After rigorously preparing for a qualifying exam, journalist Jake Adelstein is hired as the first American crime reporter for Japan's prestigious newspaper Meicho Shimbun, where he's quickly tasked with covering the case of a stab victim. As he works to get an 'in' with local detectives, Jake soon finds himself in the middle of another horrific crime scene and becomes determined to connect the cases - at whatever cost.

The high from Jake's first published piece quickly fades as he struggles to connect the two victims - and learns that nothing comes for free. Meanwhile, as the brazen crime boss Tozawa begins to encroach on their territory, the rival Chihara-Kai scramble to collect what's theirs, and Samantha takes another hostess, Malee, under her protection. Then, Jake witnesses a confrontation that changes everything.

After proving himself to Detective Katagiri, Jake learns an invaluable lesson on the relationship between the police and the yakuza before receiving an opportunity to witness it firsthand. Samantha shares her future plans with Malee and hits it off with a new customer. As Chihara-Kai questions leadership, Sato waffles between using his words... or his 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 Ishida, the head of Chihari-Kai, with an impossible ask.

After consulting with Polina, Samantha endeavors to take care of her Matsuo problem, and grows closer with Sato. Once he delivers on his end of the bargain, Jake must decide if he's willing to accept a favor from Ishida. Then, as he struggles with his commitment to Chihara-Kai, Sato learns a devastating lesson in loyalty.

When an emergency Yakuza Peace Summit is called, Tozawa's attempt to buy his way out of trouble doesn't go as planned. 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.