A prequel to Himitsu that follows Maki Tsuyoshi and his best friend Suzuki Katsushiro during their college days.
 
The year is 2045, when MRI technology was still in its nascent stages. A decade ago Maki's parents were killed in a fire, and since then he's been living with his legal guardian Sawamura Satoshi, who suffered severe burns while rescuing him. Though he's convinced that his parents were murdered, Maki has no clues to help him find the culprits other than the hazy memory of a certain symbol.
 
Upon discovering that this symbol is associated with a powerful secret society called Premium that's based in Tokyo University, Maki enters the same college, hoping his top credentials will get him an invitation to Premium. He isn't chosen, but the more socially adept Suzuki is. Maki approaches Suzuki in hopes that he'll lend him his aid, and the two embark on a hunt for the truth.
 
Note: On hiatus between Aug. 2021 and Oct. 2024.

It's the 2060s, and Japan has perfected the "MRI System," a piece of neurotechnology that, when given the brain of a person who died within the past 48 hours, can analyze the visual memories contained within; even being able to give scientists a look into what the deceased saw in their final moments. Needless to say, this is a highly regarded – and greatly feared – method that has been placed under stringent restrictions and is only authorized for use by a special police unit, Section Nine, for the investigation of baffling or high-profile crimes.
 
Aoki Ikkou is a talented newbie who has just been assigned to Section Nine. He initially has qualms about delving into people's most private moments and analyzing their darkest fears and fantasies, but as he settles in with his teammates and warms up to his boss, the highly intelligent Maki Tsuyoshi, he becomes more and more competent at his job.
 
Though quick to develop pride in his career, Aoki still struggles to balance his family relationships and love life with his demanding workload, further complicated when he's drawn into the dark past and murky circumstances surrounding the outwardly cool and self-controlled but internally tormented Maki.
 
Note: Won an Excellence Award for manga at the 15th Japan Media Arts Festival in 2011.

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