Episode 4 of Season 2 of "Tokyo Vice" opens with a momentous encounter between Ishida and Katagiri, two men bound by profound mutual admiration. They are men of honor and principle, each a testament to their code. Katagiri, in a gesture of camaraderie, alerts the Yakuza patriarch of impending operations, warning that the task force is relentless and organized crime stands on shaky ground. Ishida, however, notes that Nagata underestimates the institution's significance, arguing that it's the backbone that keeps the system afloat.
My mind drifts back to the heat of "Heat," and though the two groups are not directly comparable, the dynamics between them are strikingly similar. Meanwhile, Jake and the Meicho reporters are under Baku's directive to delve solely into the Yakuza saga, with the police yet to reveal the underlying charges for the arrests. Jake confronts Katagiri, but Nagata intervenes, emphasizing her authority and the task force's singular focus.
Kaito's recent experiences have transformed him, leaving him convinced that Hayama has his best interests at heart, despite Sato's warnings to steer clear. This conflict, brewing between two already antagonistic figures, promises to ignite into something more tangible.
Ishida gathers with the other bosses to discuss these unfolding events, but their meeting is abruptly disrupted by Tozawa's unexpected presence. He brings to light how Chihara-kai has been encroaching on his territories, painting Ishida in an unfavorable light. It becomes clear that this was a calculated move by Yabuki and Tozawa, inviting Chihara-kai to seize their properties to create this facade.
In a private conversation, Ishida attempts to diffuse tensions and maintain unity, but Tozawa remains unconvinced. His singular focus is on personal gain and consolidating power. Ishida prepares for war, dispatching Hayama and Sato to Nagano, where a former Chihara-kai member, Ota, awaits to supply them with an arsenal of guns, deemed suitable by the Oyabun.
Eimi, sensing Baku's reluctance to include her in the investigation, suspects ulterior motives. Her partner, Shingo, finds this surprising yet not beyond possibility. The bond between Sato and Erika grows stronger, and they find comfort in each other's presence. However, Erika's guard rises when she learns of Samantha's prior relationship with Sato. She confronts her directly, and Samantha offers a candid response. Erika's past marriage to a Yakuza member complicates her approach to this new relationship.
Elsewhere, Jason Akai, the envoy from the US Embassy, meets Trendy for drinks, their excursion culminating in a visit to a gay bar, further hinting at the potential of a budding romance.
Jake's heart skipped a beat as the phone rang, Misaki's urgent voice spilling through the receiver. She spoke of Tozawa's mysterious return, stronger and rejuvenated, a "new man" risen from the ashes. Her tone hinted at desperation, a desire to escape the shadow of her past, perhaps even to flee the city. With a heavy heart, she broke the news of their separation, urging Jake to distance himself from the dangerous world of the crime boss.
Katagiri echoed the same warning, advising Jake to steer clear of trouble, yet his own circumstances seemed to warrant caution as well. The following morning, an envelope slid silently under Jake's door, containing haunting images of his beloved children. It was a stark reminder, a warning to abandon his quest for justice.
In a heartfelt exchange with Shingo, Eimi peeled away the layers of her family's past. Her parents, now residing in Korea, had neglected her brother Kei, who suffered from mental illness. She had found a home in Chicago but had abandoned it all to be by his side as his condition worsened.
The next day, Jake found himself face-to-face with Sawada, the Yakuza's legal eagle. The lawyer revealed the charges, which left Jake perplexed and intrigued. But what truly captivated him was the sight of Tozawa in the lobby, a ghost from the past. Ignoring Misaki's advice, Jake trailed him to an exclusive building, where he was denied entry.
The uneasy alliance between Ota and Hayama left Sato uneasy, and the situation spiraled out of control when Ota announced the imminent delivery of guns. They would have to spend the night, but Hayama's drunken rage and Ota's carelessness led to a tragic turn of events. In a fit of anger, Hayama killed Ota and then, to cover his tracks, set the house ablaze, fleeing with Sato in tow.
Samantha's visit to Ohno's abode was filled with tension. His affection for her was palpable, yet Sam remained focused on her mission. She managed to snap photos of the crucial documents but was unable to replace Ohno's briefcase unnoticed. As the romantic evening came to a close, Ohno discovered her betrayal, leaving Samantha's fate hanging in the balance.
The episode culminated in a confrontation between Tozawa and Chairman Nakahara, a man Jake had witnessed pleading for mercy from Ishida in the previous season. But the power balance had shifted. Tozawa demanded Nakahara's resignation, and when he refused, the crime boss revealed that he had already secured Nakahara's loyalty.
Outside the building, Jake paced anxiously, his heart in his throat. Then, with a sickening thud, a body fell from the heights, landing at his feet. The face was obscured, but the identity was unmistakable—it was Nakahara.
