41. Mr Yanaka

Kumiko and the battered Tick sit amid the heat-scarred Maas-Neotek unit, which smells of burning. Tick doses himself with pills and dermadisks and improvises a sling. They confirm the unit was burned, but Tick insists Colin still “has the run of it,” implying Colin remains active in the systems despite the damage.

Mr Yanaka calls via wallscreen. He tells Kumiko she was right to flee Swain and declares Swain no longer his kobun due to disloyal alliances. Yanaka says order has been restored. He explains the Maas-Neotek unit broadcast Kumiko’s destination before failing, and that watchers were dispatched without informing Swain.

At Tick’s request for protection, Yanaka reveals Swain is dead and promises safety, formally acknowledging a debt to Tick for safeguarding Kumiko. Kumiko asks about her mother’s death; Yanaka, visibly sorrowful, says he did not order the secretaries to let her leave alone, contradicting Kumiko’s suspicion.

Yanaka offers Kumiko the choice to return to Tokyo or remain to see London; an associate will arrive to arrange matters. After the call ends, Petal enters and, despite Tick’s bluster, gently reveals he is the new local boss sent by Yanaka, arriving to take charge and collect Kumiko.