In the 21st century,
humanity began its colonization of the cosmos...
While seeking to expand their own horizons,
they ended up expanding life itself.
PLANET LATIMER
Move! Get out of the way slag!
Go around that way!
You looking to die?
Jesus Christ!
-Ugh. Damn it... -What the hell are you doing?
-There she is! -Get her! Go!
Down there, on the elevator!
Let's go! Come on already!
Damn it!
Human consciousness was digitalized
and stored on devices that came to be called "stacks".
Digital consciousness became the true self
and the flesh, it became nothing but a replaceable vessel.
This is an age where human flesh is called a sleeve, something to wear and then discard.
Death of the body is no longer the end as long as one protects their stack.
For those that are wealthy enough
they may enjoy a lifespan that rival the stars in the sky.
All the world's a stage, and you are all my fools,
be you the dead or the voyeurs! All right!
For tea that’s gonna get you loose, try our tea in the back!
Fancy a fuck with a dead lover? Or maybe you're tired of your own skin.
Well, we've have premium sleeves for sale.
Ah ah ah-ha, you're not bored
of being of Latimer are you?? Hahahaha Well lucky for you we offer
needlecasting
-There she is. -The world's a stage...
-Over here! -...with players and voyeurs!
This one's been transmitted from off planet.
Bring the number 205 case and give it to him.
The needlecast?
Hey.
Go get me a mirror.
Hang on. Full nudity's not allowed.
Here.
Mr. Tanaseda ordered these for you.
Excuse me!
Out of the way!
Kumicho is concerned about you, Miss Holly.
It's dangerous to be out here on your own.
We'll take you back to the clan.
Let go of me. I'm leaving this planet.
You goons can't protect me. You can't!
What the fuck..?
You must be Holly Togram?
I think you should come with me.
Uh! You liar! You said that I could needlecast to wherever I needed to go.
Are you listening to me?
This isn't what you promised.
Member three. Mute.
-Member three has been muted. -I know you can hear me!
It is an honour to meet you Mr Kovacs.
Do you approve of the new sleeve I've provided?
The soldier's body is of the highest calibre. At least, the best that I could arrange on Latimer.
I'm impressed with its movement, but its nicotine addiction is unrivalled.
Enough to maintain the habit, here in virtual reality?
The hand always remembers.
Mr. Tanaseda,
Just to clarify, you asked me to investigate your brother's death?
Now, I don't see how this kid could be of any help.
I understand. But she is the tattoo artist for the Yakuza clan,
the one that had my kid brother's kumicho, boss.
She has value and can infiltrate the Mizumoto without raising suspicion.
I can do that without the girl.
Sure you could. An Envoy like you will have no problem.
However,
the mystery behind my brother's murder lies within their succession ceremony.
I'd say it is imperative that the clan's tattoo artist be present.
So I'll need her to infiltrate the ceremony, is that right?
Indeed. You only got two days.
And we can't miss it. There won't be another ceremony for many years.
Manual override of mute command.
This isn't what we agreed upon!
-You said you'd transmit me over to a planet in the Seventh not here! -Mute member three.
-Member three has been muted. -I can't do this on my--
Adjust her display.
Your reward is simple.
Your record on Harlan's World...
I'll have all of it erased.
That's all you're offering?
That should more than suffice.
Termination command has been entered.
The last Envoy, that impressively destroyed the Saito clan: Takeshi Kovacs.
The Envoy? Takeshi Kovacs?
It's been a year since the death of your sister and Quellcrist Falconer.
Is there anything left that attaches you to this world?
I'll be watching, Takeshi Kovacs.
We're going to the Mizumoto clan.
We're not doing that!
And aren't Envoys all terrorists? You're just a fugitive.
Hey! Open your eyes.
If those assassins attack us here, it will be over fast.
Goddammits, kid
When did I become a babysitter?
Who the hell are you supposed to be--
You're Holly from the Mizumoto clan?
My name's Gena from UN C-Tactical.
You're going to assist my investigation.
CTAC? How do you know about me?
You contacted the Tanaseda clan, didn't you?
They're currently being closely monitored by CTAC.
Of course our surveillance picked up on you.
Was it supposed to be a secret?
You let your guard down.
As did you I'm afraid.
Consider me her babysitter.
Go over here.
So you're from the Mizumoto clan?
There's nothing more despicable than Yakuza who take advantage of children.
Get back.
Are they friends of yours?
Does it look like it?
Help me...
That's "real death"...
Digital consciousness recovery won't be an option.
A combat enhanced sleeve..
CTAC and tech ninjas...
this is the worse job ever.
Save her!
How many are there?!
Holly, watch out!
This is Gena.
My squad was terminated engaging hostile forces.
Requesting clean-up, over.
I know you're with the Mizumoto
and you're just a tattoo artist. Why would someone hunt you down?
Well.. I told them I'm done with the clan.
CTAC assigned me to investigate the Mizumoto.
What's going on inside the clan?
Who do you think those enhanced sleeves were working for?
Shinji...
There's a coup. That's what I heard.
Shinji huh... You mean the next kumicho?
You're going back to the Mizumoto clan. I need you to help with our investigation.
No, wait!
I'm sorry! But she and I have our own Mizumoto business.
CTAC can get in line.
How about I arrest you right now and have you sent back to the UN,
Mr. Babysitter?
You're not planning on strolling into the Yakuza headquarters looking like that, are you?
Hmm, pain in the ass.
So we agree, neither one of us wants another mess on our hands?
Hold on! Wait a sec!
You're not sending me back!
Let me go! I'm leaving this damn planet.
Just give it up. Tanaseda won't allow that.
For a Yakuza headquarters this place is oddly indiscreet.
They run a hotel, as well.
It's connected to headquarters.
Ogai.
Holly. I see you stepped outside the hotel out again.
I told you it was too dangerous.
Its just as dangerous in here.
I would like to offer you my sincerest thanks for returning Holly unharmed.
She's constantly running off on her own lately.
The Mizumoto Gumi welcomes you to the oldest luxury hotel on all of Latimer,
the Wild Geese.
I'm the host, Ogai, at your service.
Do you have a reservation to stay with us?
Or perhaps you have simply come to dine in our celebrated restaurant.
Please don't hesitate to ask about our services.
However, I must warn you that the karaoke lounge on the 11th floor
is exclusive to hotel guests only. Apologies.
-We hope you understand. -Holly.
Shut this thing down.
Apologies. Only Genzo has permission to suspend Ogai RM 62217.
Genzo... So he's the boss?
Hai. Ogai's master is always the one who is kumicho of clan Mizumoto.
This is Genzo, until after the succession ceremony transfers his authority.
Holly.
So you're back.
I told you its too dangerous to run around on your own.
Is your name Genzo?
Can you turn this guy off?
What's this? A tough guy?
That's no way to talk when you're addressing Mr. Shinji!
You want to die?
And you were worried I'd be the one that didn't fit in?
That's enough. This isn't my fault.
Mr. Shinji is gonna be the next kumicho.
Mizumoto won't take lip from a wise guy.
Put the damn gun away!
Shinji. I hired these two to fill in as my bodyguards.
Two of our yakuza were killed. They saved my life while I was being attacked.
So, you were attacked again?
So, this is ah...
Ken Kakura.
Gena.
That doesn't excuse your mouth. We can't allow assholes to get away speaking to Mr. Shinji like that.
Now you'll have to pay the ultimate price.
Hang on! Mr. Shinji? Wait...
Sorry about that.
This should settle the score.
No thank you.
He says he can't accept your humble gift.
I'll leave it to you. Give it a proper burial.
There. That's nice.
Ogai.
For our two special guests. Prepare the most exclusive suite that we have.
Presenting.. the finest room in our entire hotel, the Vita Sexualis.
We provide a variety of room services for those with particular desires.
This room is especially popular for those on their honeymoons.
Pardon!
I'm meeting with Genzo. Perhaps my bodyguard should tag along.
I think I'll pass on this one.
Lead the way.
Oh, but of course. Right this way.
Ken Kakura.
My name is Genzo. The head of the Mizumoto clan.
Apologies for my appearance.
You can move now. I can do this section from memory.
In this room, Holly is the head boss huh.
She's been feisty since she was a little one.
Glad you survived again young lady.
I bet you're from the Tanaseda clan, right?
Right now, I'm only acting as Holly's bodyguard.
I've infiltrated the Mizumoto clan headquarters.
Have you discovered anything about the reported coup?
I got some interesting intel. Shinji the next kumicho is behind everything.
A coup by the next leader in line?
What could possibly be the motive for that.
Have you discovered anything about the reported coup.
- Only that I haven't killed any yakuza yet. - Ha.
I'd almost forgotten your real motives.
Knowing how you betrayed the Envoy rebellion
I was surprised to hear of your willingness to participate in a CTAC mission.
You should know that some here at CTAC see you as a hero,
Reileen Kawahara. My mistake
I should be sticking to your code name. It is Gena.
Evening big boy.
I'm super lost.
I just wanna find my hotel room.
Won't you help me?
Listen Ken. Your boss Tanaseda is the son of our founding kumicho.
This was the succeeding kumicho, Tanaseda's younger brother.
Tanaseda, still alive, I see?
Switching sleeves over and over.
Still one of the most feared yakuza in the settled worlds.
So why would someone so fearless
fool around like this sending someone like you to infiltrate our clan.
Tell me. Why are you here?
Genzo. I need you again.
When you got a coup within your ranks...
take any help you can get.
Not that rumour again.
Give me a break.
There's no damn coup going on.
And yet all of these attacks have been taking place.
Ken my friend.
Do you know why Mizumoto clan is the most revered on all of Latimer?
In our clan,
every time we change our leader, the previous leader dies. Honourably.
And we're not just talking about their sleeve...
their stack goes too.
A "real death".
An ancient tradition of ours. It prevents any one kumicho
from forming an eternal corrupt hold.
The kumicho sacrifices his life for the clan.
And in turn his men also sacrifice for the clan.
That is our code of honour.
In this day and age that doesn't make a whole lot of sense. Choosing to die.
Its exactly because people are promised near immortal life,
That is makes sense laying down their lives as the foundation for something larger
than any individual in the clan.
All right, that's it for today.
Ah! You're incredible!
So does that open all the doors?
C'mon! I'll show you how incredible I am.
Right this way.
You're my first one.
I saw a photo of your brother.
Looks like he died protecting the clan's honour code.
Their honour code?
You don't believe in it, do you?
Maybe I would have if my brother originated it.
However, my father was a real villain. He operated from the darkest corners of the human soul.
A devil like him dying for some kind of honour code...
That is impossible.
So the tradition of succession they described. There is more to it.
I hope you can see that.
This is why the girl is essential. Its only two days until the succession ceremony.
I'm trusting you to keep Holly safe until it begins.
Someone's at the door.
I'll get it.
Who is it--
What is this, part of a consciousness that failed to upload or something?
What're you doing in here, you idiot?
So who are these two?
Someone's at the door.
I'll get it.
Who is it--
My father. My Mom.
Genzo's not your father, is that it?
Of course not.
Look. Daddy was only shot in the head,
and Mom too. Their stacks weren't damaged.
So you haven't found their stacks?
Not yet. But I know they're not dead.
That's why you need the Mizumoto clan. You think they can find your parents' stacks?
Genzo says he's going to help me find them.
Lately, though, I can't take it.
You're better off deleting all of this.
I can never do that!
There's no sense clinging to those who have become ghosts.
Let's go.
Live too long enough with fragmented data and you fragment your own experience.
Holly...
come on.
Who is it--
You inept fucks.
How hard should it be to kill one snot-nosed bratty little girl?
There's just two...
just two days until the succession ceremony.
Are you understanding me!
I'm sorry!
Are you OK?
Its painful.
Really,
It hurts my fist communicating with you.
And those damn bodyguards of hers...
This is the last time you disobey me!
ONE DAY TO THE SUCCESSION CEREMONY
I knew it!
These god-damn yakuza.
Oh! Gena!
Why are there so many yakuza around?
We found our head of the security team dead in one of the guest rooms.
Kumicho has ordered us to increase security.
I see.
Since I'm going to see Genzo right now, can you come with me?
I'm just wondering.
Sure, I'll do it kid.
Is this parade really necessary?
Nah.. we take security seriously.
What's this...?
What are you? Come out motherfucker!
Taniguchi!
You know what you just did?!
Everyone stand your ground! Shoot him!
You...
What the hell are these guys doing here?
That won't work on them.
Ken!
Over here! This way.
Miss Holly?
What...
Hey! Watch it! Assholes.
Ogai! Help us please!
Damage to hotel property has been confirmed.
Commencing calculations of damage compensation.
Damages so far are in the scope of our insurance coverage.
-Ogai! We're under attack! -My, dear!
I apologise but Holly is my friend.
I guess I'm responsible for a lot of the damage.
Its time, kid...
Explain why they're this desperate to kill you.
Well its...
its because...
Spit it out or you're on your own.
I might be willing to help you but I'm not gonna die over secrets.
Its my role..
to kill the kumicho.
To establish the system of succession conjured up by the founding kumicho
the tattoo artist called Margot created tech that embeds a special kind of coding
into the clan tattoos.
In the new kumicho's ceremony of succession
the coding activates, and the stack inside the old kumicho's sleeve is permanently destroyed.
This continues with the next kumicho, and the ceremony repeats itself.
If Shinji has you killed, he ends up escaping his real death sentence. That would mean...
there would be no expiration date on this reign as Mizumoto boss.
And this tattoo tattoo technology: no one else practices it?
So you're the only one that can implement it.
What is it?
Gena...
we need to treat your wounds.
Let's go to the room.
Aren't you supposed to meet with Genzo again?
Getting you treated is more important.
Right.
The data I gathered seems to confirm it, Shinji is the mastermind behind the coup.
What next?
Your mission is complete.
We now have leverage over the Mizumoto clan.
If the coup is successful, we can blackmail Shinji.
If it fails, we can still use the information about their tattoos.
It's time for you to withdraw.
Only thing left is to salvage your source. Holly.
Your orders are to destroy her stack.
Over and out.
Yakuza and CTAC have a lot in common.
He'll chop your off your limbs And rip off your skin
And sew your pieces onto him
Stay at home, don't go alone
Or the Patchwork Man will crack your bones
Takeshi...
What was.. what was that song?
It was my sister's favourite.
I see...
VR meeting.
Look after the kid while I'm gone.
Gena?
Yeah.
Mr. Kovacs. Do you believe the Mizumoto,
this honour code of theirs, do you trust them?
Coding a suicide device into the tattoos of their sleeves, you mean?
Yeah. Who knows?
These are all ageing old men of power. Who knows what they believe.
What relevance is their age any more?
We are in an era where our bodies are easily replicable.
I could be 2,000 years old, or only 18.
You have no way of knowing.
With respect, 18-year-olds don't talk like that, old man.
Oh Tak...
I've missed you.
After all, I did save you.
And their men swear allegiance to the code? Are they making a mistake?
I have no idea.
But I personally wouldn't trust a leader with such an obnoxious laugh.
Obnoxious laugh?
Oh yeah. When Genzo laughs, he sounds like a chicken being strangled. Its odd.
That said, something's gonna happen at tomorrow's ceremony.
What's wrong?
Mr. Kovacs,
before the ceremony there's something I want you to look into.
Welcome back.
Well, how was your discussion?
I need to learn more about the ritual. There may be things we didn’t learn from Holly.
I need to go.
Shinji will do everything he can to kill Holly before the ceremony.
While I'm out investigating, protect her.
You know, I'm not here to babysit.
That right? Then why are you here?
None of your business.
They haven't sent you any reinforcements. You're here alone.
What is CTAC playing at?
Actually, they ordered me to withdraw.
I see.
You should leave too, Ken.
Almost seems like you're worried about me.
Facing those ninjas alone is sure suicide.
They'll destroy your stack.
No turning back now.
But you could just leave.
There's no point in dying here for someone else's cause, is there?
Keep running and there's nothing but enemies left.
That's suicide as well.
Why do you always end up risking your life to save other people?
Why are you talking like you know me?
To order to better enhance security ahead of tomorrow's ceremony,
the hotel will be undergoing some system updates.
We're out of time. I have to investigate the HQ.
Ken.
Security pass.
A souvenir you picked up?
Thank you.
Holly, wake up.
What is it, Gena?
Listen carefully.
There's something important that I need to tell you.
Jackpot, old man.
DAY OF THE SUCCESSION CEREMONY
-Cool. -Ogai.
What's this important news?
Mr. Ken and the lovely Gena,
have you observed the firework devices newly mounted throughout the hotel?
Not interested.
Why'd you call us?
I've been entrusted with the honour of operating the firework celebrations at the conclusion of today's ceremonies.
This is a monumental moment, for myself as well.
Hey you guys, Over here.
What are you doing?
I took a photo.
Ogai, could you display it?
Of course.
We're wasting time.
What did you want?
Security levels are going to be increased today, so you will be prohibited from entering certain areas.
This includes the public bath on the tenth floor of--
Oh dear.
It appears there has been an incident.
I will investigate.
Holly. She's missing.
What's the commotion?
Looks like some fireworks exploded.
Perfect timing.
Use this as cover to take out her bodyguards right away.
The tattoo won't be completed until right before the ceremony.
There's still time to get it done.
Yes, sir.
Please don't let me down again.
Who's there?
A malfunctioning firework just exploded.
Kumicho...
We mustn’t let it affect the ceremony.
We're going to finish your tattoo.
You little...
Miss Holly is missing.
Search every corner of the hotel and headquarters. Hurry!
Right!
Hold it.
Holly most likely headed to the succession ceremony.
Why would exactly would you know that?
How do you know the Ninjas don't have her?
I'm here...
From the Tanaseda clan.
I'll share with you all the information I have.
If you work with us.
Save the talk for later.
Damn it. On ceremony day? What a disaster.
This whole ceremony of yours is a disaster.
Our beloved kumicho Genzo has passed.
He had faced death in the name of our honour code.
But this is not the end for him.
Released from the confines of corse, he has become a mighty spirit dragon,
who will be there to guide me during my rule!
Congratulations on your inauguration,
Mr. Shinji. Or should I say Mr. Genzo?
Or even - remind me - what was your name before that?
Who are you?
How did you access our inauguration?
Just how many inaugurations have you had so far?
Father...
Hideki!
This is just the kind of scheme that I'd come to expect from you.
Ogai, what's going on?
I'm looking into it.
Kumichos have sacrificed their lives for generations,
and thus they've gained absolute devotion from their clan members.
But in reality, you been taking over the sleeves of each new kumicho.
And everything that they've desperately scraped and clawed to build for their clan, you simply took for yourself.
How sinister...
and utterly shameless of you.
Remove the guest.
To be clear...
from the very beginning years ago, the only kumicho the Mizumoto clan ever had
was you, Father.
Ogai,
deal with this!
Well, father...
at least I know now who killed my brother!
The system is closed, my master.
Why is your hand glowing red right now?
For the inauguration it should be blue.
Unbelievable. Did you just attempt to activate the stack destruction protocol?
Would you really try to kill me?
Enough.
I'm so tired of your lying, and I'm tired of your killing.
Silence!
Finish the tattoo. Now! Complete the ceremony.
I will. But I want my parents' stacks first, you hear me.
What are you talking about?
Gena looked through your records.
She told me you have them. My mom and dad's stacks. Mizumoto purchased them a long time ago.
So it is true?
I want my mom and dad! Give them back to me!
You're welcome.
Thank you. Mom? Dad?
You naive fool.
No!
You get what a traitor deserves!
What is this?
You can relax.
I've already told them who you really are.
I can't believe it.
How many... How many of us have sacrificed their lives for your lies?
Honour?
So the honour code doesn't live up to your expectations.
You came here craving a cause you can stake your life on without a second thought.
Ignorance truly is bliss.
You could not fathom the sacrifices that I've made to build up the Mizumoto clan into what it is today.
That may be. You murdered every one of your successors. You call that sacrifice?
These men were living workers' lives. In their deaths, I gave them a purpose.
The same goes for each of you. All you wanted was a stage where you can gallivant like blissful idiots.
You should to be grateful.
For it is I. It is I and my spirit alone,
that embodies the Mizumoto clan.
Performers who overstay their time on stage
are usually dragged off by a hook.
After him!
Where do you think he ran off too?
Just stay sharp...
What's happening?
Hang on! What do you think you're doing?
I have a thing against yakuza who exploit children.
The clan can always be reborn.
But first I'm going to need for all of you to die!
Holly, get back.
Gena!
I'll kill you!
Ogai! You have to do something to stop him. Ogai!
Please help us. Please, Ogai!
Unfortunately, my master is...
the new kumicho, Shinji.
Ogai..
Can't you help us? Please.
You're going to make me tear up. Poor little Holly.
Her momma and daddy are both dead. And now she has no friends left.
That despicable laugh of yours still hasn't changed, has it...
Father.
Hideki!
So, you were already here on Latimer?
They say one should always visit their parent's deathbed.
You brat...
Ogai, sir. I've just transferred some important data to the hotel's inquiry desk.
Will you have a look at it?
Evaluating the information now. Just a moment.
What's your game, Hideki?
Ken found these records, showing how you transferred your stack into each of the past kumichos.
What--
So your body is the current boss Shinji's,
however, your stack is that of the first kumicho.
It doesn't matter!
I am the kumicho.
And have always been...
and will forever be kumicho.
Actually, the current kumicho is Shinji.
You are not a kumicho.
Holly, you do have friends left.
Ogai!
Time for a fireworks display.
Ogai!
Tak!
Tak!...
Hey Tak.
Why don't we see what's inside, you damn coward!
Screw your tradition and your honour code...
enough cowering inside of someone else's sleeve.
You maggot.
You're mine.
You piece of trash!
You little (unintelligible)
Father.
Its time to complete the ceremony.
Holly...
Your reign is done!
Your once in a lifetime experience.
You should savour it.
I don't wanna die...
I don't wanna.. die...
Hideki.
I don't wanna die.
Please help me.
Hideki. Show some kindness to your old man.
I still wanna live--
My final act of kindness.
MIZUMOTO
I killed Holly and destroyed her stack.
That's what I reported to CTAC anyway.
Gena!
So now you'll be able to needlecast to wherever you like.
Are you sure about this? Its a shame to delete such a lovely photo.
Erase it.
It has to go.
Ah.. I understand.
Speaking of which, Mr. Ken, Mr. Tanaseda is waiting to meet you upstairs.
Good.
Well... I guess I'm off.
Goodbye...
brother.
Pardon me, Miss Margot...
I notice you've been growing taller.
Its about that time. Would you like to switch to a younger sleeve as usual?
I'm think I might like to grow up in this sleeve.
If I see Ken and Gena again, even as an adult. I want them to remember me.
As you wish.
Have you completed negotiations with the yakuza back on Harlan's World?
Negotiations?
I haven’t even started.
You made me a promise.
Your next mission is waiting for you.
What.
You said if I did this job, you'd arbitrate between me and the yakuza.
I never said there was only one mission to the job.
I should have known.
But you're still game, I'm sure.
You know what, Tanaseda...
Maybe you're not so different from your father, after all.
So tell me what's next?