Goodbye, Asamiya.
Hey! Stop!
Tatsuya!
What, what do you want?
Hey!
Like a savior, a hero appeared out of nowhere.
And saved me.
Why are you here?
Ah!
Let's go.
And this hero
was insanely strong… and cool.
Asamiya, you okay?
Yeah. I'm just fine.
But truthfully… I couldn't help myself.
I couldn't help but resent this hero.
Let's go.
But shortly afterwards,
a feeling of loathing overcame me.
for feeling this way.
Oh, Shimura.
The nightmare finally came to an end.
And so did…
my life.
VIRAL HIT
WHAT'S THIS?
IS HE BACK FOR REAL?!
LONG OVERDUE!
Sorry to keep you waiting.
Hamaken TV is relaunching itself.
From now on, there will be no more here's Mr Nice Guy, you see?
Hey! You better get yourself ready for it.
SCUMBAG ACTIVATED LOL
LOVE THIS VERSION
I even brought a guest for you today.
We've had him made up nicely. It wasn't easy!
Yeah! That's why I said that I would do it.
POOR GUY LOL
Hey.
Is it true that you're the editor for Viral Hit? Yeah?
What? You didn't have any friends in real life,
so you turned to the Internet?
What a loser!
Are you listening?
She asked if you could hear us.
Wait. She's serious?
What's with her? She's got problems.
Freak.
Rest in peace, Shimura.
-Oh, come back! -We'll miss you!
Edit these for me.
I want them done by lunch.
Uh, hang on though--
You'll do it, won't you?
Of course.
Just leave it to me. I'll get on it now. Yes.
VIRAL HIT'S GONE FOR GOOD
SHIMURA, YOU STILL ALIVE? LOL
THIS CHANNEL IS DEAD LOLOL
They're all idiots.
ARE YOU OKAY? I'M WORRIED.
PLEASE REPLY
Shimura flaked on us. Asamiya, you know why?
Ah, it's, uh, possible he's not feeling well.
Oh, I know why he's away.
-Wait, what? -Look what I found yesterday.
Wait, is that Shimura?
Man, that's brutal.
Asamiya, don't tell me that's your voice in the video.
Oh, definitely not.
I think it is.
I'd rather be dead than be seen like that.
I'd be so embarrassed, I'd never leave home.
Naked on the ground is the ultimate humiliation.
Yeah, tell me about it.
I think the two of you are very cruel.
What?
No, just forget it.
Yeah.
I don't think he came to school.
Oh dear.
I'm worried about his injuries.
He's probably fine.
What worries me
is that he lost his dignity.
That's one thing we can't help him with.
Huh? Oh, you bought the mascara?
I recommend it. I want everyone to try it out.
HOW'S SHIMURA?
IS VIRAL HIT OVER?
HE WAS TOO COCKY
Viral Hit?
Shimura?
IS SHIMURA COMING TO SCHOOL??
DO A COLLAB PLZ LOL
Oh, you guys!
All of this "Shimura, Shimura," it's annoying.
Forget about him. It's all over.
Nice to meet you… I guess.
I see.
It's good you're worried about him too.
I feel like I'm partially to blame.
Maybe we both are.
What do you mean? All you did was go on a date with him.
What?
I… I mean, it wasn't really a date.
If he runs away now… then he'll spend the rest of his life running.
-And that worries me. -Why's that?
I think that… his life, it has a value.
Were you… a part of his team?
Yes, sort of, I guess.
I see.
I wish… I knew where he was, that's all.
Sorry to take up your time.
Mm. It's good we talked.
Take care.
I guess we're all alike.
Hamaken TV!
INSTANT MENACE LOL
Today, I'll have Kanegon who knows Shimura pretty well now, I think.
Tell us the true story about Viral Hit.
Huh?
-Ready? -Okay, we're set.
You be completely honest now. What was Shimura like?
Uh… He, uh…
-Shi… Shimura was-- -Shimura was what? Tell us. Come on.
Shi… Shimura was…
Let's take over the world with this channel.
You did it, Shimura!
Thank you! You helped me get my senses!
Today we become known as Viral Hit!
]
R… really.
He was a hideous guy.
Oh! Oh! Was he now?
-He was all about-- -Yeah? What?
All he cared about was going viral and getting donations.
Ah, yes! And that's why he lied and accused me of being a fraud!
Uh-huh.
And he staged all those fight videos, didn't he?
Yeah, he did. That guy will do anything for money.
But wait. You're friends with him, aren't you?
What are you talking about?
Why would I want to be friends with that loser?
I don't ever… wanna see him again.
You heard it. You guys get it now?
The next video is going to be where Shimura apologizes
for tricking you into thinking he's a hero.
You'll love it!
Okay!
-This is seriously blowing up. -This is great content.
HAMAKEN'S GETTING REVENGE
Seems I'm a better producer than you, huh?
Yeah, you definitely are.
Where is Shimura now?
Ow! You're hurting me!
How long is he going to be skipping school for?
-I don't know-- -Tell me the truth! I wanna know.
You bring him to me.
I told you! I don't have anything to do with him anymore!
You're lying, aren't you? Aren't you?!
Who would ever believe what you're saying, hey? Hey?
Do you have any idea what you've done to me?
You go get him and drag his ass back here. You understand?
Okay, I will.
I promise, I will. I'll do it. I'll do it.
Hey!
How's he holding up?
-Whoa! -How the hell should I know?
Why does everyone keep asking me that?
This is all his fault.
He brought it on.
-He needs to come back to school-- -Where are you going?
The hospital! I need to find where he is.
The hospital?
It's where she is.
His mother.
Is that for your son?
Mm-hmm.
If I wasn't so sick, I'd be able to do this so quickly.
Ah, don't push yourself too hard. Mrs. Shimura.
Oh! Are you visiting someone?
Uh, yeah. Yeah, that's right.
Hello.
Uh, do… do you happen to know where Shimura is?
I can't find him anywhere.
You need him?
Oh. So sorry you came all this way.
He hasn't visited me in a few days.
Apparently, he's busy.
Oh, I see. I understand.
Are you…
Kaneko?
Uh…
-Yes. -Oh, that's great!
He told me about you with a big smile on his face.
He said you were his first friend in class.
Thanks to you, he actually enjoys going to school.
I'm like this, you know.
I put a lot of burden on him.
I was worried he wasn't having fun at school.
Thank you for being there for him. His first friend.
Yeah.
Excuse me.
Go on! Jump then!
It'll hurt
a lot more than the punches you took.
Leave me alone.
My life…
it's all over now.
You saw how I embarrassed myself.
There's no point continuing on.
I'm better off
being dead.
Huh?
Uh…
They're all waiting for you, you know.
Viral Hit subscriber numbers are increasing, even now.
Who cares?!
The next video will draw a huge viewership.
-I don't care about that! -This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
That's enough! Leave me alone now!
Okay.
Forget it.
I've been here a few times myself.
Go kill yourself somewhere else if you want to die.
Hey, Tatsuya.
Huh?
Someone's here.
It's been a month since it happened.
He hasn't shown up to work in all that time.
And he hasn't… answered any calls.
Maybe he's just disappeared, forever?
You've failed!
Huh?
How are you going to fix this, huh?
FAILED THE MISSION LOL
It's true. He's not at home or anywhere.
None of your sorry excuses!
My viewers, they're getting impatient.
I know. What if you sent him a video?
Show him what Kaneko's going through.
-Great idea. Here, film this. -Yeah, nice.
Okay, get up! You tell him.
You tell Shimura to get his ass over here.
Come on, say it. You want more, huh?
You want more of this, do you?
Huh? Go on, now.
As soon as he arrives, you're free to go.
Say it. Tell him to come here, now!
Sh… Shi… Shimura.
He said you were his first friend in class.
Can you…
Don't…
come to the school, he'll kill you!
You asked for it. Bastard!
You think you're smart, do you?
Huh? Hey? Hey?
You must have a death wish.
Yeah?
Come on!
Hamaken!
What?!
Finally, he's here.
Kanegon.
Roll the camera.
And another thing.
Remember you're not alone.
Are you rolling,
Kanegon?
The title of this next video
is "How To Defeat a Thug."
HE'S BAAACK!
Guess you don't have to worry anymore. Look.
THE UNDERDOG STRIKES BACK!
I NEED YOU TO WIN THIS ONE
You've kept me waiting.
I didn't come here for you.
Oh, I see. You need money that bad, hey?
Huh?
You filthy asshole.
HOW TO BEAT A THUG IN A FIGHT
You want to beat up a thug who's been tormenting you?
If you're serious about taking them on, then I'll teach you.
I hope you can keep up.
Fighting secrets, Rule One: A body of steel.
It's impossible for an amateur fighter to dodge every attack.
Instead, your focus should be on building a strong body
that can withstand blows.
After you've built your outer muscle,
work on the deeper muscle.
Strengthen your core so that you can counterattack.
After bodybuilding exercises, eat high-quality protein.
While muscle is important in a fight, your weight can't be neglected either.
Eat plenty of food so that you can bulk up.
Fighting Secrets, Rule Two: Stamina.
All that training is useless if you don't have stamina.
Strive to improve cardio respiratory fitness
and muscular endurance.
And, just so you know,
you can't expect any dramatic changes in your body
from just a few weeks of training.
Huh?
But… if you master this one technique, you might just have a shot at winning.
Fighting Secrets, Rule Number Three!
This is the finishing move.
Come on
Okay.
You're fucking dead!
Mm-uh!
-Ah! You little bastard! -Oh!
Ah! Ah!
Ugh!
You think you can mess with me?!
Weakling!
Shithead!
Ah!
What's wrong? Is that all you got?
Come on, fight.
Are you ready to counterattack?
A certain martial arts champion once said,
if he had to choose just one technique to use against a powerful opponent,
this would be it.
You piece of trash.
You've got it coming!
Turn your body towards your kicking leg.
The moment your opponent shifts their weight onto the stepping foot,
rotate your entire body and swing your leg all the way!
Did… did I get him?
Your efforts will never let you down.
For now, focus on mastering this single technique.
Ah!
Shimura!
Huh? Was that a low kick, was it? A nice try.
You aim for the thigh. You've got no idea how to fight!
That didn't hurt at all. And now I…
THX FOR THE INPUT
A low kick aims for the thigh, which is padded with muscle.
He went for the calf, which isn't nearly as protected.
A calf kick.
Now you die!
Get off!
Yes! Yes! Go Shimura!
Ah!
I'm gonna kill you!
HE LANDED ANOTHER KICK!
SHIMURA'S DOING GREAT
HE CAN WIN?!
You bastard.
You little shit.
Ah! Ah!
So that's… that only move you know.
I WAS THINKING THE SAME THING
HAMAKEN'S GOT A POINT
SHIMURA'S DONE FOR
It won't work again!
Ah!
Shimura!
HE MIGHT REALLY DIE
IT'S OKAY TO SURRENDER
Ugh!
You really are one hopeless loser.
When was it
that I became such a loser?
Since I was born?
No. Of course, that's not true.
Shimura, did you watch…
I used to be a perfectly ordinary student.
Isn't it?
-You. -Ah!
Shut up, twerp.
Ah!
Until Hamaken showed up in my life.
-What? What? What? Huh? -Stop it! That hurts!
Uh! Uh! Uh!
I could never understand why he always beat me up.
Stop!
-It hurts, does it? -Ow! That hurts!
There was nothing to understand really.
He never had a reason.
After that, I started hating school.
I became afraid of making eye contact with people.
My body was always hunched over, so I looked like a weakling.
But… I…
I'm proud of you for getting back on your feet.
You still wanna go, huh?
Yeah, sure. I'll take you.
Now, believe in yourself.
You're so annoying, you piece of trash!
I…
Now's your chance.
I'm not a loser! But you're a loser for sure!
Overhand hook!
I'M ACTUALLY TEARING UP
THIS DESERVES A MOVIE
WE'RE ALL CRYING
Far out.
You did real good.
So don't cry anymore.
Shimura.
LEGENDARY
SHIMURA'S THE MAN
That was a beautiful win.
Shimura.
I want to thank you.
So, thank you.
What does it say?
Huh?
Double?
We've already hit 700,000.
It's only a matter of time before we hit one million!
-What about the donations? -Hey.
Let's see. It's past a million yen!
Uh, then it's… then our share, it's more than 600,000 yen!
I thought you did it to save me.
Why would I? This was all about money. No more.
You bastard. I got all emotional.
-I thought you came for me! -Oh.
But aren't you the one who said that I'd do anything for money?
You were watching?
Sure did. I'm a hideous guy.
No wonder you don't have friends! You're mean, ya know?
Say what you want.
It can hardly hurt coming from a guy like you.
-What do you mean by that? -Ah!
You want to fight?
I'll take you on.
-Don't copy me. -Shut up!
Whoa!
Ah!
-I hope he comes today. -Seriously, yesterday--
-Hey, Shimura! -Oh, Shimura!
Oh, it's Shimura!
You were incredible.
Hamaken hasn't come to school since that day.
It's all thanks to you!
I know what he's afraid of isn't silly old me.
Me too!
It's the reality that he's hit rock bottom.
So crazy!
I'm really sorry I never tried to intervene.
There's nothing… you could have done.
You're such a saint!
I imagine Hamaken's suffering and…
Oh, it serves him right! He deserves it!
Okay! Hi! Hi!
Do you all get what we can do now? Do you?
Hey? It's all because of me,
the producer and creator of this great channel--
Shimura, want to go to karaoke sometime?
Huh? Oh, uh…
Mm, yeah, sure, if I'm free.
-Yay! -That's so good.
We're gonna have the best time with Shimura!
-What? So lame! -Isn't she cringe?
Is she for real?
They're dissing her, saying she's Hamaken's girl.
-Not even good. -Seriously.
-Let's go to the bathroom. -Let's go.
NEW MESSAGE
INVITATION TO PARTNER AS AN OFFICIAL INFLUENCER
What are you doing?
Oh, Aki.
Where's Shimura?
How would I know?
What's wrong?
So he's amazing. I get it.
I really do.
-Oh, you're jealous. -I wouldn't call it jealousy.
-Jealous men don't get the girls. -I just said I'm not jealous!
You know your job now… is to find his next opponent.
I have high hopes for you.
Huh?
High hopes?
You do?
CEO
As I mentioned in my DM,
we will be honored to have you join our influencer agency, Rumi.
We are part of BAD FELLOWS Group.
We can get you gigs and anything you can think of, like reality shows.
Once you get more exposure and become more well-known--
Will you
help me get more followers?
I want more followers.
Of course. If you let me handle it.
Are you free after this?
I caused you so much trouble.
I'm terribly sorry.
I'm terribly sorry--
-Ah, sorry about that. -So sorry.
I'm sorry, I didn't see you coming.
Oh no, that was completely my fault.
Here. Use this.
Oh, thank you.
It's been a while.
Mm. Yes, it has.
I'm very sorry… for putting you through so much worry.
I knew that you were trying to contact me, but after you saw me like that, I…
Thank you.
Uh…
You were trying to protect me again, weren't you?
It's all right. You've already saved me enough.
I don't think so.
So it's my turn, now. I can save you!
That's silly.
Uh, well…
Would you like to go to a café with me again?
Next time, it's on me.
Would I? Yes!
Oh, yay!
Then it's a date.
Mm, a date.
-See you. -Mm. Yeah. Bye for now.
Oh!
Oh.
Welcome home, Asamiya.
Yes, thank you.
Anything to report?
I just spent a little time with Tatsuya.
And, why?
-We talked about the entrance exam-- -Exactly how long were you with him?
Two hours.
He's a fighter, is he not?
Will someone like that be beneficial to your future, Asamiya?
Don't waste your time like this. You must focus on your studies.
Hmm.
Thank you for the meal--
You haven't been seeing anyone else, have you?
No, I haven't.
Rumi.
You're great.
Whoa! 560,000!
Can you believe it? Our channel's blowing up!
This is all thanks to my producing skills.
Look at this.
That's BAD FELLOWS.
-Who are they? -You don't know?
It's a super popular show that pits amateur fighters against each other.
The CEO hit the jackpot with this.
Now, he's expanding into the entertainment industry.
Mmm.
Read the comments.
IT LOOKS STAGED
I PREFER VIRAL HIT
VIRAL HIT IS LEGIT
Viral Hit's channel… it's competing with them.
This affects us how?
My point is, what we offer is the real deal. It's legit.
VIRAL HIT IS LEGIT
Of course. And?
I have the next opponent lined up for you.
You see how I'm a genius producer?
Let's go.
What do you mean? Wait, why?
This is crazy. What about the weight difference?
Yeah, sure… but it'll be a great visual.
I've got an idea. Why don't you fight them?
See how safe you feel.
Huh?
All right, get ready!
Begin!
I give up!
So did you get a taste of how it feels to fight?
Assessing safety is an important part of your work as a producer.
Sure, but this would have been spectacular.
Next time book me a fighter on my level.
You're both ganging up on me now.
All right, then.
Why don't you two do it yourself?
Well, that's an idea. We might just do that.
Let's go.
Mm.
They hate me.
We need to develop a strategy so we can figure out your next opponent.
Be nice to do content other than fights.
Mm.
Oh, why don't you come to my place… and we can brainstorm a bit.
Oh, uh, my dad wouldn't… like that much… since you live alone.
You're right, yeah.
I guess we'll need to call off the meeting.
Uh, no.
We still need to discuss things.
FOLLOWERS 71,000
Uh-huh, uh-huh
Look. I already have over 70,000 followers!
RUMI BEAUTY-LOVING HIGH SCHOOL GIRL (17)
Rumi, you can aim much higher.
Can I get to 600,000? I want to shoot for more.
Ha. Don't worry, I have a plan.
-Mm. -Come here.
Rumi, you do know I'll do anything for you.
You know that.
Mm-hmm.
Don't listen to them!
Kanegon.
What do you want?
What are you doing by yourself?
You can't tell?
What is it? Are you guys fighting?
Go away.
They're cruel to you.
I actually appreciate how amazing you are.
BARBER YASHIO
You're in a very good mood today.
Yeah.
This is the first time you've ever brought a friend here, hey?
He's more like a… comrade.
A comrade. So you made a friend. That's the main thing.
Hello?
-Hi, come on in. -You're late.
-Sorry, I got lost. -Mm?
Let's get to it.
Oh, yeah.
I'm Shimura, sir. We go to the same school.
Oh, that's nice.
Yes, so sorry to intrude.
A boy?
Cheers! Cheers! Cheers!
No way! You're the one producing Viral Hit!
It's nothing, really.
Yes, I see all your videos on Instagram too.
Your channel's the talk of the town.
-Oh, really? -Mm-hmm!
Well, people just don't get it. The producer's role is the most important.
Well, of course it is.
It's the behind-the-scenes that really counts.
-Mature of you! -Totally!
-Totally. -Totally.
Oh, you think so?
If it were me, I'd complain for sure.
I'd say Viral Hit only got this far because of me.
Well, okay.
I'm happy enough as long as you're all happy!
Ah, well, today's on me, so drink up!
-Really? -You sure?
Well then, I won't hold back! Here.
Kanpai!
Woo-hoo-hoo!
This is the life!
This is bad. We didn't get a single donation.
Not a single yen?
This is the next opponent I'll fight!
VIRAL HIT LIVE NOW
Looks like the viewers didn't want that from you.
FIGHT ALREADY
-How much have we made so far? -735,300.
That's not enough.
TOTAL AMOUNT DUE: 3,140,000 YEN
So it has to be a fight.
-[dance music playing -Hey, Kaneko.
Show us how you edit.
-You really wanna know? -Oh, yes!
-Yes! -Yes, please.
Come on! Show them.
-Yes. -Really?
Okay.
Oh, this is so great!
Well, I should get going now.
Oh, it's that late already.
By the way...
That video, I…
You what?
I, uh... Oh, never mind.
Oh, I wanted to ask you something too.
Who…
is it that's teaching you to fight?
HOW TO BEAT A THUG IN A FIGHT
Well, I've…
taught myself.
Taught yourself…
See you, then.
Aki's not the one, then.
Hmm.
PASSWORD INCORRECT
Hey! I'm sorry!
More! More!
Sorry! This is me!
-Aw! -Don't sit down!
Aki, what's up?
Have you been missing me, have you?
Did you alter the password to our channel?
Password? No, why would I do that?
Here, Kanegon. Your drink.
-Hang on. Just… -Come on!
Moshi moshi.
It's an emergency. Come back right now.
What emergency?
The Viral Hit account status…
the account's been suspended.
Huh? But we were using it just a minute ago.
Someone must have hacked it.
Oh my God.
DEPOSIT: 735,300 YEN
That means…
Yes. That means you're not getting any money.
-Ah! -Hey.
What's wrong?
What's going on there?
Shimura?
This is a warning.
Shimura?
Is something wrong?
Are you there, Shimura?!
Can you hear me, Shimura?!
Come on! Please answer me!
VIRAL HIT lease answer me!