The Attempt on the Hornet

Nanao moves from uncertain suspicion to direct combat with the poisoner’s female partner, while evidence suggests the attack on Minegishi may involve a wider operation.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

A Clue in the Sleeper’s Pocket

A Clue in the Sleeper’s Pocket The photograph and the rumor Nanao notices a photograph on a dead passenger and hears that the man was seeking revenge against the person pictured. He connects the story to the Hornet, the professional rumored to have killed Terahara with poison. The identification remains speculative, but the possibility changes the meaning of Little Minegishi’s unexplained death. A hidden assassin may be aboard the same train.

The Attendant’s Identity

The Attendant’s Identity Suspicion becomes action Nanao’s contact identifies the snack trolley attendant as the likely Hornet. Nanao confronts her near the multipurpose room, where a snake escapes into the crowded gangway. The attendant attacks with a needle. Nanao is injured, but finds an injector and turns the poison weapon against her before hiding her body.

Minegishi Is Struck

Minegishi Is Struck A second target At Morioka, Minegishi arrives with his men and is later found collapsed with a needle in his back. Nanao and Maria suspect the train’s conductor may be the other half of the Hornet operation. The theory remains unconfirmed, but the timing suggests a coordinated attack on both Minegishi and his son. The train’s apparent chaos may have concealed a deliberate assassination plan.

After Omiya, while Nanao is aboard

Between Sendai and Ichinoseki

At Morioka Station, after the train arrives