Gutansha Publishing
Wllkly JIDAI Edltnrlll Dlplrtmlnt
Good morning!
Senpai, you stayed here all night again?
Good morning...
Did you hear?
Fumiya and his cameraman were reported to the police during another stakeout.
Again?
So, where is he now'?
Well... I'm trying his phone right now, but he isn't picking up.
Weekly J|DA|'s photojournalism division, also known as the "Stakeout Squad."
I...
What I really wanted to be was a sailor!
Fumiya Sugawara, 32 years old.
Currently in his ninth year of photographing people's weaknesses.
He's tired of it.
A man who can work, that's the type she likes
I psyched myself up and got down to business
But I'm always so busy and so bored
The company I work at now is pretty high level
And my dad has a lot of connections there
So there's no way I can quit
I'm always all by myself
I just take a bath and fall asleep
I can't even take the time to admire
Your hair or [he way you walk
If all I can do is sleep
Then at least in my dreams
I want to see you
Stakeout Man
Stakeum Man 'Stakeout Man.'
Stakeout Man
Looks good to me.
Huh'? You don't seem satisfied.
In the end, I wasn't able to get details from anyone within the actual company.
It's all just testimony from people who are loosely related...
Well, I'll accept it as-is for now.
Personally, I think it's very well-written.
Oh, looks like he's finally made it back.
Hey, make sure to answer your phone!
I heard you had the cops called on you again?
Yeah, we did.
A team of two grungy guys will always end up looking suspicious.
Hey, listen...
How about next time you don't make it a sausage party and bring one of our ladies with you?
We have four women in our department who are more than capable.
But we can't ask Kaji-san to put up with a job like this.
She already left for the day anyway.
And Yumi-chan is on a business trip to Miyazaki.
Then how about Mayu?
Ah, she's no good. She'd fall asleep when it got late.
Which means the only one left is...
How about that lady with the natto roll jammed in her mouth?
Matsukata.
Tag along with Sugawara for the rest of today on his stakeout.
You've finished your article already.
And you're free tonight, yeah?
No... I... have a date today.
It's fine.
I have no problem handling it on my own.
I don't need any sympathy.
Oh, okay.
Office KiiChBfl
Office Kitchen Jeez!
Office Kitchen Why does that guy always act like women are his mortal enemies?
Why does that guy always act like women are his mortal enemies?
I'm not sure...
I didn't want to go on a stakeout anyway.
Right now I need tea, so-
That's right! Nobody wants to do that job even if you beg them!
And yet when they talked about needing a woman on the team, I tried to help out, but...
Ultimately you're just going to get in the way, so don't worry about it.
That attitude pissed me off so much!
You said so yourself, Senpai!
Gossip articles like those are the absolute worst!
How much fun can it be to wait and catch people in a moment of weakness, anyway?!
I don't think anyone finds it fun.
Huh?
At the very least, when I look at Sugawara-san, he never seems to enjoy his job.
Meeting m Frames:
fleeting m magmas I'm used m deaf tog with hate.
Meeting m Frames:
That's just part of the job.
An "athletic affair," eh?
It sounds promising to me.
This involves that one young female sprinter, right?
What was her name? Sasamoto?
It's Sasaki.
Kazuyo Sasaki, 20 years old.
Her coach is pretty famous too, right?
This guy with the sideburns, Yamamoto or whatever his name was.
Sasaki has been touted all over the media recently as being a medal contender in the next Olympics.
But her coach, Yamamoto, seems to have a bad habit...
At each Olympics, he's had an affair with one of the athletes.
And as a result, he's gotten divorced and remarried multiple times.
If it happens again, it'll be the third time.
Every day after training, the two of them leave to go get massages in Shibuya at...
This is east... in East Shibuya.
They both visit the same sports massage therapist in a shady part of town.
Then afterwards they take a car all the way to Sasaki's apartment.
Okay, I get your point.
I definitely think our readers will eat it up.
But generally speaking, nobody is surprised when a coach and athlete get together.
For now, let's just get the pictures.
You have to catch them in the act.
That's your job, get to it.
HIKE" Bl! DIIIIEII
Huh'? The Stakeout Squad?
I'd never want to work there.
I mean, the job they do is gross, scary, and difficult.
Akihisa Kobayashi (29) Editor in Charge of smm
Akihisa Kobayashi (29) Editor in Ghare of Smut Not to mention their senior editor has no interest in doing his job.
Akihisa Kobayashi (29) Editor in Charge of smm
Akihisa Kobayashi (29) Editor in Charge of Smut I heard his dream was originally to be a novelist.
Akihisa Kobayashi (29) Editor in Charge of smm
gum?
Hello, Hiro'?
Yeah, about tonight...
Ah.
Huh'? Something wrong? You sound depressed.
Huh'? Really? Well, today's been rough...
Having trouble at work?
Yeah...
There's a special article I'm working on, and I know I can wrap it up if I just talk to one person.
But no matter what I do, they won't agree to cooperate with me.
I see...
Oh, good work today!
Basically, I had no choice but to write it using only the information I had on hand.
I see. But, you shouldn't worry about that too much.
Huh?
You did your best with the limited amount of time you had, right?
Well of course, but...
Then I'm sure it's good enough.
And you know, your readers don't actually care that much about whether you got it right or not.
That's not true!
Uh... sorry!
Ah, no... you actually might be right.
But just because that's the case, I don't want to lower my standards as a writer!
I didn't mean to upset you.
I'm really sorry.
M-me too...
I lost my temper for a second there.
Urn... so what did you call about?
Oh, right. About our date tonight... work is going to get in the way again.
Senpai! Narita-san wants...
Did something happen?
And my sexless life continues on...
Huh?
The sky is beautiful. Up there, all things stay the same no matter if people appreciate them or not.
Damn it... I'm having doubts again, but too many years have passed...
I should just learn to accept it.
Ah, there you are.
Sugawara-san!
I really think we should ask one of the women to join the stakeout tonight.
Stop making that angry face.
You can't do it alone! That massage therapist moved to a building that's popular with women!
If that's the case, then...
I'll just watch the entrance or the parking lot.
They don't have either of those!
The first floor is occupied by a lingerie and accessory shop.
Then I'll stake out the house.
And we just got busted there the other day!
Come on, we're out of options.
So... that's the deal!
Even just for tonight we were hoping you might be willing to help us out, Matsukata-san.
Hey, come on. You need to ask her too, Sugawara-san.
Hiroko Matsukata.
Exactly the type I hate dealing with.
Strong-willed, always overly emotional, and selfish.
All amplified by the positive feedback she gets just from being able to do her job.
Leaves work in a hurry when she's got a date with a man.
Bye, everybody"-
Rushes home early when her skin gets dry.
No! I'm going to lose my youthful skin!
This is pointless.
She'll just come up with an excuse like that to avoid the stakeout.
I just know it.
Okay, I'm in.
See? I knew-
What?
I'll join the stakeout.
Huh?
She agreed?
That's great, Sugawara-san!
Uh, yeah...
Hey, what's up with Matsukata?
For some reason her date got cancelled earlier.
Oh, is that why'?
Really? Are we sure her boyfriend isn't imaginary?
Hey! I can hear you over there!
My date did get cancelled, but...
Anyone can tell just from his attitude and that stare.
"Women are my enemy."
Or rather, it seems his anger is directed at me specifically.
This is a good opportunity for me to find out why.
Nllilifl Hull
I can't think of any reason he could have to hate me...
But I also don't think he's the type to hate someone without a reason.
I bought the food for our stakeout this evening.
Pulling out without saying anything... I can't imagine how sex with him must be...
Urn, who are we staking out tonight?
An Olympic athlete.
Ah, it must be Sasaki. The sprinter.
I knew that coach seemed suspicious. This means I was right on the money.
There it is... he's always so overbearing...
There is a reason I never want to take a woman with me on a stakeout.
Although they love talking their mouths off about all kinds of scandals...
I can't believe people just write those horrible gossip articles!
They hate to be the person who actually does all the dirty work.
You know, when I first joined the company, I was put in the Stakeout Squad right away.
I know.
I was there, too.
But I told them I didn't like it and they transferred me right away...
Thank you. As of today I've been transferred to the political division.
I wasn't here for long, but I appreciated working with all of you.
And that's precisely why I hate you.
Ever since then, there's one thing that I've always been curious about.
Back then I was often put in charge of developing your film, Sugawara-san.
Why the fascination with... the sky?
At the beginning and end of every one of your film rolls, there were pictures of the sky.
Who said you could look at my film?!
Moreover, can't you tell that's something personal and private?!
Maybe you did it because...
...it's your good luck charm or something?
Okay, I've had it.
I'm not talking to her at all, unless it's something work related.
Pure silence!
Is this the place?
The third floor of that orange building. The second window from the right.
Okay.
We need shots of them arriving together, and then Coach Yamamoto leaving afterwards.
We have to get both pictures for this to work.
Understood.
Did she already forget about the question she asked me earlier?
I wouldn't answer even if she brought it up again, anyway.
Still nothing...
It's only been 10 minutes.
Another natto roll'?
The Stakeout Squad... sure is rough.
I suppose.
Too many idiots who only want to quit, so it causes a lot of trouble.
And you won't quit, Sugawara-san?
That was aimed at you, damn it.
If everybody quit like that, who would be left to get the job done?
Wouldn't someone just fill in?
Ah, someone's coming.
What?
It's the lady who called the cops on us yesterday.
Even though we're in a different car... Damn it, nosy old maid.
H-hey! What are you doing?!
Shh. Be quiet.
Huh?
Let's make it look like we're lovers.
W-wait a second!
Hey!
What is this woman's deal?!
If she sees us like this, she won't think it's a stakeout.
How obscene, doing it in public!
Did she leave?
No... she's watching.
She's right up to the window staring directly at us.
Seriously?
Should we get angry and tell her off for snooping?
Idiot! If you cause a scene now, she'll just call the cops again.
Then please play along to make this more convincing!
Why should I'?
It's for the job!
Y-yeah... the job...
If it's for work... I'll put up with anything.
I've been wanting to ask you this, but...
Why do you hate me'?
What did I ever do to you?
Is it because... I quit the Stakeout Squad?
Damn it...
She seriously gets on my nerves, never holding back on anything.
She has absolutely no tact.
She's finally gone.
Ah!
Tissue! Tissue!
There's none! Then a handkerchief! Handkerchief!
Quit freaking out!
Take off your shirt!
Huh?
I'll go wash it in the park over there!
J-just leave it! Idiot!
What are you saying?!
If it doesn't get cleaned now, it'll leave a stain!
I can't believe this, who does she think she is?
But... what is it about her that makes me feel this way?
I feel something stronger than hate.
Am I really that bothered that she quit the Stakeout Squad?
I wasn't here for long, but I appreciated working with all of you.
The old editor-in-chief always used to say, "This is a job someone has to do."
That's right... a job people don't appreciate, but need someone to do.
Wouldn't someone just fill in?
She made it sound so simple.
I can't forgive that. She'll never understand.
If there's something bothering you then just come out and say it!
Huh?
That taxi, could it be...?
That's them.
Now.
Sugawara-san!
Is that them?
I know. Don't shout.
You can't use those shots!
I'm telling you, I know that already!
I took some shots, but I won't use them.
They only show that he dropped her off, anyway.
Okay, I see. I'm sorry I overreacted.
How did she know that?
She knew that wasn't the right moment to shoot...
I'm a writer, so if I hear a rumor or whispers on the street, then...
of course, I always try to turn it into an article...
But...
But I don't want the Stakeout Squad to produce work like that.
That goes without saying!
Wha-?
Pictures convey the absolute truth, so even just one has a great amount of influence!
Wh-why are you shouting?
But unless it's a picture that can convince readers with just one look then there's no point in taking it!
Don't pretend we do any less!
That's why I apologized for overreacting!
Don't get so worked up over it!
That's it... that's why she gets on my nerves so much.
It's because she understands everything.
Damn... she annoys me to no end.
This sucks.
There was no particular reason
The sky is beautiful in the morning. There was no particular reason
I just mindlessly wiped away my tears
Even today, it's enough to make a woman like her look radiant. I just mindlessly wiped away my tears
I just mindlessly wiped away my tears
Words like "I don't believe" or "lt doesn't matter what you do"
Up until now, we've huth hurt each other with them
I realize how stupid this all is. Up until now, we've huth hurt each other with them
I realize how stupid this all is.
But if this is how it ends, we shuuld've been more fearless
And I realize how insignificant I am in the end. But if this is how it ends, we shuuld've been more fearless
We should have spent all that time laughing
Together, the two of us
This isn't a job I can feel proud of or boast about. Together, the two of us
This isn't a job I can feel proud of or boast about.
When this swaying train starts moving,
I hear from beyond the window
To make sure I never forget that... I hear from beyond the window
To make sure I never forget that... Oh yeah, that cherished sung
And... Oh yeah, that cherished sung
To make sure I don't lose my way.
When morning comes,
Sorry... I hear from far away in the sky between the clouds
I fell asleep. I hear from far away in the sky between the clouds
Yeah.
Oh yeah, a sweet voice
I guess the stakeout was a failure... in the end. Oh yeah. a sweet voice
I guess the stakeout was a failure... in the end.
Yeah.
That's our song, baby
You're taking pictures of the sky again today. That's our song, baby
You're taking pictures of the sky again today.
Memories ride the night train
So tell me...
Yes?
Why are you always eating natto rolls'?
That's personal.
The type of woman I don't care for?
Fumiya Suawara (32) Hobby: Takin pictures of the sky and clouds Women that speak bluntly without any reservation, I'd say.
Fumiya Sugawara (a2) Hobby: Taking pictures of the sky and clouds
Selfish and overbearing...
Currently searching for girlfriend or wife Selfish and overbearing...
Currently searching for girlfriend or wife
Openly clinging to men all the time...
Oh and also...
If they eat natto rolls, that's the absolute worst.
Hall Hll The Iermenled SIBGEFIS inside are rieh in islIau-nes which increase eslrgenie hrmnal aelivily.
Shangri-la
Even in my dreams you can't manage a proper smile
I just want to chide and love a hopeless person like you
Today I thought about you and now I can't sleep
Where shall we go'!
Ahh... ahh...
Shangri-la
Let me hear you shout "|'m happy!"
Let me see the tears underneath your tough exterior
Shangri-la
Today I thought about you and now I can't sleep
Please chide and love a hopeless person like me
Shinji Niee Wrk Tday D y-ur hesl. hul dn'! wear jursell ul. -Shinii Please ehide and love a hopeless person like me
Shinji Nice Wrk Tday D gur besl. bu! dn'! wear y-ursell ul. -Shinji
Next Episode: Ramen Man
Next episode: "Ramen Man."
Next Episode: Ramen Man