This is quite a contest.
Which one?
Why, both, of course.
This is such fun.
I feel so alive right now.
A 7.62 mm Mirage
Days ago, in Northern Africa
Here you are.
Did you need anything else?
Hi!
You're always here around this time of day, aren't you?
That's 'cause I know I'll run into a cutie like you.
Oh, you...
Her injuries are relatively minor and not thought to be life-threatening.
So far, no one has claimed responsibility for the attack.
The scene of the shooting was crowded and it is believed that this was...
Looks like you weren't the only one after that waitress.
a factor in concealing the gunman's presence.
What a damn mess.
I hate that she was targeted because of me.
So much for my plan to seduce her.
A video has been posted on the website,
believed to show the type of ammunition the gunman used.
The gold-colored shell casing seen here...
D4 is a chess move, you see.
Old Zylberstein's calling me out.
You mean, the psychotic rich guy?
What're you gonna do, Lupin?
I'm totally wiped out after our last big job.
I don't have the energy to humor the elderly.
I figured as much.
In that case, I'm gonna get some shuteye, too.
This time, it looks like an officer on patrol has been shot in the arm.
We now have multiple shootings, and no statement from those responsible.
What could their motive be for these attacks?
Lupin III has accepted my invitation.
I'm expecting great things from you.
Well, it's been a while, Young Lupin.
About three years, I think.
Glad to see you're still in good health.
So we're playing chess this time?
Well? What are the stakes?
Hm, let's say a million euros.
I'm counting on you, partner.
The police have searched the scene of the shooting thoroughly,
but have yet to turn up any meaningful leads.
Hey, Jigen...
Ever hear of a sniper who goes by the name of Mirage?
Looks like the old man's been hunting for hired help.
Mirage... I haven't heard that name in a long time.
Used to be a sniper. A mercenary.
We've fought side by side a few times.
I see. This Mirage must be the one behind all the shootings.
Lupin. Mirage is a crack shot.
If you don't take this seriously, you're gonna end up with a hole in your head.
It'll be fine.
I've got an even better sniper watching my back, after all.
Maybe I'll help you track down this sniper friend who's got your back.
Aw, Jigen, that's ice cold, man!
Besides, you'll find him in the bathroom. Just look in the mirror!
He's an old— uh, dashing young fellow with a beard!
Hey, don't bother correcting yourself!
So... you in?
Just so you know, I didn't bring my rifle since I'm supposed to be on vacation.
Where are you?
Where, oh, where?
Bingo.
No... Mirage wouldn't be that stupid.
Dammit.
That's right, Mirage.
Looks like you and me have the first dance!
You really wanna see me die that badly?
We're not gonna make it easy for you, you realize.
I'm positively atingle at the prospect of seeing your head explode.
Like a watermelon.
You never learn.
By the way, young man...
Did you know Mirage was a woman?
Oh dear. Friends keeping secrets from each other...
Maybe he was scared I'd steal her out from under his nose.
You know, that girl...
She became a civil war refugee after her parents were killed in front of her.
So how did she end up as a sniper?
You could call it a twist of fate.
Her refugee camp was attacked by some vicious insurgent guerrillas, you see.
And?
She picked up the rifle of a dead French soldier
who had been attempting to protect the camp.
She was one hell of a hunter, you see. Took after her father.
I get what you're saying.
She grew up to be a superlative sniper.
The kind that is feared by enemies and allies alike.
That's when she got her nickname: Mirage.
People were getting shot by an illusion, huh?
When the civil war finally ended, she became a gun for hire to make a living.
I actually hired her a few times when she was first starting out.
Hey, Gramps...
You're leaving out the most important bit of info.
Oh? And what might that be?
Is she a fox?
Oh, yes! Your beloved Fujiko Mine pales in comparison.
Really?
What's this?
HEIAP rounds?!
Gotcha.
She predicted where I was going to be...
How'd she know?
Damn. Moving with the times, huh?
This is quite a contest.
Which one?
Why, both, of course.
This is such fun.
I feel so alive right now.
Never thought you'd quit before me.
I have a new fight now. One I'm really excited about.
D'you think you'll be able to manage?
Thanks for the concern, Jigen.
But I'll be okay.
I think I'll be stronger than ever if I'm fighting for someone else's sake.
Well, I've never been serious about protecting anyone other than myself.
So I wouldn't know.
That thing must be heavy...
Want me to take it off your hands?
I'll carry the weight.
All right.
I think I only made it this far because I've never gone up against you, Jigen.
And now, I'm relieved I never have to fight you.
The feeling's mutual.
Well... we'll probably never meet again...
Yeah. It's probably for the best.
What exactly are you protecting by coming back, Mirage?
Checkmate, I think.
Not yet.
I mean, for them.
Damn it all. This makes me wish I'd quit smoking.
A ricochet?
Looks like your luck ran out, Gramps.
Why?!
Dammit!
King... to F5....
King to F7.
Pawn to F3!
I resign, Gramps.
Got you!
Mirage!
What the hell?
But why? That rubble should've crushed you.
I shot it up.
And who are you supposed to—
Mirage's daughter, am I right?
Then... where is she?
My mother's still fighting. She's very sick.
She won't get better unless we get her to a hospital in Europe.
But we don't have that kind of money.
So, when you heard about this job, you applied for it yourself?
Cut the crap.
Mirage left the battlefield so she could raise you right!
And now you waltz straight back into it, just to make a bit of cash?
Shut up!
Even though we were living in peacetime, my mother taught me how to fight!
She told me if I ever had a reason to fight, she wouldn't stand in my way!
Well, this is that time! If I don't fight for her now, when will I take up arms?!
If you think you can make her better,
then do so!
All right, settle down, you two.
The fight's over now.
No, it's not!
I need that money!
And I'll provide you with what you need soon enough.
Before you refuse, I'm not talking about charity.
I lost to this old timer at chess.
So you get the pot. No small loss, believe me.
Your mom was a hell of a shot.
And I'm gonna butt in one last time before I go.
You're not cut out for this work.
No matter how hard you try,
you're never gonna be the sniper your mom was.
It's not too late. Turn your hand to something else.
Stop chasing a mirage.
Since I didn't kill you, I'm taking this.
I don't think you'll be needing it again.
Tell your mom you got rid of it.
I know she'll understand.
You sure you wanna let the old coot off the hook?
Once he's feeling better, I'll play him again.
Well, count me out.
Today shaved five years off my life.
You saved my butt, Jigen.
I appreciate it.
That girl... If she'd kept at it...
If she'd kept at it...
I think she might've become an even better sniper than her mom.
That thing looks heavy. Want me to carry it?
I'll bear the weight.
Daisuke Jigen here.
Looks like another thief has made off with our score before we could get our hands on it.
Wait, what the hell? It's Zenigata!
From cop to criminal... That's quite a career move.
And you're shockingly good at it, too.
Maybe you're better suited to be working on our side, pal.
Zenigata, Gentleman Thief
Next time: Zenigata, Gentleman Thief.
Good grief. Even Zenigata's crooked now.