With the announcement of the decision not to prosecute, Tada and his underlings instigate a smear campaign against Matsuda in the tabloids and online.

Matsuda seeks out Kurosaki to try to get more evidence; Murakami is severely reprimanded for digging too deep. Ryo applies for a job at Touto News.

Murakami investigates Matsuda's brother while the fallout from Suzuki's actions increases public interest in the case — and pressure on officials.

Murakami meets with Matsuda in Kohei's hospital room. Mayumi prepares to sue the government, and then asks Matsuda to come with her to meet someone.

Suzuki and his colleagues continue "revising" documents as Matsuda contacts potential sources and Murakami starts surveilling a list of targets.

Matsuda's editor pulls her off a dead-end corruption investigation to chase down malfeasance involving Eishin Academy. A cover-up begins.