Flowers for Algernon Episode 10 (Final) summary
10 weeks quickly flew past. It's always sad to say goodbye to something so good. But even with all the painful feeling and tears this drama caused us, it leaves us with a light feeling and lessons to live by.
Episode 10 (Final)
As Sakuto inspects Rio, the talk is how she hasn't woken up for entirely 2 days. Kokubo wonders if she completely shut off already but Sakuto tells him it's not yet too late and leaves Rio to the doctor as he exits the room somehow not feeling well.
Haruka storms into Hachisuka's office demanding why the researchers are all out on a break, they should be doing today the experiment of ALG alpha on a rat. Algernon 2? Hachisuka asks her. Just one Algernon in this world is enough. That's what Sakuto told me. Even if we try ALG beta, in the end, it will go back to before that's why it isn't significant.
That's why all the more the team shouldn't take a break, Haruka insists, to find another... Hachisuka cuts her, who does she think is coping up with that? Hachisuka has been doing trial and error. He just can't wait for Sakuto to go back. He turns up the volume and asks Haruka to get out.
Outside the room, Sakuto leans on the wall to help relieve the pain in his head then he looks at his watch. He remembers his last conversation with Hachisuka about having no more time and the reason why he chose to save Rio is for his and Algernon's existence not to lose its meaning.
Haruka sighs outside the laboratory. She remembers her plea to Madoka about Sakuto.
To advance or to stay in place... No matter how many times, people are tormented to choose. Whichever you choose, you have a hunch like you will regret it.
Sakuto goes back to Rio's room and informs the doctor they should proceed with the operation. The doctor is hesitant at this condition but Sakuto tells him it's not actually a progressive disorder but Rio's been affected by encephalitis lethargica. It's when a person may not wake up for years, a sickness that affects one's life. Kokubo researches on it. Sakuto asks Sugino to persuade Kawaguchi on the operation. Sakuto says She's in the deep fog alone. If you leave her as is, not before long, her visibility will be gone. She won't be able to hear any sound too. A nurse then knocks, looking for Sakuto. Madoka soon enters the room.
There are times when you just want to run away, but in doing so, the significance of living will be concealed.
Outside the hospital, Madoka tells Sakuto she was asked a favor by Haruka whose tears flowed out in front of her. Then Madoka says it's selfishness. The two of you, you do as you please. Sakuto repeats, the two? Madoka clarifies, you and that person. Show off, to be thought of as a good person. He doesn't think at all of the people nearest to himself. He doesn't think at all about his family. He says 'for the sake of a person' without even thinking of his own body, offers his kidney to another person. He didn't even consult me with anything. (flashback of young Sakuto and papa in the hospital, Takebe showing his operation scar in the dorm saying he received a kidney and he feels like he destroyed that person's family). Madoka faces Sakuto. To think about the person you love the most as the most important to you is natural isn't it? You don't understand that? That seems stupid. Sakuto smiles in acknowledgment.
Please stop deceiving me with your smile. Madoka warns Sakuto, you're just like that person. Sakuto apologizes and takes a few steps. That's really stupid, isn't it. Sakuto says, I was stupid. I wanted to hold you tight, always thought I want to be smart. It's because you're my mama. You were that harsh as a mother, but why did I say I want to meet such a person? It's because that's my mama. Sakuto faces her and says sorry. Madoka asks why are you apologizing?
It's because you're my mama I wanted to hold you tight. Sakuto tells Madoka. The truth is, more than that, it's mama who wanted to be held tight, Sakuto finally embraces his mother and continues, to say sorry, to say thank you. Madoka nods as tears flow and she puts her arms around Sakuto as well.
Kawaguchi with a bunch of his staff visits Hachisuka in the research center presenting him with documents of a police complaint against him. Staff explains it as due to the pretext of developing a specific medicine for Rio's illness but with the desired outcome falling short, it's a crime of misappropriation of the enormous fund from Kawaguchi's company for the research. Hachisuka was just calm as he asks, you just wanted to tell me that?
Kawaguchi relates that his daughter will undergo an operation, headed by two medical specialists, they formed a team with Shiratori Sakuto. It will be good for a bastard like Hachisuka to pray. Kawaguchi informs him, for example, if Sakuto is able to save Rio, Kawaguchi will think it's like ALG did save Rio and the complaint will be withdrawn. But if it fails, Hachisuka will be ruined.
Yanagawa and Hiyama's having burger. Yanagawa's shocked the stall is closing. The owner, Lucas says he's getting old already. Later on, Yanagawa comments Hiyama isn't irritated anymore. Hiyama says its because Sakuto came already. Yanagawa tells Hiyama though if he expects too much Sakuto can cure Rio, that's more pressure on Sakuto. Hiyama says confidently it's alright, since it's Sakuto. Yanagawa just looks even more worried.
At Dream Flower Service, Takebe says he heard from Madoka, that's good he adds. Sakuto lowers his head and apologizes. What for? Takebe asks kindly. For being heartless to Takebe... Takebe just says it's alright now and walks away. It's not okay, Sakuto follows him. I threw harsh words to the person I am most grateful to. I trust in you, it's just as you said, being stupid is okay. Being the stupid me is okay. You're the only one who thought of me like that.
Well, that's a faulty expression. Takebe admits. But I practically did think of that. Those guys who just got out of prison have this strong wariness. That's why whenever there's a newcomer, I make them share the room with you. Sakuto acknowledges, with Hiyama-kun too. Takebe tells Sakuto that he unties the wariness of those guys, he draws out those sharp thorns before anyone ever notices. That's why Sakuto as is, the admirable guy that he is, is enough for Takebe.
You understand me that much. Sakuto realizes with a tear. Takebe pats his head and tells him to go back, he still has to save that girl who doesn't wake up.
Sakuto meets Haruka who brings a change of clothes for him. Haruka informs him she knows about the operation on Rio. Sakuto tells her he's just going to witness it and give instructions on the timing of administering the medicine.
If it's successful, quickly come back okay? Haruka asks Sakuto. He says yes. But if suddenly his regression starts, he will be given the beta. And there's the possibility that the reaction will instantly advance as well. Haruka asks him to stop saying scary things. Sakuto continues that he will go back to his former self. And if that happens, he wants them not to meet anymore. When Sakuto starts to regress, he may not remember Haruka at all. Not just her but everyone else too. At that time, Haruka's feelings may change, Sakuto will probably not understand anymore half of what Haruka will be saying. Sakuto doesn't want to be seen by Haruka like that. It may be bad but it's just a 'what if'. Sakuto tells Haruka. She asks him how can he say something calmly like that? Sakuto wonders if it's a side-effect of the medicine. Then he tells Haruka he has a meeting so he has to go back. Haruka grabs his arm and tells him not to give up, don't give up on yourself. Sakuto nods and walks away.
The meeting is about Rio's operation. Sakuto says the problem lies on the timing of the medicine. Kokubo comments once the anesthesia wears off she might wake up. Sakuto then starts to see his papa once more.
In his hotel room, Sakuto tells Sugino with difficulty there's no stopping his regression. When it comes, Sakuto has only talked to Sugino. Whatever they do, they wouldn't be able to defend against it. It's a battle against time. Their problem is time.
Sugino asks about Haruka. And with that, Sakuto has a favor. Once he goes back to his former self, he wants not to meet Haruka anymore. He requests to gently hide him and let him escape. Sugino understands his feelings but he wonders where will Sakuto go. Sakuto answers with a different question though, what about Sugino after the operation?
Sugino will go back to Hachisuka. Sakuto comments he's a hard to read person. A remuneration for his boss, he wonders. Sugino says he's not interested in that. His ability is nowhere near the levels of Hachisuka and Sakuto. It's just that he likes his job. He likes to be next to a genius.
Karen opens the door to Kokubo who presents her with flowers. She comments they're pretty and thinks it's for her mama but Kokubo stammers in correcting it's for her. Behind him, Karen sees Sakuto smiling. Once inside, Sakuto assists Karen in cooking tempura as Madoka watches them happily.
Haruka comes home and sees the earrings left with her. She remembers Sakuto and says It will be alright, once the operation is over.
Later that night, drunk Kokubo holds on to Karen as he and Sakuto are about to leave. Kokubo asks Karen if it's okay if he comes to their house again. Karen tells him to mail her since she's also busy with her work. After going out, Madoka follows and calls Sakuto. She tells him to take care and hands him a paper bag, here, even if it's out of season. Sakuto smiles.
Yanagawa and Hiyama toasts wishing for the success of Rio's operation. Yanagawa then finds one of Sakuto's old hiragana flash cards under the bed. Hiyama takes it and reads it like how Sakuto does it - Nezumi no ne! (Nezumi-rat). Yanagawa becomes morose at the thought so Hiyama asks him what's wrong. Yanagawa makes the sound of a carrier pigeon again (he always does that whenever he's asked to transmit information. From Mai to Hiyama before then also from Takebe to Sakuto). He tells Hiyama not to get angry at Sakuto's girlfriend Haruka because she has a reason why she did not let them meet Sakuto then. Yanagawa explains that the medicine Sakuto used to be smart has a side-effect. Sakuto might go back to old Sakuto, the stupid Sakuto period. Hiyama couldn't believe it. But Yanagawa continues, even if there's something going on with him, whatever might happen, he still came for Rio. The two then remember the old Sakuto. And while looking at Sakuto's old jacket, Yanagawa comments it's the same Sakuto but honestly, somehow he likes the old one more. Hiyama agrees with him.
Sakuto takes out a knitted scarf from the paperbag handed by his mama. He opens it a little then clutches it close to his heart. Later on, he writes a note for himself.
To Sakuto
Don't go see your mama, because it's pitiful
Don't go see president (Takebe), because you did him wrong
As Sakuto writes Haruka's name, doorbell rings. It's Hachisuka. He tells Sakuto he tried thinking about it himself. Leaving ALG, another way to defend against regression. Sakuto reads the document Hachisuka handed him. He instantly understands it and is deeply interested. The intercranial protein will be used to block the synapse.
Hachisuka wonders if with that way, can Sakuto be saved? Sakuto guesses there's a possibility. At least it may preserve his state right now in a day. Hachisuka hands him the vial of medicine.
Sakuto tells Hachisuka that the more intelligent a person becomes, it's like he comes to surmise other people's feelings. Also, his former self, was not actually made fun of, looked down on but it was something he was indignant about. Hachisuka nods and Sakuto continues, on the other hand, reversely, this time, he was the one who looked down on people who he felt are behind on intelligence. It's like he filled his heart with scorn and such a losing feeling. His dangerous self holding such high intelligence but with a warped personality.
But you cleared that black fog, Hachisuka tells him. It's all thanks to Haruka. Sakuto informs him. Hachisuka nods in agreement again.
Sakuto then tells Hachisuka, Sensei, humans with low intelligence aren't uncivilized. Humans with high intelligence aren't rational. Love is. Hachisuka repeats in question. Love?
A person filled with love doesn't hurt another person. Sometimes a thoughtless person that is shown ill will may also be bewildered but even so it's not of intelligence or knowledge. Because if that's the case, a person with the memory of truly loving and being loved, with such simplicity, may make the world calm, Sakuto explains. Whoever who has love... Hachisuka says and Sakuto continues Will be able to hold the world together.
In a car going home, Hachisuka tears. And Haruka who holds on to Sakuto's toothbrush left in her apartments cries as she calls out to higher powers.
The operation of Rio proceeds. Sakuto and his team are in the operating room. Kawaguchi watches from the viewing area. Mai, Yanagawa and Hiyama waits outside.
Meeting by a lake, Madoka apologizes to Haruka she couldn't be of help. Haruka says it's okay. Madoka tells her it can't be helped anymore either. If you happen to meet such a person and totally like him, you won't be able to keep up. Even if you personally thought it's impossible, it might be better to break up and forget. Haruka says she can't do that, to forget. If that is so, Madoka tells her, you have to accept that you will give up everything. Perhaps what Haruka needs is resolve. Like in becoming a mother, like in continuing to love someone always. Haruka repeats this to think over, resolve. (resolve - firm determination to do something)
The operation proper is over, the medicine will be administered next. They just need Sakuto's instruction on the timing but he starts to get an attack. He sees his papa again. Worse this time as everyone turns into his papa already. Sakuto pleads, Papa, just a little more time...
Madoka continues, It's like you're pushing aside but it's either about breaking up and forgetting or accepting everything. Which of the two I wonder. She lays out two options what Haruka could do. Since that person is sincere, the truth is, there's probably one more. Haruka repeats, one more?
The light signalling that the operation is on-going turns off and soon, Rio is taken out. Kawaguchi is informed the operation safely ended. Once the anesthesia wears off, Rio will wake up. Mai follows Rio to her room. Sugino soon exits the operating room as well. Yanagawa asks him about Sakuto. Sugino informs them Sakuto experienced fatigue during the operation due to not sleeping for how many days. He's been taken to the hotel already to take a nap.
Kokubo helps Sakuto lie on his bed. Kokubo also tells him to rest and if the hospital contacts them, Kokubo will immediately inform him. Sakuto nods. Sakuto then thinks of Haruka as he sleeps.
Haruka is now alone by the lake as she remembers what Sakuto last told her, when the regression starts, he doesn't want to be seen by Haruka like that.
Seated on the floor with his back on the bed, Sakuto reaches for his notepad. In doing so, his watch falls to the floor. He tries to finish the note about Haruka with so much difficulty. Until someone steadies his grip so he can write properly, his papa.
Don't meet Haruka because you love her.
Sakuto then falls asleep.
It's morning already. Rio still hasn't waken up so Yanagawa and Hiyama plans go out for air until they hear Mai exclaiming Rio! They run into her room. Mai asks Rio how is she feeling. She just says before her eyes, there was a black fog.
Haruka's phone rings. Hachisuka tells her he was contacted by Sugino. It seems Rio's operation was successful. Haruka thanks Hachisuka and tells him she will immediately go to Sakuto. Hachisuka asks her to wait but Haruka ends the call cutting what Hachisuka was about to say about Sakuto.
Haruka runs on the street and accidentally falls after colliding with someone. Her watch stops functioning.
Kawaguchi visits Sakuto in his hotel room. Sugino and Kokubo were already there with him. Kawaguchi says it's thanks to Sakuto that his daughter is now awake. Words of gratitude aren't enough so he hands Sakuto a blank check. Any amount is okay, he can write whatever he wants. Sakuto takes it and stares at it then blows his nose on it.
In a cab, Haruka sees Sakuto walking by the street so she gets off and chases him. Haruka calls Sakuto's name but when they get to face each other though, Sakuto just looks at her, looks at the notepad he's been holding then walks away. Haruka remembers Sakuto watching his old video and she cries with the realization and crouches with hurt.
Sakuto looks back at her. Seeing her crying, he walks back and pulls out Haruka's earring from his pocket. He hands it to her, which makes Haruka lighten up a bit. Sakuto smiles and walks away. Haruka's face falls again and tears resume.
In his office, Konuma tries to stop Hachisuka from throwing away the stocked ALG saying there are still a lot of candidates to be a test subject. Just one is enough. Hachisuka tells her, Shiratori Sakuto is the only one in this world and is enough! Then he proceeds in throwing away ALG.
Sakuto continues to walk on his own.
Rio is discharged from the hospital. Hiyama is also there outside waiting for her with flowers. Rio thanks Hiyama for coming for her who tells her they still don't know of Sakuto's whereabouts. Rio says she still hasn't thanked him.
Hiyama then says that the reason for his coming and him not coming is not just that. The world they live in is different. Rio tries to refute that it doesn't matter, didn't Hiyama until now came for her? Hiyama says though it's just because she was sick and thought she was pitiful.
Rio doesn't believe him, if it's her papa, she says once again but Hiyama asks her not to. Things are as is. But Rio has succeeded in running away. The picture book has been closed. Hiyama smiles and Rio agrees with a smile. She then gets called and leaves.
In the club, Yanagawa searches for Mai and uses the line she used to tell him why? Why is it that you don't answer when I call you many times? Mai tells him it's understood that since Rio and Hiyama broke up already then the two of them ended too. Yanagawa doesn't understand that because if he did then he wouldn't have come to there. Mai's friend then comments if this guy is her stalker. Yanagawa corrects her, he's a guy from a flower shop.
Mai just stands up to tell him that they have no relation whatsoever, they were just normal friends. Yanagawa isn't happy with that excuse and says they were connected weren't they? Hiyama, Rio, them. Did she get inclined to just forget about it? Mai says fine, she understands then bids Yanagawa goodbye. Yanagawa accepts it and leaves.
Mai asks him to wait though. This place has a rule in saying goodbye, that is to let the person drink champagne from your mouth. Yanagawa takes the champagne flute from Mai, drinks it and kisses her.
Hachisuka goes inside the laboratory that used to hold Algernon. When he was about to inject himself with ALG, Sugino sees him. Haruka soon follows inside as with Kokubo and the rest of the team. Sugino tells him taking ALG is a suicidal act. Haruka takes away the injection from Hachisuka and asks him, he should know that right.
Sugino then says before his regression started, he asked me for a favor. After he goes back to his old self, for quite some time, even if it's day or night, he wants me to pay attention to you. Hachisuka realizes. Sakuto? Sugino continues, he said, my other father. Hachisuka breaks down. Kokubo invites him to start a new research. Konuma adds, please let us see a genius' way of thinking again. Sugino tells Hachisuka everyone supports him, the whole team. Hachisuka thanks everyone in tears.
As business continues at Dream Flower Service, Kokubo runs saying why did I only notice at this time... He reaches Dream Flower Service shouting if the friends are here. The boys look weirdly at him. Yanagawa as usual doesn't even look up from his phone. Kokubo repeats are Saku-chan's friends here? Hiyama looks at him. One of the boys ask who Kokubo is. Kokubo just says are Saku-chan's equal friends here? All others including Takebe look at Yanagawa then at Hiyama.
Hiyama goes out of his room with a bag, packing Sakuto's jacket in as Yanagawa goes out of his room too with his bag. They face Takebe who just says its okay, hurry and go. They both thank him for being under his care. They also say goodbye to the other boys showing Hiyama and Shikauchi have made up already. Soon they arrive at the forest and using Kokubo's tablet (the one he used to track Algernon back in episode 1), they search the place.
Finally, they see the GPS that was used to be attached on Algernon's head as a helmet. It's on a stick on Algernon's grave. Yanagawa shouts aikyodesho. Soon, they see Sakuto sleeping nearby, using his bag as pillow, wearing the scarf from his mother, the notepad near his head. Hiyama places Sakuto's jacket on him then he and Yanagawa lie next to Sakuto. Yanagawa says well then from now on I wonder how will we go on. Hiyama tells him with a smile won't we manage somehow. Yanagawa agrees with a laugh.
Sakuto's notepad is shown:
Don't worry
at Algernon's grave
wait for your equal friends
And there's a picture of Algernon and the mound indicating his grave with his helmet GPS.
2 months after, it's summer already. Haruka's at that place in the mall where she and Sakuto got their watches. Then, she attends to a lost boy. She plays janken with him until his mama came for him with a yellow balloon. After the boy leaves, Haruka remembers what Madoka told her - Since that person is sincere, the truth is, there's probably one more. Haruka repeats, there is one more. She wears her watch again and thinks Now, even if we're separated once, one day, with that resolve, I will...
By the beach, it's Yanagawa and Hiyama who's taken over the Lucas' Burger stall now also called Aikyodesho Burger.
A hand then taps on girls in the beach. Sakuto says they're cute and invites them to eat burgers. Yanagawa's ecstatic there's a catch again. Hiyama says it's because the lure is good.
I want to become smart. If I become smart, everyone, everyone will be happy and laugh. Me too I will be happy and laugh.
Sakuto plays aikyodesho with the customers and one comments the stuffed mouse in display is cute. Sakuto tells them it's Algernon.
God, please make me smart.
Sakuto looks up at the sky, says Algernon and smiles.
And on Algernon's grave, blue roses have bloomed. The hiragana card for "A" has been left there too and on it written, Algernon's grave.
Note: the flower language of a blue rose is miracle, God's blessing, dream come true.
***
I know there's a lot of questions hanging here, especially in the latter half of the finale. Most important of all, does Sakuto still remember? I guess it's open to interpretation. Everyone's free to do so based on what we've seen. Personally, yes, obviously he regressed but not totally and I'm not so sure up to what extent. Did he take the medicine Hachisuka brought him? I'm inclined to think he did because at that point, his regression is starting and he needed to stop it, even momentarily just to get through the operation. Of course that drug is just a beta, its effectiveness isn't guaranteed. What does he still remember? Can he read? It seems so since he's able to refer to the note he left for himself. It seems to me he chose to live how he used to with all the simplicity. Afterall, he did tell Hachisuka that it's actually love that holds the world together, not intelligence. Why did he choose to stay away though from people who are important to him? (Madoka, Takebe, Haruka) I guess he knew that he has caused them pain or will cause them pain if the old him stays. Why with Yanagawa and Hiyama though? Just as it's said, they're equals. Sakuto won't be a burden to them and they wouldn't mind being with Sakuto either.
As for Haruka, what could be the "one more" (option) Madoka told her. Whatever that is, in her last scene, it seems she finally has come to a decision. I think she's now ready to accept Sakuto as is, how he chose to be. Of course, as a shipper of Sakuto/Haruka, I'd think of that, right? :D
With this "open to interpretation" kind of ending, it leaves us with the impression that of course it's up to us to choose how to live our life. Just like what Yamapi said in his jweb mail for the last episode, he himself realized the importance of time as well as the need to live life fully everyday. Like Sakuto, we may certainly lack in some things but we have other traits we could be proud of. And don't we all have the capacity to love :) The drama showed different kinds of love and what true love is.
I wonder what could be my favorite scene in this episode. One is probably that proper talk of the mother and son; The other, Sakuto and Hachisuka in the hotel room. That short 'Shiratori family' scene was heartwarming as well. I practically cried at almost every scene but the scenes I cried the most are those that didn't even have any dialogue - Sakuto clutching the scarf his mama gave him and his papa helping him finish his notes T____T In the end of this story, who among the characters actually grew the most? It's Hachisuka isn't it.
Naturally, as a fan, I am very proud Yamapi was able to play such a character. I'll be forever grateful to TBS, the rest of the wonderful cast, the staff, the director/s, scriptwriter Ikeda Natsuko and most especially Nojima Shinji who I have admired long before.
And to everyone who has reached reading up to this point (hopefully there is lol), thank you! Thank you for reading my summaries and thoughts no matter how plain and boring it looks, no matter how amateur my Japanese is. But I really did my best (^^;;) I wanted so bad to properly understand this wonderful work so I ended up writing my understanding. Just as what I always warn about, my translations aren't perfect so please don't judge me badly too much :) do tell me if you find anything I've said is off. Special thanks to the comments as well, I love knowing the viewers thoughts since I love this drama so much!! That's why I wanted everyone to be able to appreciate it as well.
My Friday nights will never be the same but now, I will be able to take a breather during the weekend from watching over and over each episode trying to understand it :P I'll have more time now to concentrate on my Japanese class. And right on time, I have a lot of assignments to do this week lol but see you in 2 weeks for the Gyoten drama special!!!
Aikyodesho!!! (^-^)v
Episode 10 (Final)
As Sakuto inspects Rio, the talk is how she hasn't woken up for entirely 2 days. Kokubo wonders if she completely shut off already but Sakuto tells him it's not yet too late and leaves Rio to the doctor as he exits the room somehow not feeling well.
Haruka storms into Hachisuka's office demanding why the researchers are all out on a break, they should be doing today the experiment of ALG alpha on a rat. Algernon 2? Hachisuka asks her. Just one Algernon in this world is enough. That's what Sakuto told me. Even if we try ALG beta, in the end, it will go back to before that's why it isn't significant.
That's why all the more the team shouldn't take a break, Haruka insists, to find another... Hachisuka cuts her, who does she think is coping up with that? Hachisuka has been doing trial and error. He just can't wait for Sakuto to go back. He turns up the volume and asks Haruka to get out.
Outside the room, Sakuto leans on the wall to help relieve the pain in his head then he looks at his watch. He remembers his last conversation with Hachisuka about having no more time and the reason why he chose to save Rio is for his and Algernon's existence not to lose its meaning.
Haruka sighs outside the laboratory. She remembers her plea to Madoka about Sakuto.
To advance or to stay in place... No matter how many times, people are tormented to choose. Whichever you choose, you have a hunch like you will regret it.
Sakuto goes back to Rio's room and informs the doctor they should proceed with the operation. The doctor is hesitant at this condition but Sakuto tells him it's not actually a progressive disorder but Rio's been affected by encephalitis lethargica. It's when a person may not wake up for years, a sickness that affects one's life. Kokubo researches on it. Sakuto asks Sugino to persuade Kawaguchi on the operation. Sakuto says She's in the deep fog alone. If you leave her as is, not before long, her visibility will be gone. She won't be able to hear any sound too. A nurse then knocks, looking for Sakuto. Madoka soon enters the room.
There are times when you just want to run away, but in doing so, the significance of living will be concealed.
Outside the hospital, Madoka tells Sakuto she was asked a favor by Haruka whose tears flowed out in front of her. Then Madoka says it's selfishness. The two of you, you do as you please. Sakuto repeats, the two? Madoka clarifies, you and that person. Show off, to be thought of as a good person. He doesn't think at all of the people nearest to himself. He doesn't think at all about his family. He says 'for the sake of a person' without even thinking of his own body, offers his kidney to another person. He didn't even consult me with anything. (flashback of young Sakuto and papa in the hospital, Takebe showing his operation scar in the dorm saying he received a kidney and he feels like he destroyed that person's family). Madoka faces Sakuto. To think about the person you love the most as the most important to you is natural isn't it? You don't understand that? That seems stupid. Sakuto smiles in acknowledgment.
Please stop deceiving me with your smile. Madoka warns Sakuto, you're just like that person. Sakuto apologizes and takes a few steps. That's really stupid, isn't it. Sakuto says, I was stupid. I wanted to hold you tight, always thought I want to be smart. It's because you're my mama. You were that harsh as a mother, but why did I say I want to meet such a person? It's because that's my mama. Sakuto faces her and says sorry. Madoka asks why are you apologizing?
It's because you're my mama I wanted to hold you tight. Sakuto tells Madoka. The truth is, more than that, it's mama who wanted to be held tight, Sakuto finally embraces his mother and continues, to say sorry, to say thank you. Madoka nods as tears flow and she puts her arms around Sakuto as well.
Kawaguchi with a bunch of his staff visits Hachisuka in the research center presenting him with documents of a police complaint against him. Staff explains it as due to the pretext of developing a specific medicine for Rio's illness but with the desired outcome falling short, it's a crime of misappropriation of the enormous fund from Kawaguchi's company for the research. Hachisuka was just calm as he asks, you just wanted to tell me that?
Kawaguchi relates that his daughter will undergo an operation, headed by two medical specialists, they formed a team with Shiratori Sakuto. It will be good for a bastard like Hachisuka to pray. Kawaguchi informs him, for example, if Sakuto is able to save Rio, Kawaguchi will think it's like ALG did save Rio and the complaint will be withdrawn. But if it fails, Hachisuka will be ruined.
Yanagawa and Hiyama's having burger. Yanagawa's shocked the stall is closing. The owner, Lucas says he's getting old already. Later on, Yanagawa comments Hiyama isn't irritated anymore. Hiyama says its because Sakuto came already. Yanagawa tells Hiyama though if he expects too much Sakuto can cure Rio, that's more pressure on Sakuto. Hiyama says confidently it's alright, since it's Sakuto. Yanagawa just looks even more worried.
At Dream Flower Service, Takebe says he heard from Madoka, that's good he adds. Sakuto lowers his head and apologizes. What for? Takebe asks kindly. For being heartless to Takebe... Takebe just says it's alright now and walks away. It's not okay, Sakuto follows him. I threw harsh words to the person I am most grateful to. I trust in you, it's just as you said, being stupid is okay. Being the stupid me is okay. You're the only one who thought of me like that.
Well, that's a faulty expression. Takebe admits. But I practically did think of that. Those guys who just got out of prison have this strong wariness. That's why whenever there's a newcomer, I make them share the room with you. Sakuto acknowledges, with Hiyama-kun too. Takebe tells Sakuto that he unties the wariness of those guys, he draws out those sharp thorns before anyone ever notices. That's why Sakuto as is, the admirable guy that he is, is enough for Takebe.
You understand me that much. Sakuto realizes with a tear. Takebe pats his head and tells him to go back, he still has to save that girl who doesn't wake up.
Sakuto meets Haruka who brings a change of clothes for him. Haruka informs him she knows about the operation on Rio. Sakuto tells her he's just going to witness it and give instructions on the timing of administering the medicine.
If it's successful, quickly come back okay? Haruka asks Sakuto. He says yes. But if suddenly his regression starts, he will be given the beta. And there's the possibility that the reaction will instantly advance as well. Haruka asks him to stop saying scary things. Sakuto continues that he will go back to his former self. And if that happens, he wants them not to meet anymore. When Sakuto starts to regress, he may not remember Haruka at all. Not just her but everyone else too. At that time, Haruka's feelings may change, Sakuto will probably not understand anymore half of what Haruka will be saying. Sakuto doesn't want to be seen by Haruka like that. It may be bad but it's just a 'what if'. Sakuto tells Haruka. She asks him how can he say something calmly like that? Sakuto wonders if it's a side-effect of the medicine. Then he tells Haruka he has a meeting so he has to go back. Haruka grabs his arm and tells him not to give up, don't give up on yourself. Sakuto nods and walks away.
The meeting is about Rio's operation. Sakuto says the problem lies on the timing of the medicine. Kokubo comments once the anesthesia wears off she might wake up. Sakuto then starts to see his papa once more.
In his hotel room, Sakuto tells Sugino with difficulty there's no stopping his regression. When it comes, Sakuto has only talked to Sugino. Whatever they do, they wouldn't be able to defend against it. It's a battle against time. Their problem is time.
Sugino asks about Haruka. And with that, Sakuto has a favor. Once he goes back to his former self, he wants not to meet Haruka anymore. He requests to gently hide him and let him escape. Sugino understands his feelings but he wonders where will Sakuto go. Sakuto answers with a different question though, what about Sugino after the operation?
Sugino will go back to Hachisuka. Sakuto comments he's a hard to read person. A remuneration for his boss, he wonders. Sugino says he's not interested in that. His ability is nowhere near the levels of Hachisuka and Sakuto. It's just that he likes his job. He likes to be next to a genius.
Karen opens the door to Kokubo who presents her with flowers. She comments they're pretty and thinks it's for her mama but Kokubo stammers in correcting it's for her. Behind him, Karen sees Sakuto smiling. Once inside, Sakuto assists Karen in cooking tempura as Madoka watches them happily.
Haruka comes home and sees the earrings left with her. She remembers Sakuto and says It will be alright, once the operation is over.
Later that night, drunk Kokubo holds on to Karen as he and Sakuto are about to leave. Kokubo asks Karen if it's okay if he comes to their house again. Karen tells him to mail her since she's also busy with her work. After going out, Madoka follows and calls Sakuto. She tells him to take care and hands him a paper bag, here, even if it's out of season. Sakuto smiles.
Yanagawa and Hiyama toasts wishing for the success of Rio's operation. Yanagawa then finds one of Sakuto's old hiragana flash cards under the bed. Hiyama takes it and reads it like how Sakuto does it - Nezumi no ne! (Nezumi-rat). Yanagawa becomes morose at the thought so Hiyama asks him what's wrong. Yanagawa makes the sound of a carrier pigeon again (he always does that whenever he's asked to transmit information. From Mai to Hiyama before then also from Takebe to Sakuto). He tells Hiyama not to get angry at Sakuto's girlfriend Haruka because she has a reason why she did not let them meet Sakuto then. Yanagawa explains that the medicine Sakuto used to be smart has a side-effect. Sakuto might go back to old Sakuto, the stupid Sakuto period. Hiyama couldn't believe it. But Yanagawa continues, even if there's something going on with him, whatever might happen, he still came for Rio. The two then remember the old Sakuto. And while looking at Sakuto's old jacket, Yanagawa comments it's the same Sakuto but honestly, somehow he likes the old one more. Hiyama agrees with him.
Sakuto takes out a knitted scarf from the paperbag handed by his mama. He opens it a little then clutches it close to his heart. Later on, he writes a note for himself.
To Sakuto
Don't go see your mama, because it's pitiful
Don't go see president (Takebe), because you did him wrong
As Sakuto writes Haruka's name, doorbell rings. It's Hachisuka. He tells Sakuto he tried thinking about it himself. Leaving ALG, another way to defend against regression. Sakuto reads the document Hachisuka handed him. He instantly understands it and is deeply interested. The intercranial protein will be used to block the synapse.
Hachisuka wonders if with that way, can Sakuto be saved? Sakuto guesses there's a possibility. At least it may preserve his state right now in a day. Hachisuka hands him the vial of medicine.
Sakuto tells Hachisuka that the more intelligent a person becomes, it's like he comes to surmise other people's feelings. Also, his former self, was not actually made fun of, looked down on but it was something he was indignant about. Hachisuka nods and Sakuto continues, on the other hand, reversely, this time, he was the one who looked down on people who he felt are behind on intelligence. It's like he filled his heart with scorn and such a losing feeling. His dangerous self holding such high intelligence but with a warped personality.
But you cleared that black fog, Hachisuka tells him. It's all thanks to Haruka. Sakuto informs him. Hachisuka nods in agreement again.
Sakuto then tells Hachisuka, Sensei, humans with low intelligence aren't uncivilized. Humans with high intelligence aren't rational. Love is. Hachisuka repeats in question. Love?
A person filled with love doesn't hurt another person. Sometimes a thoughtless person that is shown ill will may also be bewildered but even so it's not of intelligence or knowledge. Because if that's the case, a person with the memory of truly loving and being loved, with such simplicity, may make the world calm, Sakuto explains. Whoever who has love... Hachisuka says and Sakuto continues Will be able to hold the world together.
In a car going home, Hachisuka tears. And Haruka who holds on to Sakuto's toothbrush left in her apartments cries as she calls out to higher powers.
The operation of Rio proceeds. Sakuto and his team are in the operating room. Kawaguchi watches from the viewing area. Mai, Yanagawa and Hiyama waits outside.
Meeting by a lake, Madoka apologizes to Haruka she couldn't be of help. Haruka says it's okay. Madoka tells her it can't be helped anymore either. If you happen to meet such a person and totally like him, you won't be able to keep up. Even if you personally thought it's impossible, it might be better to break up and forget. Haruka says she can't do that, to forget. If that is so, Madoka tells her, you have to accept that you will give up everything. Perhaps what Haruka needs is resolve. Like in becoming a mother, like in continuing to love someone always. Haruka repeats this to think over, resolve. (resolve - firm determination to do something)
The operation proper is over, the medicine will be administered next. They just need Sakuto's instruction on the timing but he starts to get an attack. He sees his papa again. Worse this time as everyone turns into his papa already. Sakuto pleads, Papa, just a little more time...
Madoka continues, It's like you're pushing aside but it's either about breaking up and forgetting or accepting everything. Which of the two I wonder. She lays out two options what Haruka could do. Since that person is sincere, the truth is, there's probably one more. Haruka repeats, one more?
The light signalling that the operation is on-going turns off and soon, Rio is taken out. Kawaguchi is informed the operation safely ended. Once the anesthesia wears off, Rio will wake up. Mai follows Rio to her room. Sugino soon exits the operating room as well. Yanagawa asks him about Sakuto. Sugino informs them Sakuto experienced fatigue during the operation due to not sleeping for how many days. He's been taken to the hotel already to take a nap.
Kokubo helps Sakuto lie on his bed. Kokubo also tells him to rest and if the hospital contacts them, Kokubo will immediately inform him. Sakuto nods. Sakuto then thinks of Haruka as he sleeps.
Haruka is now alone by the lake as she remembers what Sakuto last told her, when the regression starts, he doesn't want to be seen by Haruka like that.
Seated on the floor with his back on the bed, Sakuto reaches for his notepad. In doing so, his watch falls to the floor. He tries to finish the note about Haruka with so much difficulty. Until someone steadies his grip so he can write properly, his papa.
Don't meet Haruka because you love her.
Sakuto then falls asleep.
It's morning already. Rio still hasn't waken up so Yanagawa and Hiyama plans go out for air until they hear Mai exclaiming Rio! They run into her room. Mai asks Rio how is she feeling. She just says before her eyes, there was a black fog.
Haruka's phone rings. Hachisuka tells her he was contacted by Sugino. It seems Rio's operation was successful. Haruka thanks Hachisuka and tells him she will immediately go to Sakuto. Hachisuka asks her to wait but Haruka ends the call cutting what Hachisuka was about to say about Sakuto.
Haruka runs on the street and accidentally falls after colliding with someone. Her watch stops functioning.
Kawaguchi visits Sakuto in his hotel room. Sugino and Kokubo were already there with him. Kawaguchi says it's thanks to Sakuto that his daughter is now awake. Words of gratitude aren't enough so he hands Sakuto a blank check. Any amount is okay, he can write whatever he wants. Sakuto takes it and stares at it then blows his nose on it.
In a cab, Haruka sees Sakuto walking by the street so she gets off and chases him. Haruka calls Sakuto's name but when they get to face each other though, Sakuto just looks at her, looks at the notepad he's been holding then walks away. Haruka remembers Sakuto watching his old video and she cries with the realization and crouches with hurt.
Sakuto looks back at her. Seeing her crying, he walks back and pulls out Haruka's earring from his pocket. He hands it to her, which makes Haruka lighten up a bit. Sakuto smiles and walks away. Haruka's face falls again and tears resume.
In his office, Konuma tries to stop Hachisuka from throwing away the stocked ALG saying there are still a lot of candidates to be a test subject. Just one is enough. Hachisuka tells her, Shiratori Sakuto is the only one in this world and is enough! Then he proceeds in throwing away ALG.
Sakuto continues to walk on his own.
Rio is discharged from the hospital. Hiyama is also there outside waiting for her with flowers. Rio thanks Hiyama for coming for her who tells her they still don't know of Sakuto's whereabouts. Rio says she still hasn't thanked him.
Hiyama then says that the reason for his coming and him not coming is not just that. The world they live in is different. Rio tries to refute that it doesn't matter, didn't Hiyama until now came for her? Hiyama says though it's just because she was sick and thought she was pitiful.
Rio doesn't believe him, if it's her papa, she says once again but Hiyama asks her not to. Things are as is. But Rio has succeeded in running away. The picture book has been closed. Hiyama smiles and Rio agrees with a smile. She then gets called and leaves.
In the club, Yanagawa searches for Mai and uses the line she used to tell him why? Why is it that you don't answer when I call you many times? Mai tells him it's understood that since Rio and Hiyama broke up already then the two of them ended too. Yanagawa doesn't understand that because if he did then he wouldn't have come to there. Mai's friend then comments if this guy is her stalker. Yanagawa corrects her, he's a guy from a flower shop.
Mai just stands up to tell him that they have no relation whatsoever, they were just normal friends. Yanagawa isn't happy with that excuse and says they were connected weren't they? Hiyama, Rio, them. Did she get inclined to just forget about it? Mai says fine, she understands then bids Yanagawa goodbye. Yanagawa accepts it and leaves.
Mai asks him to wait though. This place has a rule in saying goodbye, that is to let the person drink champagne from your mouth. Yanagawa takes the champagne flute from Mai, drinks it and kisses her.
Hachisuka goes inside the laboratory that used to hold Algernon. When he was about to inject himself with ALG, Sugino sees him. Haruka soon follows inside as with Kokubo and the rest of the team. Sugino tells him taking ALG is a suicidal act. Haruka takes away the injection from Hachisuka and asks him, he should know that right.
Sugino then says before his regression started, he asked me for a favor. After he goes back to his old self, for quite some time, even if it's day or night, he wants me to pay attention to you. Hachisuka realizes. Sakuto? Sugino continues, he said, my other father. Hachisuka breaks down. Kokubo invites him to start a new research. Konuma adds, please let us see a genius' way of thinking again. Sugino tells Hachisuka everyone supports him, the whole team. Hachisuka thanks everyone in tears.
As business continues at Dream Flower Service, Kokubo runs saying why did I only notice at this time... He reaches Dream Flower Service shouting if the friends are here. The boys look weirdly at him. Yanagawa as usual doesn't even look up from his phone. Kokubo repeats are Saku-chan's friends here? Hiyama looks at him. One of the boys ask who Kokubo is. Kokubo just says are Saku-chan's equal friends here? All others including Takebe look at Yanagawa then at Hiyama.
Hiyama goes out of his room with a bag, packing Sakuto's jacket in as Yanagawa goes out of his room too with his bag. They face Takebe who just says its okay, hurry and go. They both thank him for being under his care. They also say goodbye to the other boys showing Hiyama and Shikauchi have made up already. Soon they arrive at the forest and using Kokubo's tablet (the one he used to track Algernon back in episode 1), they search the place.
Finally, they see the GPS that was used to be attached on Algernon's head as a helmet. It's on a stick on Algernon's grave. Yanagawa shouts aikyodesho. Soon, they see Sakuto sleeping nearby, using his bag as pillow, wearing the scarf from his mother, the notepad near his head. Hiyama places Sakuto's jacket on him then he and Yanagawa lie next to Sakuto. Yanagawa says well then from now on I wonder how will we go on. Hiyama tells him with a smile won't we manage somehow. Yanagawa agrees with a laugh.
Sakuto's notepad is shown:
Don't worry
at Algernon's grave
wait for your equal friends
And there's a picture of Algernon and the mound indicating his grave with his helmet GPS.
2 months after, it's summer already. Haruka's at that place in the mall where she and Sakuto got their watches. Then, she attends to a lost boy. She plays janken with him until his mama came for him with a yellow balloon. After the boy leaves, Haruka remembers what Madoka told her - Since that person is sincere, the truth is, there's probably one more. Haruka repeats, there is one more. She wears her watch again and thinks Now, even if we're separated once, one day, with that resolve, I will...
By the beach, it's Yanagawa and Hiyama who's taken over the Lucas' Burger stall now also called Aikyodesho Burger.
A hand then taps on girls in the beach. Sakuto says they're cute and invites them to eat burgers. Yanagawa's ecstatic there's a catch again. Hiyama says it's because the lure is good.
I want to become smart. If I become smart, everyone, everyone will be happy and laugh. Me too I will be happy and laugh.
Sakuto plays aikyodesho with the customers and one comments the stuffed mouse in display is cute. Sakuto tells them it's Algernon.
God, please make me smart.
Sakuto looks up at the sky, says Algernon and smiles.
And on Algernon's grave, blue roses have bloomed. The hiragana card for "A" has been left there too and on it written, Algernon's grave.
Note: the flower language of a blue rose is miracle, God's blessing, dream come true.
***
I know there's a lot of questions hanging here, especially in the latter half of the finale. Most important of all, does Sakuto still remember? I guess it's open to interpretation. Everyone's free to do so based on what we've seen. Personally, yes, obviously he regressed but not totally and I'm not so sure up to what extent. Did he take the medicine Hachisuka brought him? I'm inclined to think he did because at that point, his regression is starting and he needed to stop it, even momentarily just to get through the operation. Of course that drug is just a beta, its effectiveness isn't guaranteed. What does he still remember? Can he read? It seems so since he's able to refer to the note he left for himself. It seems to me he chose to live how he used to with all the simplicity. Afterall, he did tell Hachisuka that it's actually love that holds the world together, not intelligence. Why did he choose to stay away though from people who are important to him? (Madoka, Takebe, Haruka) I guess he knew that he has caused them pain or will cause them pain if the old him stays. Why with Yanagawa and Hiyama though? Just as it's said, they're equals. Sakuto won't be a burden to them and they wouldn't mind being with Sakuto either.
As for Haruka, what could be the "one more" (option) Madoka told her. Whatever that is, in her last scene, it seems she finally has come to a decision. I think she's now ready to accept Sakuto as is, how he chose to be. Of course, as a shipper of Sakuto/Haruka, I'd think of that, right? :D
With this "open to interpretation" kind of ending, it leaves us with the impression that of course it's up to us to choose how to live our life. Just like what Yamapi said in his jweb mail for the last episode, he himself realized the importance of time as well as the need to live life fully everyday. Like Sakuto, we may certainly lack in some things but we have other traits we could be proud of. And don't we all have the capacity to love :) The drama showed different kinds of love and what true love is.
I wonder what could be my favorite scene in this episode. One is probably that proper talk of the mother and son; The other, Sakuto and Hachisuka in the hotel room. That short 'Shiratori family' scene was heartwarming as well. I practically cried at almost every scene but the scenes I cried the most are those that didn't even have any dialogue - Sakuto clutching the scarf his mama gave him and his papa helping him finish his notes T____T In the end of this story, who among the characters actually grew the most? It's Hachisuka isn't it.
Naturally, as a fan, I am very proud Yamapi was able to play such a character. I'll be forever grateful to TBS, the rest of the wonderful cast, the staff, the director/s, scriptwriter Ikeda Natsuko and most especially Nojima Shinji who I have admired long before.
And to everyone who has reached reading up to this point (hopefully there is lol), thank you! Thank you for reading my summaries and thoughts no matter how plain and boring it looks, no matter how amateur my Japanese is. But I really did my best (^^;;) I wanted so bad to properly understand this wonderful work so I ended up writing my understanding. Just as what I always warn about, my translations aren't perfect so please don't judge me badly too much :) do tell me if you find anything I've said is off. Special thanks to the comments as well, I love knowing the viewers thoughts since I love this drama so much!! That's why I wanted everyone to be able to appreciate it as well.
My Friday nights will never be the same but now, I will be able to take a breather during the weekend from watching over and over each episode trying to understand it :P I'll have more time now to concentrate on my Japanese class. And right on time, I have a lot of assignments to do this week lol but see you in 2 weeks for the Gyoten drama special!!!
Aikyodesho!!! (^-^)v