Episode 10

Be My Number One is the second episode of the second season of Tokyo Vice.
==Synopsis==
As Jake and Katagiri seek new meaning at work, Samantha confronts a thief in her club, and Chihara-kai welcome a returning member.Official Tokyo Vice Synopsis from Max website
==Summary==
Someone wearing a motorbike helmet with a purple Hanya mask sticker on the front steals a motorbike using a drill. A few police officers nearly catch the person, but he manages to drive the bike away from the scene, dodging anything in his path.
At her club, Samantha rebukes and then consoles her worker Minami and heads off to the floor of her club. There, she meets with Minami's guests, Nishikawa-san and his guests, apologizes for Minami's tardiness, and offers a free bottle for them. She then introduces one of her members, Joanna, to a table. After asking Ohno-san if he wants another bottle, Samantha greets Zuki-sama at the entrance and welcomes him to Club Polina.
By the time the club closes, Samantha hosts a toast to Club Polina's two-month anniversary. Samantha thanks everyone for the great work they're all doing, but especially thanks Claudine, the club's top earner. Once that was over, Samantha had Claudine follow her to the backroom and confess that one of the girls was stealing, claiming the receipts didn't match the inventory. She asks for Claudine's advice, which states the obvious: she should figure out who the thief is and confront them. Hence, Samantha asks Claudine why she's stealing from her, and Claudine confesses that when half of her customers are there for her, it's not considered stealing. Although Samantha tries to argue that Claudine is messing with the Chihara-Kai, yet Claudine stands defiant and is sequentially fired by Samantha. Before leaving, Claudine claims that Samantha is fucked without her as she intends to take her clients, but Samantha plans to take her chances.
Emi finishes having sex with her boyfriend Shingo in bed, who had enjoyed himself with Emi. Looking at the time, Emi claims she must be off, but Shingo suggests that she quit her job at the Meicho and join his company, the Shukan Forum. He claims that it's better than working for the right-wing bastard Baku. Emi retorts that Shingo still holds a grudge against Baku, who he claims isn't a grudge but a rightful accusation for his disparagement of someone named Zainichi. Still, Emi considers the Meicho her home. Shingo then asks if they spend time together that weekend since Ryo's mother (his ex-wife) will be taking him to baseball practice then. Despite assuring Emi that her brother would be fine on his own over the weekend, Emi seemingly tacitly rejects his offer and leaves.
Jake exits his apartment and listens to a new tape his sister, Jessica, sent. She claims that their father's birthday party is in two months, and his presence is mandatory. Jessica also mentions that their father was disappointed when Jake didn't take him up on his offer to return home. Lastly, she demands that Jake send her a tape of his own because she's the only person in the world that actually likes him so far.
While at the Meicho, Jake meets with Tin-Tin and Trendy, who chew the fat for a bit about work until Emi calls him over. Emi compliments Jake's recent story and the stories he's written within the past few months. She offers him a choice of two stories. The first is about motorcycle thefts occurring in Shinjuku, Asakusa, and Shibuya. A lot of their readers ride motorcycles, including Baku... who rides a scooter. The other story was about a dead body found in a pawnshop, which is believed to be a Yakuza, and after a pregnant pause, Jake chooses the motorcycle story. Handing the paper about the story to Jake, Emi asks that he get a quote from a cop concerning the story.
From inside his car, Sato watches as his mother cleans off a grave and leaves it with some flowers. After a brief period, Sato has Gen, the driver, take him out of there.
Hiroto handles a case from the complaint department concerning a lady who tries to file a complaint that the Yakuza had stolen her Hojicha tea. Soon, Jake appears, and when the lady leaves, Hiroto asks if Jake has a yakuza-related complaint to file as well, but Jake says he's there doing a story. With a cheeky retort, Hiroto claims that Jake must be looking for a real police officer, but Jake offers Hiroto a cup of coffee to enjoy with him.
The two would go to the park later, and Jake commented on how Hiroto was working in the complaint department. Hiroto claimed that since he was held responsible for Jin's death, he was demoted to that department and considers himself lucky that he wasn't fired. Jake is then asked by Hiroto how his side of work is doing, and he answers that it's going well and that he's followed his advice to stay out of trouble. When Jake asks if anything new about Tozawa has been discovered, Hiroto answers no. Hiroto recalls that Tozawa left for America three months ago and then nothing, which they should take a hint on the current situation. Then Jake asks about his wife and children, but Hiroto claims it's complicated and apologizes for not being able to assist him with his story. With that, the two part ways, but amicably so.
A ceremony to welcome back member Naoki Hayama is held at the Chihara-Kai HQ. Hayama had spent seven years in Fuchu on the Chihara-Kai's behalf. Ishida also claims that Hayama will serve below him as his wakagashira. Hayama then gives a brief speech in which he promises to serve his clan well as a first son. Ishida then announces that since Sato's injuries have recovered, he'll resume his position as wakagashira-daiko and answer to Hayama. Sato then stands up and announces he'll honor Ishida's wishes.
Later, in Ishida's office, Ishida asks for an update on Tozawa, which Kobayashi claims hasn't been seen for the past few months, and his clan has been quiet. Hayama suggests that they take down Tozawa's clan then, but Ishida suggests they merely take back Kabukicho from them and assigned Hayama to do the task. However, Sato interjects and suggests they arm themselves before doing such a feat. This upsets Hayama, who claims that he's been planning such a feat for seven years and won't listen to a baby like Sato. However, Ishida speaks on Sato's behalf, and Sato suggests they procure some "tools". Slamming his hand on the desk, Ishida proclaims they won't use guns in a man's fight. With that said, Ishida dismisses everyone, but Sato, who has a special task for him.
While walking to Club Polina, Jake meets Samantha there and thanks her for suggesting Minekawa Takako's work to him. They then catch up on each other's work, but Jake then mentions the newest story he's working on about motorcycle thefts. Surprised to an extent, Samantha gives Jake a business card to a contact of hers in Ayase, who deals with alternative motorcycle dealings, but makes no promises. She does, however, warn Jake not to do anything stupid, which Jake hopes to remember and leaves.
Back at police HQ, Hiroto handles another complaint about a man who believes his cat was stolen by the Yakuza when Funaki approaches him. They briefly talk about Hiroto's position in the complaint department, but Funaki then informs Hiroto that a woman from the National Police Agency wants to speak with him.
Heading to the office of the NPA woman who requested to see him, Hiroto finds a lady on the phone while unloading a box of her possessions. Once she was done with her phone call, the woman introduced herself as Shoko Nagata and asked Hiroto to take a seat. On the other hand, Hiroto refuses and asks why Shoko summoned him, and she claims she needs him to assist her in involving the yakuza. Shoko recites Hiroto's claim of wanting to keep the balance between the Yakuza and the citizens of Japan. Hiroto confirms that claim, which Shoko rejects as bullshit. She goes on to detail the harsh cruelties that the Yakuza impose on the citizen's lives, and Hiroto retorts that having the Yakuza kill each other is a better alternative. Shoko suggests that this is good since it'd help dwindle their numbers. Hiroto then asks how they should proceed, and Shoko details that she's been assigned to create a new task force to deal with the Yakuza crime there. She also claims that they'll be using tactics that are proven to be effective enough to smash the Yakuza in the city once and for all. When Shoko mentions that Hiroto had been waiting for such an opportunity. However, Hiroto declines the offer while wishing her the best of luck and leaves.
Sato enjoys some ramen with his brother Kaito at a restaurant; they talk about how Kaito is doing at school when Kaito asks for more money to pay for his tuition. Kaito mentions that their father's pension isn't as great as she anticipated, and Sato then asks if their mother knows about Kaito, asking him for money, but gives no answer. Sato claims that he has no money to give at the moment, but if a job he's working on then pans out, he'll give him more. Kaito then offers to work for Sato to earn his money rather than ask for it, and after a bit of thought, Sato asks Kaito if he's good with a computer, to which he answers yes, he is.
Following the contact's address that Samantha gave him, Jake visits Otsuka and introduces himself as an acquaintance of Samantha. However, Otsuka mistakes him for a new customer, but Jake says he's not a bike owner, but a reporter writing a story about the string of stolen bikes. Otsuka then claims that it's not the bikes that the thieves are interested in, but the parts, as they're more valuable than the bikes themselves. He goes on to say that bike companies only make enough parts for their newer models. This is because part manufacturers can't create as many as the bike supply chains demand. Hence, the thieves steal in order to assist the demands. Jake then asks Otsuka about where he can find a place that supplies parts. Otsuka then asks what Jake's relation to Samantha is, and he answers like a brother.
Meanwhile, Kaito uses his computer to help Sato sell a warehouse full of sneakers that he has in Yokohama. Sato also reassures Kaito that he's not doing it for the Chihara-Kai but for himself. With that explanation done, Kaito explains how the website he set up works to sell the sneakers. However, Kaito asked if they were sincerely selling sneakers, which Sato rebutted, claiming that a sneaker store in Shinjuku defaulted on its loan, so he took their inventory instead. Hearing this makes Kaito question if their actions are legitimate, and Sato apologizes and asks him to continue.
Misaki waits in Tozawa's living room, where Yabuki and Hagino enter. Yabuki gives Misaki an envelope full of money, but right as Yabuki and Hagino try to leave, Misaki asks about where Tozawa is; Yabuki refuses to answer and leaves.
At Club Polina, Samantha waits on a table, but when Ohno enters the club, Samantha immediately greets him. Ohno asks where Claudine was, but she answers that she has decided to take her business elsewhere and claims that he's been shortchanged and hopes to rectify that, but Ohno chooses to take his business elsewhere and takes his leave.
Jake meets with a group of bikers outside of the Flying Garden restaurant, and he compliments their bikes. One of the members asks who he is, and Jake introduces himself as a reporter from the Meicho and offers the group to a free dinner at the restaurant. The member who spoke to Jake accepted his offer, and they all enjoyed the meal.
Sitting at the restaurant table, the group talks about their bikes, and Jake tries to engage in the conversation with his own questions. However, the biker who spoke to Jake asks about his finances as a reporter and if they could get paid for his article. On the other hand, Jake claims being a reporter doesn't make him rich and that he can't pay for their contribution to his article. Upset, the biker then asks why to bother them with the meal if there isn't a cash-paying incentive, which Jake gaslights, claiming because they're cool. The group scoffs at Jake, and seeing no further purpose in staying there, Jake leaves some cash and leaves.
As Jake leaves the restaurant, he's confronted by the biker group, who claim that Jake didn't leave enough money for them to pay for the dinner they ate. Jake apologizes and says he left all he had and didn't expect to pay for twelve. The comment insults the group whom the biker revealed to have been named Tats. This leads to a scuffle between Tats and Jake, who floors him with a judo move and earns his respect. Tats allowed Jake to join their group on the condition that they didn't use their real names, but Jake also hoped to see everything they did, including photos. Amused by Jake, Tats allows it, and they head back into the restaurant to pay for their meal.
Sato visits Samantha at the Club Polina office, compliments the place, and apologizes for not keeping in touch. Samantha mentions that when she visited his office, she was told that he was recovering, and that's it. She then asks what happened to him, and Sato says he was shanked in the stomach but claims he'll be fine because he has very hard internal organs. They then exchange apologies for their guilt surrounding Polina. Samantha then asks if Sato is taking over for Kobayashi, and after he confirms it, Sato claims that under Ishida's order, she must rehire Claudine. However, despite Ishida's order, Samantha recites the contract details of how she'll run the club as she pleases and dismisses Sato.
The following day, Jake turns in his work to Baku, who reviews the material for his article. Emi compliments it, but Baku says that Bosozuka gangs are outdated, and plenty have been covered over the years. Still, Emi insists on claiming it'd be good coverage as they're the present youth who have fallen through the cracks of society. Baku asks Jake if the bikers trust him, and Jake answers so far; hence, Baku allows Jake to continue with the story. With that, Jake and Emi take their leave, and when Jake returns to his desk, he meets with Tin-Tin, who offers him some butter cookies he recently made. Jake enjoys them complimenting Tin-Tin as a rock star and hopes to have some more when he returns.
Samantha visits her former boss, Erika, at her apartment. The two briefly discuss their history and then discuss the phone calls Samantha has made to her. It's then that Samantha asks Erika to become her new number one at her club and offers her competitive rates, but Erika declines, and then her son Daichi appears. He claims he's no longer tired and wants his Pikachu. Samantha is then introduced to Daichi, and Samantha offers her the same deal, only for that night. Also, when throwing in a babysitter for Daichi, Erika asks Daichi if she should accept Samantha's money, and Jake says yes.
Hayama, Sato, and Taro visit the male hostess club that once gave Sato difficulty. Hayama speaks to the manager there. She claims that the Chihara-Kai have no business there, but Hayama slaps the manager in the face, and she returns with a slap of her own. Hence, Hayama pulls out a knife and places it on the table in front of her, then asks Sato if she wants to do it again. Understanding the situation, the manager asks what Hayama wants, and he responds with the money she gives the Tozawa clan every month. Without hesitation, the manager pulls out the cash from the lockbox and gives it to Hayama. He takes it, claims they'll be collecting twice a month, and warns her not to affiliate herself with the Tozawa any longer. Though one last retort from the manager claims that Tozawa won't stand for what they're doing, Hayama claims that Tozawa is gone, and if they have complaints, tell them Hayama is back in town. With that, the Chihara-Kai members leave.
Outside the club, Hayama tells Sato what he did back there is how to handle difficult people who mess with you. He also comments that the Chihara-Kai has become soft during his imprisonment. Noticing Sato's dour look, Hayama asks if he believes the club would retaliate. Sato nods assuringly, and Hayama proclaims he anticipates it. Hayama then gets into the car, and Sato follows shortly.
Sitting at a park bench with his wife, while watching their two kids play at the park, Hiroto claims that in the three months that have passed, no word of Tozawa has come up. He also adds that he's done nothing to provoke the Tozawa clan either and suspects the danger has since passed. He places his hand on his wife's crossed hands on her lap, and Hiroto tells his wife Junko that their kids and she can return home. However, Junko suggests he retire and live there with them. On the other hand, Hiroto notes his desire to stay at work, despite Junko mentioning the trouble of having to listen to old lady complaints every day. Junko tops it off by saying she wants the best for their children and to carefully consider his options.
That night, Jake continues his interview with Tats, who recites his jots of bike riding. Tats also mentions that he enjoys stealing bikes as a way to help his sister pay for her tuition to get into a private school. Receiving a phone call, Tats answers it and learns about a potential hit; he then invites Jake to join him in hopes of getting a story. The two then ride off to someplace.
Sato visits an apartment. When he knocks on the door, the man behind it asks if he's Kota's acquaintance. After Sato confirms this, he's allowed inside. Inside the apartment, Sato is shown a Tarkov pistol that holds eight rounds and can be his for 300 thousand yen because he's a friend of Kota. Sato agrees to purchase the gun and asks for more to be provided. The dealer questions this, as Yakuza don't use guns, but Sato proclaims that he wants to be safe, pays for the gun, and leaves.
Ohno is shown working at his establishment and receives a call from Samantha, who offers to return him to his club. On the other hand, Ohno claims that Claudine had already contacted him and informed him that she was a part of another club. Hence, Samantha sweetens the deal, offering him the chance to meet a new hostess named Erika. Smirking at the offer, Ohno agrees to visit one last time, but only if she agrees to visit his table, only her, and hangs up.
Switching back to Jake's side, Tats and he meet with another bike member and trade bikes. Tats asks Jake to set his watch for thirty seconds since that's how long it takes to drill to the ignition. Tats then forces Jake to keep an eye out for the bike owners, and when he does, Jake sees them approaching and distracts them long enough for Tats to steal the bike.
Meanwhile, at Club Polina, Erika serves a table with Joanna, showing hints of discomfort. Samantha serves Ohno at his table, chats with him, and asks what it's like to be an architect. Perplexed by the question, Ohno claims that architects are "confidence men" who use their skills to convince their clients that their dreams can come true. A tad put off by the answer, Samantha details that her former boss said they sold dreams and believed it untrue. So, Ohno asks what Samantha sells there, and she answers that it is a place where confident men can be honest. To that point, Ohno claims, he's had the best evening he's ever had in a long time. Looking over at Erika's table, she smiles at Samantha and turns her attention back to Ohno, claiming she's happy to hear that, as she has been.
Sitting at his desk at the police station, Hiroto looks at a photograph of his two children. He then visits Shoko at her office and asks about the task force she's starting up and how he can help with it. From there, Shoko tells him that Hiroto needs to be done with his thoughts of balance.
In Samantha's office, Erika prepares to leave, and Samantha gives her a little extra thanks for providing great service to Nishikawa. Thankful for Samantha's generosity, Erika notices the picture hanging on the wall of her and Polina and asks who Polina is. Samantha answers who Polina was and adds that she died a few months before, and the night she left all of the voicemails was the night she learned she had died.
Just then, Sato knocks at the door and asks for a locker to store some papers. Samantha allows him to choose whatever locker he wants, and he goes to the locker room to hide his recently purchased gun. While that goes on, Erika negotiates with Samantha on what days she will work and requests one night for tai chi. Right as Sato tries to leave, Samantha stops him and requests that she drive Erika home, which he quietly accepts. As Erika leaves, Samantha and Sato trade glances with each other and then part ways.
Sitting at his desk in the dimly lit Meicho building, Jake finishes writing his article about the stolen motorcycles and submits it. Right after he does, Misaki calls him and invites him over to her place.
Briskly riding his bicycle to Misaki's place, Jake meets Misaki, who pours them a couple of cups of champagne and compliments one of Jake's recent articles. Misaki then makes an advance toward Jake, citing Tozawa's men's no longer interest in her. Although Jake claims what she's doing is wrong, Misaki claims she knows. The two would then kiss and partially strip while heading toward her bed.
==Characters==
* Minami
* Samantha Porter
* Nishikawa-san
* Joanna
* Masahiro Ohno
* Zuki-sama
* Kenji
* Claudine
* Shingo
* Baku (Mentioned)
* Zainichi (Mentioned)
* Ryo (Mentioned)
* Jessica Adelstein (Voice)
* Edward Adelstein (Mentioned)
* Willa Adelstein (Mentioned)
* Tin-Tin
* Trendy
* Ichihara (Mentioned)
* Akiro Sato
* Gen
* Hiroto Katagiri
* Jin Miyamoto (Mentioned)
* Junko Katagiri
* Natsumi Katagiri
* Shino Katagiri
* Hiroto Katagiri
* Hitoshi Ishida
* Naoki Hayama
* Kobayashi
* Funaki
* Shoko Nagata
* Kaito Sato
* Otsuka
* Misaki
* Yabuki
* Hagino
* Erika
* Daichi
* Kota (Mentioned)
* Duke (Indirectly-mentioned)
==Episode Images==
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==Trivia==
* Singer Minekawa Takako is briefly mentioned in this episode.
==References==
Category:Episodes