KOTARO LIVES ALONE
WHO IS THE NEW RESIDENT?
Greetings.
Hi there. My name is Aota.
Pleasure to meet you. Just wanted to stop by
to say I'll be renting Room 103 for the next month.
In that case, welcome to you, sir.
One month is a rather short time to rent a room.
Well, I'm only staying here for business, hence the quick trip.
Here. This is for you. Enjoy.
A kind gesture, indeed.
The sign on your door says "Kotaro."
Is that you?
Aye. That is correct.
I know we just met,
but I have a teeny little favor to ask if you don't mind.
A favor?
Yes, please! I hate traveling for business by myself.
Will you be my friend while I'm here?
-Uh… -See, I get so lonely.
And unfamiliar places make me real anxious.
All right.
Really? Thank you!
Right, then. I better go say hi to the rest of my neighbors.
I'll see you soon. Bye!
Aye.
Hmm?
Ah, Sir Karino. Home, at last, I see.
You heading to the bathhouse?
A little early, isn't it?
Indeed. Sir Aota and I are going.
Wait. Is Aota that guy who moved into 103?
Yes. He shall be accompanying me to the bathhouse
for the extend of his stay here.
Huh?
Even though I had never promised I would go to the bathhouse with you every day,
I thought you deserved this courtesy.
Huh? 'Kay,
So you understand,
I will not be going to the bathhouse with you for the next month.
Yeah, yeah. I get it.
Do not be jealous. Well, I'm not!
In addition, Sir Aota will be picking me up
and dropping me off at school.
Consequently, your assistance will not be needed.
Yeah, yeah! Okay! I get it! Do whatever you want!
Jealousy…
You're being ridiculous. So ridiculous!
BATH
Mr. Karino from Room 202 normally comes with you. Right?
Aye.
I have told him it is not necessary.
However, he does not like it when I go out on my own in the evening.
Oh?
Kotaro, check this out!
Well, how do I look?
You look exactly like "Bubble Beard Tonosaman!"
Good eye. I guess you've done it before too.
Take heed! Swallowing bubbles can be quite dangerous.
"Aho-uke" is a regional treat from the town I grew up in.
It is my most favorite afternoon snack!
Oh, a coworker suggested it.
Glad it has your seal of approval.
I gotta tell you, they are pretty good!
Mmm.
What a coincidence!
I used to eat them the exact same way!
Really?
Great minds think alike.
Indeed, they do.
Would you check out that rain?
It's really coming down out there.
Wait.
Ta-da!
The rain can turn regular pots, pans, and bowls
into your very own symphony!
Hmm?
Indeed.
Mr. Karino!
Oh. Hey, Aota.
I just…
I appreciate you taking Kotaro to the bathhouse and school every day.
So, thanks.
It's all good.
I actually asked Kotaro to keep me company.
Plus, you were doing it for a while. Thought you might need a break.
Hey. Can I ask you, how much do you really know about that kid?
Hmm. What do you mean?
Like, why he lives in an apartment all alone.
How can he afford it? Where are his parents?
I tried asking him, you know, but he changed the subject.
So you're asking me?
Yeah. I figured you would know him best out of--
-I wouldn't tell you if I knew. -Huh?
If he says he doesn't wanna talk about it,
then maybe you should respect that.
I guess you're right. My bad.
Hello? This is Aota.
Sorry to be calling so late.
I haven't figured out all of the details just yet,
but I am sure of one thing.
I found the kid.
I found your son.
Oh, gee. Wonder who that could be.
What is the meaning of this?
Who does that guy think he is. Huh?
-Just what makes him so special anyway? -What guy?
-Aota! The guy from apartment 103! -Huh?
He came out of nowhere, so how come he's Kotaro's best friend already?
It's like he's trying to make me jealous or something.
Okay. So are you basically trying to say that you don't trust the guy either?
Huh? What's to trust?
I knew that guy was sketchy the second he moved in here.
Yeah?
I could tell just by looking at him.
There's something not right about that guy.
But Kotaro really seems to like him.
And I don't wanna do anything that would make him upset with me again!
No!
-Um, you should know. -Huh?
Yesterday…
Coming.
Time to go to the bathhouse already?
Hey there.
I'm Isamu from next door.
Oh, hi. What can I do--
I hear you've been asking a whole lot of questions about Kotaro.
You're a private eye. Right?
I don't understand.
I'm not-- Huh?
I know how this works, so don't play dumb with me.
You're gonna tell me what I wanna know.
This is like a scene from one of those mob movies.
His dad hired me.
Huh?
Look. All I know is I got a request
from this guy who wanted me to find his son who'd run away.
It didn't take much digging.
You know, to find a listing with Kotaro's new address
along with the restraining order against his father.
I think maybe that's why he's so secretive
and doesn't really like to talk about his past.
But I bet smart guys like you figured this out months ago.
So you're saying you're gonna tell his dad where he's at?
Yeah. That's my job.
It's nothing personal.
Besides, that restraining order means Kotaro is protected by the law.
-Oh, you little rat! -Isamu!
All you care about is getting paid!
Sure I do. What's wrong with that?
And if you were being honest with yourselves,
you'd realize a kid as young as he is can't be happy living all by himself.
He needs someone to take care of him.
A real parent.
You guys are just his neighbors. You're not his family.
And you have no right to stop me from turning in my report.
Sir Aota, time to go--
You slimy bastard!
What are you doing, Sir Tamaru?
Just stand down, you bully!
I apologize for them, Sir Aota.
Shall we away to the bathhouse?
Let's go.
And if you were being honest,
you'd realize a kid as young as he is can't be happy living all by himself.
Can't believe it's already been a whole week since I moved in
and we started hanging out.
Time flies when you are having fun.
I know I leave soon,
but we should stay in touch after I'm gone.
Sir Aota?
Hmm? What's up?
Are you going to tell my father
that you have found me?
Morning, Sir Karino.
We must be leaving for school.
What?
It has been some time since we walked together.
I assumed you must be lonely.
What happened to Aota?
He is no longer here.
He was called away on urgent duty sometime this morning
and left the apartment.
Huh?
What? What do you mean he left?
Hang on! Are you telling me we scared him off
and now he's on his way to tell Kotaro's dad where he is?
Yeah. I do.
That's why I ran as fast as I could to get back here!
We're out of time!
Hey. What's going on, guys?
Listen!
From this point on,
we won't be leaving Kotaro's side for a single second!
I don't get it.
Even if it is his job, why would he do this?
He knows that Kotaro will be in danger if his dad finds him.
I guess all that time he spent with Kotaro really meant nothing to him.
He was just pretending to care to get information.
He's dead! That heartless jerk!
I wanna do it too!
Kotaro, come on! Let's play!
What is the meaning of this?
We're just trying to keep an eye on things.
We're protecting you. That's all.
Protecting?
This is absurd.
I am perfectly capable of protecting myself.
We know, but there's safety in numbers.
Isn't that what they say?
Exactly. So don't worry about it.
Hmm?
Was I not clear when I said I do not need protection?
Stop treating me like I am a weak child!
Kotaro!
Wait. Is he mad at us?
Why would he be mad at us?
We were only doing our best to look out for him.
Hey. You got a minute?
State your business here!
You are interrupting my workout.
Are you upset?
I do not need your protection!
Can I ask you something?
You don't have to answer if you don't want to.
Why do you wanna live by yourself?
To become stronger.
Become stronger?
Then what? Would you just keep living on your own?
No.
-Then why-- -Enough questions.
I am busy right now!
How was he when you dropped him off at school today?
Still mad?
That's one way to put it.
He said the only reason he still let me walk with him is that he gave his word.
He won't even look me in the eye anymore.
You know, if him getting stronger
isn't about him getting better at living on his own,
then maybe it's about him getting strong enough
to protect himself from his dad.
If that's the case,
then I feel really bad for Kotaro.
Huh?
You again, huh? Where the heck have you been?
I was reporting to my client. Why?
-Let me at him! -Isamu, calm down!
Did you really tell him where Kotaro lives?
Of course. That was the job I was hired for.
Hey, Kotaro.
Sir Aota, what an unexpected surprise.
Yeah. For me too. Are you going somewhere?
Aye. Sir Takuya and I are meeting at a nearby park.
Oh. Mind if I tag along?
You are most welcome.
Why don't you three come along too.
And then maybe we can continue having this little chat.
So how did his father react when you told him you found Kotaro?
He was pretty excited.
I imagine he'll be on his way by tomorrow at the latest.
Tomorrow?
What do we do?
Help Kotaro escape?
I don't think that'll be necessary.
-What? -Hmm?
My job was to find him.
That didn't include giving out his address.
Huh?
My coworker owns an apartment building.
I gave Kotaro's dad the address to one of the empty units.
You don't have to worry about him. He's not in any immediate danger.
Why did you do that?
Let's just say Kotaro's not the only one who had a rough childhood.
I may be a slimy bastard…
…but I'm not completely heartless.
Still doesn't excuse the fact that you lied.
Maybe, but Kotaro knew I was lying.
He asked me point-blank about his dad.
His father told me all the games they used to play,
his favorite snacks and shows.
I used them to become his friend.
I guess I gave myself away.
I underestimated that kid. He saw right through me.
He's pretty clever, that one.
When he asked me about it, I told him he was wrong.
Then…
Sir Aota, I am begging you.
I want you to tell my father to please wait until I am strong enough.
I didn't know what to say.
I told him I would relay the message.
Be strong enough.
So it was to protect himself against his dad, after all.
'Tis foolish to panic over an ant.
Acting this way will make you appear weak.
You sound just like my dad.
Also, what's so great about being strong?
Well, your father is a wise man. You should listen to him.
What are you, a dad expert?
You don't even live with your dad.
If you remain weak,
there will come a day where you will no longer be able
to live with your parents, like me.
Uh, what does that mean?
If I hadn't been weak,
I would've been enough to help my father fight the darkness.
In order for me to live with him again one day,
I must become stronger.
He thinks his dad's behavior is his fault because he was too weak?
"It's my fault. If I was stronger, if I was better,
then maybe my parents will be able to love me."
I used to think that way too, a long time ago.
Bye!
I thought I was in the wrong, not my father.
Kotaro thinks if he gets strong enough, one day his father will change.
Stop mistreating him, love him, and they'll be a family again.
Honestly, some people aren't meant to be fathers.
I don't think there's anything that can change that.
Come on. I'll race you home.
Hmm?
Last one there's a rotten egg!
That's cheating!
Uh, why the heck is Karino doing that?
How did I lose?
Your chances of winning were nigh impossible.
I workout every day.
Okay. So what's your plan anyway?
You try to get stronger all by yourself?
Indeed. Doing things by myself will help increase my strength.
That's a lie!
You need a rival!
Someone to push you and help make you stronger!
Rival?
That's right. I may not have been strong enough to win the race today.
However, together…
we'll get even stronger!
Aye! We will get stronger together!
Yeah, but starting tomorrow. I'm tired.
My, this is a pathetic sight.
Hey, Karino. Sweet as that was, it doesn't really solve anything.
But you know that. Don't you?
Yeah.
That may be, but until the day he figures it out,
I wanna be there to help him get stronger mentally.
I don't just mean physically.
So that he can overcome all his hardships.
Hmm.
Stop putting on a front.
You're stealing my lines. I was gonna say that.
Huh? Oh, uh, sorry.
Gotta say, Karino. You really are out of shape.
Sir Karino will need these protein shakes to help grow muscles.
You ever get one of those flower marks on your test?
Huh?
You know, the flower marks that teachers put on tests when you're in kindergarten.
My, uh, kid used to bring home those flowers all the time.
I didn't know you had a kid.
Yeah. My ex-wife got custody.
We split up when he was just a little kid.
Haven't really spent too much time with him since then.
Great. Can you focus now?
Less talking about your son
and more acting like the client's son to scam some money.
Yeah, yeah.
Let's see. An old couple, huh?
Hello?
Uh, Mom? It's me. You gotta help me!
I'm in some real trouble. I need you, bad!
What kind of trouble?
Is this a kid? Uh, maybe he's the old couple's grandson.
The residents of this house are out.
I was asked to guard their home in their stead.
No prob. Kids are easy to scam.
Oh, man. I'm in a rush.
Uh, do you know when they'll be back?
A rush you say? Your troubles must be worse than I thought.
Yeah.
-I see. -Yeah.
So when do you expect them to come back?
Oh, sorry, sorry.
I believe they will return in about five minutes.
Oh, that's great! I'll just call back later.
Hello. It is I.
So I guess they're not back yet, huh?
Unfortunately not.
They should be back soon. Another five minutes.
I fear it is still me.
They will definitely be home in the next five minutes.
Hello again, good sir.
Okay. What's the deal here, kid.
Are your parents ever gonna come home or aren't they?
Actually, I do not know.
What is with this brat?
While we wait, if you'd like you can relay your troubles to me.
I am in kindergarten, but I am a very good listener.
Huh? Who leaves a kindergartner home alone?
I am often home alone.
Since I am also living by myself.
Living by yourself?
Uh, where are your parents? Uh, you know, your mom and dad?
Uh, they do not live with me.
Seriously? What deadbeats.
Then again,
who am I to judge?
Go, number four! Go! Come on!
Ugh! What are you doing? Go!
You mentioned some trouble that you were in.
Um, well, I…
I made a little mistake at work,
and it's gonna cost a whole lot of money to fix it.
So this is about money?
I happen to know a thing or two about saving money.
The other day, I traveled 40 minutes out of my way to a grocery store
merely to get a good deal on eggs!
Isn't that something? Amazing, right?
Uh, yeah.
Back to me here, kid. Do you plan on delivering my message?
Sorry. I just wanted to talk with you a little longer.
What a waste of time. I'm hanging up--
Your voice sounded like my father when he was kind to me.
Also, I wonder if I may ask a favor of you?
Will you please say the following?
"You're doing a great job. How fantastic."
I really was a lousy father.
You're, uh, doing a great job.
How fantastic.
Aye.
Thank you, sir!
Huh?
Life was way easier when we got flower marks.
Maybe you should think about another line of work.
Welcome back, Sir Landlord.
How was your shopping trip with your son? Did you enjoy yourselves?
Your business trip has almost come to an end.
Yeah. One month goes by fast, huh?
My underwear is gone!
I can help you look. Quick. Describe them to me in detail.
How does one's underwear go missing?
Okay. Well, I put them in the basket so I can wash them later,
and when I looked just now they weren't there.
Unwashed underwear?
He's so upset by this. It's just adorable.
If you wanted, I could investigate.
Oh, right. You find lost things for a living.
I will assist you as well!
Detective Kotaro!
Whoa!
Now let's see…
Hmm.
Do you always leave that window open?
Just once in a while. You know, to let some air in.
Uh, I think I found them on Karino's balcony.
I didn't do it! I'm being framed!
You gotta believe me!
Wow, Karino! Who knew you were that kind of perv?
So you finally show your true colors, you cad.
What? How dare you, you traitor!
Hmm. This is the work of a cat.
The cat must've entered through the open window,
then taken the underwear outside to play in the sun.
When it was finished, it simply abandoned it's toy on Karino's balcony and ran off.
I'm pretty sure that's your thief down there.
It's Sir Hanbe!
I found some tufts of fur inside.
And studies show that cats have been known to be attracted to human pheromones.
Wow. Really?
Guess it was a cat, then.
There. See? I told you I didn't do it.
-You're a masterful detective! -Sorry. Don't be mad. Okay?
Thank you, but what I do really should not be praised.
Turns out I spend a lot of time deceiving people.
Deceiving?
Hey, Kotaro.
That's a lot of bags.
It is urgent. All my boxes are missing!
Boxes?
Indeed. They seem to have mysteriously disappeared from my room.
I request your assistance to help investigate.
I shall wait here for your return.
I am counting on you.
This seems weird to me, but…
Huh?
Ink?
Boxes? Oh yeah.
I borrowed them from Kotaro's,
but it looks like they're not here anymore, I guess.
Huh? A familiar perfume.
Oh. Boxes?
Yes. I took them from Karino's place, but it looks like they're gone.
Oh, hey. I found these sunglasses in their place.
Yeah. These are my sunglasses you found.
I needed some boxes, so I borrowed them from Mizuki's place.
But, see? Now they're missing.
So, I bet you took them.
No. I didn't take them.
Well, then I guess you won't mind if I search your room.
Uh, sure. If you have to.
You solved the mystery!
Huh? W-what's going on here?
It's a "surprise going-away party."
It was Kotaro's idea.
He said it would be nice if we all got together to say goodbye.
"Going-away party"?
I hope you enjoyed the investigation.
Oh, um…
Is that a box? The missing box?
Correct. It is a present for you.
Huh. A present?
If I may say…
I knew that when we met,
our friendship was strictly a matter of business,
but the job my father sent you here to do has been finished for quite a while.
And even still you have kept me company to this very day.
Therefore, I have officially concluded
that our friendship has blossomed well beyond the scope of work obligations,
and we have become genuine friends, you and I.
One detective to another,
do you agree with my findings?
A magnifying glass…
Incredible…
…Detective Kotaro.