Soda Master (2026) s01e04 Episode Script

TANBE MIDDLE SCHOOL
MOVIE RESEARCH CLUB
Chins up!
Lower your hips!
Jut your butts out!
Arms higher!
That's it for today.
I'll stay behind and continue.
What are you doing here, bowl-cut kid?
Watching naughty videos?
Or maybe having a good time
with your teacher?
What?
Why are you looking at me like that?
You want to get hurt again,
you otaku punk?
Your bowl cut pisses me off.
Tsukkun!
You Tanbe Middle otakus are pretty good!
What's that?
Mocchan, Takeo, go!
Take this!
Damn it…
Hey!
Ouch!
No way… How could a bowl-cut otaku be so…
I'm not the kid I once was.
Wait… Stop…
Suppress your fury, Kam-Bo.
Master.
I'll talk to them later.
-But they're at fault--
-Quiet.
Through your training,
you guys have received great power.
But kung fu is not a tool
to pick fights with people.
Never use it in brawls again. Understood?
KIKUHARA SALON
You wanted to keep it
just barely touching his brows,
so this length is fine.
It doesn't touch his brows at all!
Shouldn't it be at least this long
to count as "barely touching"?
I think "barely touching" means
"basically not touching."
Then call it "not touching"!
Kids' hair grows quickly.
So this length is better… Right?
I apologize. No need to pay this time.
No, I'll pay.
No, I really can't take your money.
Are you sure?
I feel kind of guilty.
Please come again.
Next time, I'll go to my mom's salon!
Yes, let's do that.
Thank you.
Kisuke, where is my lunch?
You had it already.
You're tricking me again.
Do you plan to starve
your mother to death?
We were investigating the disappearance
of Matilda, an art teacher
from 37 years ago,
when we ran into the Warden of Hell,
Jason, Mr. Chan's nemesis,
Mr. Eto, a PE teacher,
and got an important clue from him.
So you mean he was a stalker?
What kind of man was he?
He apparently smelled of alcohol.
Alcohol?
The culprit was a drunkard stalker.
The first one I can think of
is that idiot Hachiro.
That punk always loitered around town,
and he was always drunk.
I don't think so.
Hachiro was a local celebrity.
Eto would have known him.
If he meant Hachiro,
he would have said his name.
Oh, and besides,
Hachiro died
in a traffic accident ages ago.
I remember it was in the papers.
What do you think?
You said you wouldn't be back here.
It's our duty to report
important clues, right?
It can help your investigation.
We aren't investigating.
-What's your name again?
-Officer Tsurumi. Bet you won't remember.
Why don't you investigate it on your own?
In dramas, the maverick detective
often ignores orders
and does things on his own.
I don't want to be a maverick!
We won't come back.
Yes, I hope you keep your word!
"He smelled of alcohol"
isn't really a clue, I think.
It isn't, yes.
Are those court documents?
Yes.
I can't understand them at all.
But for the company,
and the entire industry…
I can't afford to lose.
How is your work, Chan?
I'm working on a new project.
Do your best.
Both of you were my idols, after all.
Kam-Bo, how is your life lately?
Me?
I'm the same as always.
I cut people's hair,
shampoo, then shave them.
A peaceful life.
Can I try?
-Really?
-Yes.
I'm drawing a cow, basically.
-A cow?
-Yes.
Okay.
THICK MILK LATTE
HONEY SPICE LATTE
Like this, I guess.
You're super good!
I draw on my shop's blackboard, too.
Since we were kids,
Kam-Bo has always been a genius at art.
We all thought he would be
a pro manga artist.
I'm not that good.
Your problem
is that you don't have confidence!
I met you at the Manga Research Club,
and gave up on becoming an artist!
You're good.
Once you go pro, give me your autograph!
Going pro…
You can do it. You must!
If you want to be a pro,
you've got to learn from the masters.
Like Osamu Tezuka.
Or Fujiko, Akatsuka, Ishinomori…
TANBE CENTRAL SHOPPING DISTRIC
They're from Second Middle School…
Let's run.
You looked at us funny.
We like beating up
bowl-cut kids, you know.
Just looking at your Tanbe Middle
uniform makes us sick!
I'm from Tanbe Middle too.
Fine.
How about a three-on-three fight?
Then, we had a huge brawl.
How could you fight over just that?
I mean…
Every time we passed
those punks from that school,
we would end up fighting.
I don't get it.
Be-Bop High School was a hit back then,
tons of idiot kids wanted to mimic it.
Yuen was in a bad mood because
of his elbow so he got violent.
You hit them first!
It was you! Then we all got beaten up.
Then the police came,
and I was kicked off the team.
And the Manga Club got closed down.
That club only had me
and Chan to begin with,
so it didn't meet requirements.
Then you three formed the Movie Club?
Thinking back,
if the Manga Club had carried on,
maybe you would have been an artist,
and I would have taken over
the family business
and become a carpenter.
-That's the better timeline.
-Don't say that!
Mr. Kam-Bo, why did you give up
on your dream?
I wasn't good enough to go pro.
That's not true!
Because of your family, right?
Kam-Bo lost his dad early on.
His mom took over the barbershop
and raised him.
So you had to take over
the family business…
Kam-Bo was too kind.
Not at all.
His mom was nice and pretty.
She often came to pick him up
at our club. "Kisuke!"
"It's late already!" Like that.
Is she doing fine?
Yes, thank goodness.
How about your parents?
My mom died four years ago,
and my dad followed her a year later.
My dad passed last year. Take care of her.
Yes.
You can start drawing manga now, you know.
Yes, tons of sites exist now.
Some get famous from social media.
It's never too late to chase your dream.
But of course, it's never that easy.
-We know that well at our age.
-Even then, you should do it.
He has a lifestyle to uphold.
It's not easy.
You have to sacrifice things
to get what you want!
I'm telling you,
don't blindly force him into it.
KIKUHARA SALON
MANGA POSTING SITE
MANGA SUBMISSION SITE - NAMEPOR
CREATORS PASS
All right.
WANTS TO REDO HIS LIFE
FUJIRO HIGASHIMIYA
IN HIS 50S - GOT FIRED RECENTLY
TO BE REBORN
WHAT WAS I LIVING FOR?
I'M USED TO LIVING
WITHOUT HOPING FOR ANYTHING
Looking good.
You want a second chance at life?
Fancy another chance at life, huh?
Another chance? You can give me that?
Where are you going?
-The pool.
-The pool? Don't be ridiculous.
I'm on the swim team.
I have to practice.
You never told me you swam.
Your hair has gotten longer.
Let me cut it for you. Sit.
Girls don't like sloppy guys, you know.
Yuen, you should be an action star.
You're cool.
No way. He's too wooden.
I think being a journalist sounds nice.
A journalist?
I see.
Your brother also wants
to be a reporter, right?
You always mimic your big bro.
Chan, will you be a director?
Not sure…
Kam-Bo, you'll draw manga, right?
Well…
You can definitely do it!
Don't give up on drawing, okay?
Right…
You should draw and join this,
but don't let your mom know.
She can't complain if you win!
But the world is ending in 1999 anyway.
-No way that's going to happen!
-Your mom is here.
Good evening.
Evening, ma'am!
-Good evening.
-Oh, hello.
Sorry I kept them this long.
Okay, let's call it a day.
Fine.
Yoshii, Fujimaki,
you both need haircuts too.
Come to our place anytime.
Sure.
May I come too?
Sure! Ladies are always welcome.
That's great. I'll see you sometime.
Time for your bath!
Sure.
What is this?
Don't look at my stuff.
I don't think I can afford
a nursing home for her…
If you want more time for yourself
we could arrange for more home care.
The problem is our staffing.
A labor shortage, right?
Yes. We're at full capacity now.
My mother is very picky about people.
Don't touch the razor! The blade!
It's dangerous!
Your father…
He often said shaving
is the only thing I was good at.
I was the one who taught you.
She’s lucid sometimes.
It's true, my mother's face-shaving
was very popular.
Even female customers…
Been a while since I've had a face shave.
Thank you.
Come again anytime.
Yes.
By the way, how is my child at school?
He steps in between Yoshii and Fujimaki
when they start bickering.
Oh, so cute!
You really took this seriously.
Yes, we practiced hard.
Matilda was very Spartan.
"Kung fu movies are all
about real action!"
She made us do the same stunts
as Li Lianjie, for God's sake!
Oh, Li Lianjie is Jet Li.
-I don't know either of them.
-No?
No.
Kam-Bo, what's wrong?
We did practice kung fu a lot, right?
I wanted to keep up with you two,
so I practiced desperately,
and became strong…
And I even used that power.
Against those "Be-Bop" guys.
You bowl-cut otaku!
I have memories like that.
Kam-Bo, that's not a memory, it's…
Middle Schooler Syndrome!
Right? I know.
That's why I was also
too embarrassed to say it.
There are so many Matildas.
The brains of otaku sure are interesting.
But Matilda also said something.
I will talk to them later.
And then, recently, I remembered.
The leader of that group
came to our barbershop.
-To see Matilda.
-To see Matilda?
And not just once,
I think he came many times.
Maybe Matilda went to talk to them,
and he started stalking her.
Maybe he was the stalker.
A middle schooler?
-Mr. Eto didn't say a middle schooler.
-He's the type who would withhold info.
-But the stalker "smelled of alcohol."
-Not just alcohol…
I think he smoked and huffed paint too.
Your common sense
is so different from mine…
But would he really kill her?
He would!
Guys like that often go too far
and end up killing someone.
Then… Let's find that "Be-Bop" kid.
Ms. Hakuba, try calling out
for clues on social media.
He probably hasn't had a decent life.
I don't think we should blindly ask
for people's info on social media.
People get angry
when their personal info is exposed.
-Don't worry about it.
-We're investigating a crime!
Even if he became a yakuza?
Okay, no social media.
Privacy is important.
No matter who he may be now,
we have to fight when it's time to fight!
Huh?
What's with you?
Kam-Bo's special move,
Mantis Style!
Good morning.
Hello.
You're early today.
We got a new employee.
I am Hiroko Mishima.
Nice to meet you.
I'm Kikuhara. Nice to meet you.
Mother.
A new helper is here.
I'm Hiroko Mishima.
I don't have much experience,
but I'll do my best…
Oh, wow…
What a lovely person you are.
I'm happy.
Nice to meet you too.
Yes.
-You like her, right, Mom?
-I do.
We often played baseball
against Second Middle.
I contacted a kid from back then
and found out.
Among those punks, one was especially bad.
And I found out his name.
Masamichi Tsukuda.
What a punkish name!
His friends called him Tsukkun.
Oh, I think I heard that nickname!
His family was supposedly dangerous.
He caused trouble even in high school,
and was expelled in no time.
-No one knows about him after that.
-He could be a real criminal!
-Kam-Bo.
-What?
You're drawing one, right?
What?
A manga, I mean!
I haven't seen this in a long time.
It's in your bag now, isn't it?
Are you finally in the mood?
I want to read it!
No, but…
I haven't made much progress.
I'm still thinking on it.
We can all give you ideas.
Let us read it! Right?
Yes, that's right.
If you don't want us to read it, we won't.
If you want a pro writer's opinion,
I'll do my best.
And I'll be honest too.
MS. MISHIMA, THE HELPER
Excuse me for a moment.
Hello, what's wrong?
What?
The police?
I'll be right back.
-What happened?
-An emergency. I have to head out.
You guys keep going.
What happened?
Kam-Bo.
I'm so sorry!
It's my fault.
I was getting ready to wipe her down,
and when I noticed…
She was gone?
I'm really sorry.
-Let's split up and look.
-Yes. Let's go!
Yes, this is Mishima.
I see.
Thank goodness!
Seems she has been found.
Yes, thank you very much.
Here you go.
Where were you planning to go?
Why were you walking in a place like that?
Mother!
That woman was mean to me.
I hate you. Get out!
That's enough.
How much trouble are you going to cause?
She's safe now. Let's be happy about that?
You must be tired.
Why don't you rest a bit?
Let's go rest, okay?
-Ms. Mishima.
-Yes.
Let's go.
The symptoms started appearing
two years ago, little by little.
Lately, she has been so unreasonable.
Her personality seems to have changed too.
And care costs money.
To be honest,
when I heard that she was found…
Of course, I was relieved.
I was relieved, but somewhere in my heart,
I was disappointed.
If my mother had just…
Then I could follow my own dreams.
That's what I thought.
I'm the worst, right?
In the end…
At this age, it is too late
to chase dreams.
You have to decide when you're young,
and not tied down to anything.
I couldn't aim for success like you, Yuen,
or forge my own path like you, Chan.
I have no choice but to stay here forever.
That is also admirable.
You are taking care of your mom.
While I caused my parents
nothing but trouble.
Are you still awake?
Apologize to Ms. Mishima.
You weren't being bullied.
Maybe she messed something up,
but she's still a rookie.
What are you talking about?
You are the one being bullied, right?
What?
Let me see.
I’m sorry, it’s all my fault.
I'll go tell your teacher.
Your hair has grown.
Let me cut it again.
Though I’m sure you would hate that.
You're annoying, Bowl-cut!
Stop right there, Bowl-cut!
Time to hunt the Bowl-cut!
-Stop!
-Stop right there!
I'm home.
Welcome back.
Are you being bullied?
We’re filming a kung fu movie.
It’s just from that.
It’s late, let’s cut it tomorrow.
HAKUBA: I SEARCHED FOR MASAMICHI TSUKUDA
AND FOUND THIS. IS IT HIM?
TENDER MIND SHONAN
"WITH KIND WORDS AND ACTIONS."
PRESIDEN
MASAMICHI TSUKUDA
CEO of Tender Mind…
Welcome.
REGIONAL WELFARE CENTER
TENDER MIND SHONAN
Okay, it's done. Here you go.
Thank you.
You always make me feel safe, Mr. Tsukuda.
Thank you, Ms. Nishida.
FOURTH BRANCH OPENING
-Mr. Tsukuda.
-Hello!
Oh, hello.
-Be careful.
-We will.
How was it?
It was delicious.
The seasoning was perfect. It was great.
Thank you for the meal.
To be honest, I never imagined it.
That you would be doing
this wonderful work.
When I think about the past,
I feel truly ashamed.
It was youthful folly,
but I caused you all so much trouble.
No…
I mean, we were all just kids.
I was such a punk when I was young.
I often got into trouble with the police.
I was a truly stupid kid.
The person who changed me is my wife.
She gave me a truly good scolding.
That’s when I decided,
"I’ll be reborn."
"I’ll devote myself to helping people."
So you went into caregiving?
It’s not a job that makes a lot of money,
but it’s rewarding.
Even though I'm like this,
they rely on me and thank me.
There is a joy in it that money can't buy.
Many of my young staff
were also punks in their youth.
I wanted to show them
that you can start your life over.
If you know someone
looking for a nursing home,
please let me help.
Oh, well…
About the matter I mentioned in the email.
The teacher named Michiru Miyashita.
Yes, I remembered.
That beautiful teacher.
I think, after we had
that run-in with you all,
she once barged into my place.
I knew it.
She looked truly scary.
I remember being terrified.
I acted tough,
but I was weak against women.
I just stood there
with my face bright red.
That’s about all I remember.
I didn't know she had gone missing.
It seems there was a man stalking her.
And that man smelled of alcohol.
Despite how I look, I can't drink.
I can't drink a drop, not then, not now.
But you came to his house before, right?
The barbershop. Kikuhara Salon.
To see Matilda…
I mean, Ms. Miyashita.
You were outside the shop,
watching with a grin. And not just once.
Oh, I remember now.
That's because…
Oh, man.
It's shameful to say this,
but I thought she was pretty.
Your mother.
I wanted to go in to get my hair cut,
but I never had the courage to enter.
Watching from the outside
was the best I could do.
I'm sorry.
How is your mother?
About that, I need to ask you…
Stop it.
Let’s just listen.
This place is expensive.
It’s not in our budget.
Is it for your mother?
Don't worry about the budget.
There are various subsidies,
and I will personally arrange things.
Isn't that a great offer?
Yes.
It’s less than two hours by highway.
Don't be a stranger.
We even fought before.
You fought?
I was surprised when you punched me back.
-With those kung fu-like moves.
-Kam-Bo did?
He used kung fu on you?
So it wasn't a delusion?
Please…
Let us take care of your mother.
You should take him up on the offer.
For your mother’s sake too.
I think it's the best choice.
You’ve truly become an admirable person.
I'm glad.
That we could let bygones be bygones
and build a new relationship.
Getting older isn't so bad, I think.
Your bowl cut pisses me off.
-Tsukkun!
-Mocchan, Takeo, go!
Take this!
-Here!
-Damned otaku…
Don't get cocky!
You crying? What's wrong? Hey!
Let’s go.
Serves him right.
Don't mess with us.
MOVIE RESEARCH CLUB
Don't you dare run away!
Get the bowl-cut kid!
Time for the bowl-cut hunt!
Bowl-cut hunt, yeah!
-Stop!
-Stop right there!
Stand up.
If you won't, we'll make you.
You cocky bowl-cut kid!
Are you being bullied?
We’re filming a kung fu movie.
It's just from that.
I’m sorry.
It’s all my fault.
It must feel great, doesn't it?
Living a new life,
calling your past crimes "a wild youth,"
and turning them
into sepia-toned memories…
Kam-Bo.
I remembered clearly.
I certainly fought back against you all.
And I beat you.
At least, that's how I chose
to remember it.
But that kind of movie kung fu
could never be useful.
The truth is, I only provoked your anger
and got beaten many times over.
After that, every time we met in town,
again and again.
You say you were bad in the past,
but you met someone you love
and turned your life around.
You learned the joy of serving others.
Everyone loves that kind of story.
But…
What happens to the people who were hurt?
Those living diligently,
quietly, just getting by.
What happens to the hearts of those
who were tormented?
Some people are still suffering, even now.
I know what I did was wrong.
I am sorry.
If you think it was wrong,
you should apologize.
But whether to forgive you…
That's for me to decide.
I--
Listen!
My father died from an illness
when I was in sixth grade.
To take over his shop,
my mother got a barber's license.
And even though she was clumsy,
she practiced every day
until late at night.
She often used me as a practice model.
But…
it never went well.
Did I cut too much again?
It looks a bit weird, right?
No. It looks cool.
I'm sorry.
She'd always say,
"I'm sorry."
"I'm sorry."
But…
I loved the way my mother cut my hair.
I loved seeing my mother work.
She was my pride.
And yet, you all made fun of that.
You insulted and hurt
my mother’s hard work.
I will not forgive you.
No matter how good a person you become,
no matter how much you are thanked,
I will never forgive you.
Not in the past, not now,
and not in the future.
Absolutely never!
Don't you ever forget that.
If you lay a single finger on my mother,
this time, I’ll truly beat
the shit out of you.
I just remembered.
When we first got into a fight with them,
the one who threw the first punch…
It wasn't me or you.
Fine.
How about a three-on-three?
He was the biggest psychopath of them all.
Mr. Tsukuda…
After you were so kind to us,
I'm sorry he's like that.
Well, it can't be helped.
You’ve become an admirable adult,
but we still suffer
from Middle Schooler Syndrome.
Keep doing good work
with your nursing home.
Kam-Bo.
You really gave it to him.
I think it's excellent.
The art is super good too.
Every school has kids
who are good at drawing.
But becoming a professional artist
is a different story.
But I like stories like this.
Yuen, Chan.
Give it to me straight.
It’s not bad.
If you fix it up,
it could get even better.
But, how should I put it…
It's the impulse. The "drive."
Yes.
You're right. The drive.
"I want to create this."
"I can't help but express this."
I don't have that kind of drive.
Unlike you, Chan.
I’ve known that since middle school.
Don't misunderstand.
I’m very happy right now.
Why?
Because I remembered.
Somewhere along the way,
I felt like I was living a boring life,
and I blamed my mother for it.
But…
the truth was different.
Your mother talked to me.
Are you being bullied?
It's those kids from before, right?
I will talk to them later.
Also…
Your mother told me one other thing.
Your mother…
She showed it to me, looking so happy.
"He's good, isn't he?
Can he become a pro?" she asked.
She asked me to push you
towards becoming a manga artist.
Because you always worry about others
and hide your true feelings.
I’ll give you some advice.
If you really want to be an artist…
Your life belongs to you.
You should do what you truly want to do.
I understand.
I'll do just that.
Oh, you're back?
Why are you staring like that?
I just think you look cool.
Weird boy.
Everyone thought I should be an artist,
so I forced myself to draw.
But I’ve decided
to follow my true feelings.
What I wanted to be,
what I admired…
was to be a barber like my mother.
I had already chosen my own path.
I was fulfilling my dream.
Life is a journey to answer questions
that have no right answer.
That’s why everyone worries,
gets lost, and ends up with regrets.
I'm home.
Welcome home.
I'm back.
Oh, Ms. Shoko.
You’ll catch a cold
sleeping in a place like this.
Shall we go to bed?
Please let her stay like this
a little longer.
I’ll carry her to bed.
I understand.
But maybe there’s no need to fear.
If there is no "right answer,"
then there are no "mistakes" either.
MASAMICHI TSUKUDA
Hello.
Thank you very much for today.
I’ve remembered a few things
since our meeting.
Have you looked into him?
What?
If anyone had feelings
for your teacher, it would be him.
Rumors were, he had a criminal record.
A criminal record?
Who do you mean?
The owner of Jupiter.
You have one too, miss.
Subtitle translation by: Quang N.N.