The chapter shifts its attention to Hiromi Higuruma, a skilled yet disillusioned public defense lawyer known for his unwavering faith in justice. He takes on the case of Keita Oe, a young man accused of murdering a mother and daughter, even though the evidence against him is weak and purely circumstantial.
Keita maintains his innocence, explaining that he only picked up the bloody knife out of fear and desperation caused by his harsh and exploitative working conditions.
Trusting Keita’s sincerity, Higuruma begins a meticulous investigation. He reviews the case files, uncovers glaring inconsistencies, and gathers proof that suggests Keita may have been wrongfully accused.
As Higuruma digs deeper, he confronts the corruption and structural flaws within the legal system — a reality that shakes his long-held beliefs and deepens his disillusionment with a world where the truth can be twisted.
This chapter not only reveals Higuruma’s compelling backstory but also highlights his growing frustration with an unjust society, foreshadowing his pivotal role in the events of the Culling Game.
