The day before visiting Kuroda's office, Seiichi was alone at the Ogikubo shop preparing ingredients, rolling the name of the man Jack had taught him around in his head. Kuroda. A man who posed as an antique dealer in Ginza while orchestrating black market dealings with foreign residents. He paid bribes to immigration officials to protect his movements and quickly informed the authorities of anyone who got close to him. That self-protective method carried the same stench as the types Seiichi had encountered during his detective days. (If I'm reported, I'll end up on the immigration official's list. Contact with Mueller could be construed as illegal dealings with foreigners.) The sound of the knife cutting daikon echoed through the quiet kitchen. Still, nothing would begin if he didn't move. Having accepted Mueller's request, Seiichi had no choice but to confront Kuroda directly. Having weighed the risks, Seiichi decided to head to Ginza. ＊ The next morning, Seiichi boarded the Ch