In a quiet examination room of the outpatient wing at St. Louis International Hospital, Asakura and Mishima sat side by side, reviewing patient charts in silence.

P, Q, and R—three individuals who had once been enrolled in the clinical trial for the experimental drug LX-301.

Asakura brought Patient P’s imaging up on the monitor. Mishima nodded as he studied the screen.

“Cardiac function is stable. No abnormal blood markers. No pleural effusion, and the CT shows no signs of recurrent pleural mesothelioma.”

“So P’s mesothelioma hasn’t returned…” Asakura exhaled softly. “It’s remarkable they’ve made it this far.”

When they moved on to Patient Q, Mishima smiled.

“Chemotherapy worked well. Nearly complete remission. Liver and kidney function are both normal. The one-year post-trial follow-up will be finished soon.”

Finally, they reviewed Patient R—once diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor and treated with both surgery and the trial drug.

“No signs of recurrence,” Mishima said quietly. “Radiologically and clinically, everything looks excellent.”

Asakura closed the chart and murmured, almost to himself,

“…This drug truly carried hope. If not for everything that happened, how many more lives might have been saved.”

Mishima nodded in agreement.

Globear Pharma

At the same time, change was taking place inside Globear Pharma as well.

Takizawa—the researcher who had once looked away under orders from the former development director—was disciplined with a salary reduction following the internal investigation. Yet through his whistleblowing and honest testimony, he gradually regained trust within the company.

And then, a new initiative was launched.

The Regenerative Medicine Clinical Drug Development Project.

Takizawa’s name appeared once again on the list of core members.

Believe in the medicine. Never betray the patients.

Holding that conviction close, Takizawa put on his lab coat and opened the laboratory door once more.

Mishima hesitated, then turned to Asakura.

“By the way… have you heard anything about Ms. Takako Sugihara since then?”

Asakura nodded and closed the chart in front of him.

“Yes. I received an official report from the professor of cardiology at Nagoya University. According to the department head, her recovery has been extremely smooth.”

He continued,

“She was originally in the placebo group, so no dramatic improvement was expected. Even so, her progress has exceeded predictions.”

Mishima’s expression softened with relief.

“That’s… wonderful news. I’m really glad.”

Asakura smiled, then added as if remembering something,

“Oh—she mentioned she’ll be coming back to Tokyo for work. She invited you and Mirei to have dinner this Saturday.”

“Saturday? Yes, I’m free,” Mishima replied without hesitation.

Asakura lowered his gaze slightly, choosing his words.

“…I’ve decided to decline this time. I’ve been thinking about a few things—and I already have other plans that day. I’ve explained it to Ms. Sugihara.”

Mishima looked up, surprised.

“Oh… I see. When you say ‘thinking about things’—is that related to everything that happened?”

Asakura paused before answering quietly.

“Yes. Even if only briefly, I caused public concern. I’ve been reflecting on my responsibilities as a physician.”

Mishima blurted out,

“What are you saying? To me, you’re a hero.”

Asakura laughed softly.

“Thank you. I appreciate that. But… once I finish my residency, I’m thinking about working overseas for a while.”

“Overseas?”

“Yes. I’m certified by the ECFMG. Though…”
He hesitated.
“Given recent events, the U.S. might be difficult. Actually—my fiancée is in Singapore now.”

“Singapore?!”

“So if I can find work there, it may be a good option.”

Mishima’s eyes widened, then he nodded slowly.

“I see… Wherever you go, I’m sure you’ll be welcomed. Honestly, they’d be lucky to have you.”

Then, with a faint, lonely smile, he added,

“…But it’s still sad to think of you going so far away. I really respect you, Doctor. That’s why… it’s complicated.”

Asakura lowered his eyes for a moment, then looked back at Mishima.

They stood there in silence, meeting each other’s gaze—
each carrying unspoken thoughts in their hearts.