Shiori Kitano grew up with her father and three older brothers.
Her mother died at a young age, and it devastated her father. He turned violent, and drank and gambled.
One day, he didn't come home.
Two of her brothers left, and Shiori had no idea what to do. She and her remaining brother Shinya looked out for each other.
Shinya quit school and worked hard. He took care of Shiori in the absence of any parents.
Shiori helped at home as much as possible. She also stayed awake to welcome him at night
and diligently continued her schoolwork.
That became their way. Shiori finished grade school and earned a scholarship to a prestigious university.
Meanwhile her brother Shinya worked hard and rose in the ranks, gaining his company's respect.
Their lives were by no means easy, but in the face of hardship they persevered.
At the end of the day they had each other, and a humble happiness.
That happiness would not last long.
One day while Shiori took her usual dinner, Tatsumi Ogata came calling.
"Are you Shiori Kitano?" he asked. "Your father owes us a sizeable debt. You are the collateral."
Nothing Shiori said could move the stranger. Ogata escorted her into a car.
That was the last moment of Shiori's freedom.