Chapter 2

## Chapter Chronology

**The Executioner** (処刑人, *Shokeinin*?) is the 2nd chapter of *Tokyo Underworld* manga, written and illustrated by Kenji Sakaki. This also serves as the second chapter of the first volume of the manga series.

## Summary

People were overwhelmed with questions swirling in their minds. The fact that they found themselves in the Tokyo Underworld, especially after discussing its dangers with Haine before their field trip, was hard to believe. Haine, who was also visibly puzzled and anxious, emphasized the urgency of leaving, warning of the threat posed by the Watchers.

Yomi, still perplexed by the situation, asked if they were truly in the Tokyo Underworld. Haine, uncertain about what to do or say, was certain that the Watchers were on their way to their current location. Yomi, taking charge once again, decided that they should leave since there seemed to be no help available. Most agreed with this decision, except for Kashiwagi, who appeared indifferent to the unfolding events.

Out of the blue, Kashiwagi asked Yami if they would die in the Tokyo Underworld, causing Yami to react by slapping himself, inadvertently affecting Yomi due to their Twin Synchronicity. Yomi recalled how, in moments of despair, his brother would physically remind him that he was not alone.

They headed towards the bridge's exit with the intention of crossing to Shibaura, where the main tower was located. However, they discovered that the bridge had been severed at the height of an average person, making it impossible to cross. Panic ensued among the group when they realized their predicament.

Unnoticed by the others, Haine trembled in fear as she spotted something in the distance. She covered her mouth in terror as a shadowy figure, positioned near a television screen, declared that they couldn't cross the bridge unless they handed over their blades. Initially assuming the figure was a construction worker, the group rushed toward it, seeking safety. However, Yomi had a nagging feeling that something was amiss.

Kashiwagi and his friend Atsushi explained the details of the bus incident and identified themselves as students from Toyosu High School's Class 2-A. Meanwhile, the figure continued to watch the television screen, which suddenly switched to a "Special Broadcast" titled "The Enforcement," featuring President Tower's voice broadcasting. The screen displayed individual class pictures of all 40 students in Class 2-A and identified them as new criminals responsible for their teacher's murder.

The broadcast then showed a series of videos, including incidents of violence against the teacher, with Kashiwagi and his group, who ignored the bullying, and those they considered hypocritical or half-hearted in their involvement, including Yomi and Yami.

During the broadcast, a final decision was made regarding the fate of Class 2-A students in the case of their homeroom teacher, Masatoshi Yabuuchi's death. Professor Tower disclosed that the students' punishment would occur at the Rainbow Bridge in the Daiba area, where they were presently located. Their only chance of survival against Executioner Benkei was to defeat it within 19 minutes before the enforcement announcement, which would lead to the collapse of the Rainbow Bridge.

However, a glimmer of hope known as "authorization" was introduced by President Tower. This meant that the President could grant a pardon, symbolized as a "spider's thread," to those who managed to reach Tokyo Tower. This pardon would absolve them of their crimes, allowing them to return to the original Tokyo. The sentence was scheduled to be carried out by 1900 hours, marking the conclusion of President Tower's announcement.

Amidst this tension, Yomi felt immense pressure, filled with uncertainty and fear. Meanwhile, his fellow classmates debated whether the entire incident might be a part of a staged performance, attempting to convince themselves that their teacher's death was merely a prop in a show.

In contrast, Atsushi decided to confront Executioner Benkei, who was initially facing away from the students but later turned to face them. At that moment, they got a closer look at Executioner Benkei, who appeared to be wearing a logo or drawing resembling the Tokyo Tower in the Tokyo Underworld area. It carried a large shovel in its left hand, dressed in a torn trench coat and an outfit reminiscent of a traffic enforcer. Two skeletal hands hung behind it. When its head abruptly turned back, signaling Atsushi to confront it again, it swiftly severed Atsushi's right arm.

Using the same shovel it carried, Executioner Benkei proclaimed, "You shall not cross this bridge," and delivered a second blow, splitting Atsushi in two at the waist. This brutal act caused terror among the witnessing students. After the gruesome severing, Executioner Benkei tossed Atsushi's body into the river from the bridge.

On the television screen, a stark message emerged, displaying the grim information: "Atsushi Ogata, 17, dead." Yomi, overwhelmed by tension, felt as if his heart and mind were on the brink of bursting. His twin brother, Yami, shared in his fear, evident in his trembling hands, and this trembling sensation affected Yomi due to their unique Twin Synchronicity.

In response to the shocking turn of events involving Atsushi, Yomi clenched his fist and urgently commanded his stunned classmates to take immediate action, issuing a simple yet urgent directive to "Run!" This marked the commencement of what could only be described as the harrowing ordeal known as the Suspension Bridge from Hell.

## Characters in Order of Appearance

**Yomi Kanda**
**Yami Kanda**
**Haine Saikawa**
**Kashiwagi**
**Atsushi Ogata**Deceased
**President Tower**Debut
**Masatoshi Yabuuchi**Mentioned
**Benkei**Debut