima. The campaign will have to be put on hold for now. Sergeant, I want you to report to headquarters in 4 hours. Bring a squad of 6 men. I will be joining you in searching for the warhead, understood?"

Tanaka salutes and responds.

Tanaka: "Yes, ma'am."

The black ops soldiers then activate their camouflage and vanish. Shinobi climbs back into her Type 303 Arm Suit and speaks to Nakajima via cybercom.

Shinobi: "Chief of Maritime Staff Nakajima, this is Chief of Ground Staff Shinobi."

A transmission appears in her cyberbrain.

Nakajima: "Yes, what is it?"

Shinobi responds.

Shinobi: "Kenji, I've received a tip from a special operations squad who was not part of the campaign that terrorists have planted a nuclear device somewhere in this district. I think we need to put the exercise on hold until the warhead is safely removed from the city."

Nakajima responds.

Nakajima: "Okay. I'll start calling my forces back to the fleet. Get your men out of there, Hatsumi."

Shinobi finishes.

Shinobi: "I will. I'm taking a unit of special ops soldiers to find and secure the bomb in 4 hours."

Nakajima responds.

Nakajima: "Very well, I'll contact Prime Minister Kayabuki immediately."

Shinobi ends the transmission and the episode ends with a close up view of her deep in thought, staring down.

Episode 5

Opening Theme: Rise - Origa/Yoko Kanno

Closing Theme: One Minute Warning - Passengers (3:16 - 4:40)

Cast:

Motoko Kusanagi - Mary McGlynn

Daisuke Aramaki - William Knight

Buttetsu Batou - Richard Epcar

Togusa -

Saito -

Ishikawa -

Pazu -

Borma -

Azuma -

Yoko Kayabuki -

Hideki Yoshimura -

Hatsumi Shinobi - Patricia Ja Lee

Masako Kobayashi -

Toshio Tanaka -

Kenji Nakajima -

Plot Summary: Takeda plants a nuclear warhead in Tokyo, interrupting the SDA's training campaign. Shinobi takes a squad of Umibozu to defuse and retrieve the nuke. Section 9 is also sent in to defuse and retrieve it. Section 9 and Shinobi's squad are not told of each other's presence and Shinobi is severely wounded in the confusion of battle, cutting her campaign short. She is then sent back to Niihama for a body switch by her friend, Chief of Maritime Staff Nakajima.

Part A Scene 1

After the opening credits, we are at the Prime Minister's residence, where we see Kayabuki, Aramaki, the Home Affairs Minister, and General Akira Kawashima discussing the report from Chief of Maritime Staff Kenji Nakajima on the nuclear device threat in Tokyo. They are in Prime Minister Kayabuki's office where Kayabuki is sitting at her desk. Aramaki, the Home Affairs Minister, and Kawashima are sitting in seats in front of her. Kawashima speaks.

Kawashima: "From what I understand, terrorists have planted a nuke in Tokyo. This is during our training campaign. I have reason to believe that the terrorist responsible is the immigrant Masahiro Takeda. If this is true, it's more than likely that he placed it in Tokyo because he is trying to eliminate the Chief of Ground Staff since he failed to kill her 3 days ago."

Kayabuki speaks to Kawashima.

Kayabuki: "Your statement is correct, General. There has been a nuclear device placed in Tokyo. Intelligence is not sure if Masahiro Takeda is responsible, but it is most likely that he is."

The Home Affairs Minister responds to Kayabuki and Kawashima.

Home Affairs Minister: "How can you be sure, General Kawashima? There isn't any evidence that points to Takeda as the culprit."

Kawashima looks over at the Home Affairs Minister and speaks.

Kawashima: "I am not sure, Home Affairs Minister, if it is him. I said I was fairly certain. Intelligence will not take the time to find out who is responsible. All terrorists are the same to them, it doesn't matter what the motive or ideology is. I know it is Kasanaki since he holds a large grudge against Shinobi. Nakajima has stated that he wishes to keep the SDA's involvement to a minimum, therefore there shouldn't be any teams in the vicinity."

Kayabuki then speaks to Aramaki.

Kayabuki: "Chief Aramaki, I would like to request that Public Security Section 9 search for the nuclear device. We cannot take any chances and we cannot operate under the assumption that the GSDA has dispatched teams to find it."

Aramaki responds.

Aramaki: "I assure you, Madam Prime Minister, that my team will find the bomb and remove it from Tokyo and safely dispose of it. My team is ready anytime."

Kayabuki closes her eyes and responds to Aramaki.

Kayabuki: "Very well."

She opens her eyes. Kawashima speaks to Aramaki.

Kawashima: "Section Chief, the sooner your team can get to Tokyo the better. We must make sure that the bomb is found as soon as possible. I have great faith in Section 9 in order to resolve this. Do not fail me, Aramaki."

Aramaki shifts his eyes at Kawashima and speaks to Kusanagi via cybercom.

Aramaki: "Major, assemble the team immediately."

Kusanagi responds.

Kusanagi: "What is it?"

Aramaki speaks.

Aramaki: "You and the team are going to Tokyo."

Part A Scene 2

We are now on the roof of Section 9's headquarters where we see the tilt-rotor preparing to take off. We see Aramaki standing with Kusanagi, Batou, and Togusa while Saito, Pazu, Borma, Ishikawa, and Azuma are on board the tilt-rotor with two Tachikomas. The Tachikomas are currently having a conversation.

Tachikoma 1: "So, if I understand correctly, this Takeda person doesn't so much want to kill the Chief of Ground Staff as he wants her removed from office?"

The second Tachikoma speaks as Saito, Azuma, and Pazu glance at them.

Tachikoma 2: "I guess so. But he did try to kill her the other day. Mister Saito, what do you think?

Saito sighs and speaks.

Saito: "Don't know. Guess we'll find out soon enough."

We are now back outside of the tilt-rotor when Aramaki speaks.

Aramaki: "All right, we're going to Tokyo to find a nuclear bomb that a terrorist has planted. It's interrupted a live fire exercise campaign that the Self Defense Army was committing. Nakajima and Shinobi have halted the campaign until the situation is resolved."

Togusa speaks.

Togusa: "Do we know who the terrorist is or have any hints of who it might be?"

Aramaki looks at Togusa and responds.

Aramaki: "The only hint that we have is that it may be Masahiro Takeda, but we have no way of confirming it."

Batou then speaks.

Batou: "Which reminds me. When we searched his home, I found some meds that were prescribed to Takeda."

Kusanagi, Aramaki, and Togusa look at Batou. Kusanagi responds to Batou.

Kusanagi: "What were the meds for?"

Batou looks at Kusanagi and speaks.

Batou: "Lung cancer. Apparently, our guy here is a chain smoker. From the look of things, he's been taking medication to surpress it for about twelve or thirteen years now."

Kusanagi speaks to Batou.

Kusanagi: "It's unusual that he didn't have his lungs replaced when he was diagnosed."

Togusa speaks.

Togusa: "Maybe he didn't have enough money to pay for new lungs. Or perhaps it was a personal choice."

Batou responds.

Batou: "The thing is, prosthetic lungs are not that expensive. Even a GSDA Colonel's aide makes enough to afford a full prosthetic body. I'd guess he didn't replace his lungs due personal preference or it is against his religion."

Kusanagi speaks to Batou.

Kusanagi: "You're right about him having more than enough money to pay for lungs. If he didn't replace them because of a personal preference, he is obviously have some second thoughts about prosthetics. We dug more into his background and discovered that he is a Shintoist. That may explain the reason behind his decision not to get prosthetics, but Shinto doesn't prevent him from making free decisions."

Aramaki interrupts.

Aramaki: "This will have to wait. Every minute that passes escalates the situation."

Kusanagi speaks.

Kusanagi: "All right. Let's get going."

Aramaki, Kusanagi, Togusa, and Batou then board the tilt-rotor. It takes off and heads toward Tokyo. We are now aboard the tilt-rotor where it is above shown flying above Tokyo. The back ramp is open where we see Kusanagi, Batou, Togusa, Pazu, Saito, and Borma in their BDUs with parachute backpacks on. Kusanagi speaks.

Kusanagi: "We'll tandem jump into the street below us. After we land, we'll regroup and head towards the transmission of the black ops squad that initially reported the nuke to GSDA forces. Keep your eyes open and don't fire unless fired upon. There shouldn't be anyone else in the district. Let's go!"

They then leap out of the tilt-rotor with Kusanagi first, followed by Batou, Togusa, Borma, Saito, and then Pazu. After they land and remove their parachutes, they take up formation and head towards the power plant, with Borma watching a Geiger Counter and a radar for nuclear devices. They activate their thermoptic camouflage as they draw closer to the plant. They finally reach the west entrance of the power plant, where they see the large doors open due to det charges. Borma speaks via cybercom.

Borma: "Det charges?"

Pazu responds.

Pazu: "Looks like it was from yesterday."

Batou responds.

Batou: "I guess the GSDA breached the power plant as part of their op."

They continue into the power plant and head down the east corridor toward the east lobby. When they reach it, they see scrapped android bodies from grenades and one whose head has been crushed. They stop in the lobby and Kusanagi kneels down and examines the crushed android. Togusa also looks at it and speaks.

Togusa: "I don't think a grenade or a bullet could destroy a head like that."

Kusanagi responds.

Kusanagi: "No, but an Arm Suit could."

She then stands and they continue towards the closed elevator doors. Batou manually opens one of the elevators to reveal an empty elevator shaft. Kusanagi speaks via cybercom.

Kusanagi: "Let's go."

They ride the cords down to the bottom level. When they reach the bottom floor, Batou opens the doors and they all cautiously enter. They enter a waiting room that leads to the power plant's reactor. Borma checks his radar and speaks.

Borma: "Major, the device is up ahead."

Kusanagi nods and responds.

Kusanagi: "Okay, let's get this thing and go home."

They all then enter the reactor room where they see a nuclear warhead placed on the floor in front of them. There is no timer on the bomb. Kusanagi motions for them to carefully approach the warhead. Then, a door on the other side of the room opens and a squad of 8 soldiers who have thermoptic camouflage enter the room. Kusanagi hears the soldiers approach. The footsteps stop when a man's voice sounds.

Tanaka: "Fire!"

The cloaked soldiers then open fire on Section 9, who takes cover. Kusanagi yells.

Kusanagi: "Return fire!"

Section 9 returns fire at the black ops squad. Soldiers duck and dive out of the way while others get closer to the bomb. Batou and Saito advance closer and fire at a cloaked figure who is next to the nuclear warhead. 5 bullets hit the figure. Blood is seen as each bullet hits and the active camouflage disengages. The cloaked soldier is Hatsumi Shinobi who is wearing the standard Umibozu BDU minus the mask and helmet. The uniform is built so her physique is clearly seen. She gasps in pain and falls to the ground, holding her abdomen with her hand with blood seeping onto the floor. Batou yells after he sees who is injured.

Batou: "Shit!"

Shinobi screams at her soldiers.

Shinobi: "Get the nuke and retreat! Leave me behind!"

Tanaka responds.

Tanaka: "Yes ma'am!"

The black ops soldiers then grab the nuke and retreat through the door they had entered while Section 9 decloak and run over to Shinobi. Kusanagi, Batou, and Saito kneel down next to her and carefully roll her on her back. Shinobi looks at Kusanagi and starts to black out from blood loss. Kusanagi looks at Shinobi for a second before looking at Batou and speaking in a serious tone.

Kusanagi: "Damn! Batou, carry her! We're aborting the mission! We need to get back to the tilt-rotor immediately! Let's go!"

Section 9 stands while Batou cradles Hatsumi in order to prevent her from losing too much blood. He has her arm placed around behind his neck for further support. They then start to run out of the reactor towards the stairwell, which is locked. Shinobi closes her eyes and Batou shouts.

Batou: "No! Keep your eyes open! Don't fall asleep!"

Shinobi's eyes open slightly and Kusanagi kicks the door down. They then sprint up the stairs as Kusanagi speaks to Aramaki via cybercom.

Kusanagi: "Chief! We need immediate evac!"

Aramaki responds.

Aramaki: "What is it?"

Kusanagi responds.

Kusanagi: "I don't have time to explain! Things are FUBAR down here! Just land in the south parking lot!"

Aramaki responds.

Aramaki: "All right."

They reach the ground floor and sprint towards the south entrance. Shinobi moans and Batou shouts.

Batou: "Major!"

Kusanagi shouts.

Kusanagi: "I know!"

They reach the main lobby and see the tilt-rotor in the parking lot. Just then, a Jigabachi appears above them. The roof of the main lobby is glass. The Jigabachi fires on them. They leap out of the way into cover, pinned by the Jigabachi. Kusanagi speaks via cybercom to Batou.

Kusanagi: "Batou, you guys take out that Jigabachi! I'll get her out of here!"

Batou responds.

Batou: "You'll never be able to get past! You're carrying a cyborg with a full prosthetic body here!"

Kusanagi speaks.

Kusanagi: "I know! That's why you guys will distract it! There are two Tachikomas that will provide support!"

Batou responds in an irritated tone.

Batou: "Major-"

Kusanagi responds in an angry tone.

Kusanagi: "Batou! There's no time! She's dying!"

She then leaps over to Batou. He carefully hands her Shinobi and she begins to sprint in evasive patterns towards the south entrance. The doors are glass and Batou shoots them out for Kusanagi. He and Section 9 then fire at the Jigabachi, distracting it from Kusanagi and Shinobi. It fires on them. Batou and the others then all move in eratic patterns, causing the Jigabachi to have difficulty obtaining a target. It cannot fire and flies into a different position, gaining a new target. It fires and shatters the glass of the lobby. Togusa then takes out his autorevolver, takes careful aim, and fires at the propeller, hitting the rotor joint. This causes the Jigabachi to spin out of control and crash somewhere into the power plant. Batou, Togusa, Pazu, Saito, and Borma then run towards the tilt-rotor. Aramaki, Azuma, Ishikawa, and the two Tachikomas are shown inside of the tilt-rotor looking out, where they see Kusanagi sprinting and cradling a nearly unconscious Shinobi. She enters the tilt-rotor with the rest of Section 9 behind her. The hatch closes and the tilt-rotor takes off. We then switch to the inside of the tilt-rotor, where Kusanagi has laid Shinobi down on a table. She then looks at Batou, implying that he help. He is on the other side of the table and unsheathes his combat knife. He then cuts open the bottom part of Shinobi's BDU, revealing 5 gruesome bullet wounds. While Kusanagi begins to remove the bullets, Aramaki speaks.

Aramaki: "What happened?"

Kusanagi responds as she works.

Kusanagi: "We weren't informed that there was a GSDA special op in the area with her leading it. She was shot in the confusion of battle."

Aramaki growls in a low tone. Azuma is confused.

Azuma: "Who is that?"

Ishikawa answers him.

Ishikawa: "You ought to know, Azuma. That's Chief of Ground Staff Hatsumi Shinobi."

Azuma looks surprised. We then switch back to Kusanagi and Batou where we see Kusanagi carefully removing the last bullet. When she does, Hatsumi spits up blood from her mouth, coughing as she does. Batou cleans up the blood from her mouth with a cloth while Kusanagi begins to bandage Shinobi's torso. After Shinobi is bandaged, she is placed on the bench to the side, with Batou's coat cushioning her head. Shinobi is lying on her back with her head turned away from us, so we only see the back of her head and part of her face. She is sleeping while the Tachikomas are watching her. Section 9 is sitting around the table, which has now been cleaned up, discussing the event that had just happened.

Aramaki: "This isn't good. The Chief of Ground Staff is injured and the warhead is nowhere to be found."

Batou grunts in frustration. Kusanagi stares off into space while Togusa is looking at Shinobi. Saito speaks.

Saito: "She was leading a special ops squad who retrieved the nuke. They probably have returned to base with it by now."

Borma comments.

Borma: "A Jigabachi attacked us when we reached the surface."

Ishikawa responds to Borma.

Ishikawa: "A Jigabachi?"

Borma nods in response. Togusa speaks.

Togusa: "What I don't understand is why the GSDA would attack us when they knew that we had their commanding officer with us."

We then hear a cough and Shinobi painfully speak.

Shinobi: "That's because it wasn't us."

Everyone then turns and looks at her. She is sitting up. Togusa gets up and walks over to her, trying to help her back down. She waves him off, not looking at him. Togusa then just stands there. Shinobi then tries to stand, but cannot. She becomes flustered and forces herself to stand, stumbling. Togusa catches her, with her using him as a support to stand. Aramaki speaks to her.

Aramaki: "Chief of Staff, you need to rest."

Shinobi looks at him with an irritated face and responds.

Shinobi: "I'm fine."

She then struggles to walk, with Togusa helping her to an open seat between Kusanagi and Borma. She sits and sighs. Togusa then takes his seat. Kusanagi glances at Shinobi, who doesn't notice. Batou speaks.

Batou: "What do you mean, 'It wasn't you'?

Shinobi looks at Batou and speaks in a somewhat annoyed tone.

Shinobi: "Exactly what I said. We had no Jigabachis in search of the nuke."

She closes her eyes and takes a few breaths, trying to relieve the discomfort of her wounds, before continuing.

Shinobi: "That helicopter was under the control of whoever planted that nuclear warhead in the power plant."

Togusa speaks.

Togusa: "So now Takeda can hack and take over military artificial intelligence?"

Shinobi looks somewhat confused.

Shinobi: "Takeda?"

Aramaki responds to Shinobi.

Aramaki: "We have reason to believe that Masahiro Takeda planted the warhead in order to disrupt the campaign and probably kill you."

Shinobi sighs.

Shinobi: "He is still trying to kill me, isn't he? It's not going to end. Because of his determination, I've been shot."

Kusanagi speaks.

Kusanagi: "If he can control cyberbrains like puppets and military artificial intelligence, then the situation has become even more compicated."

One of the Operators speaks to them from the cockpit.

Operator: "We're now approaching Niihama."

Aramaki responds to the Operator.

Aramaki: "Take us to the police hospital."

The Operator responds.

Operator: "Understood, sir."

The view then switches to the police hospital, where we see Hatsumi standing in a room where she is to get a body replacement. In the room with her is a nurse who is preparing the computer for the process. Outside of the room watching is Aramaki and Kusanagi. The nurse speaks to Shinobi.

Nurse: "May I please have you change into the hospital gown provided?"

Shinobi doesn't speak but grabs the folded gown and walks into the changing room. She undresses and puts on the gown, with the nurse zipping it up for her.

Shinobi exits the changing room and stands next to the machine that she will stand in. The nurse then walks over to the opposite machine, which has an exact copy of Hatsumi's current body suspended from it with its eyes closed. The nurse then presses a few switches before walking up to Shinobi.

Nurse: "The doctor will be with you in a moment."

Shinobi responds.

Shinobi: "Very well."

The nurse exits the room and walks past Aramaki and Kusanagi, who are watching Shinobi. Kusanagi speaks as Shinobi glances her eyes at them.

Kusanagi: "Do you think she'll try to pin this on us?"

Aramaki doesn't look but responds.

Aramaki: "It's hard to say what she will do. We can only hope that she isn't ignorant to the fact that it was a freak accident."

Then, the doctor and nurse return and enter the room. The doctor greets Shinobi.

Doctor: "Good evening, miss Shinobi. We can begin as soon as you're ready."

Shinobi responds.

Shinobi: "Let's get started, please."

The doctor nods his head and the nurse goes to the computer. Shinobi then steps into the machine and the sides of her head are clasped by support clasps. The doctor speaks.

Doctor: "All networking functions have been shut down and you have been switched to cyberbrain autistic mode for safety concerns until the transfer is complete. Do I have your permission to begin?"

Shinobi responds as the doctor further secures her in the machine.

Shinobi: "Proceed."

The doctor looks over at the nurse and nods his head. The machine then turns 90 degrees into a horizontal positon with Hatsumi's back facing up. There are many cords connected to the back of her neck. The nurse presses a switch on the terminal and the back of Shinobi's head opens up, revealing her brain case that houses her cyberbrain. She looks very serene and tranquil as the view shows a close-up of the right side of her head, where we see Aramaki and Kusanagi seated on the other side of the viewing window. We then see the doctor connect another cord to the back of Shinobi's neck before speaking.

Doctor: "We are now ready to begin the transfer. Shall I proceed?"

Shinobi doesn't move but responds.

Shinobi: "Continue with the operation."

The doctor then walks over to the terminal and places his hand on a switch and speaks to Hatsumi.

Doctor: "Beginning transfer, now."

He flips the switch and a faint whirring sound emits from Shinobi's machine. Aramaki and Kusanagi watch as Shinobi's body relaxes and becomes an empty shell. Her eyes become dull looking. The doctor then walks over to the empty shell and begins to carefully remove Shinobi's brain case from the shell. He asks the nurse to ready her new body for her brain case. The other body is then lowered so that the doctor can place her brain case into it. The back of the head opens up and the doctor begins to carefully place the brain case into the head. He carefully connects the stem to the central nervous system and fits the brain case perfectly into the head. The back of the head closes and seals as the doctor removes certain cords from the empty shell and connects them to Hatsumi's cyberbrain implants located on the back of her neck. He then nods to the nurse, who presses a switch on the terminal. A faint whirring sound emits from the machine. Shinobi's new body has a surge pulse through it for a split second. Her eyes open and she glances around the room. The doctor speaks.

Doctor: "How do you feel?"

Shinobi looks at the doctor and responds.

Shinobi: "I'm fine. You can let me down now."

The nurse then presses a different switch and Shinobi is eased down from the machine. She then places her feet on the floor and removes herself from the machine. She then proceeds to take a few steps and stretch, speaking to the doctor.

Shinobi: "Thank you, doctor. I must leave now."

She then proceeds into the changing room and grabs her BDU. She exits the changing room, still dressed in the hospital gown and nods to the doctor and nurse, and leaves the operating room. She doesn't look at Aramaki and Kusanagi or speak to them, hinting that she is angry or upset with their performance in Tokyo. They simply follow her. Kusanagi speaks to Aramaki via encrypted cybercom.

Kusanagi: "Chief, what now?"

Aramaki responds as they approach the front desk.

Aramaki: "We'll take her to her home for now. She doesn't need her officers or politicians clamoring after her right now."

They stand in front of the desk when Shinobi speaks to the receptionist and places her I.D. and credit card on the desk. The receptionist smiles at Shinobi and verifies the information. Shinobi says nothing and doesn't move. After the information is processed, the receptionist hands Hatsumi her I.D., credit card, and a receipt and bids her farewell. Shinobi only nods and walks away, with Aramaki and Kusanagi following close behind. When they exit the hospital, they see Yoshimura and two other military officers waiting for her. Yoshimura speaks to Shinobi.

Yoshimura: "Chief of Staff, ma'am. Are you all right?"

Shinobi begins to grow angry and annoyed, but responds.

Shinobi: "I have no desire to speak with you at this moment! I'll return to my office tomorrow. Good night, Yoshimura."

They then reach Aramaki's car with Yoshimura standing in disbelief. Aramaki gets into the passenger seat, Kusanagi gets into the driver seat, and Shinobi gets into the back seat on the passenger side. Kusanagi starts the car and begins to drive, reaching the expressway. Aramaki looks into the rearview mirror to see Shinobi peering out of the window, lost in thought. He informs Shinobi of where they're taking her.

Aramaki: "Chief of Staff, we've decided that it would be best if you returned to your home for the time being."

Shinobi doesn't look at him but responds in a much more calm and quiet voice.

Shinobi: "Very well."

Kusanagi glances at her through the rearview mirror. Shinobi doesn't notice. We then see Aramaki's car pull in front of a residential skyscraper somewhere in the upperclass district of Niihama. Aramaki, Kusanagi, and Shinobi exit the car and enter the building. They reach an elevator and Shinobi presses a switch that takes them to the top floor, which is a luxurious penthouse in which Hatsumi lives. They enter Shinobi's home to see that most of the ceiling and exterior walls are made of glass. Then, a young beautiful woman who is in her late 20's appears and speaks to Shinobi.

Masako: "Hatsumi, I heard that you were shot. Are you all right?"

Shinobi responds.

Shinobi: "I'm fine."

Shinobi then introduces Aramaki and Kusanagi to the woman.

Shinobi: "Chief Aramaki and Major Kusanagi, this is my wife, Masako Kobayashi."

They then bow to each other. Shinobi then speaks to Masako.

Shinobi: "I'm going to go dress in some proper clothing. Please see to our guests."

Masako nods as Shinobi exits the main room. She speaks to Aramaki and Kusanagi.

Masako: "Please, have a seat and make yourselves comfortable. Can I offer anyone something to drink or eat?"

Aramaki and Kusanagi sit on a sofa as Aramaki responds.

Aramaki: "No thank you, ma'am."

Kusanagi also responds.

Kusanagi: "No thank you."

Masako then sits on the sofa opposite of Aramaki and Kusanagi. She speaks to them.

Masako: "So Mister Aramaki, what is your profession?"

Aramaki looks at her and speaks in a pleasant tone.

Aramaki: "I work as the chief of Public Security Section 9. Major Kusanagi is my second in command. We deal with cyberterrorism and information crime. And yourself?"

Masako responds.

Masako: "I am actually a Warrant Officer in the MSDA. I mostly do office work and I occasionally am sent overseas as a representative aid to foreign militaries, along with other officers."

Aramaki nods his head and Kusanagi doesn't speak. Shinobi returns dressed in low-cut black shorts and a black tight fitting tank top. She then takes a seat next to Masako, sitting with her legs crossed. She then speaks to Aramaki.

Shinobi: "Chief Aramaki, concerning what took place earlier today in Tokyo, I would like to know why you failed to inform me that your people were in the area."

Aramaki looks up at Shinobi, who is looking at him with demanding eyes. He speaks to her.

Aramaki: "Chief of Staff, I assure you, General Kawashima stated that there were no GSDA teams in the area at the time."

Shinobi sighs and closes her eyes for a moment as Masako speaks.

Masako: "What happened, Hatsumi?"

Shinobi doesn't move or speak. Kusanagi responds to Masako, giving a brief explanation.

Kusanagi: "Neither of us were told that there was another team in the vicinity. As a result, a member of my team shot and wounded her."

Masako appears shocked and looks at Shinobi, who finally opens her eyes and glances at her. Shinobi then speaks to Aramaki and Kusanagi.

Shinobi: "Word of this cannot reach the ears of the public or media or they would have a field day."

Aramaki speaks.

Aramaki: "I understand."

Shinobi then asks.

Shinobi: "When is the trial?"

Kusanagi responds to her question.

Kusanagi: "In 3 days, ma'am."

Masako responds.

Masako: "What is the trial for?"

Shinobi looks at her and responds.

Shinobi: "Major General Hamauzu has called for another trial relating to our marriage and if I should be allowed to stay in command of the GSDA. I'm quite surprised that you haven't been implemented at all, Masako."

Masako then responds.

Masako: "It's probably because I don't have as much influence as you do. I'm going to go and get some tea. Do you want me to bring you back anything?"

Shinobi responds.

Shinobi: "Yes, please. Thank you."

Masako stands up and begins to leave. She then turns and speaks to Aramaki and Kusanagi.

Masako: "Would either of you like me to get you something? It's on me."

Aramaki raises a hand and shakes his head politely. Kusanagi responds.

Kusanagi: "No thank you, ma'am"

Masako then bows to them before putting on her coat and leaving. Shinobi then speaks to them.

Shinobi: "When the trial does come, will you aid me, Chief Aramaki and Major Kusanagi?"

Aramaki responds.

Aramaki: "Are you able to understand the true nature of what took place in Tokyo?"

Shinobi looks at them for a moment and answers.

Shinobi: "Yes. Section 9 will continue to recieve my support and favor. Today's mishap was a mere accident."

Aramaki seems much more pleased and responds to her question.

Aramaki: "Chief of Staff, Major Kusanagi and I will be there for your defense at the trial."

Shinobi bows her head and speaks.

Shinobi: "Thank you."

Aramaki looks at his watch and then stands. Kusanagi and Shinobi also stand. Aramaki then speaks to Shinobi.

Aramaki: "I'm afraid we must leave now. There is a mountain of paperwork waiting for me and we must continue our search for Takeda."

Shinobi responds.

Shinobi: "Very well. Allow me to see you to the door."

Shinobi then walks with them to the door to her penthouse. When they reach the door, Shinobi says one last thing to Kusanagi.

Shinobi: "I almost forgot to thank you for saving my life, Major. It is much appreciated and I am in your debt."

Kusanagi responds.

Kusanagi: "You don't need to thank me, ma'am."

Shinobi then closes her eyes and bows as Aramaki and Kusanagi leave.

Episode 6

Opening Theme: Rise - Origa/Yoko Kanno

Closing Theme: One Minute Warning - Passengers (3:16 - 4:40)

Cast:

Motoko Kusanagi - Mary McGlynn

Daisuke Aramaki - William Knight

Buttetsu Batou - Richard Epcar

Togusa -

Saito -

Ishikawa -

Pazu -

Borma -

Azuma -

Yoko Kayabuki -

Hideki Yoshimura -

Hatsumi Shinobi - Patricia Ja Lee

Kubota -

Akira Kawashima -

Mifune -

Masahiro Takeda - John DiMaggio

Masashi Shinobi (Flashback) -

Toshio Hamauzu (Flashback) -

Plot Summary: In this episode, we are drawing very close to Shinobi's trial. We witness a flashback of a previous trial in which we see Hatsumi's relationship to her father, Vice Admiral Masashi Shinobi. We learn that Hamazu and Masashi Shinobi were colleagues and Masashi was a militarist who was extremely feared by the government, military, and the general public. We also see Takeda begin to rally support from other terrorists and members of the underworld who hate Kayabuki and Shinobi. We learn more about Takeda as well.

Part A Scene 1

After the opening credits, we see Yoshimura, Kawashima, Aramaki, and Kubota walking down a corridor towards the Cabinet meeting room in the Prime Minister's residence. They enter the room to see Kayabuki, Admiral Mifune, and Shinobi all seated around the large table. They all look up and see the four men enter. Kayabuki speaks.

Kayabuki: "Gentlemen, please have a seat."

Aramaki sits between Kayabuki and Shinobi, Kubota sits on the other side of Shinobi, Kawashima sits between Kayabuki and Mifune, and Yoshimura sits on the other side of Mifune. Kayabuki then continues.

Kayabuki: "The reason that I called all of you here is so that we can discuss the tribunal that is rapidly approaching. I believe we all feel that Hatsumi Shinobi must stay as the Chief of Ground Staff due to her expertise in the military field."

Kawashima responds.

Kawashima: "Yes, I agree. The question that is circulating is what will Hamauzu do? He is the one man who has consistantly tried to remove her from her position for years."

Mifune, who is an older man in his late fifties with glasses, speaks next.

Mifune: "Remember General, her father was also trying to remove her from office as well."

Shinobi glances at Mifune, but says nothing. Kayabuki responds.

Kayabuki: "Vice Admiral Masashi Shinobi?"

Mifune looks at Kayabuki and responds.

Mifune: "Yes."

Kawashima suggests.

Kawashima: "I think we should look at these past trials and perhaps we can detect a loophole in Hamazu's testimony."

Yoshimura speaks.

Yoshimura: "These trials are stored on a private server, but we should be able to access them without any trouble."

Everyone then closes their eyes and a data recording appears in their cyberbrains. Yoshimura speaks via cybercom.

Yoshimura: "Before we begin, let me tell you about the Vice Admiral. Vice Admiral Masashi Shinobi was not a pleasant man. He was very cold, ominous, and silent. He did not speak much. Everyone feared him immensly, some of you might have met him. He was a militarist and an extreme conservative who feared change. He wanted Japan to return to a Shangri-La way of life."

The recording plays and we watch it as if we were there.

We see Hatsumi Shinobi standing in front of 9 military officers who are seated. We also see a man dressed in an olive green military officer uniform. This man is Major General Hamauzu. He has grey hair and is a burly man, much like Batou. We also see a man standing next to Hamauzu dressed in a blue Maritime Self Defense Army officer uniform. He has brown hair with grey temples and a full goatee and mustache. His hairline is starting to recede and he is watching Hatsumi with fierce eyes. This man is her father, Vice Admiral Masashi Shinobi. Hamauzu speaks.

Hamauzu: "This woman that stands before us is a disgrace to Japan's noble military. She is brash, naive, and inexperianced. Not only that, but the Joint Staff Office would allow a homosexual, let alone a woman, lead the Ground Self Defense Army! You know as well as I do that one such as herself is not fit to lead!"

The tribunal are seen writing down notes when Shinobi speaks for herself.

Shinobi: "Haven't I always served the people? Haven't I always kept our country safe and maintained diplomacy with other nations? Our ground forces have never operated as well until I took command. My marraige has had no influence on my military career and it does not dictate my decisions on how I run the GSDA!"

Masashi Shinobi looks from his daughter to the tribunal, who are taking notes once again. They then speak to Hatsumi.

Judge 1: "Chief of Ground Staff Shinobi, you believe that you should continue to command the Ground Self Defense Army when there are others who some think would be better suited to the job?"

Shinobi responds to them.

Shinobi: "I have proved myself time and time again. As a Colonel, I personally helped safely remove a nuclear threat in Japan in 2017. When I was a Major General, I saw that the ground forces did their part in the taking of Nemuro. There are countless other instances in which I have proved my loyalty and dedication. For that, I was granted the rank of Chief of Ground Staff in 2024 by the Joint Staff Office. Who would question their decision than these two men?"

The tribunal write down notes and some people in the crowd murmur to each other. Hamauzu speaks to Shinobi.

Hamauzu: "You may have been loyal to Japan and you may have helped us on a few occassions, but that alone is not enough to make up for your disgusting marraige! If Nagatakamaru-"

Masashi Shinobi cuts him off by clearing his throat. Then a judge then speaks to Masashi.

Judge 2: "Do you have something you would like to say, Vice Admiral?"

Masashi responds.

Masashi: "No."

Shinobi glances from her father to Hamauzu before responding to Hamauzu.

Shinobi: "Helped you? I have contributed more than you have, Hamauzu! Why do you think I have this honorable rank and you do not, hm?"

Hamauzu begins to become frustrated and speaks to the tribunal.

Hamauzu: "This woman has no honor! She has removed honor from our glorious military with her stain!"

The tribunal writes down notes when Shinobi responds.

Shinobi: "You are angry because one such as myself has much more honor than you do, Hamauzu. You are removing honor from our military because you have persistantly tried to oust me from office for some time now! You have failed every time and now, the rest of the Self Defense Army is laughing at you behind your back. You are dragging your own honor down with your humiliation and you are dragging my father's honor with you!"

Masashi finally speaks.

Masashi: "I will be the one to decide where my honor goes, Hatsumi. It is you who decides where my family's honor place is. I cannot deny your everlasting loyalty to Japan and its people, but I will not have you insult my family name by having command of our army."

The tribunal continues to write as Shinobi responds to her father.

Shinobi: "Father, you must understand that I will not leave simply because you are insulted. I serve Japan and its people before you. I went into this career as your wish, because our family is a military dictated family. Until you learned of my marraige, you were proud of myself and you also respected me. But when you learned, you were disgusted! I then realized that you would have nothing to do with me, even now when I am in command of our entire ground force. Would you still have been disgusted if you hadn't known? Or would you have been proud of your daughter for bringing so much honor to our family?"

Masashi doesn't speak.

Shinobi glares at her father while he looks at her with fierce eyes. People in the crowd are murmuring to each other while the tribunal continues to write. Hamauzu glances from Shinobi to the tribunal before speaking to them.

Hamazu: "She insults us all with her presence and she displays the common traits of a weak woman! One who cannot lead! Next, there will be a weak woman serving as the Prime Minister, destroying Japan completely! We cannot allow this to happen!"

The tribunal speaks to Hamauzu.

Judge 1: "You will stay on the topic at hand, General."

Shinobi looks at Hamauzu and responds.

Shinobi: "A weak woman? You have no compelling argument and are resorting to your sexist beliefs that mean nothing here. As I have made clear earlier, I have proven myself many times over and the Chief of Joint Staff, the Minister of Defense, and the Prime Minister agree or I would not be in command of the GSDA. I have nothing left to argue."

Shinobi then sits as the tribunal continue to write. Hamauzu is speechless and Masashi Shinobi says nothing. The Vice Admiral also sits, knowing that Hatsumi Shinobi has won. Hamauzu speaks to Masashi.

Hamauzu: "Vice Admiral Shinobi! Masashi! We cannot let her win!"

Masashi shifts his eyes at Shinobi and speaks to Hamauzu.

Masashi: "It's over, Hamazu. You cannot win."

Hamauzu is frustrated while Masashi is calm. He then responds to him.

Hamauzu: "But-"

The Vice Admiral cuts him off.

Masashi: "This is why she is the Chief of Ground Staff and you are not."

Hamauzu grunts and then sits. He scowls at Shinobi while she simply looks at him. Her father sits with his arms crossed and his eyes closed, already knowing the ruling of the tribunal. The tribunal stands, followed by everyone else. The head judge then speaks.

Head Judge: "We find the defendant, Chief of Ground Staff Hatsumi Shinobi, innocent of all charges. This council is now adjourned."

We then see everyone shuffling and conversing about the trial as we see Hatsumi walking towards us with frustrated and hurt eyes. She is clearly upset with her father. We see him simply stand and watch her leave. The recording ends here.

Part A Scene 2

We have now returned to the Cabinet meeting room where everyone is taking in the recording that was just viewed. Kayabuki, who has never known who Masashi Shinobi was, speaks first.

Kayabuki: "Is there a chance that we may be able to persuade the Vice Admiral to not support Major General Hamauzu?"

Kubota responds.

Kubota: "No, ma'am. Vice Admiral Shinobi died approximately 3 years ago."

Kayabuki looks at Shinobi and speaks.

Kayabuki: "I am sorry for your loss, Chief of Staff."

Shinobi slightly shakes her head and closes her eyes, since seeing this recording has drudged up unpleasant memories. We then see her rest her forehead on her right hand, leaning on an arm rest in her chair. She gently squints her eyes in frustration and emotional pain. Everyone looks at her as Kayabuki speaks to her.

Kayabuki: "Is something wrong?"

Shinobi doesn't move but responds.

Shinobi: "It's nothing. Please continue."

They leave Shinobi be while Kawashima speaks.

Kawashima: "It seems to me that Hamauzu is constantly repeating himself. He doesn't give a compelling argument, as Chief of Staff Shinobi accurately put it back then, he is going back on the same god-awful statement about how she is weak and dishonorable. Even with the Vice Admiral supporting him, he still wasn't able to sway the tribunal to his tune. I see no reason why he would be able to win, especially without Vice Admiral Shinobi."

Yoshimura reminds Kawashima.

Yoshimura: "Remember that the tribunal is different for each trial? It's safe to say that there is a chance that the tribunal may consist of militarist colleagues of Shinobi's. We have to be very careful and come up with an excellent defense."

Kubota then speaks.

Kubota: "We should continue to use the Chief of Ground Staff's military background and achievements as a defense, but we need to have more than just that. What do you think, ma'am?"

Shinobi doesn't move. They all look at her, waiting for a response. She doesn't speak. Kayabuki speaks to her.

Kayabuki: "Chief of Staff, tell us what is bothering you."

Shinobi finally looks at them and speaks.

Shinobi: "As you saw in that video file, I was not on good terms with my father. He hated me and wanted nothing to do with me, that's why I do not like to talk about him."

No one speaks and a silence looms over the conference room for a moment before Aramaki breaks it.

Aramaki: "Chief of Staff ma'am, this trial is important. I'm sorry that you and your father were not on good terms but we need you to help us so you can stay in office."

Shinobi then sighs before speaking.

Shinobi: "He was good friends with Party Secretary Yakushima and helped him siphon illegal funds between the MSDA and Yakushima. Hamauzu knows this and will likely use my father against me. Hamauzu is one of the reasons why we never got along and I want to see him arrested for this."

They all appear surprised and Kubota speaks again.

Kubota: "This should be the final blow to permanently secure Chief of Staff Shinobi's position and oust the Major General from the military. General Kawashima, will you have him arrested after the trial?"

Kawashima looks at Kubota and responds.

Kawashima: "Yes. I have no problem with doing that. He has insulted the Chief of Ground Staff, Lt. General Yoshimura, and myself more than once."

Kayabuki then stands, followed by everyone else. She speaks.

Kayabuki: "Very well, it's decided then. The trial is at 11:30 AM and resides at the Ministry of Justice. This meeting is adjourned."

Yoshimura, Kawashima, Mifune, and Kubota leave while Kayabuki, Aramaki, and Shinobi stay behind. Kayabuki and Aramaki look at Shinobi, who is peering out the window into the night at the lit city of Niihama. Aramaki speaks to her.

Aramaki: "Chief of Staff, why don't you go home and get some rest. You've had an eventful week and will need your strength for the trial."

Kayabuki also speaks to her.

Kayabuki: "Is there anything I can do for you, Chief of Staff?"

Shinobi turns and speaks.

Shinobi: "Thank you, but no, Madam Prime Minister. I just need to get my mind off of my father. Thank you for offering though. I am going home for now. If anything comes up, please feel free to call me. Chief Aramaki, has there been any word about Masahiro Kasanaki?"

Aramaki responds.

Aramaki: "None yet. My team is still investigating. We will call you immediately if anything comes up."

Shinobi responds.

Shinobi: "I see. Good night, Prime Minister."

Shinobi then bows to Kayabuki and then exits the room. Kayabuki speaks to Aramaki.

Kayabuki: "Chief Aramaki, I am worried about her."

Aramaki watches Shinobi walk down the hall while speaking to Kayabuki.

Aramaki: "Hatsumi Shinobi is a more than capable woman, Prime Minister, so you don't need to lose sleep over her. For now, let's leave her in peace while she deals with demons of her past."

Part B Scene 1

We are now somewhere in a run down part of Niihama, where we see lower class citizens going about their lives. We also see a few prostitutes standing next to the corners of buildings, some are speaking with men. We then see Masahiro Takeda walking alone in the middle of the street with his hands in the pockets of his trench coat. He has a cigarette lit in his mouth and is puffing on it, exhaling smoke out of his nose. He then walks into an alley where there are 4 Yakuza thugs standing around. Takeda is walking toward a staircase that heads down to a private bar. He is about to reach the stairwell when two of the thugs step in front of him. One of them speaks to him.

Thug 1: "Where do you think you're going, bub?"

Takeda blows smoke out of his nose and into the thugs' faces before speaking.

Takeda: "What's it to you?"

The other two thugs stand behind him. The first thug responds.

Thug 1: "Can't have people poking their noses into places they shouldn't be."

Takeda puffs on his cigarette one last time before throwing it away. He speaks.

Takeda: "I have business here. So if you would please."

He then motions with his hand for them to step out of the way. They don't and simply chuckle.

Thug 1: "I don't think you're getting the idea. We know who you are, terrorist. Boss said not to let you in."

Takeda coughs once and speaks.

Takeda: "That's too bad, really."

He then buries a combat knife into the thug's eye, killing him. The other thugs then jump Takeda, only for him to roll out of the way. Takeda then plants his elbow into one of the thugs, knocking the wind out of him. He immediately swings a backfist at the thug, knocking him unconscious. One thug swings a punch at Takeda, missing, while the other thug tries to tackle Takeda, only for him to have a knee fly up into his chin, knocking him out as well. Masahiro blocks another punch and another. He catches a third punch and breaks the thug's arm. He then catches the thug by his neck, applying enormous amounts of pressure for a normal human. He then snaps the cyborg's neck, killing him. Takeda then releases the thug's body and lights up another cigarette before descending the stairwell. He then enters the bar. Kasanaki looks around for the mob boss. He finds him sitting in a booth alone. Takeda then walks over to the booth, exhaling yet more smoke through his nose. He is stopped by two of the boss's henchmen while the boss glances up at him. He recognizes Kasanaki and speaks to him.

Boss: "Ah, the terrorist. The foreigner. What business do you have with me?"

Takeda shrugs off the henchmen and takes another puff of his cigarette. He speaks to the boss.

Takeda: "I hear that Kayabuki has been causing you some trouble lately."

The mob boss looks at him suspicously before speaking.

Boss: "Yeah. What of it?"

Takeda puts out his cigarette in the ashtray on the booth. He then takes the boss's cigarette from the ashtray and puts it out as well and speaks.

Takeda: "Disgusting habit. I've got lung cancer because of these. It would be a shame if one such as yourself came down with something like that. I have a proposition for you."

Takeda then sits across from the mob boss and coughs for a moment before continuing.

Takeda: "You and I have a common enemy. I can get Kayabuki off of your ass if you would be willing to do something for me."

The mob boss slightly turns his head before responding.

Boss: "What do you want?"

Takeda speaks.

Takeda: "The Yakuza has a monopoly on cyberdrugs and Kayabuki has been trying to eliminate your business. From the look of the drug rates in the country, it seems to me that you're letting her have her way. As I've said, I can get her off of your ass. I have a quarrel with the current Chief of Ground Staff."

The mob boss raises an eyebrow as Kasanaki lights up another cigarette. He speaks.

Boss: "Hatsumi Shinobi? What did she pull on you?"

Takeda exhales smoke and responds.

Takeda: "Let's just say some vengeance would be much appreciated. It's not common knowledge, but she has a wife who lives with her at this address."

He places a slip of paper on the table and pushes it towards the mob boss. The boss picks up the paper and reads it. Takeda speaks.

Takeda: "In three days, there's going to be a trial in which Shinobi will be absent from her home and her wife will be alone."

The mob boss looks up from the paper and responds.

Boss: "Let me guess, you want us to kidnap the bitch for you, right?"

Takeda puffs his cigarette and responds.

Takeda: "Yeah. Don't hurt her though. I want her alive. We'll meet back here in three days. You'll hand the woman over to me and you'll be able to carry out your business without the government or cops stuffing their noses into it."

The mob boss thinks for a moment before speaking.

Boss: "How do I know you'll keep your end of the deal?"

Takeda has his right elbow on the table and puts out his cigarette and responds.

Takeda: "How do I know you'll keep yours? I'm just a terrorist who has a grudge against certain individuals. I'm sure that both Kayabuki and Shinobi have caused you problems in the past. If you hand her over to me in three days, you'll never see me again."

The mob boss laughs and speaks.

Boss: "And what if I don't agree?"

Takeda then reaches into his coat with his right hand, pulls out a .45 pistol, and aims it at the mob boss's head. The boss stops laughing and stares at Takeda with a dumbstruck look on his face. Takeda speaks.

Takeda: "I'll splatter your brains all over this booth, putting an end to your drug business real quick. I've got lung cancer because of that shit and I don't give a damn what happens to your business. Even if you don't agree, I'll resort to doing things my way. I guarantee, you won't want that."

The two henchmen slowly approach Takeda, who cocks the chamber and continues to aim it at their boss. The boss puts his hand up. His henchmen stop.

Boss: "Your way, huh? And what is your way?"

Takeda doesn't move but responds.

Takeda: "Let's just say that Niihama would be leveled if I did things my way."

The boss chuckles and speaks.

Boss: "I'm not satisfied that you'll keep up your end."

Takeda opens his coat, showing the mob boss a smaller sized nuclear device and responds.

Takeda: "Do you insist on arguing with a terrorist that can level the entire city of Niihama with a nuclear warhead at this very moment? What's it going to be?"

The mob boss speaks.

Boss: "You're bluffing."

Takeda then aims his pistol at one of the henchmen and shoots, killing him. The mob boss then begins to stand. Takeda aims the gun back at the boss and speaks.

Takeda: "Sit."

The boss slowly sits down and is nervous.

Takeda: "Your answer. Now."

The mob boss thinks for a moment before agreeing to Takeda's offer. Takeda then stands, putting his gun away and speaking.

Takeda: "It is a pleasure doing business with you. I will return in three days. Don't send any of your twerps after me or else."

Takeda taps the warhead in his coat. He then turns away and walks toward the exit. He places 2000 Yen on the bar in front of the bartender on his way out, speaking.

Takeda: "Here's for the mess."

He then exits the bar, with everyone looking at him in disbelief.

Part B Scene 2

It is now the following day and we are inside of Aramaki's office. Aramaki, Kusanagi, and Batou are speaking of Shinobi's upcoming trial.

Batou: "So, you're saying that we are going to court to support Shinobi while we should be using our time to find Takeda?"

Aramaki looks at him and responds.

Aramaki: "Yes. She agreed to dismiss the Tokyo incident as an accident as long as we accompanied her to court. It wouldn't hurt us to have her in our debt."

Batou sighs and Kusanagi speaks.

Kusanagi: "Ishikawa and Borma did some digging into Hamauzu's background. They found that Hamauzu was involved in illegal development of nuclear weapons, violating Article 9 of the Constitution. Rumour has it that he is still involved and that the GSDA has possession of WMDs. He tried to persuade Hatsumi Shinobi's father into selling nukes to nearby hostile developing countries in order to gain funds and trust from them. The Vice Admiral rejected his offer, however."

Batou responds to Kusanagi.

Batou: "Does she know about this?"

Aramaki: "No. It would be beneficial to her if we informed her about the General's misdeeds. Major, I want you to head over to the Ministry of Defense and pick up the Chief of Staff. Her and I have an appointment and she wanted to meet here, away from her work."

Kusanagi seems surprised and Batou responds.

Batou: "It seems that you and Shinobi have been meeting a lot lately."

Aramaki glances at Batou and responds.

Aramaki: "This is a very important trial and it would be difficult for us to operate if on bad terms with her. Remember, Tokyo is still fresh in her head."

Kusanagi then stands and leaves for the Ministry of Defense.

We are now at the Ministry of Defense where we see Shinobi wearing her black trench coat over her olive green uniform and her officer's cap, locking her office. She then walks into the lobby and meets up with Kusanagi. She speaks to her.

Shinobi: "Aramaki called, saying that you would be here, Major."

Kusanagi responds.

Kusanagi: "I didn't have much choice, ma'am. He said you wanted to meet with him away from here."

Kusanagi and Shinobi begin to walk through the lobby and toward the entrance of the Defense Agency. Shinobi looks at Kusanagi as she responds.

Shinobi: "Yes, well, Major General Hamauzu has been causing quite a stink. He's been trying to corrupt my officers against me. Most of them have stayed loyal but there are a few who have pledged support to that fool. It seems to me that I cannot simply relax and do my job without something happening. I believe that it would be best if I met with Chief Aramaki in his office until Hamauzu is removed from the military."

Kusanagi speaks.

Kusanagi: "Speaking of which, some members of my team did some digging into Hamauzu's background and they discovered that he isn't as innocent as he portrays himself."

They've just reached the entrance when Shinobi stops and turns to her. Shinobi is looking at Kusanagi with a curious face.

Shinobi: "What do you mean?"

Kusanagi turns to Shinobi and responds.

Kusanagi: "Apparently, the Major General was developing nuclear weapons, violating Article 9."

Shinobi looks astonished and responds.

Shinobi: "And no one knew of this?"

They exit the building and walk towards Kusanagi's car as she speaks to the Chief of Ground Staff.

Kusanagi: "From the look of things, Hamauzu had tried to recruit Vice Admiral Shinobi into the operation."

Shinobi scowls into her reflection on the passenger window of Kusanagi's car and growls to herself.

Shinobi: "Damn him!"

They both then get into the vehicle and put their safety belts on before Kusanagi drives onto the expressway. We show the both of them sitting in the car as Shinobi speaks to Kusanagi.

Shinobi: "I wouldn't have expected either of them to inform me of this. Would Yakushima have known?"

Kusanagi doesn't look at her but responds.

Kusanagi: "Don't know. It's hard to say what the former Party Secretary did know. Is there anyone that you know who meets with Hamauzu?"

Shinobi thinks for a moment before responding.

Shinobi: "Yoshimura, but he would have told me about this. His loyalties lie with me, not Hamauzu."

The view switches to outside of the car, looking at Niihama. We hear Kusanagi's voice.

Kusanagi: "There is always the possibility that he isn't aware of Hamauzu's actions."

Shinobi's voice is heard.

Shinobi: "Knowing Yoshimura, he would've known. He's quite efficient at data manipulation. His skills helped him get to where he is now. If he did know, severe consequences await him after the trial."

The view returns to the interior of the car. Shinobi has become more relaxed in her seat and Kusanagi glances out of her window before speaking.

Kusanagi: "Would you mind if I asked you a question?"

Shinobi glances over at Kusanagi before responding

Shinobi: "What is it?"

Kusanagi speaks to Shinobi.

Kusanagi: "How well did you know Masahiro Takeda?"

Shinobi seems puzzled and looks away from Kusanagi and stares out the passenger window. The angle is switched so we see the back of Hatsumi's head. We see her reflection in the passenger window, however. She has a serene look in her eyes.

Shinobi: "He was my aide in South America. He was very quiet and only spoke if he had something to say. I respected him as a soldier since he had saved my life once."

Kusanagi looks over at Shinobi for a moment, expecting her to say more. She doesn't. Kusanagi then continues to drive. Shinobi looks out of the windshield, lost in thought. She then glances at Kusanagi for a moment before watching traffic out of the windshield. She speaks.

Shinobi: "Has your team come up with anything relating to him?"

Kusanagi doesn't look but responds.

Kusanagi: "We discovered that Takeda has lung cancer since he is a heavy chain smoker and he threatens to destroy Niihama with nuclear weapons."

Shinobi looks at Kusanagi and responds.

Shinobi: "I wouldn't doubt that he has cancer. He smoked a lot when he was my aide, even though I warned him of cancer."

She thinks for a moment and speaks.

Shinobi: "I don't understand why he would want to destroy the capital. If he's only after Kayabuki and myself, why would he threaten to level Niihama?"

Kusanagi glances at Shinobi for a moment before looking away.

Kusanagi: "It's really hard to say. Our best bet is to arrest him and ask him ourselves."

Shinobi looks away from Kusanagi.

We now return to Aramaki's office, where we see Aramaki sitting at his desk filling out paperwork when Kusanagi enters with Shinobi behind her. He looks up as they enter and greets Shinobi.

Aramaki: "Good afternoon, Chief of Staff."

Shinobi removes her coat and cap and hangs them on a nearby coat-rack before speaking.

Shinobi: "Thank you for agreeing to meet me here, Chief Aramaki. I cannot work in peace without Hamauzu causing a stink around the Staff Office."

Aramaki removes his glasses and nods to Kusanagi. She glances at Shinobi before leaving. We follow Kusanagi down the hall where we see a stern look on her face, implying her concern with Shinobi's continued meetings with Aramaki. She enters the dive room to see Ishikawa, Borma, and Togusa investigating the Takeda case. She speaks.

Kusanagi: "Anything new?"

Ishikawa lifts the machine and sighs. He then responds to Kusanagi.

Ishikawa: "The guy's an enigma. We searched North American databanks but found nothing. We tried European databanks and Asian databanks, nothing. We did search the GSDA's records and discovered that he was a Colonel's Aide, however.'

Kusanagi leans on the table and responds.

Kusanagi: "Yeah, Shinobi told me."

Ishikawa responds.

Ishikawa: "Hm?"

Togusa looks over and speaks.

Togusa: "How does she know?"

Kusanagi doesn't look at Togusa but responds to him.

Kusanagi: "Turns out that he was Shinobi's aide when she was a colonel. She didn't give any in depth information though, so we're still chasing a ghost."

Ishikawa speaks.

Ishikawa: "We're going to need her cooperation if we are going to catch this guy. The Chief of Ground Staff is the only person who personally knew the man."

Togusa speaks.

Togusa: "Do you think she'll work with us in order to find him?"

Kusanagi looks at Togusa and responds.

Kusanagi: "Well, right now her focus and concentration is on her trial that's tomorrow. It'll be easier to get her help afterwards, so we'll have to wait for now."

Togusa begins to become frustrated but says nothing. Borma then speaks.

Borma: "Isn't the Chief meeting with her right now?"

Kusanagi responds.

Kusanagi: "Yeah. She insisted on meeting here instead of the Defense Agency."

Togusa speaks.

Togusa: "What? Why?"

Kusanagi looks at him and responds.

Kusanagi: "She claims that her subordinate is causing trouble, so she wanted to get away from that."

Pazu enters the dive room for moment and speaks.

Pazu: "Hey, the chief wants us to meet up with him and Shinobi."

Ishikawa responds.

Ishikawa: "What for?"

Pazu shrugs and leaves.

Kusanagi, Togusa, Ishikawa, and Borma follow him. We are back in Aramaki's office where we see Aramaki at his desk. Batou and Saito are seated along with Shinobi. Kusanagi. Togusa, Ishikawa, Pazu, and Borma enter. Aramaki speaks.

Aramaki: "Please sit."

They sit with Kusanagi and Shinobi watching each other closely. Shinobi looks at Aramaki who nods his head. She speaks.

Shinobi: "I hope this information will be able to help you find Takeda. If you hadn't known this already, Masahiro Takeda is an immigrant from America. Takeda is a psuedonym that he is required to use since he has Japanese citizenship. By law, all foreigners who become citizens of Japan are required to adopt a name of Japanese origin. However, I don't know his actual name. I have searched records during my personal investigation and I am unable to find his real name or any background information."

Togusa speaks.

Togusa: "Masahiro Takedai isn't his real name?"

Shinobi glances at Togusa for a moment before continuing.

Shinobi: "Correct. After he became a citizen, he joined the GSDA in 2017. In 2019, Takeda was assigned to me as my aide. I was colonel. He was a quiet man who only spoke when he had something to say. Since he was an immigrant, he was discriminated against since he was accused of disgracing the honor of the military. I was uncertain of his loyalties until he took a bullet for me from a would-be assassin. After that, I gained a certain respect for the man and even befriended the former American. He never told me his actual name, but I did learn that he was former friends with Hideo Kuze and my wife."

Kusanagi looks over at her and responds.

Kusanagi: "Warrant Officer Masako Kobayashi?"

Shinobi looks at Kusanagi and then at everyone else.

Shinobi: "Yes. I've tried to obtain information but Masako is uncomfortable talking about him. She doesn't know that it's him who's trying to kill me, though, so I will speak to her again about it. As I was saying, he didn't say much about himself. I had asked him why he left America. He responded by saying this, 'Freedom.'

Kusanagi then speaks.

Kusanagi: "He said something similar when I spoke to him. He ranted about America aspiring towards socialism and how the government stole his freedom. He then stated that you were the one who disgraced him, Chief of Staff."

They all look at Shinobi, who has a stern look in her eyes.

Shinobi: "I disgraced him?"

Kusanagi continues.

Kusanagi: "He claimed that he discovered a nuke in the Peninsula, where you two were stationed. He said that you set him up by sending him to find it at his request, even though you knew there wasn't one."

Shinobi appears angry and slams her fist on the arm rest of the chair. She growls in frustration before speaking.

Shinobi: "I said no such thing! I didn't speak of a nuclear weapon at all!"

Aramaki speaks.

Aramaki: "Chief of Staff, please calm yourself."

Shinobi sighs in frustration before relaxing. She speaks.

Shinobi: "I knew nothing of a nuke. Therefore, someone else must have made him believe that I set him up. He disappeared afterwards and I have not seen him since. I lost a good friend and now, he wants me dead. I cannot work with all of this happening. Takeda is trying to kill me, Hamauzu is trying to remove me from service, and I believe someone has been conspiring against me since I was colonel due to the fact that Takeda betrayed me without actual knowledge of any nuke and now he's my would-be assassin."

She rests her forehead in her palm, leaning on the arm rest. After a moment, she sits up straight and speaks.

Shinobi: "The trial is tomorrow and I must prepare for it. I'll speak with my wife and try to gain some more information on Takeda. After tomorrow, Hamauzu will not be a problem to me anymore, so I'll be able to focus on my job and much of my energy to assist you in finding this terrorist."

She stands, followed by everyone else. She speaks as she puts her cap on and drapes her coat over her left forearm.

Shinobi: "I must leave now and return to my office. I have an appointment with Prime Minister Kayabuki at 8:00 tonight."

Aramaki responds.

Aramaki: "Major Kusanagi and I will meet you tomorrow at 11:00 AM at the Ministry of Justice. Get plenty of rest, ma'am."

Aramaki then looks at Kusanagi and speaks.

Aramaki: "Major, please drive the Chief of Staff back to the Ministry of Defense."

Kusanagi responds.

Kusanagi: "Yes sir."

Kusanagi follows Shinobi out of Aramaki's office, ending the episode here.

Episode 7

Opening Theme: Rise - Origa/Yoko Kanno

Closing Theme: One Minute Warning - Passengers (3:16 - 4:40)

Cast:

Motoko Kusanagi - Mary McGlynn

Daisuke Aramaki - William Knight

Buttetsu Batou - Richard Epcar

Togusa -

Saito -

Ishikawa -

Pazu -

Borma -

Azuma -

Yoko Kayabuki -

Hideki Yoshimura -

Hatsumi Shinobi - Patricia Ja Lee

Kubota -

Akira Kawashima -

Mifune -

Masahiro Takeda - John DiMaggio

Toshio Hamauzu -

Masako Kobayashi -

Plot Summary: This episode centers around Hatsumi Shinobi's trial dealing with her marriage to Masako Kobayashi. Hamazu tries once again to remove her from office but fails once again. Hamauzu is not removed from the military but is removed from Ground Staff Office, making it so that he doesn't pose a problem to Shinobi anymore. Masako is kidnapped by the mob during Shinobi's trial at Takeda's request in Episode 6.

Part A Scene 1

After the opening credits, we are in front of the Ministry of Justice, where we see Prime Minister Kayabuki standing with Hatsumi Shinobi and Akira Kawashima, with military police and bodyguards. Shinobi is dressed in her olive green uniform while Kawashima is dressed in his olive green uniform. Kayabuki is seen speaking to Kawashiwa while Shinobi is listening. We cannot hear anything since there is music playing over the audio, giving it the scene a somewhat dramatic effect. We then see Shinobi speak to Kayabuki as Kawashima and a few military police look over to see Aramaki's car pull up. Aramaki, Batou, and Kusanagi exit the vehicle. Aramaki and Batou are wearing suits while Kusanagi is wearing her military uniform. They walk towards Kayabuki, Shinobi, and Kawashima when we hear Shinobi finish a sentence to Kayabuki.

Shinobi: "Yes, I will use that against Hamauzu as a closing argument. That should oust him from the GSDA for good."

Kayabuki and Shinobi turn to see Aramaki, Batou, and Kusanagi. Kayabuki seems pleased and speaks to Aramaki.

Kayabuki: "Chief Aramaki, I am pleased to see that you and your people decided to come."

Aramaki responds as they stop in front of Kayabuki, Shinobi, and Kawashima.

Aramaki: "Yes well, the Chief of Ground Staff has been one of our largest supporters. I decided that it is only fair if we supported her during this important time."

Shinobi bows her head slightly to Aramaki.

Shinobi: "I am truly thankful."

Kawashima looks at his watch and speaks.

Kawashima: "It's about 11:20. I suggest we prepare ourselves."

Kayabuki speaks.

Kayabuki: "Very well."

Aramaki looks at Shinobi and speaks.

Aramaki: "Are you ready, ma'am?"

Shinobi simply nods her head and they all enter the Ministry of Justice. We are now inside of a large and elaborate courtroom where we see many military officers, police, and civilian officials seated, all speaking with each other about the trial that is about to take place. We then see the prosecuting council walk down the center aisle. They walk to their designated table and sit, shuffling through papers and softly speaking to one and another. We see Major General Hamauzu looking through a file of his commanding officer, Hatsumi Shinobi, for anything that he could use against her. We also see a hired lawyer and other military officers and law officials. We then see the defense council walk down the center aisle and toward their designated table. They sit down and Shinobi glances at Hamauzu for a moment before shuffling through paperwork and softly speaking to Kayabuki. At the defense table, Shinobi, Kayabuki, Kawashima, Mifune, Kubota, Yoshimura, and Aramaki are seated along with a few other officials. Kusanagi and Batou are seated on the defense side of the courtroom, clearly showing their support for Shinobi. Batou speaks to Kusanagi via encrypted cybercom.

Batou: "How do you think this will turn out, Major?"

Kusanagi doesn't look at him and watches Shinobi, but responds.

Kusanagi: "She'll win. She already has him beat. Look at her defense council, Batou."

Batou scans the table and responds.

Batou: "Hamauzu has one of the best lawyers on his council though. And Shinobi is representing herself?"

Kusanagi responds.

Kusanagi: "She's always spoken for herself, and she's pretty good at it. I wouldn't doubt that Hamauzu is having second thoughts about this trial."

The nine judges then enter the courtroom. Everyone stands until the judges sit. The head judge speaks.

Head Judge: "Please be seated."

Everyone sits and the judges look through paperwork. Three of them are writing while two are speaking. The other four are looking through their papers. The media is not allowed in the courtroom since this is a secret trial. The head judge then sets his papers on the table and speaks.

Head Judge: "This tribunal has been organized in order to resolve the trial called by Major General Toshio Hamauzu. This trial has been called against General Hatsumi Shinobi, current Chief of Staff of the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force and the chief of the Ground Staff Office and the Ground Staff Council. The nature of this trial is to decide whether or not if Chief of Staff Hatsumi Shinobi is fit to command the GSDA due to the fact that she has a marital relationship to another woman."

People in the courtroom are writing while the Head Judge continues.

Head Judge: "Prosecuting council will now address their opening statement."

The lawyer stands and speaks.

Lawyer: "Your honors and people of the courtroom. Madam General Hatsumi Shinobi is a woman of questionable military quality. She has been in command for 8 years. 8 years. That is 8 years too long. The Ground Self Defense Army, as well as any position of military power, demands strong leadership of non-skeptical qualities. I am not here to judge Hatsumi Shinobi as a person. I am here to prove that she is unfit to lead a military due to questionable qualities."

The judges are seen writing while the lawyer sits. He whispers to Hamauzu while Shinobi is sitting with her hands folded on the table and her legs crossed. Aramaki glances at Kusanagi and Batou, who are watching. Yoshimura is whispering to Kawashima while Mifune is speaking with a civilian official. Kayabuki is looking through papers while Shinobi is waiting for the judges. The head judge finishes writing and waits for the others before speaking.

Head Judge: "Defense will state their argument."

Everyone watches as Shinobi stands with her hands at her side. The lawyer watches her like a hawk, looking for any weakness that he may use against her. Shinobi displays none at this moment. She appears strong and speaks with fierce eyes.

Shinobi: "I have chosen to represent myself, your honors. As the Chief of Ground Staff, I have ensured the strength and stability of the Ground Self Defense Army. If one were to look at my military career, one would see that my skills are highly valued by the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Defense, and the Joint Staff Office. Enough for when Yoko Kayabuki was elected Prime Minister, I was not dismissed by her Cabinet, which some of the members were colleagues and friends of my father, Vice Admiral Masashi Shinobi."

The judges finish writing after Shinobi sits. The head judge looks at the lawyer and speaks.

Head Judge: "Prosecution may now question the defendant."

The lawyer nods and stands. Shinobi then stands, watching him with fierce eyes. The lawyer walks over to her, tapping a pen in his hand.

Lawyer: "Chief of Staff Shinobi, you are married to Masako Kobayashi, correct?"

Shinobi responds.

Shinobi: "Yes, I am."

The lawyer speaks to her.

Lawyer: "It is my understanding that your wife also has a position in the Self Defense Army, correct?"

Shinobi responds to him with a serious tone.

Shinobi: "Yes. She is a Warrant Officer in the Maritime Self Defense Army."

The lawyer ponders in thought while he walks for a moment before continuing.

Lawyer: "Why is it that you chose to marry another female military officer when most other military personnel are married to civilians? I am curious."

Shinobi watches him as she responds.

Shinobi: "It is because she displays the qualities of someone who I wish to spend the rest of my life with."

The lawyer ponders what she has said and responds.

Lawyer: "Don't you think that is a little unfair for her?"

Shinobi watches him with stern eyes and responds.

Shinobi: "As a matter of fact, she stated that she had been in love with myself for some time."

The lawyer stands straight and speaks.

Lawyer: "Yes, but that hasn't answered my original question."

Shinobi responds.

Shinobi: "My family has always been very selective of who we marry and allow into our family."

The lawyer questions.

Lawyer: "Meaning?"

Shinobi responds.

Shinobi: "Since my great-grandfather's father, Imperial General Takahashi Shinobi, married a woman who was a member of the nursing corps in the Imperial Army, the men and women in my family have always married military personnel. This has given my family a very militarized selection of members. It is only necessary that I marry a female military officer in order to keep a military dictated family."

The lawyer seems somewhat surprised and speaks.

Lawyer: "What about before Takahashi Shinobi?"

Shinobi thinks for a moment before responding.

Shinobi: "In feudal Japan up until my ancestor, Shingen Shinobi, the men in my family were a ruling class of samurai who kept order in this region. They married wealthy and educated women who were the daughters of other ruling samurai. These women were also trained in bushido, keeping the entire family militarized."

The lawyer walks away and turns to her, speaking.

Lawyer: "From what I understand, you married Warrant Officer Kobayashi not out of love, but out of honor and genetic purity, correct?"

Shinobi seems offended and responds in a harsh tone.

Shinobi: "No, incorrect. Yes, it is true that I wish to uphold my family's honor with tradition, but the primary reason that I married Masako Kobayashi is because I am in love with her."

The lawyer sounds a curious grunt and thinks for a moment. He returns his focus on Shinobi before speaking.

Lawyer: "You stated that your military career is the reason why you've been given the honor of commanding the entire GSDA. Would you please tell the courtroom of your career for those who are unfamiliar?"

Shinobi responds.

Shinobi: "As colonel, I personally helped safely remove a nuclear threat in Japan in 2017. When I was Major General, I saw that the ground forces did their part in the taking of Nemuro. As General before I was promoted, my Garrison prevented a massive uprising by Asian refugees affiliated with extremist groups. If that would have happened, Japan would be caught in a civil war right now. There are countless other instances in which I have proved my loyalty and dedication. For these reasons amongst others, I was granted the rank of Chief of Ground Staff in 2024 by the Joint Staff Office."

The lawyer gives her an impressed look and responds.

Lawyer: "That's quite an impressive record you have, Chief of Staff. However, you were disowned by your father, correct?"

Shinobi glares at him and responds.

Shinobi: "What of it?"

The lawyer turns and speaks to the courtroom.

Lawyer: "The Shinobi family are known to be highly military dictated. The earliest records that we have of her family date back to 1143, the Heian period, where the patriarch of the family was the powerful samurai shogun, Shinobu Shinobi, who ruled this region of Japan with a personal empire. His empire was passed down to his son and on, until after the Kamakura period, where the samurai ruling class was wiped out. Afterwards, the Shinobi family became heavily involved with the Imperial Army and Navy, still full-fledged samurai. After the fall of Imperial Japan in 1945, the Shinobi family integrated themselves into the Self Defense Army up to this present day. Throughout the ages, the Shinobi family have retained uniqueness amongst the Japanese since they are one of the only remaining samurai families. Chief of Ground Staff Hatsumi Shinobi is also samurai."

Shinobi's eyes become wide as she gasps in awe. People in the courtroom are murmuring to each other as the lawyer looks at her with a smug look. She responds.

Shinobi: "Where did you get that information?"

The lawyer responds.

Lawyer: "Please, Chief of Ground Staff. Wait until you question my client."

Shinobi becomes angered.

Shinobi: "Objection! Prosecution has disclosed my family's most closely guarded knowledge! Permission to charge prosecuting attorney for insulting not mine, buy my entire family's honor, dating back to Shinobu Shinobi himself!"

The head judge speak.

Head Judge: "Objection substained. Permission granted."

The lawyer grunts in anger and continues.

Lawyer: "Her great-grandfather was Shou Shinobi, an Admiral in the Imperial Japanese Navy. Her grandfather was Shigeru Shinobi, a Rear Admiral in the Maritime Self Defense Army. Shigeru's brother was Hitori Shinobi, a Major General in the Ground Self Defense Army and an ambassador for the Prime Minister who was in office at the time. Shigeru's son was Vice Admiral Masashi Shinobi, her father. Masashi Shinobi married Yoko Tsuneki, who was a military secretary for the Chief of Joint Staff at the time. Hatsumi Shinobi rose to the highest rank in the military out of anyone in her family. I am sure that her father disowned her when he discovered that she was married to another woman. Am I correct so far?"

Shinobi continues to glare but responds nonetheless.

Shinobi: "Yes, you are correct. However, my father did not have any doubts about my military capabilities or my ability to command the GSDA. He disowned me because he believed that I insulted our family's honor because of my sexuality."

The lawyer turns back to Shinobi and responds.

Lawyer: "Oh! That's not the same from what he told me."

Shinobi looks at him with fierce eyes and begins to become angered.

Shinobi: "You understand that my father has been dead for 3 years now, right?"

The people in the courtroom begin to murmur and the judges continue to write. The lawyer responds.

Lawyer: "Is that so?"

Shinobi looks at him as if he was an idiot.

Shinobi: "Yes. I was at his funeral. Check my external memory for proof."

The lawyer responds.

Lawyer: "I spoke with your father just recently, Chief of Staff. Understand that you are under oath."

Shinobi slams her fist on the table. The courtroom is dead silent. She stares at him with fearsome eyes for a moment before speaking.

Shinobi: "You had better wake up! Most of the people in this courtroom, including the tribunal, are members of the Self Defense Army! They knew who Masashi Shinobi was and they know that he is deceased! There are also government officials along with civilian suits who also knew the man! You, however, never knew him or have ever met anyone in my family and I am sure that this is the first time we've met! You are under oath and have broken it!"

The lawyer doesn't appear to be affected at all. He simply speaks to the judges.

Lawyer: "Permission to treat the defendant as hostile."

The head judge immediately responds.

Head Judge: "Denied! Sir, Masashi Shinobi was one of my good friends. I was at his funeral as well. Even I know for a fact that he is dead. You have broken oath and will be charged for it. This tribunal is now in recess!"

The head judge pounds the gavel on the table. People in the courtroom are talking while Shinobi sits down next to Kayabuki and sighs in frustration. Kayabuki simply looks at Shinobi and Aramaki speaks to her.

Aramaki: "Chief of Staff, ma'am. Calm yourself."

Shinobi closes her eyes and responds.

Shinobi: "Yes, you're right. That lawyer is good at his job, I'll give him that. How does he know that much about my family history? He knows things that are only passed on to family members, such as my patriarch."

Aramaki speaks.

Aramaki: "Ma'am, don't let that distract you. It's nothing to be concerned about."

Shinobi looks at Aramaki and speaks.

Shinobi: "Chief Aramaki, my entire family is samurai. I am also samurai. That is secret family knowledge that no one is supposed to know. My ancestor, Shingen Shinobi, made that tradition in order to hide and save our family from Imperial forces. That damn lawyer disclosed information that we tried so hard to protect."

Aramaki responds.

Aramaki: "I see."

Kayabuki speaks to her next.

Kayabuki: "Hatsumi, you'll be able to question the Major General after the recess. Are you prepared?"

Shinobi glances at Hamauzu and the lawyer, who are talking and watching her before speaking to Kayabuki.

Shinobi: "Definately."

Shinobi turns and glances at Kusanagi and Batou. Batou simply nods his head to Shinobi, which she does the same. After a moment, the judges return and everyone stands. The head judge speaks.

Head Judge: "Please be seated. Defense may now question the plaintiff."

Everyone sits except for Shinobi and Hamauzu. She is staring at him with fiery eyes as he glares at her. She walks and stands between both of the councils, facing Hamauzu. She speaks.

Shinobi: "Major General Toshio Hamauzu, you've been trying to oust me from service for quite some time now, haven't you?"

Hamauzu speaks in a strong tone.

Hamauzu: "Yes I have."

Shinobi continues to glare into his eyes.

Shinobi: "How long?"

Hamauzu thinks for a moment before responding.

Hamauzu: "4 to 5 years now."

Shinobi doesn't break her glare.

Shinobi: "Yes, 4 years. It was 4 years ago when my father disowned me, General. It was 4 years ago when you and I first crossed paths, isn't that correct?"

Hamauzu responds.

Hamauzu: "Yes."

Shinobi turns away and walks back to her table. She grabs her folding chair and sets it down in front of the prosecution table, facing Hamazu. The judges watch her with curious eyes. Hamauzu seems confused. Shinobi stands behind the chair and speaks.

Shinobi: "Perhaps you recognize this situation."

Hamauzu responds.

Hamauzu: "No."

Shinobi glances at the lawyer for a moment, who is watching her with a smug look. She then turns her attention back to Hamauzu and speaks.

Shinobi: "If you do not remember, allow me to remind you. Years ago, Yoko Tsuneki sat in this chair. Because of you, she was dishonorably discharged from the military."

The lawyer interrupts her.

Lawyer: "Objection!"

Shinobi interrupts him.

Shinobi: "I am not finished!"

She glares at him until he sits.

Shinobi: "I understand that you and Masashi Shinobi were colleagues, right?"

Hamauzu responds.

Hamauzu: "Yes."

Shinobi glares at Hamauzu.

Shinobi: "Yoko Tsuneki was my mother. As soon as you appeared on stage, you and my father tried to remove me from the GSDA. He, however didn't know a few things about you that he should have before he teamed up with you. Let me address these things as they are relevant to this trial. Masashi Shinobi didn't know that it was you who disgraced his wife and insulted his honor. He didn't know that you tainted his father's name by exposing false illegal actions in which my grandfather took part in, that was a lie. He also didn't know one very important thing about you until you told him 3 years ago. Do you know what this is, General?"

The lawyer seems surprised and Hamauzu appears nervous.

Hamauzu: "No."

Shinobi then turns and returns the folding chair. She glances from Hamauzu and the lawyer, to the courtroom, to the judges, back to the prosecution.

Shinobi: "There is unconditional evidence against you that proves you have been illegally developing nuclear arms and materials for 8 or 9 years now."

The courtroom is in an uproar and the head judge yells.

Head Judge: "There will be order!"

Everyone silents and the lawyer speaks.

Lawyer: "Objection! This has nothing to do with this trial!"

Shinobi interrupts the judges as they discuss.

Shinobi: "Actually, it does. It has everything to do with this trial."

The head judge speaks to her.

Head Judge: "Chief of Staff, explain."

Shinobi looks at Hamauzu and continues.

Shinobi: "You came to my father 3 years ago after you two were colleagues and you gave him a proposition. He would recieve a cut of the money if he helped you distribute your nuclear weapons to nearby hostile developing countries. After he shot you down, he died one month later under mysterious circumstances. He was very healthy at this time and had no enemies to speak of. My mother also died one month after his death, under the same circumstances. This happened because he refused to partake in illegal deals with you. Very curious."

The lawyer speaks.

Lawyer: "Objection, the accusing of my client of destroying the Shinobi family is pure speculation!"

The head judge speaks.

Head Judge: "Objeciton substained. Defense will limit their arguments on fact."

Shinobi doesn't look at them but responds.

Shinobi: "Yes, sir."

She continues.

Shinobi: "Very well, this is pure fact. Based on official records on both paper media from feudal Japan and imperial Japan, the Shinobi family and the Hamauzu family have been in constant conflict since even before 1143. Isn't this correct, Major General?"

Hamauzu responds.

Hamauzu: "Yes that would be correct."

Shinobi shakes her head and turns away. She thinks for a moment when she hears the lawyer.

Lawyer: "Objection! Also pure speculation!"

Shinobi turns back and glares at the lawyer, responding in a cold tone.

Shinobi: "You seem to be somewhat of a historian, so you should know this story. This conflict is completely true. Shinobu Shinobi and Ito Hamauzu were hated enemies during their lives. Do you remember learning about that war between two shogun over the rice fields and manpower of Fukuoka in school? Those two shogun were Shinobi and Hamauzu. The Shinobi clan had a monopoly on manpower and rice where the Hamauzu clan controlled most of the fishing, lumber, and stone markets. My patriarch needed to put his manpower to good use in order to keep his personal empire from becoming lazy and careless. He did have a number of farmers in the rice fields, but only so many people can farm rice. His empire being large, he had people idling and using up his resources in which he could've been using to feed his army, navy, and samurai. Hamauzu didn't have enough workers in order to run his controlled markets. He had fishermen, he had lumberjacks, he had miners, just not enough of them. He didn't have enough people to work in order to keep his army, navy, and samurai fed, whereas Shinobi had too many people that he couldn't feed everyone. These two could've became allies and solved both of their problems, but being full of pride and rival shogun, instead decided to fight each other in order to take the other's markets. The two men resented each other since the other wouldn't give in and the two families fought each other for the next 400 or so years over these monopolies. Eventually, the two families fought each other out of pure hatred for one another and it continues to this day. His family and my family will not work together for any good."

She turns to the judges and speaks to them.

Shinobi: "Your honors, I have reason to believe that Major General Toshio Hamauzu has been trying to remove myself from the military, but not because of my marriage. He has been trying to disgrace myself so I would be removed because it just so happens that Hamauzu has been lusting after my position since I have known him, probably longer. He has been destroying my family's legacy for many, many years now. Everyone I know, politicians, military staff, civilian officials, and even civilians, all have agreed that I am the best at my job and my sexuality does not interfere with my work. I married Masako Kobayashi because I am in love with her, not because I am trying to prove anything to anyone. If you think that I have given the GSDA a weak image as its leader, ask anyone I know. They will disagree with you. Defense rests."

Shinobi sits and waits for the judges. After a moment, the head judge stands and speaks to her. She stands.

Head Judge: "General Hatsumi Shinobi, the evidence that you have proposed has been approved."

He looks at Hamauzu with a scowl and speaks.

Head Judge: "Major General Hamauzu, you are under arrest for illegal trafficking in nuclear materials and discriminatory acts towards the family of Shinobi for military gain. Take him away."

Two military police officers then escort him out along with the prosecution council. The head judge then makes his ruling.

Head Judge: "The tribunal finds the defendant, Chief of Ground Staff Hatsumi Shinobi, innocent of all charges. Council adjourned."

The head judge slams his gavel and everyone begins to shuffle about, speaking as they do. Shinobi picks up a stack of paperwork and tucks it underneath her arm, speaking to Aramaki.

Shinobi: "I am finally rid of Hamauzu. Chief Aramaki, I will begin to aid Section 9 in its search as soon as possible. For now, I must return to my home."

Kusanagi and Batou are now standing with Aramaki and Shinobi. Aramaki speaks.

Aramaki: "Yes, of course."

Shinobi bows to the three of them and walks out of the courtroom with Kayabuki, Yoshimura, Mifune, and Kawashima. Kusanagi speaks to Aramaki.

Kusanagi: "Chief, do you think there will be reprocussions for Shinobi throwing Hamauzu to the wolves like that?"

Aramaki looks at Kusanagi and responds.

Aramaki: "Major General Hamauzu will be ousted from the military. She shouldn't have to worry about anything."

Batou then speaks.

Batou: "That bastard's got some powerful friends, though. He managed to get Vice Admrial Masashi Shinobi and Rear Admiral Hiroshi Watanabe on his side. One who is dead, and the other who is a wealthy and powerful businessman with a lot of connections."

Aramaki responds.

Aramaki: "She will be fine. If there's one thing to admire about the Vice Admiral's daughter, it's that she's resilient and clever amongst other traits."

Part B Scene 1

We are now inside of Shinobi's home, where we see her enter. She removes her coat and cap, placing them inside of a nearby closet. She unclips her officer's strap and begins to unbutton her jacket while she speaks out.

Shinobi: "Masako?"

She removes her jacket and tosses it onto a nearby sofa, walking towards the door that leads to their bedroom. She removes her shoes and speaks again.

Shinobi: "Masako?"

She almost reaches their bedroom until she notices a note on the coffee table in between the sofas where Shinobi, Masako, Aramaki, and Kusanagi met three days earlier. She picks up the note and reads it to herself. She suddenly gets an extremely scared expression on her face and appears hurt and panicked. She drops the note and runs towards their bedroom. She quickly opens the door and searches the room, finding nothing. She quickly changes into her civilian clothing and runs towards her cellular phone, which is laying on the sofa on top of her military jacket. She picks it up and dials a number. She then put the phone to her ear and hears it ring twice before yelling.

Shinobi: "Shit! Come on!"

She then waits for a moment before speaking in a panicking tone.

Shinobi: "Daisuke! Yes it's me, Hatsumi! Please, you must help me! Please hurry!"

She hangs up and drops the phone on the floor before falling onto the sofa with her face in her hands. We hear her silently cry to herself as the camera slowly zooms out from her, ending the scene here.

Part B Scene 2

We are now in Aramaki's office at Section 9's headquarters where Aramaki is speaking to Kusanagi, Batou, and Togusa.

Aramaki: "I just spoke with the Chief of Ground Staff and she showed a note that convicts Masahiro Takeda of kidnapping Masako Kobayashi."

Batou responds.

Batou: "And I'm guessing that she wants us to look for her, right?"

Aramaki looks at Batou and responds.

Aramaki: "Yes. She has disclosed everything she knows about the situation and has allowed us to investigate her home, under her supervision of course."

Togusa then responds.

Togusa: "How is she doing?"

Kusanagi speaks to Togusa, but doesn't look at him.

Kusanagi: "She's furious and very scared right now. She wants her found as soon as possible and is willing to help in any way that she can."

Togusa looks at Kusanagi and reponds.

Togusa: "How?"

Batou sits up straight and speaks as well.

Batou: "Don't tell me that we're gonna have to drag her around with us."

Aramaki looks at Batou with stern eyes and responds.

Aramaki: "No. She stated that she will let us handle the investigation and she won't interfere unless asked. However, military police and herself are conducting a search as well, so we shouldn't get in their way."

Batou starts to become frustrated.

Batou: "What?"

Kusanagi responds to his frustration.

Kusanagi: "Batou, we won't be able to operate easily if on bad terms with the military. If something were to happen, she could have us disbanded by exposing the Tokyo incident to the media. We need to do what she wants for now."

Batou responds with an annoyed voice.

Batou: "So she still has us by the scruff of the neck, huh? How long is this gonna last?"

Aramaki responds to Batou.

Aramaki: "As long as it must, Batou."

Batou sighs. Togusa speaks next.

Togusa: "So, do we have any idea of where to start?"

Aramaki speaks to Togusa.

Aramaki: "Shinobi stated that we may investigate her home under her supervision. I would suggest that you start there."

Kusanagi, Togusa, and Batou then leave the office. We have returned to the private bar where we see Takeda smoking a cigarette while waiting for the Yakuza to hand over Masako Kobayashi. He exhales smoke through his nose as two Yakuza thugs walk in with a woman in their custody. Her hands are bound and there is a brown potato sack over her head. We hear her grunting in pain as the thugs roughly handle her. Takeda raises his hand, telling the thugs to stop.

Takeda: "This her?"

The thugs nod as Kasanaki removes the sack with one hand. We see Masako Kobayashi with cloth wrapped inside of her mouth. She has a frightened look in her face and there are a few tears from her eyes. Masako looks at Masahiro Takeda's face with fear and begins to struggle, knowing who he is. One of the thugs backhand her, knocking her to the floor. Takeda yells.

Takeda: "Don't harm her!"

Takeda kneels down and helps Masako up. The thugs watch him as he places his right forearm gently around her neck, securing her. The mob boss then appears and speaks to Takeda.

Boss: "All right, you got what you wanted. Now, I have your assurance that there won't be any cops, right?"

Takeda slowly moves towards the door with Masako in tow. He watches them carefully as he speaks.

Takeda: "I'm not as stupid as you think. I know your men convicted me of kidnapping her in that note."

The mob boss seems surprised and responds.

Boss: "How?"

Takeda is at the entrance to the bar and shifts his eyes to the boss.

Takeda: "I hacked their eyes. I knew you would betray me."

The mob boss doesn't seem affected. Takeda looks at his watch, a Rolex, as he speaks.

Takeda: "You should have some company from the police in about 45 seconds."

The mob boss appears furious and speaks as Takeda rushes out of the bar with Masako.

Boss: "You bastard! You sold us out!"

The scene switches to the outside of the bar where Takeda is running with Masako in tow as police cars pull up on the street outside of the alley. Takeda and Masako enter a building and Masahiro climbs a staircase with Masako right behind him. He opens a door to a run down apartment, where there are 3 men sniffing cocaine. They all look up and are alarmed. Takeda speaks as he pulls out his pistol with his free hand and aims it at the men.

Takeda: "Get out, now."

The three men stumble as they run out of the apartment. Takeda roughly throws Masako onto the sofa and locks the apartment door. He shuts the blinds and turns on the main light before placing his gun on an end table next to a chair. He removes his cap, coat, and gloves. Masako is terrified as Takeda approaches her. He removes a combat knife and cuts off the wrapped cloth, removing it and allowing her to speak. He then sits in the chair and picks up his gun, relaxing. Masako has a scared look as Takeda watches her with an unflinching stare. She speaks in a panicked tone.

Masako: "What do you want?"

Takeda sits up straight before responding.

Takeda: "What I've wanted for so long. Hatsumi must die, Masako. You know this as much as I do."

Masako shakes her head and responds.

Masako: "No! You can't! Please!"

Takeda simply looks at her and speaks.

Takeda: "You're in no position to be making demands like that or anything for that matter."

Masako responds with a scared tone.

Masako: "She'll find us, Masahiro!"

Takeda shifts his weight in the chair and responds.

Takeda: "I don't think she'll be able to find this room. Even if she did, she wouldn't want to see her beloved killed in front of her own eyes, now would she?"

Masako gets a terrified look in her eyes. We switch to her eyeview where we see many connection screens appear, all of which are disabled and the connections are disrupted. In the background of her eyeview, we see Takeda sitting with his right leg folded on the other. He has also lit up a cigarette and is exhaling smoke through his nose. The view switches to an overhead view of the room when we hear Takeda speak.

Takeda: "That won't work. Your cybercom's being jammed and your networking functions have been disabled."

Masako begins to sob as she speaks to Takeda.

Masako: "Please let me go!"

Takeda puffs on his cigarette before putting it out. He speaks to her.

Takeda: "I can't do that. I won't."

Takeda then stands. He walks to the door, watching Masako with calm eyes. He then locks the door and walks over to Masako and cuts her hands free. He then speaks. Takeda: "You won't have your hands bound so long as you behave yourself, Masako. You are free to roam this apartment as you wish."

He then sits in the chair and cocks his pistol, causing a bullet to enter the chamber. He continues.

Takeda: "If you try to escape, however, I will have no choice but to kill you. Do you understand?"

Masako nods her head with tears in her eyes. Takeda then puts his gun on the table again and leans into the chair, speaking.

Takeda: "Excellent. Then we shouldn't have any problems."

Takeda's phone rings. He leans over and searches through his coat until he finds it. He answers the phone, watching Masako.

Takeda: "Yes? Now is not the time. Yes of course. I know what I'm doing. Yeah, I would expect that she'd be looking for her. What? Public Security Section 9? Shit! Where did they get that information? Goddamn Yakuza! I've always known that they were spineless! This changes my plan. All right, we'll get going. Yes, I've got Kobayashi with me. Very well. Goodbye."

Takeda hangs up and speaks to Masako.

Takeda: "We're leaving. I can't risk Section 9 or Hatsumi finding us, not until my plan is complete."

He stands and puts his coat, hat, and gloves back on. He picks up his gun and walks to Masako, grabbing her arm and pulling her to him. He then puts his left forearm securely around her neck and begins to tow her out the door after he unlocks it. They leave the apartment and descend the staircase quickly. There are a few civilians that gasp as Takeda shoves past them with Masako. They reach the bottom of the staircase where there are two Prefectural police officers conversing in front of the door. Takeda is seen cursing under his breath. Masako yells out to them.

Masako: "Please help me!"

The police turn and look to see Takeda's gun aiming at them.

The scene immediately switches to outside of the private bar, where it is quardined off from the public. There are police officers escorting the mob boss and his thugs out of the bar, while others are investigating the bar and patrolling the nearby area. We also see Kusanagi, Togusa, and Batou in the area. Then, two consecutive gunshots are heard. Kusanagi, Batou, and Togusa look over to see Takeda exit a nearby building with Masako in his custody. He glances over to them and begins to run with Masako in tow. We hear Masako yell.

Masako: "Help me! Please!"

The three of them then sprint after Kasanaki and Masako. Batou yells out.

Batou: "It's him!"

They follow Takeda into another alleyway, where they see him and Masako heading down a stairwell into an underground parking garage. They follow him down with their pistols armed. They rush into the garage to see Takeda standing with his gun to Masako's head. She is grasping onto his forearm. Kusanagi, Batou, and Togusa slowly approach them with their guns aimed at Takeda. Togusa speaks to him.

Togusa: "Let her go."

Takeda tightens his grip. Togusa begins to slowly move foward and speaks to him once again.

Togusa: "I won't say it again, let her go."

Takeda then responds to Togusa in an angry tone.

Takeda: "You are in no position to be making demands! Unless you want Section 9 to be disbanded permanently, I would suggest that the three of you drop your weapons!"

They all take one step foward, in which Takeda presses his pistol harder against her head. He speaks to them.

Takeda: "I don't want to kill her, but I will if I must!"

They all stop, but continue to aim their pistols at him. He speaks once again.

Takeda: "Now drop your weapons."

Batou gets a frustrated look on his face and slowly lowers his gun. Masako whimpers as Takeda speaks.

Takeda: "Do it."

Batou, Kusanagi, and Togusa begin to slowly kneel to put down their weapons. We then hear many footsteps approach as Shinobi appears with many military police officers. Takeda whirls around and sees them. Kusanagi, Batou, and Togusa then stand up immediately with their guns pointed at Takeda. Shinobi and the MPs aim their guns at him as well. Masako sees Shinobi and speaks in a scared tone to her.

Masako: "Hatsumi!"

Shinobi appears concerned and angry. She cocks the chamber of her pistol, a Seburo M-5 cutom-fitted to fire .50 caliber rounds, and yells at Takeda.

Shinobi: "Masahiro! Put the gun down!"

Takeda grunts and responds in a yell.

Takeda: "I swear, I will kill her!"

We then hear Kusanagi run at him. He turns around only to see Kusanagi's fist punch him in the face. He releases Masako, who immediately runs to Shinobi. Takeda stumbles back and drops his gun. He regains his balance and takes on a defensive stance. Kusanagi also stands with a defensive stance. Masahiro attacks first, launching a straight punch. Kusanagi blocks it with her forearm, only for another fist to come at her. She also blocks this one and performs a back kick at Takeda's torso. He blocks the kick by bringing his shin up, protecting his ribs from being broken. We hear a cracking sound since Takeda's shin has been fractured. He grunts in pain as he thrusts another punch foward, only for it to be blocked again. Kusanagi then whirls around and plants her right elbow into Takeda's cheek, fracturing his skull and causing much blood to come from his mouth and nose. He gasps and staggers, only for Kusanagi to bring her knee up into his torso, cracking a few of his ribs. He coughs and spits out blood. Takeda then brings his elbow swiftly up, hitting Kusanagi in the chin. She grunts and grabs his arm that he just struck with. She then snaps his arm, breaking it in multiple spots. Takeda yells in pain and falls to the concrete, bleeding in multiple spots where the fractures are. He is panting heavily as we see Togusa place him under arrest. Takeda looks up to see Shinobi glaring at him. He blacks out. Shinobi speaks to the MPs.

Shinobi: "Call an ambulance for this man immediately. I want him treated for his wounds and then I want him transferred to the Itami base for questioning."

Batou becomes frustrated and responds to Shinobi.

Batou: "What? You can't do that!"

Shinobi turns her head and looks at Batou with an intense expression in her eyes. She responds.

Shinobi: "The Ground Self Defense Army is taking over this investigation. We will take care of the clean-up work."

Batou growls in frustration and grips his pistol even harder. Kusanagi looks at Shinobi with stern eyes as MPs rush around Takeda. Shinobi turns around and walks away with Masako using her as a support. The episode ends here.

Episode 8

Opening Theme: Rise - Origa/Yoko Kanno

Closing Theme: One Minute Warning - Passengers (3:16 - 4:40)

Cast:

Motoko Kusanagi - Mary McGlynn

Daisuke Aramaki - William Knight

Buttetsu Batou - Richard Epcar

Togusa -

Saito -

Ishikawa -

Pazu -

Borma -

Azuma -

Yoko Kayabuki -

Hideki Yoshimura -

Hatsumi Shinobi - Patricia Ja Lee

Akira Kawashima -

Masahiro Takeda - John DiMaggio

Masako Kobayashi -

Plot Summary: Takeda is in military custody and is under surveillance. He is questioned by Kawashima. Shinobi has returned to her desk job for now, but her relations with Section 9 are shaken for the time being since the GSDA has taken over the Takeda case. Her personal Type 303 Arm Suit, Ame Akarui, has been stolen by an unknown party.

Part A Scene 1

After the opening credits, we are in a dark interrogation room where we see Takeda sitting in a chair with his hands and legs cuffed. He now has a prosthetic arm and leg, from where his bones were broken by Kusanagi. He also has prosthetics implemented into his torso and his skull. He also has cords linked into his cyberbrain implants. We hear him breathing heavily and with pain. Across the table from Takeda is General Kawashima. He is sitting in his olive green uniform, wearing black leather gloves. His hands are folded together and he speaks to Takeda with a colder tone.

Kawashima: "You're Masahiro Takeda, former lieutenant in the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force and aide to Hatsumi Shinobi."

Takeda responds after a strained breath.

Takeda: "Yes, I was."

Kawashima reaches and pulls over a file. He opens it and looks through various papers. After a moment, he closes the file and speaks to Takeda.

Kawashima: "This doesn't look good for you, Takeda. From the look of things here, you are guilty of desertion, attempted assassination, conspiracy, possession of nuclear materials, ties to organized crime, and kidnapping. The future looks very bleak for you."

Takeda coughs hard continuously and spits up blood. He gasps once before coughing even harder. He wheezes before Kawashima raises an eyebrow and speaks.

Kawashima: "Are you all right?"

Takeda sighs once and looks at his new prosthetic arm. He responds.

Takeda: "Prosthetics, another form of control. I suppose I should thank you for replacing my damaged parts after Major Kusanagi decided to bust me up. You bastards could've replaced my lungs why you were at it."

Kawashima simply grunts and folds his arms. Kawashima responds.

Kawashima: "Lung cancer was from your own doing, Takeda. We are not that forgiving to terrorists or traitors. My purpose here is to acquire information behind the reasoning of your crimes against the Prime Minister and the Chief of Ground Staff. The Chief of Ground Staff wanted you to be put to death because of your actions. However, I persuaded her to let you live. If you're lucky, you'll be sentenced to prison."

Takeda wheezes before speaking to him.

Takeda: "Prison is no different from being dead."

Kawashima responds.

Kawashima: "Very fitting. Since there is no official death sentence in this country, you are most lucky. I understand that in America, you are killed by lethal injection."

Takeda chuckles and responds.

Takeda: "Yeah, that's right."

Kawashima stands and walks to the door. He knocks once and it opens. He turns to Takeda and speaks before leaving the room.

Kawashima: "Good luck."

He exits into a corridor, where Shinobi is leaning against the wall with her arms folded and her eyes closed. She opens her eyes and looks up to see Kawashima removing his gloves. She speaks.

Shinobi: "Well?"

Kawashima sighs and leans against the opposing wall. Two MPs are guarding Kasanaki's cell door. Kawashima speaks.

Kawashima: "I'm not getting much out of him. I even threatened him with prison, but I don't think he took me seriously."

Shinobi responds.

Shinobi: "That figures. Were you able to get any information?"

Kawashima shakes his head and responds.

Kawashima: "Nah."

Shinobi closes her eyes and speaks.

Shinobi: "That's a shame. We'll need to use stronger methods, Akira."

Kawashima looks at Shinobi with an inquisitive look on his face.

Kawashima: "What do you mean?"

Shinobi doesn't open her eyes or move, but responds.

Shinobi: "We are not obligated to use underhanded methods in order to force information from him."

Kawashima raises an eyebrow and responds.

Kawashima: "I understand what you're saying, but do you think that's wise? If we were to utilize said tactics and we were discovered, do you know what would happen to you?"

Shinobi opens her eyes and looks at Kawashima with a contempt look in her eyes.

Shinobi: "Yes, I am fully aware of the consequences. That's why only a handful of people realize that we have that man inside of that cell."

Kawashima responds to Shinobi.

Kawashima: "Hatsumi, you're taking a large gamble."

Shinobi sighs and checks her watch, which she is wearing on her left wrist and is concealed under the sleeve of her uniform. She begins to walk down the hall with Kawashima. She doesn't look at him but speaks.

Shinobi: "I realize that. Do you think Shingen Shinobi didn't know the consequences if he were caught by Imperial forces for continuing to practice bushido and keeping that tradition with my family to this present day?"

Kawashima looks at her and responds.

Kawashima: "I know, Hatsumi. You've taught me this history lesson many times. You're too much like your patriarch."

Shinobi looks at Kawashima and speaks with a cross tone.

Shinobi: "What are you implying?"

Kawashima looks away and responds.

Kawashima: "Nothing. What makes you think that I'm implying something?"

Shinobi speaks to him.

Shinobi: "Akira, I understand that you are my friend, but you must realize that I hold my family's honor and history in the highest regard. Don't insult my family directly or indirectly."

Kawashima looks at her and responds.

Kawashima: "I am sorry."

Shinobi sighs and looks away, but responds nonetheless.

Shinobi: "I didn't ask for an apology. I am merely reminding you."

Kawashima speaks.

Kawashima: "I see. Well, what would like me to do with Kasanaki?"

They are now outside, where we see Shinobi's car parked in front with her personal driver waiting by the back passenger door. They approach the vehicle as the driver opens the door for Shinobi. She climbs in and closes the door with the window down. Kawashima leans against the car as the driver gets in. Shinobi puts her safety belt on and looks at Kawashima and responds.

Shinobi: "Whatever it takes."

Kawashima ceases to lean as the car starts. Shinobi's window rolls up as Kawashima taps his hand on the roof of the vehicle. The car drives away as Kawashima sighs and re-enters the Itami base. He returns back to the interrogation cell, where he sees Yoshimura exit it. Yoshimura looks over and seems surprised to see Kawashima. He speaks.

Yoshimura: "Oh, hello General Kawashima."

Kawashima looks at him with his right eyebrow raised. He speaks to Yoshimura with a concerned voice.

Kawashima: "What were you doing?"

Yoshimura responds.

Yoshimura: "Nothing. What do you mean?"

Kawashima becomes suspicious and speaks to him.

Kawashima: "Do you have authorization from Shinobi?"

Yoshimura turns and begins to walk away but speaks.

Yoshimura: "Of course. You worry too much, Kawashima."

Kawashima grunts and speaks to the guards.

Kawashima: "Don't let anyone in this cell without authorization from either myself or the Chief of Staff. Do you understand?"

One of the guards responds.

Guard: "Yes sir, General."

We switch to Kawashima's eyeview, where a screen appears and shows him connecting to Hatsumi Shinobi's cyberbrain. A request for an access code appears, in which he enters a 4 digit code. He is now connected and speaks via cybercom.

Kawashima: "Did you authorize Yoshimura to speak to Kasanaki, Hatsumi?"

Shinobi responds.

Shinobi: "No, why?

Kawashima speaks.

Kawashima: "I just saw him leave the cell where we're holding Kasanaki. I asked him if you had authorized him to speak to the terrorist. He said you did."

Shinobi's voice takes on an annoyed tone.

Shinobi: "Well, I didn't. Akira, keep an eye on Yoshimura."

Kawashima responds.

Kawashima: "I will. Have you noticed him acting suspiciously lately?"

Shinobi responds.

Shinobi: "Now that you metion it, he has been behaving in a curious manner. Just keep an eye on him. If something comes up with him, notify me immediately."

Kawashima responds.

Kawashima: "Very well."

The transmission ends and Kawashima looks down the hall where Yoshimura is walking in the distance. He grunts in frustration before turning away and walking towards us.

Part A Scene 2

We are now in Kayabuki's office, where we see Kayabuki, Aramaki, the Home Affairs Minister, and Shinobi seated. Kayabuki speaks to Shinobi.

Kayabuki: "Chief of Staff, I understand that you have Masahiro Kasanaki in custody."

Shinobi is sitting with her legs crossed and her arms folded. She looks at Kayabuki and responds.

Shinobi: "Yes. We wouldn't have him without the help of Public Security Section 9, however. So far, he's been reluctant so give us any information."

The Home Affairs Minister speaks to Shinobi in a somewhat angered and threatening tone.

Home Affairs Minister: "Chief of Ground Staff, you realize that you have no right to hold him in custody? This investigation falls under the jurisdiction of Section 9 and therefore the Ministry of Home Affairs, not the Self Defense Army."

Kayabuki, Shinobi, and Aramaki look at him. Shinobi responds in a calm, yet commanding voice.

Shinobi: "You're correct, Minister. However, do you realize that Section 9 and the GSDA are working together in a joint investigation behind the Kasanaki case due to the fact that he is a military terrorist and not some simple run-of-the-mill cybercriminal? Because he is a terrorist who is specifically targeting the military, I have every right to hold him in custody, whether you like it or not."

The Home Affairs Minister responds, almost annoyed.

Home Affairs Minister: "You disappoint me, Chief of Staff. I would have expected a woman of your quality to understand the fairness and structure of our criminal justice system and under who's jurisdiction certain cases are handled. Simply because the man tried to kill you doesn't mean you have complete control over the operation while you have the rest of us on a short leash."

Shinobi uncrosses her arms and legs and leans foward, looking at the Minister with threatening eyes.

Shinobi: "I don't appreciate you talking to me like that. Unless you want your job to become even more difficult, Home Affairs Minister, I would suggest you not speak to me like that."

The Home Affairs Minister grunts and says nothing. Shinobi leans back and crosses her arms and legs again, looking at Kayabuki as she speaks.

Kayabuki: "I don't need the leaders of two of my most important organizations fighting with each other, that won't do us any good. With the terrorist, Masahiro Kasanaki, I need the GSDA and the Home Affairs Ministry to work together since this case falls under the Chief of Ground Staff's jurisdiction along with Chief Aramaki."

Aramaki speaks to Shinobi next.

Aramaki: "Madam, how do you plan on making him talk?"

Shinobi looks at Aramaki and responds.

Shinobi: "General Akira Kawashima and I have already discussed the method of choice. Ultimately, it is up to Kawashima of how he wants to approach this situation. He has my authorization to obtain information from Kasanaki by any means necessary and I will not interfere."

Aramaki, Kayabuki, and the Home Affairs Minister seem surprised. Aramaki speaks.

Aramaki: "What are you saying, ma'am?"

Shinobi looks away from Aramaki and closes her eyes, responding.

Shinobi: "I have given General Kawashima permission to use aggressive methods and negotiations in order to obtain every granule of information from a dangerous man who has possession of nuclear materials."

The Home Affairs Minister responds as Aramaki and Kayabuki simply look at Shinobi with surprised eyes.

Home Affairs Minister: "You can't do that!"

Shinobi doesn't open her eyes but responds in a calm, yet commanding voice.

Shinobi: "I can and I will. Since the terrorist is in my custody, I am able to use any interrogation methods that I deem necessary in order to bring the man to justice."

Kayabuki then speaks to her.

Kayabuki: "Chief of Staff, I must address that you must have the Defense Minster or my permission in order to carry out this operation."

Shinobi still doesn't open her eyes but responds to Kayabuki.

Shinobi: "I realize that. That's why I have obtained authorization from the Defense Minister prior to capturing Kasanaki."

Shinobi opens her eyes and looks at Kayabuki, continuing.

Shinobi: "However, I am approaching you with the request of utilizing said methods in order to secure the safety of Niihama and therefore of all of us in this room."

Kayabuki thinks while Aramaki speaks to Shinobi.

Aramaki: "When Major Kusanagi disarmed and incapacitated Kasanaki, she noticed that he was clean of nuclear weapons on his personal self. This means that he must have the weapons stored in some other location, in which he could detonate them with a remote or some kind of signal. However, we were unable to find these as well."

Shinobi sounds a curious grunt and responds.

Shinobi: "This is evident that he still has control of the situation. If he has accomplices, it is likely that they will try to continue his work. On that note, allow me to stress the severity of the situation."

Kayabuki speaks.

Kayabuki: "Chief of Staff, you have my permission to use aggressive methods in order to interrogate Masahiro Kasanaki. However, the media musn't learn of this. If they do, you will be removed from your position as the Chief of Ground Staff."

Shinobi looks at Kayabuki and responds.

Shinobi: "I understand, Prime Minister."

Kayabuki looks at Aramaki and speaks to him.

Kayabuki: "Chief Aramaki, please have your team search for these nuclear devices and any accomplices that the terrorist may have."

Aramaki responds.

Aramaki: "Yes ma'am."

The scene ends here.

Part B Scene 1

We have returned to the Itami base where Kawashima is in the interrogation room with two MPs and Kasanaki. We see Shinobi standing outside of the room, leaning against the wall and listening. Aramaki, Kusanagi, and Togusa are also standing in the hall, waiting for Kawashima to appear from the interrogation cell. We are inside of the cell where Kawashima is sitting across from Kasanaki with his hands folded. He speaks.

Kawashima: "I'm going to ask you again, Kasanaki. Who are you in contact with?"

Kasanaki, who now has a black and swollen eye and blood dripping from his nose, doesn't speak. Kawashima sighs in frustration and waits as the two MPs slam his head onto the table. Kasanaki grunts in pain as Kawashima speaks.

Kawashiwa: "I don't enjoy this. Simply cooperate and I won't have to do this to you."

Kasanaki doesn't speak. Kawashima shakes his head as Kasanaki is punched in the back of the head by an MP. He grunts once again and Kawashima speaks.

Kawashima: "It's quite unfortunate that you can't turn your sense organs off. I imagine this must be quite painful for you. You can make this stop, simply tell me who you've been contacting."

Kasanaki still doesn't speak. Kawashima looks away as the MPs beat Kasanaki with riot sticks. Outside of the cell, Aramaki, Kusanagi, Togusa, and Shinobi hear the commotion inside of the interrogation room. Back inside, Kasanaki is laying his head on the table, bleeding and bruised as Kawashima speaks.

Kawashima: "Is all of this really worth the death of one person? Is it? Even if you did succeed, what then? You would never be accepted back into society. However, the Chief of Ground Staff and the Prime Minister are willing to offer you amnesty in return for your cooperation and if you cease your activities as a terrorist. We are even willing to reinsert you into the Self Defense Army, if you so desire."

Kasanaki doesn't respond nor looks at Kawashima. Kawashima stands and leaves the room into the hall, where Aramaki, Kusanagi, Togusa, and Shinobi look at him. Kawashima speaks to them.

Kawashima: "He won't talk."

Shinobi speaks to him.

Shinobi: "Damn it."

Aramaki speaks to Kawashima next.

Aramaki: "General Kawashima, did you offer him amnesty or political asylum in return for his cooperation?"

Kawashima stands with his arms crossed and responds with a tired tone in his voice.

Kawashima: "Yes. Unfortunately, he didn't say a word, Aramaki. He's much too resilient for physical attacks and threats. Hell, we can't even bargain with the man."

Aramaki speaks.

Aramaki: "Have you tried to brain dive him?"

Kawashima shakes his head. Shinobi doesn't move or speak. Togusa glances at her. She has her eyes closed, as if deep in thought. He then looks at Kusanagi, who also has her eyes closed. Aramaki speaks to Shinobi.

Aramaki: "Madam, with your permission, might I request that a member of my team link with Kasanaki's cyberbrain in order to question him in that sense?"

Shinobi doesn't open her eyes or speak. She simply shrugs once, giving Aramaki approval.

Aramaki responds.

Aramaki: "Thank you, ma'am."

He turns to Kusanagi and speaks.

Aramaki: "Major, I want you to brain dive Kasanaki and question him."

Kusanagi opens her eyes and responds.

Kusanagi: "Yes sir."

Kawashima nods his head and escorts Kusanagi into the interrogation room. Shinobi opens her eyes and watches them enter. She speaks to Kawashima via encrypted cybercom.

Shinobi: "Akira, after Major Kusanagi is linked up to Kasanaki, I want you to keep the attention of mister Aramaki and mister Togusa."

Kawashima responds.

Kawashima: "What? Why?"

Shinobi speaks.

Shinobi: "I don't fully trust Motoko Kusanagi with this operation."

Kawashima has a confused tone in his voice as he responds.

Kawashima: "Then why did you allow Aramaki to let Kusanagi link with the terrorist?"

Shinobi responds.

Shinobi: "Do you think that Kasanaki will talk to me? No. He will talk to Major Kusanagi though. I'm going to link up with him as well through a back door path to his cyberbrain in order to listen in on their conversation."

Kawashima responds.

Kawashima: "So you're using Section 9 in order to get somewhere with this case, huh."

Shinobi speaks with a more uplifting tone.

Shinobi: "I suppose you could put it like that."

Kawashima speaks to her.

Kawashima: "Very well, Hatsumi."

Shinobi speaks one last time before the transmission ends.

Shinobi: "Make sure that I am out before Kusanagi is, understand?"

Kawashima speaks before the transmission ends.

Kawashima: "Yes, ma'am. I will."

The transmission ends as Shinobi glances at Aramaki and Togusa, who are looking at her. We switch to the inside of the interrogation room where Kasanaki is panting from his injuries. We see Kawashima enter followed by Kusanagi. The MPs stand guard as Kawashima nods to Kusanagi. She looks from Kawashima, takes the chair, and walks over to Kasanaki. She sets the chair down and sits, linking her cyberbrain with his through a dummy barrier. She closes her eyes and is now linked with Kasanaki. We are now inside of Kasanaki's cyberbrain net, where we see Kusanagi's avatar, Chroma, enter into his cyberbrain. He doesn't have a defense barrier and she is able to easily slip into his cyberbrain. She places her hand on a section of his virtual cyberbrain and is transported to a featureless white room, where she is standing in front of Kasanaki's virtual persona. He appears in a simple black suit and is sitting in a chair, facing her persona of Chroma, which has a striking resemblance to Shinobi's prosthetic body. We then see another avatar appear in the room. This avatar is Hatsumi Shinobi. Her avatar's appearance is much like her mother, Yoko Tsuneki, since this is Hatsumi Shinobi's residual self image in which she would appear if she did not have a prosthetic body. Her avatar is wearing a gown in which samurai women wore, based on her history. Kusanagi and Kasanaki are completely unaware of Shinobi's presence since she entered through an encrypted back door. Kusanagi speaks to him.

Kusanagi: "Identify yourself."

Kasanaki's avatar stares at her with unblinking eyes and responds.

Kasanaki: "I am Masahiro Kasanaki, former lieutenant in the GSDA and personal aide to Colonel Shinobi. However, before that, I was a sergeant and technician in the armored corps for developing new think tank programming."

Kusanagi speaks to Kasanaki as Shinobi watches.

Kusanagi: "Were you employed by Kenbishi or a private contractor?"

Kasanaki responds, still staring at her with unblinking eyes.

Kasanaki: "No. I was hired on by a military officer who was head of A.I. development for military purposes."

Kusanagi speaks as Shinobi's avatar becomes concerned.

Kusanagi: "Who was this officer?"

Kasanaki finally looks away for a moment but returns his gaze, responding.

Kasanaki: "His name was Hideki Yoshimura, a major general at the time. After a time, I was assigned to Colonel Hatsumi Shinobi as her military aide. She had already established a name for herself when she joined the GSDA before I came to this country 14 years ago, due to the fact that she is a member of her particular family, one who has been militarized for almost 1000 years."

Kusanagi notices a presence, but says nothing about it. She shifts her eyes in Shinobi's direction. Shinobi notices this but says nothing. Kusanagi speaks to Kasanaki.

Kusanagi: "What do you hope to gain from killing Shinobi?"

Kasanaki responds to her.

Kasanaki: "I don't have the answer to that question."

Kusanagi becomes somewhat frustrated but keeps her temper. She continues.

Kusanagi: "Have you been in contact with anyone since you began your career as a terrorist."

Kasanaki looks over in Shinobi's direction before turning back to Kusanagi and speaking.

Kasanaki: "Yes."

Kusanagi immediately responds.

Kusanagi: "Who?"

Kasanaki continues to stare.

Kasanaki: "I cannot say."

Kusanagi responds to him with fierce eyes.

Kusanagi: "Is it Yoshimura?"

Kasanaki doesn't budge but responds.

Kasanaki: "I can't say because I don't have that information. However, my contact is either in the Self Defense Army or the Kayabuki Administration."

Kusanagi speaks to him with a strong tone.

Kusanagi: "Do you have any accomplices?"

Kasanaki shakes his head and speaks.

Kasanaki: "No. Only my contact. I kidnapped Warrant Officer Masako Kobayashi at the request of my contact. I did not see any real reason to kidnap her other than to break Shinobi's morale. On the contrary, it proved only to strengthen her overall and it managed to get me severely injured by Major Motoko Kusanagi. At the moment, I am currently being held prisoner by Akira Kawashima, the General in charge of the Itami garrison who took over after Shinobi was promoted to Chief of Ground Staff. Kawashima was a military officer that Hideki Yoshimura disliked at the time, due to the fact that Kawashima was favored by Shinobi and not him. Also, he built up resentment towards Kawashima when Shinobi gave him command of the Itami garrison and not him. Strangely enough, he mentioned nothing of Shinobi. He did however, state that he had a partnership with Toshio Hamauzu, another military officer and businessman who had a grudge against the Chief of Ground Staff, which everyone knows why. However, this partnership was for the development of better A.I. and not because of Hamauzu's resentment towards the female Chief of Staff."

Kusanagi responds to Kasanaki, while Shinobi seems surprised.

Kusanagi: "You're telling me that Yoshimura and Hamauzu were colleagues in developing better artificial intelligence? What about now?"

Kasanaki looks over at Shinobi, not seeing her. He responds.

Kasanaki: "I don't have the answer to that question. However, I can assure you that there are still hardships to come for Shinobi and Kayabuki."

Kusanagi speaks to him.

Kusanagi: "What about Section 9?"

Kasanaki responds.

Kasanaki: "I have nothing against Section 9. I don't even bear any grudges against Major Kusanagi for injuring me. However, it would be wise for Aramaki to keep his nose out of places it shouldn't be. My only conflict is with Hatsumi Shinobi, no one else."

Shinobi decides to drop her sensoreum mask and enter the conversation. Kusanagi looks over and speaks to Shinobi's avatar with confusion and concern.

Kusanagi: "How long were you listening?"

Shinobi looks at Kusanagi and responds.

Shinobi: "For some time now, Major. It won't be long before Kasanaki comes back to consciousness and detects this brain dive."

Both Kusanagi and Shinobi then disappear out of the white room and out of Kasanaki's cyberbrain. They cease their brain dives and they remove their cords from Kasanaki's implants. Kusanagi leaves the interrogation room, somewhat glaring at Shinobi. Kawashima speaks to Shinobi.

Kawashima: "Why did you make your appearance?"

Shinobi is still sitting but speaks to him.

Shinobi: "Leave me with him."

Kawashima appears confused but leaves. He enters the hall, where Aramaki, Kusanagi, and Togusa are looking at him. We return to the interrogation room where Shinobi is sitting with her legs crossed and her arms folded across from Kasanaki, who is now conscious and is staring at her with vengeful eyes. She speaks to him.

Shinobi: "You wanted me. Here I am. I have a few questions to ask you."

Kasanaki refuses to speak but stares at her with cold eyes. She speaks as she looks at her watch.

Shinobi: "I don't know who you've been contacting and I don't know why you decided to threaten my life. This will cease, however. I know that your contact is in the Self Defense Army and it's most likely someone that I know."

She then removes a combat knife from her officer's jacket and fiddles with the blade as she continues.

Shinobi: "Now, I'm not going to try and guess who this person is. I'm going to ask you. Who is your informant?"

Kasanaki simply looks at her, knowing what she is about to do. He speaks.

Kasanaki: "I know what you're going to do. I know that a Shinobi doesn't make empty threats unless they have the upperhand. In this scenario, you don't have the upperhand so therefore, you are resorting to torture to get me to talk, correct?"

Shinobi looks at the MPs and speaks to them.

Shinobi: "Hold him."

The MPs then aggressively slam Kasanaki's head onto the table and hold his jaw open. He doesn't struggle or speak. Shinobi stands and walks over to him, holding her knife with two hands with the blade resting in her palm. She leans over him, holds her left hand on his head, and places her knife in his mouth, speaking.

Shinobi: "You're going to tell me, one way or another."

She is about to pry a tooth from Kasanaki's mouth when the interrogation door opens. Shinobi immediately looks up to see Yoshimura and Kawashima in the interrogation room. Yoshimura speaks in a shocked tone.

Yoshimura: "Ma'am, what are you doing?"

Shinobi responds in a nearly furious tone.

Shinobi: "What the hell are you doing in here, Yoshimura!?"

Yoshimura is speechless as Shinobi glares at Kawashima. Kawashima responds.

Kawashima: "Something's come up."

Shinobi shouts at him.

Shinobi: "Akira, you knew what your orders were! What were you thinking!?"

Kawashima doesn't respond but seems somewhat frustrated. Shinobi glares at Yoshimura and speaks to him in a threatening voice.

Shinobi: "Keep your mouth shut and don't disclose anything to anyone. Understand?"

Yoshimura responds immediately.

Yoshimura: "Yes, ma'am. I understand, ma'am."

Shinobi responds.

Shinobi: "Good. Now get out."

Yoshimura bows and leaves the room. Shinobi glares at Kawashima and speaks.

Shinobi: "What is it, Akira?"

Kawashima responds in a calm tone.

Kawashima: "Hamauzu. He's been reinstated into the Ground Staff Office since they were unable to find him guilty in the main trial for nuclear weapons development."

Shinobi immediately jabs her knife into the table in anger and responds in an angry tone.

Shinobi: "Damn it!"

She then speaks to Kawashima.

Shinobi: "He doesn't know about this, I pray."

Kawashima responds as Shinobi puts her knife into her jacket and walks towards the door.

Kawashima: "No. It'll stay that way for sure."

Shinobi turns and speaks to the MPs.

Shinobi: "Stand guard outside and let no one in unless it myself or General Kawashima. If Major General Hamauzu tries to get into this room, you are free to use any means necessary to prevent that. Don't disclose anything that has just taken place here. That's a direct order from your superior officer."

They are now out in the hall, where Yoshimura, Aramaki, Kusanagi, and Togusa are waiting. Shinobi then speaks to them.

Shinobi: "I don't understand. Hamauzu isn't supposed to be in my Staff Office anymore."

She looks up at Yoshimura and speaks.

Shinobi: "Yoshimura, I want you to get rid of Hamauzu for me. Get him out of the Staff Office immediately."

Yoshimura bows and responds.

Yoshimura: "Yes ma'am."

She looks at Kawashima and speaks.

Shinobi: "You know what has to be done, General. Don't practice restraint. Make him talk."

Kawashima seems surprised but nods nonetheless.

She looks over at Aramaki, Kusanagi, and Togusa. She speaks to Aramaki as Kawashima reenters the interrogation room and Yoshimura exits the hall.

Shinobi: "I'm sorry, Daisuke. I'm sorry that I used Major Kusanagi during the brain dive like that. I needed to get every granule of information from Kasanaki because I knew he wouldn't speak to me."

Aramaki is about to speak but Togusa speaks first in an irritated voice.

Togusa: "So just because he's your prisoner makes it okay to use us like that!?"

Shinobi looks at Togusa and responds.

Shinobi: "Mister Togusa, we haven't known each other long. I'm sure that you are good to your family and are one for fairness and justice. However, you must understand that what I did was to secure the safety of every resident of Niihama, including you, me, mister Aramaki, and miss Kusanagi."

Togusa responds.

Togusa: "Yeah, but that doesn't justify what you did."

Shinobi speaks.

Shinobi: "Quite right. I only did what I thought needed to be done. My interest is in the safety of the people of Japan, not my personal gain or manipulating Section 9. You've done enough for me already."

Togusa seems to have let go of his frustration as Kusanagi speaks to Togusa.

Kusanagi: "Togusa, it's not that big of a deal."

Aramaki then speaks to Shinobi.

Aramaki: "Madam, you needn't worry about that. What's done is done."

Shinobi bows her head and speaks to him.

Shinobi: "I am at your service as always, Daisuke."

Aramaki then responds.

Aramaki: "May I request something, Chief of Staff?"

Shinobi looks at Aramaki and responds.

Shinobi: "What is it?"

Aramaki speaks to her.

Aramaki: "Could you furnish us with all files and documents pertaining to Lieutenant General Yoshimura and Major General Hamauzu?"

Shinobi seems somewhat surprised.

Shinobi: "Yes, but why?"

Aramaki simply responds.

Aramaki: "We'd like to conduct a private investigation in upmost secrecy. I believe that the reasoning for your death threat and attempted assassination stretch back farther than a few days, ma'am."

Shinobi responds.

Shinobi: "And you believe that these two men may be involved in a plot?"

Aramaki speaks.

Aramaki: "I have nothing concrete."

Shinobi thinks for a moment and glances at Kusanagi, who is leaning with her eyes closed. She responds.

Shinobi: "Very well. I will not interfere, Aramaki. I also know nothing of this investigation and will be working on the Kasanaki angle."

Aramaki smiles and speaks with his eyes closed.

Aramaki: "Of course, madam."

Shinobi bows her head to Aramaki. She then turns and walks down the hall, away from us. Kusanagi then speaks to Aramaki.

Kusanagi: "Chief, don't you think that we're getting too involved with this? Our objective was to capture Kasanaki, nothing more."

Aramaki looks at Kusanagi and responds.

Aramaki: "Yes, true. However, this case isn't solved as of yet."

Kusanagi looks at him and speaks.

Kusanagi: "It's because she's a friend of yours, right?"

Aramaki responds.

Aramaki: "No, it's because we've been charged with a task and I will see it to the end. Major, I want you and Batou to assist Shinobi and General Kawashima with the Kasanaki angle."

Kusanagi looks at Aramaki with concerned eyes. She responds.

Kusanagi: "Something up, chief?"

Aramaki speaks to Kusanagi.

Aramaki: "Despite the fact that the Chief of Ground Staff is my friend, I cannot fully trust what she says."

Kusanagi simply nods and the episode ends here.

Episode 9

Opening Theme: Rise - Origa/Yoko Kanno

Closing Theme: One Minute Warning - Passengers (3:16 - 4:40)

Cast:

Motoko Kusanagi - Mary McGlynn

Daisuke Aramaki - William Knight

Buttetsu Batou - Richard Epcar

Togusa -

Saito -

Ishikawa -

Pazu -

Borma -

Azuma -

Yoko Kayabuki -

Hideki Yoshimura -

Hatsumi Shinobi - Patricia Ja Lee

Akira Kawashima -

Masahiro Kasanaki - John DiMaggio

JGSDF326SAIptypv.1 -

Toshio Hamauzu -

Azami Narita -

Takeshi Shinobi -

Plot Summary: The A.I. developed by Yoshimura is introduced in this episode as the GSDA mainframe administration program. It controls the mainframe as the primary management artificial intelligence. It also runs the Ground Staff Office network and communicates with Shinobi often as well as Yoshimura and Kawashima, along with other GSDA officers. Section 9 reveals more of the conspiracy to kill Shinobi. Information is leaked to the press of the attempt on the Chief of Ground Staff and another Stand Alone Complex unfolds, causing Shinobi's life to become even more difficult.

Part A Scene 1

After the opening credits, we see Shinobi sitting at her desk, filling out paperwork. After a moment, a small hologram appears on a special transparent screen on her desk. The hologram is of a faceless man. Shinobi looks over and speaks to the hologram.

Shinobi: "Yes?"

The faceless man responds to her.

Man: "Chief of Staff Shinobi, I understand that you ordered Lieutenant General Hideki Yoshimura to remove Major General Toshio Hamauzu from the Ground Staff Office, correct?"

Shinobi turns back to her paperwork and continues to write, she speaks to him.

Shinobi: "Yes, that is correct, Kaneren. Why do you ask?"

The man responds.

Man: "I would like to know why, Chief of Staff."

Shinobi shifts her eyes at him and speaks.

Shinobi: "Kaneren, this has nothing to do with your function as the mainframe A.I. administration program."

The A.I. responds.

Man: "That is true, Chief of Staff. However, the full purpose of my function is to maintain the stability of the Ground Staff Office."

Shinobi sighs and puts her pen down. She shifts her desk chair and looks at the A.I.

Shinobi: "No, that is my job. My job is to maintain the stability of the GSDA and ensure that it operates smoothly. You were created by Yoshimura to run our network. Do you remember your name, Kaneren?"

Kaneren responds.

Kaneren: "Of course, Chief of Staff. My name is JGSDF326SAIptypv.1. Japanese Ground Self Defense Force Type 326 Sentient Artificial Intelligence Prototype Version 1."

Shinobi closes her eyes for a moment and speaks.

Shinobi: "Yes. As such, your only task that you must occupy yourself with is running the mainframe network, do you understand?"

Kaneren speaks.

Kaneren: "Yes, Chief of Staff. I understand completely. I have detected an error in the mainframe."

Shinobi opens her eyes and looks at Kaneren. She speaks.

Shinobi: "What is it?"

He thinks for a moment and responds.

Kaneren: "It is located in the prisoner sector of the intelligence network."

She gnaws on her thumbnail and speaks.

Shinobi: "Which prisoner?"

Kaneren immediately responds.

Kaneren: "I do not have access to that information."

She ceases her gnawing and looks at the screen. She responds to him.

Shinobi: "What do you mean, you don't have access? You have full security clearance and access to all sectors of the GSDA mainframe, Kaneren."

Kaneren's avatar glances to his right for a moment and responds.

Kaneren: "Major General Toshio Hamauzu has blocked my access to that particular file and individual."

Shinobi growls and speaks to Kaneren.

Shinobi: "I should have known. I give you permission to bypass his authority. I want to know which prisoner. Don't fail me."

Kaneren responds.

Kaneren: "Of course, Chief of Staff Shinobi."

Shinobi turns away from Kaneren and continues to fill out paperwork. She notices that he hasn't left her desk yet. She speaks.

Shinobi: "What now, Kaneren?"

The A.I. responds to her.

Kaneren: "I nearly failed to remember to tell you that your personal Type 303 Arm Suit did not show for its monthly maintenance check this morning."

Shinobi stops writing, but doesn't move. She shifts her eyes at the screen and speaks.

Shinobi: "What?"

Kaneren continues.

Kaneren: "There is more, Chief of Staff. Information has been leaked to the media of the recent assassination attempt on your life. This information also includes the Tokyo live fire exercise and the nuclear weapon, the accidental injury of yourself by Public Security Section 9 under the control of the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the recent trial that has taken place in order to address your sexuality and ability to lead the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force."

The pen that Shinobi was holding drops onto her desk and she slumps in her chair, resting her head on her hand. Kaneren speaks.

Kaneren: "Chief of Staff, I am also here to inform you of the escape of the prisoner, Masahiro Kasanaki."

Shinobi responds in a stressful, forelorned voice.

Shinobi: "Just leave me alone."

Kaneren then disappears from the screen. After a moment, Shinobi picks up the phone on her desk and dials a number. After a few rings, she speaks.

Shinobi: "This is Chief of Ground Staff Hatsumi Shinobi. I want you to put up a press blackout relating to Masahiro Kasanaki immediately. Our official stance on the status of Kasanaki is negative. He never existed. Don't disclose anything to anyone."

She hangs up. After a moment, Shinobi stands from her desk. She slams her fist on the desk, causing the wood to break where her hand is. Shinobi quivers and whimpers in anger, beating her fist on her desk continually. She stops and looks down at her hand after a moment. She emits a small and surprised grunt when she sees her hand cut from the sharp wood. Cyborg blood is slowly seeping and dripping from her wound. Shinobi lifts her hand from the desk and stares at it for a moment in reflection. Her phone rings, causing her to come out of her trance-like moment. She picks it up and answers.

Shinobi: "Chief of Ground Staff Hatsumi Shinobi. Yes. Who? Hamauzu? No, I don't want to speak to him! What do you mean?! What makes you think I want to talk to him?! Urgent? Tell him- No, I told you- Fine. Send him in."

She hangs up and glances at her wound for a moment. She then takes a hankerchief from her military jacket and wraps it around her right hand before she hears a knock on her office door. She answers.

Shinobi: "Come in."

She looks over to see Hamauzu accompanied by another military officer, Colonel Azami Narita, a young woman who is about Masako's age. She is not prosthetic, but is attractive and very brash. She has a certain despisal for Hatsumi Shinobi and Akira Kawashima. Shinobi somewhat glares at the two and speaks in a dark tone.

Shinobi: "What do you want, Hamauzu?"

Hamauzu and Narita walk up to her desk. He looks down and notices the broken surface where Shinobi slammed her fist. He speaks to her.

Hamauzu: "It seems that your desk is cracked, ma'am."

Shinobi doesn't move. Narita is staring at Shinobi with fierce eyes. Shinobi responds.

Shinobi: "Flattery won't help, Hamauzu. What do you want?"

Hamauzu looks up at Shinobi and speaks.

Hamauzu: "Is it true that you have Masahiro Kasanaki in custody?"

Narita seems surprised. Shinobi shifts her eyes at Narita before responding to Hamauzu.

Shinobi: "No, it is not. Masahiro Kasanaki does not exist. Intelligence has undergone an in depth and detailed investigation. They've turned up nothing. Not a trace of Kasanaki."

Hamauzu sounds a curious grunt before walking over to Shinobi's katana. She watches him with close eyes. Hamauzu examines it as he speaks.

Hamauzu: "This is a beautiful sword that you have here. It is of Shinobi design, correct?"

Shinobi responds with a darker tone.

Shinobi: "Yes. The only one still in existance."

Hamauzu doesn't look at her but responds in a curious tone.

Hamauzu: "Really? Isn't the design of this sword based off of Shinobu Shinobi's blade?"

Shinobi doesn't move or break her stare, but responds nonetheless.

Shinobi: "No. It's based off of Hiroshi Shinobi's blade."

Hamauzu picks up her sword and removes it from the tsuba. He emits an interested sigh before examining the blade and speaking.

Hamauzu: "You know, I thought this was more of Motoko Shinobi's style than Hiroshi's."

Shinobi speaks in a ominous voice.

Shinobi: "Hamauzu, put my sword back immediately."

Hamauzu looks over at her as he puts it back in the tsuba. He is watching her with unflinching eyes. He doesn't put it back on the stand, but offers it to Shinobi. Shinobi glares at him while Narita scowls at Shinobi. Shinobi notices this and shifts her eyes at Narita. She speaks.

Shinobi: "Colonel, remove that look from your face immediately."

Narita ignores her and Shinobi speaks to Hamauzu.

Shinobi: "Hamauzu, put my sword back."

He shrugs and puts the katana back on the stand. She looks over at Narita and speaks in an annoyed tone.

Shinobi: "I told you not to look at me like that. This is your last warning."

Narita simply shrugs and looks away from Shinobi. Shinobi glares at Narita before returning her attention to Hamauzu. Hamauzu notices her wrapped hand but says nothing about it. Shinobi looks at her watch on her left wrist and speaks to Hamauzu.

Shinobi: "Is this all that you wanted, Hamauzu? I have to meet with the Chief of Joint Staff, the Chief of Maritime Staff, the Chief of Air Staff, and the Defense Minister in 42 minutes and I cannot be late."

Hamauzu responds as he turns away from her.

Hamauzu: "Why is it that you have restricted access to cell number 413 at the Itami base? Is there something that you and Kawashima aren't telling me?"

Shinobi scowls at Hamauzu and speaks in a dark tone.

Shinobi: "Yes, there is something that we're not telling you. However, it doesn't concern you. So stop trying to weasel your way into it."

Hamauzu grunts in anger and turns back to Shinobi. Narita has moved closer to her superiors. Hamauzu speaks in an angered tone.

Hamauzu: "As a matter of fact, it does concern me. Since you have cut off access and I am in charge of military prisoners!"

Shinobi responds with an irritated tone.

Shinobi: "True, you are in charge of prisoners. However, this prisoner is property of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Apropos, you don't have authority in this situation. Speaking of which, it's my understanding that you've blocked Kaneren from your server, thereby breaking regulations."

Hamauzu steps closer to Shinobi and responds in an almost threatening voice.

Hamauzu: "I don't want that A.I. snooping around on my server."

Shinobi scowls at Hamauzu and responds.

Shinobi: "I don't care, Hamauzu. Protocol clearly states that you must allow JGSDF326SAIptypv.1 to access your server at will and without question. I've given him permission to bypass your authority for the time being."

Hamauzu seems puzzled, but angered nonetheless. He speaks in a frustrated tone.

Hamauzu: "You can't do that!"

Shinobi responds with a solid voice.

Shinobi: "Yes, I can. Consider this a slap on the wrist for breaking protocol, Hamauzu. Now get out of my office before I lose my patience."

Hamauzu grunts in frustration and speaks to Narita.

Hamauzu: "Let's go, Colonel."

Shinobi watches them with a glare as they move across her office towards the door. Hamauzu scowls at Shinobi as he leaves.

Part A Scene 2

We are now in the dive room at Section 9, where we see Ishikawa, Kusanagi, Togusa, and Borma. Kusanagi speaks to Ishikawa.

Kusanagi: "So, what have you been able to dig up about our officers?"

Ishikawa lifts the machine and turns to Kusanagi and Togusa. He speaks.

Ishikawa: "Well, it turns out that Shinobi's take on Hamauzu developing nuclear weapons was right on the money. Apparently, he also played a hand in developing artificial intelligence along with Lieutenant General Yoshimura. Get this, they also knew Dr. Asuda and the three of them together developed a revolutionary A.I. that was ahead of its time."

Kusanagi responds.

Kusanagi: "Did you find anything on this A.I.?"

Ishikawa nods and responds.

Ishikawa: "Yeah, a lot of data. This A.I.'s code number is JGSDF326SAIptypv.1, which is an abbreviation for Japanese Ground Self Defense Force Type 326 Sentient Artificial Intelligence Prototype Version 1."

Togusa speaks next.

Togusa: "Wait, you mean that this A.I. can think on its own? Don't you think that's a little dangerous?"

Ishikawa turns his attention to Togusa and responds.

Ishikawa: "It's really not that much different from the Tachikomas. It is, however, dangerous in the fact that this A.I. runs the GSDA's mainframe. Apparently, the A.I. was nicknamed "Kaneren" by its original creator, Yoshimura. When Yoshimura and Hamauzu approached Chief of Staff Shinobi with the A.I., she turned them down. However, General Kawashima approved the A.I. and Kaneren underwent numerous tests and trials before being inserted into the mainframe. Shinobi didn't approve of this decision and actually tried to have the A.I. shut down. This caused a rift between the 4 officers and Kaneren was in control of the mainframe. Unlike the Tachikomas, who naturally have a curious nature, Kaneren apparently could be considered a bigot and has a tendency to look down on those he deems inferior. It's interesting where Yoshimura, Hamauzu, and Asuda were going with this A.I., however Kaneren, though a machine, suffers from human emotions, namely negative emotions such as anger and jealousy."

Kusanagi responds to Ishikawa.

Kusanagi: "And who would he deem inferior?"

Ishikawa speaks.

Ishikawa: "From what I've read here, ranks and positions in the government and military don't mean anything to him. Apparently, he judges peoples' superiority based on their qualities, manners, and even their overall intelligence. His list of people he thinks are superior is quite short."

Ishikawa begins to read the list.

Ishikawa: "Hideki Yoshimura, Daisuke Aramaki, Motoko Kusanagi, Asuda, Hideo Kuze, Yakushima, Hatsumi Shinobi, and the Minister of Defense."

Togusa seems surprised and responds.

Togusa: "Wait, the chief and the Major?"

Ishikawa responds.

Ishikawa: "Yeah, I was surprised to see them on the list. I don't recall either of them ever meeting this A.I."

Kusanagi thinks for a moment while Togusa speaks.

Togusa: "Maybe they never had to. I bet the A.I. has access to military records and has scanned through all of them, including the chief and the Major."

Ishikawa reponds to Togusa.

Ishikawa: "That sounds about right. If that's true, then Kaneren would be making his basis off of other peoples' impressions of the chief. Don't you think that's a little odd?"

Kusanagi then speaks.

Kusanagi: "If this A.I. makes his basis off of records and not personal experience, he'd be ignoring records dating back centuries. If he also makes his basis off of personal experience, he'd only know three people on his list since he is the GSDA mainframe A.I. He'd know Yoshimura, obviously. Dr. Asuda since he helped create him, and Shinobi since she's the Chief of Staff. Kuze was in the GSDA, but that was long before Kaneren came onto the scene, so he's basing that off of records. I'm also sure that the A.I. has access to police records relating to Kuze, like the Individual Eleven and Dejima."

Togusa then speaks to Kusanagi.

Togusa: "Wouldn't that mean he has knowledge of Section 9 too?"

Kusanagi closes her eyes and leans her head back against the wall. She speaks.

Kusanagi: "Yeah. I wouldn't be surprised if he has full data files on all of us and every case we've worked on."

Togusa seems surprised. Ishikawa speaks.

Ishikawa: "Going back to Yoshimura and Hamauzu, it's common knowledge that Toshio Hamauzu and Hatsumi Shinobi have an intense hatred for one and another. It's also commonly known that Hamauzu and her father were comrades who sought to remove her from office. It's generally known that the Shinobi family and the Hamauzu family have been at each other's throats for almost 1000 years. What I find strange is that Masashi Shinobi and Toshio Hamauzu were colleagues, despite the fact that both families hate each other. Something doesn't fit."

Kusanagi speaks.

Kusanagi: "Yeah, that is if you're following the obvious logic. Shinobi stated that their partnership ended the moment that Hamauzu approached the Vice Admiral with the offer to sell nuclear weapons to hostile countries."

Togusa speaks next.

Togusa: "But what basis does she have to make a statement like that? And exactly how much of that is true?"

Kusanagi opens her eyes and looks at Togusa. She speaks.

Kusanagi: "Don't know. The only person who knows for sure is the Major General. However, I don't think he'd be willing to talk to us."

Ishikawa looks at Kusanagi and speaks.

Ishikawa: "What about someone that he trusts and would know?"

Kusanagi looks at Ishikawa and speaks.

Kusanagi: "That could work. The problem is figuring out who."

Ishikawa responds.

Ishikawa: "I'd bet Shinobi would know."

Kusanagi speaks.

Kusanagi: "Yeah, but she stated that she's going to be busy over the next few days and she won't be able to take time to help us out."

After a moment, Togusa speaks.

Togusa: "What about that man who was with Shinobi at the Itami base the other day?"

Kusanagi looks over at Togusa and speaks.

Kusanagi: "Kawashima? I suppose he'd know. And I'm pretty sure he'd be willing to help us."

Ishikawa speaks to Kusanagi after leaning back in his chair.

Ishikawa: "All right then. You want me to contact him?"

Kusanagi responds as she walks towards the door.

Kusanagi: "Yeah. Tell him that the chief needs that information."

Togusa speaks to Kusanagi.

Togusa: "Where are you going?"

Kusanagi speaks to Togusa as she walks out the door.

Kusanagi: "Batou and I have to meet with the chief. I'll be back."

Part B Scene 1

We are now in Aramaki's office, where we see Aramaki sitting at his desk. Kusanagi and Batou enter the office and Aramaki looks up. He removes his glasses as Kusanagi and Batou sit. Batou speaks.

Batou: "So, what's up?"

Aramaki looks at Batou and responds.

Aramaki: "Masahiro Kasanaki has escaped."

Kusanagi and Batou seem surprised. Batou speaks with a concerned tone.

Batou: "What!? How!?"

Aramaki responds to Batou.

Aramaki: "The military is unsure as to how he escaped. They believe that it's the handywork of someone in the Self Defense Army. However, they haven't been able to I.D. the perp."

Batou speaks.

Batou: "That figures. Isn't Kawashima in charge of Kasanaki as a prisoner?"

Aramaki responds.

Aramaki: "Yes. The Chief of Ground Staff has suspended his command of the Itami garrison for the time being until they figure out exactly what happened. For now, she has charged General Kawashima for a full time investigation."

Batou leans back on the sofa and speaks.

Batou: "So who's in charge of the Itami garrison?"

Aramaki shifts his chair and speaks to Batou.

Aramaki: "The Chief of Ground Staff placed Lieutenant General Yoshimura in charge for now. Also, her personal arm suit apparently has been stolen by an unknown party. It can only be assumed that the perpetrator behind the robbery was either Kasanaki himself or an accomplice. However, the military is unable to determine this either."

Batou sighs and speaks.

Batou: "Does Shinobi have any hints on who it might be?"

Kusanagi looks at Batou and speaks to him.

Kusanagi: "She believes Hamauzu is behind it. However, she'll find any reason to make him look bad, so she'll probably try to finger him. She needs concrete evidence before she can do that though."

Aramaki speaks to Batou and Kusanagi.

Aramaki: "I want you and the rest of the team to work this case full time. I want a round the clock investigation. Find him."

We are now in the Prime Minister's office where we see Kayabuki, Kawashima, the Home Affairs Minister, and Shinobi seated. Kayabuki is speaking of Kasanaki.

Kayabuki: "You mean to tell me that Masahiro Kasanaki has escaped? How did this happen?"

Kawashima speaks to Kayabuki.

Kawashima: "Prime Minister, I'm unsure as to how he escaped. I can assure you that I didn't let him free."

Shinobi glances her eyes at Kawashima. The Home Affairs Minister speaks to Kawashima.

Home Affairs Minister: "General Kawashima, these events all point to you as one who allowed Kasanaki to escape. How do we know it wasn't you who let him free?"

Kawashima looks at the Home Affairs Minister and responds.

Kawashima: "Because I didn't do it. I don't know who let him go. Yes, it was careless of me to slip up on security and I should be punished for it. However, the accusation of me aiding Kasanaki in his escape is absurd!"

The Home Affairs Minister speaks to Kawashima as Kayabuki and Shinobi glance at each other, clearly concerned.

Home Affairs Minister: "Well then, is there anyone else who has spoken to Kasanaki besides you?"

Kawashima becomes relaxed in his seat and speaks to the Home Affairs Minister.

Kawashima: "There's Chief of Staff Hatsumi Shinobi, Major Motoko Kusanagi, and Lieutenant General Hideki Yoshimura. That's all. Major Kusanagi was under supervision of myself and the Chief of Ground Staff. Yoshimura, however, wasn't authorized to speak to him."

Kayabuki silently grunts to herself. After a moment, she speaks to Kawashima.

Kayabuki: "General, this evening, there's going to be a reception that an assemblyman is hosting. The Lieutenant General is attending. I would like you to also attend and investigate him under the guise of a guest. The party is at this address."

Kayabuki hands him a slip of paper, in which Kawashima takes from her. He reads the address. After a moment, he puts the paper in his jacket and speaks to Kayabuki.

Kawashima: "All right. I'll do it. I'm afraid I don't have a date to take with me, however."

Kawashima, Kayabuki, and the Home Affairs Minister all look at Shinobi. She looks at them with confused and concerned eyes. She responds.

Shinobi: "What?"

They continue to look at her. She sits up straight and speaks.

Shinobi: "Me? Akira, I'm married."

Kawashima somewhat grins and responds.

Kawashima: "So am I. Come on, Hatsumi. It'll be fun."

Shinobi looks at Kawashima and speaks with a solid voice, somewhat glaring at him.

Shinobi: "I'm sure that our definitions of fun differ drastically. I am not a people person."

Kawashima simply shrugs and speaks to her.

Kawashima: "I'll pick you up at 7:30. Try to wear something nice, preferably not your uniform."

Shinobi sighs and speaks.

Shinobi: "I assume that I don't have the option to refuse, do I?"

Kayabuki speaks to Shinobi.

Kayabuki: "Chief of Ground Staff, this is very important. Masahiro Kasanaki must be recaptured by any means necessary."

Shinobi looks at Kayabuki and responds.

Shinobi: "Fine."

Shinobi looks at Kawashima and speaks in a harsh tone.

Shinobi: "If you call me 'dear', Akira, I'll strip you of your rank."

Kawashima simply nods and Shinobi speaks.

Shinobi: "What is our objective?"

The Home Affairs Minister responds to Shinobi.

Home Affairs Minister: "You're to discover any connections between Lieutenant General Yoshimura and Masahiro Kasanaki. Once you do, nonchelantely leave the party. Do not engage and avoid any combat situations that may spring up. I've requested Chief Aramaki and his Section 9 to attend as well, so don't be surprised if you see them there."

Shinobi responds.

Shinobi: "Very well. Akira, I expect you to be in front of my residence at 7:30 sharp."

Kawashima speaks to Shinobi.

Kawashima: "I'll be there."

The scene ends here.

Part B Scene 2

It is now night where we are in front of a high quality reception hall. We see many politicians, civilian suits, and military officers about the party. There are also valets waiting and cars are arriving one by one. We then see the unmarked van that belongs to Section 9 parked a ways off with Ishikawa and Borma sitting inside. They are watching the party on computer monitors. We then see Batou and Togusa making their rounds, disguised as guests. Pazu and Saito are doing the same. We then see Kusanagi dressed in her tan military uniform standing with Aramaki, who is dressed in a suit. Pazu speaks via cybercom.

Pazu: "No sign of Yoshimura yet."

Batou responds to Pazu.

Batou: "Same here. We saw Hamauzu making his rounds shortly ago, so it's a good bet that Yoshimura is creeping around here."

A car pulls up and many of the people at the party look. One of the valets opens the door and we see Kawashima step out wearing a tuxedo. The valets bow their heads to Kawashima as he does the same. He begins to walk, but stops and turns halfway. People gasp and grunt in awe and surprise when they see Hatsumi Shinobi step out of the car wearing a sleek black dress. The dress is strapless and has an open back, so her head, shoulders, and back are bare. Her arms are bare except for her sleek watch on her left wrist. The dress stops above her ankles, leaving her feet exposed. She is wearing black high-heel shoes. The sides of the dress are cut and run up to her mid-thigh, exposed the sides of her legs when she walks. Shinobi appears displeased to be there and walks up to Kawashima's side. Kawashima speaks to her.

Kawashima: "You look wonderful, Hatsumi."

Shinobi glances at Kawashima and emits a small, silent grunt. She and Kawashima continue walking until they meet up with Aramaki and Kusanagi. Aramaki somewhat smiles and speaks to them.

Aramaki: "General. Chief of Staff. It's good that you could make it here this evening."

Shinobi responds to Aramaki.

Shinobi: "Well, it turns out I didn't have a choice. Where is Yoshimura?"

Aramaki responds to Shinobi.

Aramaki: "There's no sign of him. We'll keep tabs for the Lieutenant General."

Kawashima responds to Aramaki.

Kawashima: "Same here."

Kawashima glances at Shinobi, who is standing with her arms folded on one another. She is staring at the other guests, searching for Yoshimura. Kawashima speaks to her.

Kawashima: "Hatsumi, would you care to have a drink with me?"

Shinobi doesn't look at him but responds.

Shinobi: "If you insist."

Kawashima slightly bows his head to Aramaki and Kusanagi and walks away with Shinobi. Kusanagi speaks to Aramaki.

Kusanagi: "Never thought I'd see Hatsumi Shinobi at an occassion like this, let alone in a dress."

Aramaki doesn't look at Kusanagi but simply grunts. We switch to Togusa and Batou, who are glancing around for Yoshimura. They see Hamauzu speaking with 2 other men. Togusa speaks to Batou in a low tone.

Togusa: "That's Hamauzu?"

Batou doesn't look at Togusa but responds nonetheless.

Batou: "Yeah. He's the kind of guy who is aspiring to move up in the world. He's also a man who's intentions are more selfish than noble. If Toshio Hamauzu was interested in the GSDA's honor and stability, he wouldn't be trying to get rid of the Vice Admiral's daughter."

They look over to see Pazu and Saito as they stand next to Batou and Togusa. Saito speaks.

Saito: "We spotted Yoshimura by the bar."

They all glance over towards the bar, where they see Yoshimura speaking with a civilian official. Pazu and Saito nod to Batou and Togusa as they continue to circulate around the party. Batou speaks to Aramaki and Kusanagi via cybercom.

Batou: "Yoshimura has been spotted at the bar. Hamauzu's also around. Togusa and I will keep an eye on Yoshimura. Pazu and Saito are keeping tabs on Hamauzu."

Aramaki responds via cybercom.

Aramaki: "Good."

Kusanagi glances behind her to see Kawashima and Shinobi leaning against the balcony with their backs towards her. Kusanagi has a somewhat concerned look in her eyes as we hear Shinobi speak.

Shinobi: "You know, when I first joined the GSDA, I was nervous."

The angle switches so we see a side view of Shinobi and Kawashima. Shinobi continues.

Shinobi: "I thought that I would be able to breeze through the ranks. I was wrong. My pride got the best of me. I thought that it would be easy since I was part of the Shinobi family. However, there wasn't any leaniance for me."

Kawashima simply grunts and somewhat chuckles. Shinobi fiddles with her watch as she speaks.

Shinobi: "It wasn't too long until I met my commanding officer. He taught me how it was to be a soldier. It was also he who promoted me to Colonel and shipped me out to South America."

Kawashima looks at Shinobi, who is taking a drink of her red wine. She doesn't look at him but speaks.

Shinobi: "That was 11 years ago. Now I have to command him."

Kawashima simply nods and responds.

Kawashima: "I see that you don't forget things like that, Hatsumi."

Shinobi silently chuckles and speaks.

Shinobi: "It's difficult to forget."

She finishes her wine as Kawashima stands from the balcony. He speaks to her.

Kawashima: "Would you like another drink?"

Shinobi merely nods her head. Kawashima walks away and Shinobi sets her wine glass on a nearby table. She sighs. Batou and Togusa notice 3 men nonchelantely walk near Shinobi. She doesn't notice. The view switches back to Shinobi where one of the men grabs her butt. She immediately gasps and her eyes grow wide. She becomes furious and immediately whirls around. She punches the man in the nose, breaking it and causing the man to fall to the floor. Everyone gasps and the other 2 men back away from her. She shouts at the man with a threatening tone.

Shinobi: "You son of a bitch! How dare you touch me like that!"

It is quiet now and Yoshimura and Hamauzu are watching the scene. Kusanagi and Aramaki are also surprised to see what has taken place. We see Shinobi looming over the man. She then crosses her arms and angrily walks over to a table in a corner. She sits down at the table and doesn't speak nor look at anyone. Everyone continues to stare at her and the men. After a moment, Yoshimura and Hamauzu return to their activities and everyone ceases to pay attention. Shinobi is looking out on the city. Batou and Togusa look at each other and walk over to Shinobi. She notices them but doesn't look nor speak. Togusa speaks to Shinobi.

Togusa: "Ma'am, are you all right?"

Shinobi doesn't look at them but responds.

Shinobi: "Yes, I'm fine. What is it that you want?"

She turns her head and looks at them with an annoyed look in her eyes. Batou speaks to her.

Batou: "We've spotted Yoshimura by the bar. Thought you should know about it."

Shinobi looks past Batou and Togusa and sees Yoshimura speaking with a civilian official. She returns her attention to them.

Shinobi: "Good. Is that all he's been doing?"

Batou responds.

Batou: "Yeah. So far, they've only been talking politics. Nothing about Kasanaki or anything that can be useful to us."

Shinobi looks away and responds.

Shinobi: "I see."

Batou then sits across from Shinobi, who looks at him with an expression. Not angry, annoyed, sad, or happy. Togusa turns away and continues to monitor Yoshimura. Batou speaks to Shinobi.

Batou: "Hamauzu's here also."

She then seems surprised and looks over at Hamauzu, who doesn't notice her. She sighs and returns her attention to Batou.

Shinobi: "This night couldn't get any worse, could it. All I want is to find a link between Yoshimura and Kasanaki, verify it, and then go home."

Batou leans back in his chair and somewhat chuckles.

Batou: "Same here. I'm not one for parties."

Shinobi somewhat smiles. Batou speaks with an uplifting tone.

Batou: "Whoa, a smile? That's a first."

Shinobi continues to smile and responds.

Shinobi: "Yes. I don't smile much. There isn't much to smile about these days. Actually, I could use some uplifting company about now."

Batou grins. He glances over at the bar where Kawashima simply nods at him. Batou returns the gesture. He then speaks to Shinobi.

Batou: "You want a drink?"

Shinobi politely shakes her head and responds.

Shinobi: "Oh, thank you, but no. Akira is in the process of doing that."

Batou seems confused but speaks.

Batou: "Akira?"

Shinobi glances at Kawashima with a smile before speaking to Batou.

Shinobi: "Sorry. I meant General Kawashima. We tend to address each other by first name."

Batou leans on the table and speaks.

Batou: "You guys close?"

Shinobi nods once and responds.

Shinobi: "Yes. We've been close friends for 11 years now. I first met him at a sushi bar, believe it or not. I didn't realize that he was my commanding officer."

Shinobi chuckles as she finishes her sentence. Batou responds.

Batou: "At least you guys met someplace decent."

Shinobi asks.

Shinobi: "How did you meet Motoko Kusanagi, if I may ask?"

Batou looks over at Kusanagi, who is scanning the party, not noticing. Batou looks back at Shinobi and responds.

Batou: "It was back in 2020. We were stationed together in South America along with Ishikawa."

Shinobi speaks.

Shinobi: "Really? I did not know that. I've heard stories about Major Kusanagi in World War IV, but they're just stories."

She and Batou look over at Kusanagi, who is speaking with Aramaki. Batou responds.

Batou: "Yeah. A lot of those stories are true, though. She even scares me to this day."

Shinobi silently laughs to herself. Batou looks back at Shinobi as she speaks.

Shinobi: "I guess I've been known to be somewhat of an ogre myself. Is she a good commanding officer?"

Batou responds.

Batou: "If you want to put it like that, then yeah. We've got a mutual arrangement."

There is a silent pause for a moment before Batou speaks.

Batou: "You mind if I ask you something?"

Shinobi looks at Batou and responds.

Shinobi: "What is it?"

Batou speaks.

Batou: "Is it true that you're samurai?"

Shinobi seems surprised and looks away for a moment. She then returns her attention to Batou and responds.

Shinobi: "Yes, it's true. I was inducted into samurai when I was 18 years of age by my great-uncle, Hitori Shinobi. I've been training with the katana since I was 12, so you could consider that I am a master swordsman. Although I don't like to boast about it and I usually keep it a secret."

Kawashima then walks over to Batou and Shinobi. She and Batou look up at Kawashima, who hands Shinobi a glass of red wine. He speaks.

Kawashima: "It looks like you two are having fun."

Shinobi speaks to Kawashima with an almost cheerful voice.

Shinobi: "Just catching up, Akira."

Kawashima simply smiles and Shinobi stands. She then speaks.

Shinobi: "If you'll excuse me."

Batou and Kawashima nod and Shinobi walks over to Aramaki and Kusanagi. Kawashima speaks to Batou.

Kawashima: "It's good to see her in a more cheerful mood. I haven't seen her like this in a long while."

Batou simply shrugs. Kawashima continues.

Kawashima: "I think you made her night, Batou."

Batou responds.

Batou: "Just doing what I can. Yoshimura and Hamauzu are around."

Kawashima looks at the bar and speaks.

Kawashima: "Yeah, that's the word. Hamauzu's behaving himself and Yoshimura is talking politics. Nothing important."

Batou responds.

Batou: "We haven't picked up any information on a link between him and Kasanaki."

Kawashima grunts and looks over at Yoshimura, who has just finished speaking with the official. He is walking away from the party. Kawashima speaks.

Kawashima: "Batou."

Batou stands and watches Yoshimura. He speaks to Kusanagi via cybercom.

Batou: "Major, Yoshimura is on the move."

Kusanagi looks over at Yoshimura, who is turning a corner. She looks at Aramaki, who simply nods. Kusanagi and Shinobi begin to walk in the same direction. They turn the corner that Yoshimura went around, only to find no one there. Kusanagi and Shinobi seem suprised and confused. Shinobi speaks.

Shinobi: "What? I don't understand."

Kusanagi and Shinobi begin to walk foward. The sound of a gun cocking emits and they stop. They both look at each other and Shinobi removes her pistol from her leg holster and cocks the chamber. Kusanagi also has her pistol drawn. They begin to move foward with Shinobi in front. They both see movement ahead and stop. Shinobi speaks.

Shinobi: "Identify yourself!"

Then, the shadowy figure fires on the two women, who dive out of the way. Shinobi returns fire and speaks to Kusanagi.

Shinobi: "Motoko, take cover!"

Kusanagi and Shinobi get down and behind the corner wall. Kusanagi fires at the figure while Shinobi speaks to Kawashima and Section 9 via cybercom.

Shinobi: "Come to our position now! We're under attack!"

She then fires at the figure. We hear a grunt and a thud. Both women then run up to the figure, who lying and clutching his side. The man tries to crawl away, only for his arm to be crushed by Kusanagi's foot. He shouts in pain and rolls over on his back. He struggles as Shinobi grabs him by his coat collar and puts him against a wall. She is furious and speaks to him in an angry tone.

Shinobi: "Who the hell are you and why are you trying to kill us?"

The man doesn't respond.

Shinobi speaks.

Shinobi: "Where is he?"

The man spits in Shinobi's face. She drops him and punches him in the side of the face. The man falls to the floor, grasping his face. He responds in an angry tone.

Man: "Fuck you!"

Shinobi becomes furious and is about to attack him. She is restrained by Kusanagi and Kawashima, who has appeared with Section 9. Shinobi shouts.

Shinobi: "Damn it! Let go of me!"

Aramaki speaks to Shinobi.

Aramaki: "Madam! Calm down! Batou, arrest this man!"

Batou then places the man under arrest. Shinobi grunts and shrugs off Kusanagi and Kawashima. She then angrily walks away. They watch her for a moment before Aramaki speaks.

Aramaki: "This may prove the tie between Yoshimura and Kasanaki. However we can't be sure until we obtain verification from either of them."

Kawashima looks at the unconscious man and speaks.

Kawashima: "Yeah. What do you think, Aramaki?"

Aramaki looks at Kawashima and speaks.

Aramaki: "General, It's too early for me to express my opinion until we gain information from this man."

Kawashima nods and speaks.

Kawashima: "Very well."

The scene switches back to the rest of the party, where the guests are still going about their activities. We hear Shinobi silently humming a beautiful Japanese song, one that she only hums when she has a great amount of stress. We see Shinobi sitting alone at the corner table, looking out on Niihama. She continues to hum. A man walks by and Shinobi doesn't notice him. He speaks to her.

Man: "Excuse me, what is that you're humming? It's beautiful."

Shinobi gasps in surprise and looks at the man. He is a young, handsome man in his late 20s. Shinobi seems embarrassed but responds.

Shinobi: "It's a song that my mother used to sing to me when I was a little girl. Might I ask your name, sir?"

The man responds in a pleasant voice.

Man: "Takeshi Shinobi, miss."

Shinobi is shocked and gasps.

Shinobi: "Did you say Shinobi?"

Takeshi responds.

Takeshi: "Yes. Why?"

Shinobi looks away from him but speaks.

Shinobi: "It's nothing. Forget it."

Takeshi simply grunts and speaks.

Takeshi: "Mind if I join you?"

Shinobi looks at him and responds.

Shinobi: "Go ahead."

Takeshi sits across from Shinobi and asks.

Takeshi: "I didn't get your name, miss-"

Shinobi responds quickly.

Shinobi: "Shinobi. Hatsumi Shinobi."

Takeshi smiles and responds.

Takeshi: "Really? Then I guess we're relatives."

Shinobi seems embarrassed. She looks away from Takeshi. He speaks.

Takeshi: "Would you mind if you told me who your parents are, Hatsumi?"

Shinobi doesn't look at Takeshi, but responds nonetheless.

Shinobi: "My parents are dead. If you must know, my father was Vice Admiral Masashi Shinobi and my mother was Yoko Tsuneki. They've been dead for nearly 3 years now."

Takeshi responds.

Takeshi: "I'm sorry for your loss."

Shinobi merely shrugs. Her face has a sorrowful look to it. She speaks to Takeshi.

Shinobi: "What about you?"

Takeshi speaks.

Takeshi: "It was nice to meet you, Hatsumi. I hope we meet again."

Takeshi stands and Shinobi looks at him. She speaks.

Shinobi: "Wait. How are we related?"

Takeshi turns and looks at her and speaks before leaving.

Takeshi: "I'm your brother."

He walks away into the party as Shinobi immediately stands with a shocked look on her face. She goes after Takeshi, unable to find him. The episode ends with her standing in the middle of the party, looking of into the distance with a serene look in her eyes.

Episode 10

Opening Theme: Rise - Origa/Yoko Kanno

Closing Theme: One Minute Warning - Passengers (3:16 - 4:40)

Cast:

Motoko Kusanagi - Mary McGlynn

Daisuke Aramaki - William Knight

Buttetsu Batou - Richard Epcar

Togusa -

Saito -

Ishikawa -

Pazu -

Borma -

Azuma -

Yoko Kayabuki -

Hideki Yoshimura -

Hatsumi Shinobi - Patricia Ja Lee

Akira Kawashima -

Masahiro Takeda - John DiMaggio

JGSDF326SAIptypv.1 -

Toshio Hamauzu -

Azami Narita -

Takeshi Shinobi -

Plot Summary: It has been discovered that Hatsumi Shinobi has a brother. It was previously widely accepted that she was an only child. Hatsumi will not speak with anyone. Kawashima discovers that there is a connection between Yoshimura and Kasanaki and proceeds to question him. Section 9 discovers where Ame Akarui is being kept and proceeds to retrieve it. However, they run into Kasanaki and a group of hired henchmen.

Part A Scene 1

After the opening credits, we are at the Defense Agency where we see Kawashima and Aramaki walking up to the GSDA's reception desk. The secretary looks up and speaks.

Secretary: "Good morning, General Kawashima. How can I help you?"

Kawashima glances from Aramaki to the secretary and speaks.

Kawashima: "We need to speak to the Chief of Ground Staff."

The secretary's face has a disappointed look on it as she speaks.

Secretary: "I'm sorry sir. She called in ill today. Is there anything else I can help you with?"

Kawashima shakes his head and responds.

Kawashima: "Thank you, but no."

Aramaki and Kawashima then begin to walk away when Masako walks by. She notices the two men and speaks in an uplifting voice.

Masako: "Oh! Hello, Akira. Mr. Aramaki."

Aramaki and Kawashima turn around. Kawashima seems relieved to see Masako. He speaks to her.

Kawashima: "Miss Kobayashi, what's going on with Hatsumi? Cyborgs cannot get ill."

Masako seems worried now but responds.

Masako: "I don't really know, to be honest. She won't speak to me. She's been acting strange lately. It's not like her to become all tight lipped. Usually she's quite talkative."

Kawashima seems concerned and looks at Aramaki. Kawashima then speaks to Masako.

Kawashima: "Is she at home?"

Masako looks away for a moment before responding.

Masako: "Well, yeah. At least she was when I left this morning."

Kawashima then nods. He and Aramaki then bow to Masako, who does the same. Masako walks away and Kawashima and Aramaki leave the GSDA section. We are now in front of Shinobi's residence, where Kawashima and Aramaki step out of Aramaki's vehicle. They enter the skyscraper and ride the elevator to the top floor. They enter Shinobi's penthouse and Kawashima speaks out loud.

Kawashima: "Hatsumi?"

They look ahead to see Shinobi sitting alone at a table. She is fiddling around with her pistol, which is empty. The clip is laying next to her on the table, completely empty. She doesn't look at them or speak. Kawashima and Aramaki then walk up to her. Kawashima looks at her with concerned eyes and speaks.

Kawashima: "Hatsumi? Are you all right?"

Shinobi is still dressed in her night clothing, which is a tank top shirt and underwear. She still doesn't look at them nor speak. Instead, she continues to examine her pistol until she accidently cuts herself on one of the sliding parts. She emits a silent grunt and sets the gun on the table. She looks at the cut on her hand, still oblivious to the fact that Kawashima and Aramaki are standing beside her. Kawashima removes a white cloth from his military uniform and gently wraps it around her hand. She doesn't look at them but silently speaks.

Shinobi: "Hey."

Kawashima then sits across from her. She looks at Aramaki and nods her head once. Aramaki does the same.

Shinobi turns her attention back to her hand, not speaking. Kawashima sighs to himself and looks at Aramaki. Kawashima then folds his hands on the table and speaks with a calm tone.

Kawashima: "Hey, what's going on?"

Shinobi doesn't look at him but speaks.

Shinobi: "Not much."

Kawashima responds, keeping a calm tone.

Kawashima: "That's not what I meant. Something's up."

Shinobi still doesn't look at him but speaks as she picks up her gun and begins to mess with it.

Shinobi: "Just some unexpected news."

Kawashima seems confused and speaks to Shinobi.

Kawashima: "Unexpected news? Are you going to be a mother, Hatsumi?"

Shinobi has a broken smile on her face but doesn't look at him and speaks in a silent tone.

Shinobi: "No Akira, but thank you for trying to cheer me up. The truth is, I met my brother last night."

Kawashima and Aramaki seem surprised. Kawashima speaks to her.

Kawashima: "Your brother? I thought you were an only child."

Shinobi keeps her attention to her pistol but responds.

Shinobi: "So did I. His name is Takeshi Shinobi."

She then begins to disassemble her pistol as Kawashima looks at Aramaki. Kawashima sighs and speaks as he begins to stand.

Kawashima: "Remember that you have your staff address today? It's imperative that you attend, Hatsumi."

Shinobi doesn't look at them but responds with a quiet voice.

Shinobi: "It can wait."

Kawashima places his hand over Shinobi's gun, gently setting it down. She doesn't move or look at them. She silently speaks.

Shinobi: "Akira, please let me be for now. I want to be alone."

Kawashima then turns and begins to walk away from her. Aramaki speaks to Shinobi.

Aramaki: "Madam, if you don't attend the conference, you may be removed from the position of Chief of Staff."

Shinobi continues to disassemble her pistol and speaks in a quiet tone.

Shinobi: "Okay."

Aramaki silently grunts and speaks.

Aramaki: "Chief of Staff?"

Shinobi sets her gun down and sighs. She removes the cloth from her hand as she stands. She speaks as she walks towards her bedroom.

Shinobi: "Give me a moment."

Aramaki nods. After a moment, Shinobi reappears wearing her military uniform. We see her putting on her watch as she walks. She shifts her eyes at Aramaki as she passes. He simply follows.

Part A Scene 2

We are now at Secton 9's head quarters, where we are in Aramaki's office. Aramaki is at his desk. Batou, Kusanagi, Togusa, Saito, Ishikawa, Pazu, and Borma are all seated. They are watching the screen, which is set to Channel 33. We see Lieutenant General Yoshimura standing at the podium, waiting for the signal to begin. After moment, Yoshimura clears his throat and speaks.

Yoshimura: "All right, we are ready to begin. Our opening speech will be made by Major General Toshio Hamauzu. General Hamauzu."

We see Yoshimura step aside and Hamauzu take the stand. He appears calm and collected. He takes a drink of water before speaking. Togusa speaks.

Togusa: "Shouldn't we be looking for Kasanaki, not watching military speeches?"

Aramaki looks at Togusa and speaks.

Aramaki: "Togusa, we've interrogated the man who tried to kill the Chief of Ground Staff last night. It turns out that he confirmed the link between Yoshimura and Takeda. General Kawashima is going to arrest Yoshimura."

Togusa emits a silent grunt and listens to Hamauzu speak.

Hamauzu: "As such, the Ground Staff Office views it necessary to submit a new budget proposal in order to pay for the damages caused by the recent Dejima incident. Chief of Ground Staff Hatsumi Shinobi will explain further in detail."

Hamauzu turns as Shinobi stands and walks up to the podium. She speaks.

Shinobi: "Thank you, General Hamauzu. As you are all aware of the recent actions by the refugees in the Dejima residential district, the Refugee Special Action Policy must be addressed once again by the Prime Minister's Cabinet. There is still some confusion as to who moved first during the Dejima incident, however we still don't know. Also, despite the fact that the refugees have declared Dejima as an autonomous state, they will still be taxed as normal citizens and Japan will still hold sovereignty over those refugees. The Prime Minister has stated that any action made on the policy will be put on hold for the time being. I am requesting that the government accept our budget proposal in order to aid the refugees in rebuilding Dejima. One last thing, it is true what some of you have heard, there was a recent assassination attempt on my life by the man known as Masahiro Takeda. All attempts to bring this man to justice have failed. He is believed to have possession of nuclear materials and is considered to be very dangerous, therefore, I urge you all to disclose any information pertaining to this man to the authorities or the military. That is all."

Shinobi bows her head and sits back down. Kawashima then stands and takes the podium.

Kawashima: "As the Chief of Ground Staff has stated, the terrorist, Masahiro Takeda, is at large and we have not discovered any connections that he may have. Until now. Based on reliable intel that we have received, it is now confirmed that Masahiro Takeda has been aided by someone within the Self Defense Army. Lieutenant General Hideki Yoshimura."

People are now clamouring and camera flashes light up the screen. Kawashima looks over at Yoshimura, who has a bewildered look on his face. Hamauzu, Shinobi, and 2 other military officers immediately stand. Hamauzu seems shocked and Shinobi is surprised. Hamauzu speaks.

Hamauzu: "Arrest him!"

Then, 2 MPs roughly arrest Yoshimura and put his cyberbrain in lockdown.

Kawashima then walks off screen towards Yoshimura's direction. We see Shinobi speaking with the one of the military officers, glancing over in Yoshimura's direction. Hamauzu takes the stand and speaks over everyone.

Hamauzu: "Lieutenant General Yoshimura will be dealt with immediately. The terrorist will be caught and brought to justice. If you have any information pertaining to Takeda, please immediately inform the authorities or the Self Defense Army. Thank you."

Hamauzu bows. He then begins to speak with Shinobi, speaking with an angered expression on his face. She has an annoyed expression as he speaks. Aramaki turns off the volume and speaks.

Aramaki: "So, it is now confirmed that Yoshimura has ties to Masahiro Takeda."

Kusanagi is sitting with her arms folded. She speaks, staring off into space.

Kusanagi: "We still don't know if he is involved in the plot to kill Shinobi."

Aramaki responds.

Aramaki: "Correct. It is most likely that the Self Defense Army will hold Yoshimura. However, the Chief of Ground Staff has relinquished jurisdiction of this investigation to us."

Togusa looks over at the screen to see Kawashima speaking with the MPs. Togusa speaks.

Togusa: "Yeah, but I don't think Yoshimura is going to spill his guts to us, chief."

Batou adds in.

Batou: "Yoshimura is a conditioned military officer. Our best bet is to dive his cyberbrain and find the answers ourselves. Ishikawa?"

Ishikawa leans foward and speaks.

Ishikawa: "Yeah, that's our best bet. His cyberbrain will have a military barrier maze similar to that of a government system. We'll need to use someone as a buffer in order to safely dive it."

Saito then speaks.

Saito: "I know that Shinobi has one of the most complex and secure military barrier mazes there is. Should see if she would be willing to. Nothing can break through her cyberbrain, so it would be safe to use her as a buffer since she would be immune to hacking and back-hacking."

Ishikawa responds.

Ishikawa: "That's an option. I'll see if I can get her to do that."

Aramaki then inputs.

Aramaki: "Very well. Get to it."

Ishikawa stands and leaves the room. Aramaki then continues.

Aramaki: "As you've know doubt have heard, the Chief of Ground Staff's personal Arm Suit has been stolen by an unknown party. From the information we've gathered from the would-be assailant from last evening, the Arm Suit is being kept by Masahiro Takeda at the Kagoshima War Dead Memorial Tower. I want the rest of you to fly down to Kagoshima and retrieve it before he decides to use it."

Batou looks at Aramaki and speaks.

Batou: "And if we run into Takeda?"

Aramaki grunts and looks at Batou. He speaks in a firm tone.

Aramaki: "Arrest him."

Batou grunts and Kusanagi stands, followed by everyone else.

We are now at the Kagoshima War Dead Memorial Tower where we see Takeda standing and smoking a cigarette. He is wearing a simple brown jacket and his castro-style cap. He is also wearing a pair of black sunglasses. He is reading the names on the monument as he smokes. After a moment, he throws away his cigarette and sighs. A tall man then walks up next to him from behind. He is wearing a long black coat and speaks with a cold tone.

Tall Man: "So, you wanna tell us why you've drug us all the way out here, American?"

Takeda doesn't turn his head to look at him but responds in a non-threatening voice.

Takeda: "Does it really matter? You'll get paid, one way or another. You know, I fought in that war."

Takeda acknowledges the monument as he finishes speaking. The tall man looks over at the monument and grunts. He speaks.

Tall Man: "Huh, really? You don't seem like the type. What side did you fight for?"

Takeda crosses his arms and turns his head to look at the tall man. He speaks.

Takeda: "Same as you, my friend. You, however, weren't personally stabbed in the back by someone you trusted in that war."

The tall man looks at Takeda and responds.

Tall Man: "You're talking about her, aren't you?"

Takeda nods his head once and returns his gaze to the monument. He speaks to the man.

Takeda: "Traitorous bitch. I'll have my revenge, sooner or later. You guys all ready?"

The tall man turns to walk away as he speaks.

Tall Man: "Yeah."

Takeda turns around and walks with the man, lighting up another cigarette. He puffs on it and exhales smoke through his nose. They reach an armored van where there are 5 other men all loading weapons. We see Shinobi's Arm Suit sitting inside of the van, empty. The men don't look at either Takeda or the tall man as they approach. Takeda climbs into the van and looks at a radar screen, which has a blip on it. He doesn't show any emotion but speaks to the rest of the men.

Takeda: "Looks like we've got visitors."

The men continue to load their weapons and the tall man speaks as he examines the blade of his katana.

Tall Man: "Who would you say it is?"

Takeda exhales smoke and types something on the keyboard, causing the screen to enter a live feed video mode, which barely shows Section 9's tilt-rotor. Takeda seems somewhat surprised and speaks.

Takeda: "Public Security Section 9."

We hear one of the men respond to Takeda as he types something on the keyboard.

Man 1: "You mean those ex-military cyborgs?"

Takeda doesn't turn to look at the man but returns his gaze to the screen, looking at the specs of the tilt-rotor. He responds.

Takeda: "Yeah, that's them. Just be thankful that it's not the military themselves."

We see another man, also wearing sunglasses with a goatee speak to Takeda.

Man 2: "You afraid that it might have been her?"

Takeda turns his head and looks at the men and speaks with a small sneer in his voice.

Takeda: "On the contrary, I was hoping it would have been Shinobi."

Takeda then turns and steps out of the van. He picks up a SAW machine gun and begins to load it. He attaches the ammo box to the bottom of it. He opens the top of the gun and feeds the ammo belt into it. He then closes the gun, cocks the chamber, and picks up a .50 calibur sniper rifle. The tall man speaks to Takeda.

Tall Man: "You planning on sniping the pilot?"

Takeda slings the rifle over his shoulder as he speaks with strain in his voice from the weight of the rifle.

Takeda: "That aircraft is operated by two pilots. I'm going hit the fuel line. If we're lucky, it'll crash. If we're not, it'll be forced to land. Either way gives us the advantage. Have the rest of the men take up positions around the Arm Suit. We'll ambush them once they reach the van. Also, you know the plan."

The tall man nods and pats Takeda on the shoulder before walking away. Takeda turns and walks up the hill to the ridge. We are now on the tilt-rotor, where we see Kusanagi, Batou, Togusa, Saito, Pazu, Borma, and two Tachikomas in the hold. One of the Tachikomas speaks.

Tachikoma 1: "But how do we know that the terrorist is here?"

Kusanagi looks at the Tachikoma and speaks.

Kusanagi: "The truth is, we're not here for Takeda, so he isn't our primary objective. We're here to retrieve the Arm Suit that belongs to the Chief of Ground Staff because Takeda has possession of it."

The Tachikoma sounds a curious sound and responds.

Tachikoma 1: "So if the terrorist is here, are we gonna arrest him too?"

Kusanagi closes her eyes as she leans against the wall. She responds.

Kusanagi: "Yeah, that's the plan."

The other Tachikoma then speaks.

Tachikoma 2: "Mister Batou, I got a question."

Batou is sitting next to Saito, drinking a can of beer. He looks over at the Tachikoma and responds.

Batou: "Yeah, what's up?"

The Tachikoma responds.

Tachikoma 2: "Why do you think Takeda is acting this way? I mean, why does he want to kill Miss Shinobi anyway?"

Batou looks away from the Tachikoma and takes another drink of his beer before responding.

Batou: "Who knows. He claims that he was disgraced by her and wants revenge because of it, but I think he's overreacting."

Then, we hear a bullet puncture the hull of the tilt-rotor. Batou speaks with a concerned tone.

Batou: "What the hell was that?"

Then, one of the Operators speaks from the cockpit.

Operator: "The hull has been breached. We're losing fuel."

Kusanagi responds.

Kusanagi: "Take us down."

The Operator reaches over and flips a few switches as she speaks.

Operator: "Yes, ma'am."

The tilt rotor then steadily descends and carefully lands in an open area near the monument. The back hatch opens and the two Tachikomas exit, followed by Kusanagi, Batou, Togusa, Saito, and Pazu. They are all carrying the standard assault rifle and begin to move towards the monument. The Tachikomas follow. They reach the tree line and Kusanagi speaks via cybercom.

Kusanagi: "Keep a sharp eye for anything unusual. Don't jump at shadows, though."

They begin to move through the trees towards the monument, which is up ahead about 75 meters. They all leapfrog through the trees, with each of them taking cover in front of the other. They finally reach the monument where they see Takeda's armored van. There is no one around and it is quiet. Batou speaks via cybercom.

Batou: "Something isn't right."

Kusanagi responds.

Kusanagi: "Yeah, it's almost too easy."

Pazu then looks around and speaks via cybercom.

Pazu: "How much do you wanna bet that there's an ambush waiting for us once we search the van?"

Kusanagi looks at the van and responds.

Kusanagi: "We'll operate under that assumption. For now, let's be cautious and take a look at this van."

They then all slowly start to move towards the van. Our view switches to one of Takeda's men, who has a Type 89 assault rifle, waiting in ambush. He slowly and silently cocks the rifle and aims it at one of the Tachikomas. They hear the gun cock and Kusanagi immediately looks in the man's direction. She speaks via cybercom.

Kusanagi: "We're going to be ambushed. There's a man in the trees over there aiming at us. We're going to want to provoke him into attacking so we can draw his fire. Once we're ambushed, everyone take cover immediately and try to get them to face the sun."

Kusanagi then fires at the man. We hear the man grunt and fall dead. We then see the remaining 4 men and Takeda appear from the trees, with the 4 men firing on Section 9. Section 9 takes cover and returns fire on them, killing one of them. Takeda then aims with the SAW machine gun, braces himself and fires. The shots miss and start to rip apart the memorial tower. Saito yells.

Saito: "Watch it, Takeda's got a SAW machine gun with HV rounds!"

Togusa grunts and responds.

Togusa: "Thanks, but it's not like we didn't know that!"

Togusa fires at Takeda, who crouches behind the rock in front of him, taking cover. He returns fire, now ripping apart the stairs to the monument. Kusanagi fires at another man, killing him. Batou throws a clip to Kusanagi and continues to fire at the remaining 2 men and Takeda. Saito aims and hits Takeda in his prosthetic arm. Takeda curses and his machine gun jams. He curses once again and tosses it aside. Takeda then dives aside and takes the Type 89 assault rifle off of the body of his dead comrade and takes cover behind the tree. He opens fire on them, hitting a Tachikoma. The Tachikoma turns, aims at Takeda, and speaks.

Tachikoma 1: "You want a piece of me?"

The Tachikoma then shoots at Takeda. The angle switches so we see Takeda from the side. His back is against the tree trunk and bullets are flying past him. The opposite side of the tree trunk is getting ripped apart by bullets. He then whirls around from the tree trunk and returns fire on Section 9. They all get down as he fires. Batou then stands and fires on the last two of Takeda's henchmen, killing them. Takeda then performs a SWAT turn and takes cover behind an adjacent tree. We hear Kusanagi speak.

Kusanagi: "It's over, Takeda! Give yourself up and come peacefully!"

Takeda removes his sunglasses puts them in his coat pocket. He responds.

Takeda: "Oh no, Major Kusanagi! It's far from over!"

Then, we see Shinobi's Arm Suit, Ame Akarui, leap on top of the armored van. It's wielding the vulcan minigun. The angle switches so we see the tall man's face behind the glass visor. Ame Akarui then leaps off of the van and lands in front of it. It stands and begins to prepare itself to fire. The tall man sneers and pulls the trigger. The minigun's barrels begin to rotate and Kusanagi yells.

Kusanagi: "Take cover!"

Section 9 then ducks and covers as a stream of orange light emits from the end of the minigun. Ame Akarui turns and fires on the boulder that Kusanagi and Saito are behind. Batou speaks via cybercom.

Batou: "How the hell are we going to take that out!? Our weapons won't even dent that armor, let alone puncture it!"

Kusanagi responds as she glances at Saito.

Kusanagi: "That weapon holds a maximum of 4999 rounds. He's going through that ammo very quickly right now. One of two things will happen at this rate: he'll run out of ammo, or the gun will overheat and the barrel will melt. Once he's unable to fire any more, you'll all need to draw Takeda's fire while I take out the power supply on the Arm Suit. We're going to have to wait it out right now, just don't let Takeda escape!"

Takeda then appears from behind the tree and returns back to his original postion behind the rock. He yells to the tall man.

Takeda: "Take out the Tachikoma model think tanks!"

Ame Akarui then switches its attention to the Tachikomas, who are firing on it. The tall man hasn't let up off of the trigger and the barrel of the minigun is glowing a bright red. The Tachikomas leap out of the way and continue to avoid the stream of bullets. Takeda notices the minigun and yells.

Takeda: "Dumbass! Let up off of the trigger! You're going to melt the barrel!"

The tall man ignores Takeda and continues to chase the Tachikomas. The minigun then ceases to fire and stops spinning since the gun has overheated and the barrel is melted beyond the point of use. Takeda curses again and begins to head for the forest, hoping to escape. We see Batou, Togusa, Saito, Pazu, and the 2 Tachikomas chase after Takeda. Kusanagi then runs up to the Arm Suit and leaps on top of it. She then forcefully opens the cockpit, exposing the tall man. He is shocked and tries to climb out of it, only for Kusanagi to swing down and kick him in the face. The tall man grunts in pain and falls out of Ame Akarui onto the ground, clutching his face. Kusanagi then arrests him and speaks.

Kusanagi: "Should've done as he said."

She then runs toward the forest. We see Takeda sprinting through the forest, panting. Section 9 are sprinting behind him and the Tachikomas are leaping through the treetops. Takeda then stops and grips his torso and begins to cough violently. Blood is dripping from his mouth as he speaks.

Takeda: "No! Not now! Shit!"

He then falls to his knees and coughs even harder. He spits up a wad of blood onto the ground and wheezes. He looks behind him to see Batou, Togusa, Saito, and Pazu close behind. He wipes his mouth on the sleeve of his jacket and begins to run again. He looks foward to see Kusanagi drop down in front of him. She aims her assault rifle at Takeda, who turns around to run, only to find Batou, Togusa, Saito, Pazu, and the two Tachikomas. They are all aiming their weapons at him. He looks back at Kusanagi as she speaks.

Kusanagi: "Looks like you're out of places to run."

Takeda then speaks as he glances at Section 9.

Takeda: "So it would seem. What now?"

Kusanagi responds.

Kusanagi: "You can come peacefully or back in a body bag. It's your choice."

Takeda then grunts. After a moment he tosses away his assault rifle and puts his hands up. He speaks.

Takeda: "I'll take you up on your offer, Major."

Batou then walks up behind Takeda and violently arrests him. Kusanagi then speaks to Aramaki via cybercom.

Kusanagi: "Chief, we've retrieved the Arm Suit and we have Takeda in custody."

Aramaki responds.

Aramaki: "Excellent."

Kusanagi continues.

Kusanagi: "He made us earn our pay, though. He did have a man pilot the Arm Suit and he had 5 other accomplices, probably hired guns."

Aramaki responds.

Aramaki: "Hmm. Do you know what it was they were trying to do?"

Kusanagi is walking with the rest of Section 9 with Takeda in tow. She responds.

Kusanagi: "My guess is that they were planning to kill Shinobi using heavy weapondry this time. Our fuel line has been hit, probably by one of Takeda's men, so we're unable to return to Niihama in the tilt-rotor. There is an armored van here that we'll use to get back."

After a moment, Aramaki responds.

Aramaki: "All right. We'll turn Takeda over to the Chief of Ground Staff in person when you return. At this point, she's the only person in the military that we can trust."

Kusanagi has a concerned look in her eyes and responds in a solid tone.

Kusanagi: "Yes, sir."

Part B Scene 1

We have returned to Section 9's head quarters where we are in the briefing room. Aramaki, Kusanagi, Batou, Togusa, Ishikawa, Saito, Pazu, and Borma are standing. They have Takeda and the tall man in custody. We see Shinobi along with 2 military officers and 2 MPs walking towards them. Shinobi speaks.

Shinobi: "I see that the mission went down successfully."

Aramaki looks at Shinobi and speaks.

Aramaki: "Madam, your Arm Suit has been returned to the Itami base safely and without further incident. As you can see, Masahiro Takeda has been recaptured."

Shinobi sounds a satisfied grunt and looks at the tall man. She nods her head once, acknowledging him as she speaks.

Shinobi: "Who is this, then?"

Kusanagi speaks.

Kusanagi: "He was with Takeda, probably a mercenary. He was the one who piloted your Arm Suit and screwed up the breach and barrel of your gun."

Shinobi emits a small and silent grunt. She speaks.

Shinobi: "Nonetheless, you've completed your mission. I thank you all."

Shinobi bows her head. She then looks at the MPs and nods her head. They then walk up to Takeda and the tall man and escort them out of the room. She bows once again and turns to leave. Aramaki speaks.

Aramaki: "Chief of Staff, would you mind if I asked you a question?"

Shinobi turns and looks at Aramaki. She responds.

Shinobi: "What is it?"

Aramaki responds.

Aramaki: "Would you mind if we brain dove Lieutenant General Yoshimura?"

Shinobi seems somewhat surprised and speaks.

Shinobi: "No, not at all. I assume you want to use my cyberbrain as a buffer, correct?"

Aramaki nods and grunts. Shinobi thinks for a moment and continues.

Shinobi: "Very well. However, I'll only allow you on one condition: I'm allowed to dive into his cyberbrain when you go through mine."

Aramaki responds.

Aramaki: "Agreed."

Shinobi looks at Kusanagi and speaks.

Shinobi: "I assume that Major Kusanagi will be the one performing the dive?"

Kusanagi glances at Batou, who silently grunts. Aramaki looks at Shinobi and speaks.

Aramaki: "Yes, that is correct, ma'am. Is there a problem?"

Shinobi doesn't break her gaze at Kusanagi but responds.

Shinobi: "No. That's fine. As a matter of fact, I'd prefer it. Where would you like the operation to take place, mister Aramaki?"

Shinobi looks at Aramaki as she finishes speaking. Aramaki responds.

Aramaki: "Where ever you would feel comfortable, madam."

Shinobi looks away from Kusanagi and thinks for a moment. She glances at the 2 military officers still present in the room and nods her head once. They bow to her and leave the briefing room. She turns back to Aramaki and speaks.

Shinobi: "If you don't mind, Aramaki, I would prefer to have the brain dive performed here."

Aramaki nods once and Shinobi bows to them. She then turns and leaves the room. Aramaki then looks at Kusanagi and nods his head. Section 9 then goes about their various activities and Aramaki and Kusanagi then exit the room. Kusanagi then looks at Aramaki with concerned eyes and speaks as they walk down the hall away from the elevators, where they see Shinobi speak with the military officers as the doors close.

Kusanagi: "Chief, I don't like having to play along with this. However, it doesn't seem like I have a choice."

Aramaki doesn't look at Kusanagi but responds.

Aramaki: "I am sorry. You're the best choice to dive into Yoshimura's cyberbrain."

Kusanagi looks away from Aramaki and speaks.

Kusanagi: "No it's not that. It's her."

Aramaki looks at Kusanagi and speaks in a somewhat confused tone.

Aramaki: "Chief of Staff Shinobi?"

Kusanagi simply nods. She speaks as they continue to walk.

Kusanagi: "I don't trust her. Something about her bothers me, chief."

Aramaki speaks as they reach his office.

Aramaki: "Major, it's nothing to lose sleep over. She is someone who can be trusted."

Kusanagi simply grunts as Aramaki enters his office. The scene ends with Kusanagi staring at the closed elevator doors with stern eyes.

Part B Scene 2

We are now at the Defense Agency where we see Kawashima sitting in Shinobi's office reading a newspaper. He is drinking coffee as he does. Shinobi is sitting at her desk, speaking on the phone with someone when Kaneren appears on the large screen on one of the walls in her office. Kawashima looks over as he takes a drink from his coffee. Shinobi doesn't notice Kaneren but glances over at Kawashima, who acknowledges Kaneren to her. She looks over after a moment and finishes her phonecall. Shinobi hangs up and sits with her hands folded on her desk. Shinobi speaks to Kaneren as Kawashima turns his attention back to his newspaper.

Shinobi: "Yes?"

Kaneren responds in a simple tone.

Kaneren: "Chief of Ground Staff Hatsumi Shinobi, would you kindly elaborate as to the reason why General Akira Kawashima has placed Lieutenant General Hideki Yoshimura in military custody?"

Shinobi looks down and picks up her pen and shuffles through paperwork as she responds. Kawashima doesn't react to his name and continues to casually read the newspaper.

Shinobi: "Yoshimura was supplying aid to Masahiro Takeda, the terrorist who was involved in the plot to assassinate me twice now and who was responsible for commandeering my Arm Suit and planting a nuclear device in Tokyo."

Kaneren doesn't immediately respond and appears to be thinking. His faceless avatar looks from Shinobi to Kawashima. Kaneren then speaks with a hint of disappointment in his voice.

Kaneren: "I see. General, what is it that you are reading?"

Kawashima has a somewhat confused look on his face but doesn't look at Kaneren. Shinobi completely ignores Kaneren's question and begins to fill out paperwork. Kawashima responds.

Kawashima: "The newspaper. Wait, since when did you take an interest in paper media?"

Kawashima turns and looks at Kaneren as he finishes speaking. Kaneren responds with a simple tone as before.

Kaneren: "On the contrary, I have always studied paper media, along with digital meda, I have obtained a vast and near limitless knowledge database. Chief of Staff, I have performed a structural analysis on your Arm Suit and weapon and I have concluded that the weapon is damaged beyond the point of repair. Therefore, you must replace it. I have taken the liberty in ordering a replacement weapon from Seburo that matches your previous weapon. Your Type 303 Arm Suit is in good condition, however, the cockpit hatch must be repaired, which the Ground Self Defense Army mechanics are already in the process of performing."

Shinobi doesn't looks up from her paperwork but responds.

Shinobi: "Very well. Inform me when my Arm Suit is repared and when my replacement gun arrives, Kaneren."

Kaneren's avatar bows his head to Shinobi and turns his head at Kawashima, as if looking at him. Kaneren speaks.

Kaneren: "General Kawashima, did you ever meet Yoko Tsuneki?"

Kawashima is about to take a drink of his coffee when Kaneren speaks to him. Shinobi ceases to write and looks up at Kaneren, not saying a word. She has an almost angered look on her face. Kawashima doesn't look at Kaneren but responds in a solid and neutral tone.

Kawashima: "I met her once."

Shinobi shifts her eyes from Kawashima to Kaneren as she listens to Kaneren.

Kaneren: "Interesting. Do you know how she died?"

Kawashima begins to become uncomfortable. He looks at Shinobi, who glances at him for a moment. Kawashima responds.

Kawashima: "No. No, I don't."

Kaneren emits a curious sound. He is about to speak but is quickly cut off by Shinobi.

Shinobi: "Kaneren, do not talk about my mother."

Kaneren looks from Kawashima to Shinobi and speaks in a neutral tone.

Kaneren: "I apologize, Chief of Staff. I did not realize that Yoko Tsuneki was your mother."

Shinobi simply glares at him. Kawashima returns back to his newspaper and drinks his coffee. Shinobi speaks in a solid tone.

Shinobi: "Is that all?"

Kaneren responds in a simple tone.

Kaneren: "Yes, Chief of Staff. That is all."

Kaneren's avatar then bows to her and disappears off of the screen. After a moment, Shinobi emits a stressful sigh and looks at Kawashima, who doesn't notice. Kawashima glances over at Shinobi after taking a drink of coffee. He appears somewhat confused.

Kawashima: "What is it, Hatsumi?"

Shinobi glances away for a moment before speaking.

Shinobi: "I'm not sure. Kaneren has become quite curious with my personal life lately, wouldn't you say?"

Kawashima simply chuckles and responds.

Kawashima: "You're not making a deal out of this, I hope."

Shinobi responds.

Shinobi: "Well, yes. He's been visiting my office often lately. Frankly, I am bothered by it."

Kawashima sighs and sets his newspaper and coffee on the table in front of the sofa he is sitting on. He looks at Shinobi and responds.

Kawashima: "Hatsumi, don't let it get to you. It's nothing to get worked up over. If he starts to get out of hand, we can temporarily shut him down and reprogram him, okay?"

Shinobi simply nods to him with a broken smile before she returns to her work. Kawashima returns to his newspaper. Shinobi glances at the screen with concerned eyes, ending the episode here.

Episode 11

Opening Theme: Rise - Origa/Yoko Kanno

Closing Theme: One Minute Warning - Passengers (3:16 - 4:40)

Cast:

Motoko Kusanagi - Mary McGlynn

Daisuke Aramaki - William Knight

Buttetsu Batou - Richard Epcar

Togusa -

Saito -

Ishikawa -

Pazu -

Borma -

Azuma -

Yoko Kayabuki -

Hideki Yoshimura -

Hatsumi Shinobi - Patricia Ja Lee

Akira Kawashima -

Masahiro Takeda - John DiMaggio

JGSDF326SAIptypv.1 -

Toshio Hamauzu -

Takeshi Shinobi -

Plot Summary: Kaneren begins to delve into Hatsumi's personal life, putting her on edge. Hamauzu finally speaks to Takeda, interested in Takeda's former military relationship with Shinobi. Kusanagi and Shinobi dive into Yoshimura's cyberbrain, discovering a few secrets behind the assassination plots of Shinobi. One of these secrets causes the death of Hatsumi's dearest friend, General Akira Kawashima.

Part A Scene 1

We are at the Itami base where we see Takeda sitting alone inside of a cell. He is being held as a military prisoner once again. Takeda is wearing his castro style hat and his brown jacket is hung on the wall. He is wearing black dress shoes with slacks, along with a black teeshirt. He is sitting on his cot, smoking a cigarette. Takeda glances around his cell, noticing the dull featureless walls. He continues to smoke as he checks his watch. He exhales smoke out of his nose and sighs. Takeda then stands and puts out his cigarette in the sink next to the toilet. He stares into the mirror with tired looking eyes. After a moment, he scoffs, shaking his head as he turns around and sits on his cot. We hear noise coming from outside of his cell door, which is a solid steel door with a sliding view hole. We hear commotion as MPs are escorting a prisoner somewhere. Takeda then emits a small chuckle and looks away at the wall, seeing nothing of interest. He begins to cough. He coughs even more violently and grips his torso, coughing up blood. He spits it on the floor and continues to cough. After a moment, Takeda wheezes and closes his eyes, loosening his grip on his torso. He breathes slowly and with labour. He then reaches over and searches his jacket pocket. He grabs a pack of cigarettes and tries to retrieve one, only to find that the pack is empty. Takeda seems somewhat disappointed and tosses the empty pack on the floor, emitting a disappointed grunt. He then leans back on the wall and closes his eyes, breathing silently. We then hear one knock on the door and the view hole opens. Takeda opens his eyes and glances over as the MP speaks.

MP: "Hey! Someone wants to see you."

Takeda then responds in a silent, but angered tone.

Takeda: "Shinobi, I assume?"

The MP simply chuckles and responds in a menacing tone.

MP: "No, idiot. Major General Toshio Hamauzu."

The cell door opens and Takeda doesn't sit upright. He simply watches as Hamauzu, Narita, and 2 MPs enter the cell. The MPs stand next to the door as Hamauzu stands in front of Takeda across the cell. Narita leans against one of the walls and Takeda glances from Narita to Hamauzu, who is watching him with menacing eyes. Hamauzu speaks in a solid tone.

Hamauzu: "You must be First Lieutenant Masahiro Takeda, right?"

Takeda simply shrugs and responds.

Takeda: "Yeah, that's me. And you must be the asshole who put me in here, right?"

Hamauzu doesn't move or break his stare. Hamauzu speaks in a cold tone.

Hamauzu: "I understand that you used to know Shinobi quite well."

Takeda looks at Narita, who is scowling at him. He simply chuckles.

Takeda: "Yeah, I used to know her. She was a damn good Colonel."

Takeda says this while looking at Narita, implying an insult at Narita. Narita becomes angered but does nothing. Hamauzu clears his throat, causing Takeda to return his attention to him. Hamauzu speaks.

Hamauzu: "Care to elaborate?"

Takeda sits with one leg crossed over the other. He crosses his arms and shakes his head as he speaks with a hint of a sneer in his voice.

Takeda: "No, not really. If you want me to, I'll elaborate to Shinobi and maybe Kawashima. But not you."

Hamauzu grunts in frustration and looks at Narita, nodding his head. She then takes out her combat knife and proceeds to injure Takeda with it. Takeda doesn't flinch nor move, but speaks before Narita can reach him.

Takeda: "Remember, I'm the property of the Home Affairs Ministry and Shinobi. You aren't allowed to touch me. However, I don't think that would be enough to stop you. If you do touch me, you'll just hand me the keys to my escape."

Narita stops and glares at Takeda. Takeda looks at Hamauzu, who speaks to him with a solid tone.

Hamauzu: "Yeah, but she's not around to stop me, Takeda."

Hamauzu looks at Narita. She is about to injure Takeda when he speaks.

Takeda: "Actually, yes. Both of them are."

Takeda nods at the open doorway, where we see Kawashima and Shinobi standing in the doorway. They both have angered and concerned faces. Hamauzu whirls around to see them. He appears surprised. Takeda looks at Kawashima and Shinobi and speaks to them.

Takeda: "General Kawashima. Hatsumi."

Kawashima lifts his chin up slightly, acknowledging Takeda. Shinobi simply shifts her eyes at him. Kawashima speaks to Hamauzu.

Kawashima: "General, what are you doing here?"

Hamauzu appears to have a frustrated look on his face as he responds.

Hamauzu: "I'm in the middle of inspection. I noticed that there was a new prisoner, so I decided to investigate."

Kawashima sighs in frustration and Shinobi simply shifts her eyes from Takeda to Hamauzu. Takeda doesn't move nor speak. He simply returns his attention to Hamauzu. Kawashima speaks.

Kawashima: "General Hamauzu, you know that custody of Takeda doesn't fall under your jurisdiction."

Hamauzu grunts and glances at Takeda, who is now sitting with his eyes closed. Takeda speaks.

Takeda: "Yet, I am here, despite the fact that I am actually the property of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Chief of Ground Staff Hatsumi Shinobi. Therefore, I should be imprisoned either at Section 9's head quarters, or at the Ministry of Defense."

They all glance at Takeda as he speaks. Kawashima speaks to him with a solid tone.

Kawashima: "You'll keep your mouth shut."

Takeda simply shrugs and responds.

Takeda: "As you wish."

Shinobi silently grunts to herself after Takeda speaks. She says nothing. Kawashima returns his attention to Hamauzu after a moment. He speaks.

Kawashima: "General, I want to see your prisoner manifest."

Kawashima puts out his hand. Hamauzu glances his eyes at Narita and nods once. She roughly gives Kawashima the manifest, somewhat scowling at him as she does. Kawashima doesn't notice and begins to read the names and cell numbers.

Kawashima: "Kishi Gonjiro, cell 1; Kudo Kyuso, cell 3; cell 4, empty; Takeda Masahiro, cell 5."

Kawashima somewhat glares at Hamauzu as he hands the manifest to Shinobi, who takes it gently from him and begins to read it silently. Kawashima speaks.

Kawashima: "Your manifest clearly states that this man is being kept in cell 5. You had specific orders that this man was a classified prisoner of the M.O.H.A. and in order to speak to Takeda, you were to obtain authorization from either myself, the Chief of Ground Staff, the Home Affairs Minister, or Section 9 Chief Aramaki, none of which you contacted. Care to explain?"

Kawashima is now standing with his arms crossed, glaring at Hamauzu. Takeda opens his eyes, now interested in the quarrel between Kawashima and Hamauzu. Narita is now standing against the wall near the door. She has a nervous look in her eyes. Takeda shifts his eyes at Narita, noticing. Shinobi is closely watching Takeda. She hands the manifest back to Narita, not looking at her. Narita takes the manifest from Shinobi and begins to search through it. Takeda glances from Narita to Shinobi, locking his eyes with hers. Hamauzu speaks to Kawashima.

Hamauzu: "On the contrary, I contacted the Chief of Ground Staff just yesterday."

Kawashima raises an eyebrow and speaks.

Kawashima: "And?"

Hamauzu looks at Shinobi, who is still watching Takeda. He speaks.

Hamauzu: "General Kawashima, you understand as much as I do that you have no right to obstruct my inspection. If you'll excuse me."

Kawashima seems frustrated but nods once. Hamauzu and Narita then exit the cell. Kawashima turns to Shinobi and shakes his head in digust. Kawashima then turns back to Takeda and speaks.

Kawashima: "Takeda, care to explain how you got your hands on Ame Akarui?"

Takeda breaks his stare with Shinobi and turns his head back to Kawashima. Takeda speaks.

Takeda: "Yoshimura. He has people below him that will do what ever he wants. I simply asked for the Arm Suit and they loaded it into the armored van."

Kawashima responds.

Kawashima: "Is Yoshimura giving you orders to kill Hatsumi?"

Takeda simply chuckles and shakes his head as he responds.

Takeda: "No, General. The only military officer I took orders from was her."

Takeda acknowledges Shinobi as he finishes speaking. She glances away for a moment but doesn't speak. Kawashima then speaks.

Kawashima: "What about Hamauzu, is he involved? Do you know him?"

Takeda responds as he sits upright. He coughs slightly before responding.

Takeda: "Never seen him before. If he is involved, you'll have to talk to Yoshimura."

Kawashima grunts in frustration and responds with a hint of malice in his voice.

Kawashima: "How do I know that you're telling the truth?"

Shinobi finally speaks.

Shinobi: "He is, Akira."

Kawashima glances at Shinobi for a moment. He then returns his attention back to Takeda. Takeda then violently coughs. He grips his torso with both hands and begins to wheeze. Kawashima takes a step back from Takeda as he spits up blood on the floor. Shinobi emits a small and silent grunt and has a concerned look in her eyes. Takeda then stands and runs over to the toilet and vomits. After a moment, he stands upright and wipes his mouth with a cloth next to the sink. He turns to Kawashima and Shinobi, who are watching him. Takeda speaks.

Takeda: "Cancer."

Kawashima sighs and speaks to Takeda as he and Shinobi turn away to leave.

Kawashima: "We'll return."

They step out of the cell and the MPs follow, closing and locking the door behind them. Kawashima notices Shinobi, who is standing with an almost sorrowful look in her eyes. Kawashima speaks.

Kawashima: "You're not actually feeling sympathy for that man, are you?"

Shinobi doesn't look at Kawashima but responds.

Shinobi: "The way he coughed in there, it bothers me. Not even he deserves to die from cancer, Akira."

Kawashima responds.

Kawashima: "Hatsumi, it's nothing to concern yourself over. He smoked for years and now he's paying the consequences. He coughed a lot back during the war, didn't he?"

Shinobi looks at Kawashima and speaks with a hint of disappointment in her voice.

Shinobi: "Yes, but not like that. I saw him coughing in there and I saw him dying a slow and miserable death."

Kawashima simply grunts and speaks.

Kawashima: "Hmm. Would you care to join me for lunch?"

Shinobi responds.

Shinobi: "I can't, I have an appointment with Aramaki and Kusanagi in 32 minutes. I'm sorry."

She looks at her watch as she speaks. Kawashima simply nods his head, turns, and walks away. Shinobi glances back into the view hole to see Takeda leaning over the sink with the cloth to his mouth. We hear him breath with labor and wheeze. Shinobi scoffs and turns away, ending the scene here.

Part A Scene 2

We are now at Section 9's head quarters where we are in the briefing room. We see Ishikawa, Kusanagi, Aramaki, Borma, Aramaki, and Shinobi standing. Shinobi is leaning against the staircase with her arms crossed. Aramaki speaks to her.

Aramaki: "Madam, are you ready?"

Shinobi looks at Aramaki. She glances at Kusanagi as she speaks.

Shinobi: "Let's begin."

Aramaki nods his head and looks at Kusanagi, who has a stern look in her eyes. She then speaks to Shinobi.

Kusanagi: "This way, ma'am."

Shinobi then stands upright and follows Kusanagi over to two seats that are used to connect to cyberbrains. Shinobi lays down in the seat and rests her head gently. Kusanagi then lays down in the other seat and rests her head. Ishikawa then silently grunts to himself and walks over to the two women. He speaks to Shinobi as he connects a cord to hub networking machine behind the two seats.

Ishikawa: "Chief of Staff, I'm now connecting you to Major Kusanagi."

Shinobi simply nods. Kusanagi glances her eyes at Shinobi, who doesn't notice. Ishikawa then take the other end of the cord and gently connects it into the back of Shinobi's neck into her cyberbrain implants. He then takes another cord and does the same with Kusanagi. Both women then close their eyes and the view switches to a virtual cyberbrain. This is Shinobi's cyberbrain. We see Kusanagi as Chroma hovering above the cyberbrain, looking down at it. Kusanagi sees a complex series of barrier mazes surrounding her cyberbrain, each with military assault and defense barriers. Kusanagi glances over to see Shinobi's avatar next to her. Shinobi looks at Kusanagi and speaks to her.

Shinobi: "Are you prepared?"

Kusanagi simply looks away from Shinobi and responds.

Kusanagi: "Yeah."

Kusanagi and Shinobi then head towards Shinobi's cyberbrain. They stop in front of the first barrier maze, where Shinobi's avatar virtually enters an 8 digit code. They then proceed on to the next maze. After they bypass the final maze, they enter into Shinobi's cyberbrain. We see many different files and connections. Up ahead, we see Shinobi's ghost line, where there are even more barrier mazes. We also see her memory matrix. Shinobi and Kusanagi then head towards the connection that is the GSDA's mainframe. They enter the connection and are now inside of a Heian period pagoda, where they see a faceless man in a simple black suit standing. Shinobi speaks to the man.

Shinobi: "Requesting access to the cyberbrain of Hideki Yoshimura, Kaneren."

Kaneren simply bows as he speaks.

Kaneren: "Request granted, Chief of Staff Shinobi. Before I allow you to connect to the Lieutenant General, might I inquire who this would be?"

Kaneren acknowledges Kusanagi. Shinobi responds.

Shinobi: "An investigator from the Ministry of Home Affairs. It is imperative that she accompanies me."

Kaneren thinks for a moment before speaking.

Kaneren: "Very well."

Kaneren steps aside and bows. Shinobi and Kusanagi then continue towards a door at the other end of the room. Kusanagi shifts her eyes at Kaneren as they walk. They pass through the door and enter into another cyberbrain. This is the cyberbrain of Yoshimura. Kusanagi and Shinobi hover above it. Kusanagi speaks to Shinobi.

Kusanagi: "Kaneren, right?"

Shinobi looks at Kusanagi and responds.

Shinobi: "Yes. He runs and maintains our mainframe."

Shinobi then turns her attention back to Yoshimura's cyberbrain. She speaks.

Shinobi: "Once we enter into Yoshimura's cyberbrain, we'll have to find his virtual persona and question him. I suggest we put up a sensoreum mask before we enter."

Kusanagi and Shinobi then enter Yoshimura's cyberbrain and they each place a hand on a section of Yoshimura's cyberbrain. They are then transported to a plain white room to catch a glimpse of a man in a suit before being forcefully disconnected. On the outside, Ishikawa sees that there is trouble and speaks to Borma.

Ishikawa: "Borma, disconnect the Major! Hurry!"

Borma then grips the cord connected to Kusanagi and unplugs it as Ishikawa does the same to Shinobi. Kusanagi opens her eyes and sits upright, followed by Shinobi. Shinobi looks at Kusanagi with somewhat confused eyes. Kusanagi doesn't stand as Shinobi does. Shinobi speaks.

Shinobi: "It doesn't make sense. I don't understand."

Shinobi shakes her head in disbelief as she walks across the briefing room. Kusanagi then stands and leans against the staircase with her arms crossed. She speaks to Shinobi.

Kusanagi: "It seems that Yoshimura has something he doesn't want us to know."

Shinobi looks at Kusanagi as she speaks. Shinobi nods to herself and sits on the sofa. She sighs and thinks to herself. Just then, Aramaki and a military officer enter the briefing room. Kusanagi, Ishikawa, Borma, and Shinobi all turn their heads to look at them. The military officer then hurries over to Shinobi and whispers something in her ear. Shinobi suddenly gets a shocked look on her face. She looks at the military officer and speaks.

Shinobi: "What?"

Aramaki looks at Shinobi and speaks.

Aramaki: "Chief of Staff, what is it?"

Shinobi then stands and speaks as she hurries towards the door.

Shinobi: "I am sorry, chief Aramaki. I have to leave at once."

Aramaki is about to speak but Shinobi leaves too quickly for his to say anything. He stands appearing confused. He turns to Kusanagi, who appears concerned. Borma speaks.

Borma: "Wonder what that was about."

The scene ends with Kusanagi appearing with a concerned look in her eyes.

Part B Scene 1

It is now the following day where we are at a funeral service. It is darker and it is raining heavily. We see many people with umbrellas, all wearing black. We see a woman standing with a young boy who is about 7 or 8 years of age. They are the wife and son of Akira Kawashima. They are standing under a single umbrella. Niether of them are crying or weeping, but both have much sorrow in their eyes. We see Hatsumi Shinobi filling out the guest list. She is wearing her black trench coat with it completely closed. She is wearing her military uniform underneath of it, however. She has much sorrow in her face as she stands upright and turns away. She slowly walks towards Kawashima's wife and son, her hair completely wet and flat against her head. She looks up at them but doesn't speak. Kawashima's wife speaks to her in a silent and almost disappointed tone.

Ai: "Hello, Miss Shinobi."

Shinobi speaks in a quiet voice.

Shinobi: "Hello, Ai."

Ai looks away from Shinobi. Shinobi doesn't speak or move. Kawashima's son begins to cry and Ai kneels down to try and comfort him. We see Shinobi's eyes tear up, obviously moved by Kawashima's son. She turns and walk away. The view is switched so we see Ai and her son in the background behind Shinobi, who is sobbing as she walks towards us. The scene switches to the side of the street, where we see Shinobi standing alone. It is still raining and she has not taken the opportunity to retrieve an umbrella. We simply see her stand and stare off into space like a lifeless doll. We then see a car pull up in front of her. The window rolls down and we see Takeshi Shinobi in the driver's seat. He looks up at her and speaks.

Takeshi: "Hey, it's raining. Want a lift?"

Shinobi looks down at him and simply gets into the vehicle. She puts on her safety belt and the vehicle drives away. Takeshi glances over at Shinobi, who is staring out the passenger side window. She doesn't look nor speak. Takeshi speaks.

Takeshi: "What were you doing standing out in the rain, Hatsumi?"

Shinobi doesn't look at him but responds in a silent tone.

Shinobi: "It's nothing, forget it."

Takeshi simply turns away from Shinobi and continues to drive. We hear Shinobi silently singing to herself. It is the same song that she was humming at the assemblyman's party the other night. Takeshi notices and seems somewhat surprised. He shifts his eyes at Shinobi but says nothing. The view switches so we see Takeshi's car driving away from us and we hear Shinobi singing.

Part B Scene 2

We've now returned back to Takeda's cell, where we see Takeda lying on his cot reading a book. The book is entitled, "20,000 Leagues Under The Sea". He is silently coughing to himself when we hear a knock on his cell door. The view hole opens and the MP speaks.

MP: "Shinobi wants to see you."

Takeda simply grunts and continues to read. The cell door opens and Shinobi enters with the two MPs. No one else follows. Shinobi takes a chair and sits across the room from Takeda, who doesn't look up at her. She doesn't speak to him. Takeda coughs once and places his page marker inside of the book before closing it. He then looks up at Shinobi, who is staring at him with concerned eyes. He then reaches over and searches through his coat and takes a pack of cigarettes. He retrieves one and lights it, inhaling smoke as he does. He exhales smoke through his nose and speaks.

Takeda: "What do you want?"

Shinobi sits leaning foward with her elbows on her knees. She responds.

Shinobi: "You know something that you're not telling me, don't you?"

Takeda then sits upright and puffs on his cigarette. He speaks to her.

Takeda: "What do you mean?"

Shinobi becomes angry and yells at Takeda.

Shinobi: "You know damn well what I mean! Akira Kawashima has been murdered!"

Takeda seems surprised. He glances away from Shinobi for a moment before speaking.

Takeda: "What? Murdered?"

Shinobi seems angry. She stands and walks over to Takeda. She grips his shirt with one hand and slams him against the wall. He grunts in pain as Shinobi speaks.

Shinobi: "Don't play coy with me, Masahiro! You know something! I demand to know what it is!"

Takeda is not frightened by her and flicks his cigarette away. He speaks in a calm tone.

Takeda: "To think that I am responsible for the General's death is absurd. I never knew who the man was until a week ago when I was being held by you in this same building. Yoshimura has all of the answers, Hatsumi. Not me."

Shinobi then growls and releases Takeda. She turns around and leans against the opposing wall, not looking at Takeda. Takeda sits back down and picks up his book. He opens it and begins to read once again. Shinobi turns her head and looks at Takeda, who doesn't notice. She speaks.

Shinobi: "Jules Verne, right?"

Takeda doesn't look up but responds.

Takeda: "Yeah. '20,000 Leagues Under The Sea'."

Shinobi simply nods. She turns around and sits back in the chair. Takeda continues to read, not looking up at her. She is about to speak, but Takeda cuts her off.

Takeda: "Let me finish this page, please."

Shinobi silently grunts to herself. After a moment, Takeda closes his book and sets it on his cot. He looks up at Shinobi and speaks.

Takeda: "Now, what was it you were going to say?"

Shinobi sits with one leg folded over the other and her arms crossed. She speaks in a firm tone.

Shinobi: "How do you know Yoshimura?"

Takeda responds.

Takeda: "I first met him in 2026 in Taiwan. I was in the country obtaining funds in order to purchase a nuke from the American mafia. Yoshimura was interested in my military career for some reason or other. When he asked, I explained to him that I used to be a First Lieutenant and military aide to you. He was especially interested in this aspect above all else. He told me that you were now the Chief of Ground Staff and I was interested as to how you got to this position. He told me all of your feats and my heart swelled in hatred, knowing very well that lies and deceit got you to where you are now. He then proposed to me an offer. He was angered that you tried to shut down something that belonged to him. Something called, 'Kaneren', if I remember correctly. He said that he would supply me with all of the funds that I needed only if I would kill you for him."

Shinobi's eyes perk with surprise. She responds.

Shinobi: "So, this is about Kaneren, is it? And you think that I got to this positon because of lies?"

She finishes speaking with a hint of anger in her voice. Takeda responds.

Takeda: "You disgraced me. There was no nuke."

Shinobi somewhat scowls at Takeda and responds.

Shinobi: "Takeda, I said nothing of a nuclear device. What makes you keep thinking that I did?"

Takeda continues to stare at her with hard eyes. He responds.

Takeda: "My external memory proves this, Shinobi. It's located at my residence if you don't believe me."

Shinobi glances away for a moment but responds.

Shinobi: "I remember the war like it happened just yesterday. There was no nuclear device, not even a mention of one. Were you so careless as to allow yourself to be implanted with false memories, Takeda? Did you ever stop to think about that?"

Shinobi then stands and begins to walk towards the doorway. She turns her head and glances at Takeda, who is sitting and staring at the floor. She then leaves with the two MPs. The door closes and locks. Takeda then stands and violently kicks the chair as he yells, sending it flying across the cell and causing it to hit the wall.

Takeda: "Shit!"

He then sits on his cot with his head in his hands, groaning in frustration. The view switches to inside of the hallway, where we see Shinobi walking alone. She has an angered look in her eyes as she walks. The episode ends here.

Episode 12

Opening Theme: Rise - Origa/Yoko Kanno

Closing Theme: One Minute Warning - Passengers (3:16 - 4:40)

Cast:

Motoko Kusanagi - Mary McGlynn

Daisuke Aramaki - William Knight

Buttetsu Batou - Richard Epcar

Togusa -

Saito -

Ishikawa -

Pazu -

Borma -

Azuma -

Yoko Kayabuki -

Hideki Yoshimura -

Hatsumi Shinobi - Patricia Ja Lee

Masahiro Takeda - John DiMaggio

JGSDF326SAIptypv.1 -

Toshio Hamauzu -

Takeshi Shinobi -

Plot Summary: Akira Kawashima is dead and it is now learned that Takeda was implanted with false memories in order to make him believe that he was disgraced. Shinobi places Hamauzu as her second in command and she has an uneasy meeting with Kaneren. Someone steals one of Hatsumi's prosthetic bodies and impersonates her. Batou and Togusa are personally charged with investigating this person. The imposter then is murdered by the same assassin who killed Kawashima, thinking that the imposter was Shinobi. Aramaki personally speaks with Takeda, who allies himself with Section 9 and Hatsumi.

Part A Scene 1

We are in Shinobi's office where we see Shinobi sitting at her desk. She has a file of Yoshimura in front of her and she is looking through all of the paperwork. She sighs as she tosses the papers on her desk. She then reaches over and picks up her katana. She unsheathes it and examines the blade for a moment. She stands in front of her desk and takes a ready stance with her katana. She then slowly and fluidly moves into a striking motion with her sword. Shinobi then performs a stabbing motion, speeding up this time. She then blocks and swipes, going faster yet. She then whirls around and extends her arm out completely with the tip of her katana inches from Hamauzu's throat. He is startled and Shinobi silently grunts. She speaks.

Shinobi: "Yes?"

Hamauzu moves the blade away from his throat with two fingers as he speaks.

Hamauzu: "Practicing your bushido katas, I see."

Shinobi slowly lowers her katana from Hamauzu with somewhat of a glaring scowl on her face. She speaks as she sheathes her sword and places it back on the stand.

Shinobi: "Is there something that you want, Hamauzu?"

She sits down at her desk as she speaks. Hamauzu responds with a hint of disappointment in his voice.

Hamauzu: "I am truly sorry to hear of General Kawashima's death. I will admit that him and I were not on the best of terms, but I wish death on no one. You must be going through a difficult time, Chief of Staff."

Hamauzu doesn't have a hint of a sneer or maliciousness in his voice as he says this. Shinobi looks away from him and responds.

Shinobi: "I'll be fine, Hamauzu."

Hamauzu doesn't speak but turns to leave. He stops at the door when Shinobi speaks.

Shinobi: "Lieutenant General Hamauzu, I want you to head over to the Itami garrison and interrogate Yoshimura."

Hamauzu seems surprised and turns to speak.

Hamauzu: "Are you promoting me, Chief of Staff?"

Shinobi shifts her eyes at Hamauzu from the file on Yoshimura. She speaks with a solid tone.

Shinobi: "I am."

Hamauzu responds in a concerned tone.

Hamauzu: "Why?"

Shinobi doesn't break her glare but responds.

Shinobi: "No questions. Go."

Hamauzu grunts to himself. He simply nods, turns, and leaves. Shinobi sighs and looks through the file. She notices a sheet of paper and picks it up. She begins to read it to herself. The paper is a file exclusively on Kaneren and his development. She seems somewhat surprised and begins to shuffle through the papers. She then picks up a sheet of paper on Kaneren's tests. She notices a few hand written notes by Dr. Asuda. She reads them out loud to herself.

Shinobi: "JGSDF326SAIptypv.1 exhibits behavior similar to that of an HA-3 computer virus. The A.I. also shows emotions and behaviors such as anger, aggression, biggotry, and jealousy. It also continuously speaks of the newly inducted Chief of Ground Staff, General Hatsumi Shinobi. The A.I. also reminds us that it prefers to be called 'Kaneren', a word that means 'accomplished' and 'correct'. This name was given to it by Major General Hideki Yoshimura."

Shinobi ceases to read since the rest of Asuda's notes are illegible. She repeats a section of the notes in a slower and more confused tone.

Shinobi: "It also continuously speaks of the newly inducted Chief of Ground Staff, General Hatsumi Shinobi."

Shinobi sets down the paper. She then connects a cord to the back of her neck and plugs it into a computer implemented in her desk. She closes her eyes and speaks via cybercom.

Shinobi: "Kaneren, come to my office at once."

Shinobi disconnects the cord from both her cyberbrain implants and the computer. She thinks for a moment until Kaneren appears on the large screen in her office. He speaks.

Kaneren: "Yes, Chief of Staff Shinobi?"

Shinobi looks over at Kaneren and speaks with an almost annoyed and angered tone.

Shinobi: "Explain to me why you've been delving into my personal life and why you've taken an interest in me."

Kaneren's avatar appears confused and surprised. He appears to be thinking and responds.

Kaneren: "I do not have any recollection of taking an interest in your personal life or yourself."

Shinobi scowls at Kaneren and picks up the file. She physically shows him that she is holding the file as she speaks.

Shinobi: "I beg to differ. I have a file here on Yoshimura. Inside of this file are the test results of your development by Dr. Asuda. These results state that you've taken a great and keen interest in myself. To quote Asuda's note: 'It also continuously speaks of the newly inducted Chief of Ground Staff, General Hatsumi Shinobi.' Also, two days ago, you were speaking to General Kawashima about my mother, Lieutenant Colonel Yoko Tsuneki, who you knew had been dead for 3 years. You also claimed that you had a vast and near limitless knowledge database, therefore, you would have a complete file on Yoko Tsuneki including age, hair and eye color, nationality, sex, blood type, marital status, and children. You know that her husband was Vice Admiral Masashi Shinobi, who was my father, and you would have known that her daughter was Hatsumi Shinobi, me."

Shinobi tosses down the file on her desk in disgust, not breaking her stare with Kaneren. Kaneren responds in a near monotone voice.

Kaneren: "That is quite a hypothesis, Chief of Staff. However, I do not know who Vice Admiral Masashi Shinobi is nor do I have a data file on Lieutenant Colonel Yoko Tsuneki."

Shinobi continues to scowl at Kaneren. She speaks.

Shinobi: "Then explain to me how you know who Yoko Tsuneki is."

Kaneren responds.

Kaneren: "Lieutenant General Hideki Yoshimura told me of Lieutenant Colonel Yoko Tsuneki. I was quite interested and eager to listen and learn about others in the Self Defense Army. Yoko Tsuneki interested me immensely and I proceeded to conduct my own research. I learned much about the Shinobi family this way and I have an in-depth knowledge of your entire history, Chief of Staff."

Shinobi seems angered and speaks in a threatening tone.

Shinobi: "Kaneren, you've completely contradicted what you just said. Therefore, you do have a complete file on my mother, my father, myself, and everyone else in the Shinobi family."

Kaneren responds.

Kaneren: "I do not know what you are speaking of, Chief of Staff Shinobi."

Shinobi then silently speaks in a threatening tone.

Shinobi: "Kaneren, get out of my office before I lose my patience."

Kaneren then disappears and Shinobi slams her fist on her desk. She sighs and slumps back in her chair. We are now outside of the Defense Agency where we see Hamauzu standing with an officer of the MSDA. They are speaking with each other when Hamauzu looks over across the street to see Shinobi enter an alley. She was wearing a brown trench coat. Hamauzu seems confused and puts his hand up. He speaks.

Hamauzu: "I'm sorry but something has caught my attention."

Hamauzu then crosses the street and looks into the alley to see no one there. He appears surprised and looks back at the Defense Agency to see Shinobi climbing into her vehicle. She is wearing her military uniform without a trench coat. He appears bewildered and speaks out loud.

Hamauzu: "What the hell?"

He then watches as Shinobi's car pulls away. Hamauzu then crosses the street back to the Defense Agency and enters it. He hurries up to the main desk and speaks.

Hamauzu: "Did Shinobi check out twice?"

The secretary seems surprised but responds.

Secretary: "No, sir. She just checked out for an appointment with Section 9 Chief Aramaki. Would you like me to leave her a message?"

Hamauzu glances around before speaking.

Hamauzu: "Yes. Tell her that I need to speak with her at once."

The secretary simply nods as Hamauzu turns around to see Shinobi coming out of the alley across the street. He appears shocked and runs out of the Defense Agency, shoving past people. He then watches as she gets into another vehicle and drives off. We then switch to Hamauzu's eyeview, where he connects to Shinobi's cyberbrain. He speaks via cybercom.

Hamauzu: "Where are you?"

Shinobi responds with an annoyed tone.

Shinobi: "Hamauzu, what do you want?"

Hamauzu responds.

Hamauzu: "Just listen to me this time. Are you wearing a brown coat?"

Shinobi responds.

Shinobi: "No. Why does it matter?"

Hamauzu explains.

Hamauzu: "Listen, I saw someone with your prosthetic body wearing a brown trench coat get into a vehicle and speed off. Your prosthetic body is highly classified, right?"

Shinobi appears confused but responds.

Shinobi: "Yes, it's one of the most classified prosthetic bodies made by Megatech. It's unique only to me, Hamauzu. No one else has this body."

Hamauzu speaks.

Hamauzu: "You need to keep your eyes open for anything unusual. I'll put in a request for an investigation with Aramaki. I've got a feeling that Takeda or Yoshimura is behind this."

Shinobi responds quickly and with annoyance.

Shinobi: "Fine. Just don't interfere with my work again."

The transmission ends with Hamauzu staring down the street. He mutters to himself.

Hamauzu: "Ignorant woman."

The scene ends here.

Part A Scene 2

We are now somewhere in Niihama where we are inside of Togusa's vehicle. Togusa and Batou are sitting in it. Batou is drinking a can of beer while Togusa is driving. Togusa speaks.

Togusa: "So, Hamauzu wants us to find a cyborg who's impersonating Shinobi, right?"

Batou takes another drink before responding. He doesn't look at Togusa as he speaks.

Batou: "Yeah, that's right. He hasn't proved that there is someone who is her doppelganger, though. It could be a farce set up by Hamauzu in order to get rid of her. We still don't know if he's involved with Yoshimura and Takeda in the plot to kill her. For all we know, he could be using us in order to cover his own tracks."

Togusa's car turns a corner as Togusa responds to Batou.

Togusa: "The Chief of Ground Staff stated that Takeda told Kawashima that he had never seen Hamauzu before in his life. So, what's up with that?"

Batou doesn't look at Togusa but responds.

Batou: "There's always the possibility that Takeda is simply a pawn for Hamauzu's game. If he even is involved. There's nothing to prove that he's a part of this, yet."

Togusa grunts to himself as he glances into his rearview mirror. He responds as he continues to drive. Batou takes a drink from his beer.

Togusa: "Yeah, but you have to remember that it was Hamauzu who was trying to get rid of Shinobi to begin with. Don't you think it's odd for him to render aid to Shinobi as soon as both Yoshimura and Takeda are in military custody? The timing's too convenient."

Batou takes another drink of his beer and silently groans to himself. He glances out of the passenger side window and speaks.

Batou: "There's no way of telling if he's invovlved unless we dive his cyberbrain. We just need to keep our eyes open for anything unusual, namely this imposter that Hamauzu claims to have seen. He could've had his eyes hacked by Takeda, Yoshimura, or someone. However, it's probably not likely that either Takeda or Yoshimura hacked his eyes due to the fact that their cyberbrain communication signals are blocked and jammed by the SDA's EMF field. And since both of them are the property of the M.O.H.A. and Shinobi; the Home Affairs Minister, Shinobi, and the old man are the only people who have the password in order to deactivate the EMF field."

Togusa then drives onto the expressway as he speaks.

Togusa: "That makes sense. Unless Shinobi's a part of this whole thing."

Batou grunts and looks at Togusa. He speaks.

Batou: "You must be joking. She's not the type who would purposely stage a farce to portray herself as the target of assassination attempts. There's nothing for her to gain by doing that."

Togusa glances at Batou before speaking.

Togusa: "Maybe she's after personal financial gain or maybe she's aspiring to move up in the world."

Batou scoffs and looks out the windshield as he responds.

Batou: "Have you ever heard about the Shinobi family's pension? They've accumulated a fortune over the centuries so large, that she's nearly drowning in weath. And we're only talking about her family's fortune, not her bank account that she has not hundreds of thousands, but millions of Yen just from her military budget alone. Coupled with her family wealth and personal fortune that she's built up over her lifetime, Hatsumi Shinobi is more than better off financially speaking. She's also not the type who wants to move up into the upper ranks of man. I remember her telling the chief that she never wanted to be the Chief of Ground Staff and she wanted to stay a Colonel since she was most comfortable on the battlefield, alongside her soldiers. Despite the fact that she's wealthy and in a position of great power, she is one of the least selfish people that I know of."

Togusa simply sighs and continues to drive. They finally reach the Defense Agency where they see Hamauzu standing and waiting for them. Togusa parks his vehicle and switches it off. Batou and Togusa get out of the car and turn to see Hamauzu walk over to them. Togusa somewhat scowls and Batou shows no emotion. Hamauzu stands with his arms behind his back. He speaks to them in a hard tone.

Hamauzu: "You must be the detectives from Section 9, correct?"

Batou doesn't speak but Togusa answers Hamauzu's question.

Togusa: "I'm Togusa and my partner here is-"

Togusa is cut off by Hamauzu.

Hamauzu: "Yes, Batou, I know. I know very well who he is."

Togusa emits a suprised grunt as Batou shows no emotion. Hamauzu speaks.

Hamauzu: "I'm quite surprised that Section 9 decided to heed my call, considering that you're closely aligned with Shinobi and I'm not."

Hamauzu looks away for a moment. Batou simply turns and watches traffic drive by, looking for Shinobi or her imposter. Togusa speaks to Hamauzu.

Togusa: "Listen, there may be a chance that your cyberbrain was hacked and you were only seeing an image."

Hamauzu looks back at Togusa and responds with a hint of anger in his voice.

Hamauzu: "No, that's impossible. I am in the security supervisor for military prisoners, so my cyberbrain defensive barrier mazes rival that of Shinobi's, who's virtually immune to hacking. I know what I saw!"

Togusa glances over at Batou, who hasn't moved from his position. Hamauzu then looks at his watch and speaks.

Hamauzu: "I have something that requires my attention, detective. However, I can furnish you with the license plate number on the car that Shinobi's doppelganger sped off in."

Hamauzu takes a slip of paper out of his officer's jacket and hands it to Togusa. Togusa looks at the paper. He then turns and and climbs into his vehicle with Batou sitting in the passenger seat. Togusa speaks as they put on their safety belts and Hamauzu turns to walk away.

Togusa: "Thanks for all of your help, General."

Hamauzu simpy grunts and proceeds back inside of the Defense Agency. Togusa's car pulls away. Togusa then hands the paper to Batou, who enters the license plate number into the computer inside of Togusa's car. The screen then shows a virtual map of Niihama and a blip where the car is parked. Batou then presses another key and the screen switches to a live video feed. We see a white car parked on one of the back roads in one of the refugee residential districts. Standing near the car is Shinobi wearing a brown trench coat speaking with 2 men and a woman. Batou speaks.

Batou: "Hamauzu wasn't lying. There's our perp."

Togusa glances over at the screen and speaks.

Togusa: "Looks that way. Shinobi's meeting with the chief and the Major right now, isn't she?"

Batou doesn't look at Togusa and keeps his gaze on the screen. We see one of the men walk away and Shinobi switch her attention to the other man. Batou responds.

Batou: "Yeah, I've got a live video feed of her speaking with them as we speak."

He then presses another key and another video feed appears next to the screen. We see Shinobi speaking to Aramaki and Kusanagi inside of Aramaki's office. Batou speaks.

Batou: "And Shinobi doesn't drive herself when on duty. Her car is also black, remember?"

Togusa then nods and drives in the direction of the imposter Shinobi. We see Togusa's car on the expressway. After a moment, Batou speaks.

Batou: "Togusa, the imposter and the two other people that she was speaking with have just gotten into the vehicle and are on the expressway."

Togusa's car then speeds up and drives until they catch up to the white car. We are inside of the white car, where we see the woman driving with the man in the back seat and the Shinobi imposter in the passenger seat. The woman speaks.

Woman: "Hey, we're being followed."

The man and the Shinobi imposter then look through the back window to see Togusa's car following them. The Shinobi imposter speaks, sounding exactly like Shinobi.

Imposter: "Any idea who it is?"

The man turns his attention away from Batou and Togusa to a submachine pistol that he is loading. He doesn't look at the imposter but speaks as he cocks the chamber.

Man: "Don't know, but we can't be taking any chances."

We have returned back to Togusa's car, where we see Batou loading his pistol. Togusa speaks in an alarmed tone.

Togusa: "What are you doing?"

Batou cocks the chamber to his pistol and rolls down the window to his side of the car. He responds.

Batou: "Keep your head down but don't lose them, got it?"

We then see the man lean out of the back driver's side window and fire the submachine pistol. The shots miss Togusa's car, but rips up the expressway behind it. Batou then leans out of his window and fires at the car, hitting the back window. The bullets ricochet off of it. Batou curses and speaks.

Batou: "Damn! The car's armored!"

Just then, the Shinobi imposter leans out of her window with an assault rifle and fires, hitting Togusa's car but missing the windshield. Batou yells.

Batou: "Watch it! She's got an assault rifle!"

Batou then aims and fires, hitting the rear tire on the passenger's side of the car. The tire blows and the woman begins to lose control of the vehicle. The view switches to inside of the white car, where we see the woman struggling with the steering wheel. The Shinobi imposter speaks.

Imposter: "Get control of the vehicle! If we crash, it's all over!"

The woman responds with strain in her voice.

Woman: "I'm trying, damn it!"

The Shinobi imposter is angered and loads a clip into her assault rifle. She cocks it as the man shouts at her.

Man: "Are you crazy? That gun wasn't designed for HV bullets! You're going to screw up the breach before you even get halfway through the clip!"

She responds in a threatening tone.

Imposter: "Just shut the hell up and shoot!"

The man grunts and loads another clip into his submachine pistol. They both lean out of their respected windows and fire on Togusa's car. Batou fires and kills the man before he gets the chance to shoot. He then takes out the other back tire, causing to white car to go out of control. The Shinobi imposter tries to fire, but the assault rifle jams before she can shoot. The white car then takes the exit off of the expressway, with Batou and Togusa following close behind. The white car then crashes into the corner of a building. The Shinobi imposter then leaps out of the car and runs into an alley. Togusa stops the car and the two of them get out. Batou immediately sprints after the imposter into the alley. Togusa proceeds to arrest the woman. We are now in a dark alley, where we see Batou running after the imposter. The imposter runs around a corner and Batou takes cover on the corner. He glances around the corner, only to be shot at by the imposter, who runs around yet another corner. Batou then runs after her. He turns the corner to see a man in a black BDU standing over the imposter's body wielding a katana. He is wearing a mask, concealing his face from us. Batou speaks.

Batou: "Hold it right there!"

The assailant then leaps onto the roof of a low lying building, activating thermoptic camouflage as he does. Batou then runs over to the imposter's body to see that she's been killed by the assailant stabbing her in the torso with the katana. Batou growls to himself and speaks to Togusa via cybercom.

Batou: "No good. Our perp has been killed."

Togusa responds.

Togusa: "What? How?"

Batou puts his pistol back in its holster as he examines the imposter's stolen body. He speaks.

Batou: "She was killed by a man wielding a sword. He got away before I could stop him. The wound matches that of Kawashima. Seems like we've got someone who's got a beef with the SDA. He probably didn't know that this wasn't Shinobi, so he's thinking that he killed the genuine article. My guess is that he'll probably go after Hamauzu or Yoshimura next. We've got to warn Shinobi."

The scene ends with Batou looking up at where the assailant vanished.

Part B Scene 1

We are now at the Itami base where we see Aramaki and Shinobi outside of Takeda's cell. Shinobi nods and the two MPs unlock the cell door and open it. Aramaki, Shinobi, and the two MPs enter to see Takeda still reading Jules Verne. He is smoking a cigarette as he does. Takeda is not wearing his cap or his coat. He looks up to see Aramaki standing in front of him across the cell and Shinobi leaning against the wall. He speaks.

Takeda: "Good afternoon, and what can I do for the chief of Public Security Section 9?"

Aramaki responds as Takeda puts out his cigarette on his cell wall.

Aramaki: "I understand that you are the one behind the assassination attempts on the Chief of Ground Staff, correct? That would make you Masahiro Takeda."

Takeda coughs once and closes his book. He glances at Shinobi, who has her eyes closed. He responds to Aramaki in a calm tone.

Takeda: "One attempt, mister Aramaki. One. That was two weeks ago when I hacked into that Yakuza thug's cyberbrain."

Aramaki grunts and responds.

Aramaki: "There's Tokyo and the attack at the assemblyman's party."

Takeda then puts down his book and responds as he looks at Aramaki with firm eyes.

Takeda: "For starters, I never planted that nuke in Tokyo. I've only had possession of one nuclear warhead, one which I could conceal easily and carry on my person. Then you have to consider where I was at the time. I wasn't in Niihama. I was in Nagasaki looking for guns to hire so I could stage an attack against Yoshimura, believe it or not."

Shinobi opens her eyes and seems surprised, along with Aramaki. Aramaki speaks.

Aramaki: "What do you mean?"

Takeda reaches over and retrieves a cigarette. He is about to light it, but sets it down. He mutters.

Takeda: "I've got to quit these."

Shinobi silently speaks.

Shinobi: "Well?"

Takeda looks up at them. He coughs a few times before standing and filling a cup full of water at the sink. He takes a drink from the cup as he sits back down on his cot. He looks at Aramaki and Shinobi as he responds.

Takeda: "I first realized that I had been dancing to Yoshimura's tune when he charged me to kidnap Warrant Officer Masako Kobayashi the day of Shinobi's trial against that man, Hamauzu. Now, what was strange is that he told me to go to the Yakuza in order to have them retrieve her for me, despite the fact that he didn't trust them. I did as he said and then I proceeded to go about my activities of acquiring arms and ammunition from the funds that Yoshimura supplied me with. Two days later, I hacked into the Yakuza boss' cybercom and overheard him speaking with Yoshimura. His orders were to shift all of the blame on me in order to have me either imprisoned or killed. From that moment, I knew that I was backstabbed and I had to act on my own accord. However, I wasn't done with my revenge on Shinobi, but she would have to wait for the time being because I knew that Yoshimura would pose a problem to me."

Shinobi then speaks in an angered tone.

Shinobi: "Why did you have Yoshimura release you after you were captured by Section 9, then?"

Takeda looks at her and immediately responds.

Takeda: "Just think for a moment, Hatsumi. I wouldn't have been able to get rid of Yoshimura if I was couped up in here by you and Kawashima, now would I? After I was released by him, I asked him to have his men steal your Arm Suit for me."

Aramaki then speaks.

Aramaki: "So you were planning to use it to kill the Lieutenant General, correct?"

Takeda nods once as he grunts. He continues to speak.

Takeda: "At this time, my focus was on Yoshimura and I proceeded to assassinate him with her Arm Suit and 6 other men. I thought I would be able to succeed, until your people screwed it up. I was captured once again and now I'm sitting here in front of you, reading Jules Verne."

Shinobi silenty grunts to herself before speaking to Takeda.

Shinobi: "And the assassination attempt at the assemblyman's party?"

Takeda looks at Shinobi and explains.

Takeda: "That was Yoshimura's own doing. I had nothing to do with that. On the contrary, you should be thankful that it happened. The man that Yoshimura sent to kill you spilled his guts to you, Kawashima, and Aramaki. By having that man try to kill you, Yoshimura confirmed the link between him and I, therefore, exposing the fact that he is the one who is actually behind the attempts on your life. And who do you think planted to nuke in Tokyo? Yoshimura's men. The nuclear device that I bought from Yoshimura was a dud. After taking it to an underworld expert bomb specialist, I realized that I had been played. I then disposed of it and proceeded to expose Yoshimura for what he is. I was hoping to get rid of him before good men like Kawashima were caught in the crossfire. However, I was too late."

Takeda then stands and walks to the sink after finishing his water. He looks at Aramaki and Shinobi through the mirror as Shinobi speaks.

Shinobi: "Why are you confessing to all of this?"

Takeda glances at Shinobi through the mirror and responds in a quiet but solid tone.

Takeda: "Because I decided to change sides when you told me that I was implanted with false memories by none other than Yoshimura."

Shinobi's eyes become somewhat wide as she silently grunts. Aramaki somewhat scowls at Takeda. Takeda then turns and walks back to his cot. He sits and speaks, not looking at Shinobi.

Takeda: "Can I request something?"

Shinobi speaks in a more quiet and calm tone.

Shinobi: "What?"

Takeda picks up his book and offers it to her. He speaks.

Takeda: "Could I get a new book? I've finished reading this one."

Shinobi silently grunts to herself and gently takes the book from him. He looks away from Shinobi and says nothing. Aramaki glances at Shinobi, who is gazing at the book, as if lost in a void. Shinobi then walks out of the cell, followed by Aramaki and the two MPs. The door closes and locks. Takeda then begins to cough violently for a moment before wheezing. We are in the hall outside of his cell, where we see her watching him through the viewhole. She seems emotionally moved by Takeda's coughing and his confession. Aramaki speaks to Shinobi.

Aramaki: "Madam, are you all right?"

Shinobi snaps out of her trance-like state and turns back to Aramaki. She speaks with a weak, quivering laugh.

Shinobi: "Sorry. I'm fine. It's just that, everything that he said in there was true. And the way he confessed that he accepted that he was implanted with false memories, he just sounded truly sentimental."

Aramaki seems somewhat surprised and concerned. He responds.

Aramaki: "And do you believe him?"

Shinobi speaks in a quiet tone.

Shinobi: "I do. Takeda may have made mistakes in the past, but he's no liar."

Aramaki thinks for a moment. He responds.

Aramaki: "Are you planning on releasing him?"

Shinobi glances away and responds.

Shinobi: "I can't right now. I've no idea what he's planning on doing next. I also need the Home Affairs Minister's approval, not to mention yours."

Aramaki simply grunts to himself and turns to walk away. The episode ends with Shinobi looking at the book with a hint of emotion in her eyes.

"After a thousand battles, one only sees death!" -Chaos Space Marine Predator (Warhammer 40,000)

Working on a Ghost in the Shell project

Comments

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