After rigorously preparing for a qualifying exam, journalist Jake Adelstein is hired as Meicho Shimbun's first American crime reporter. Quickly tasked with covering two cases that appear unrelated, Jake soon stakes his career - and life - on connecting the dots.

As crime boss Tozawa dangerously toes the line between territories, the rival Chihara-Kai scramble to collect what's theirs. Samantha takes another hostess under her protection, while Jake witnesses a confrontation that changes everything.

Jake's persistence pays off when he receives an exclusive from Detective Katagiri - but catches the less ideal eye of someone else in the process. As Samantha hits it off with a new customer, Chihara-Kai questions leadership, while Sato chooses between words and fists.

As Samantha takes a big leap toward realising her goals, her past becomes a sudden roadblock. Meanwhile, Jake makes major strides in connecting the cases with help from Emi, Tin-Tin, and Trendy - only to be confronted by the head of Chihara-Kai, with an impossible ask.

When Jake helps reveal the mole in Chihara-Kai, he must weigh the risks of accepting a favour in return from Ishida. After consulting with Polina, Samantha endeavours to take care of her Matsuo problem. Sato's recruitment ends with a devastating lesson in loyalty.

An impromptu Yakuza Peace Summit finds Tozawa at the mercy of his own actions. As she grows closer with Sato, Samantha must also begin to settle her debts with Matsuo. After receiving a loaded tip from Ishida, Jake stops at nothing to see it through.

Jake feels the weight of Katagiri's rejection after the botched raid - but doubles down on his efforts to help Emi with a murder investigation. As Samantha grows frantic over Polina's disappearance, Sato feels the pressure of his elevated standing in Chihara-Kai.

As Samantha risks it all for Polina's safe return, Sato is forced to handle a problematic recruit, and Jake receives an unscheduled visit from Tozawa's men with a clear message. Katagiri devises a plan to finally take down the Yakuza boss once and for all.