Land of the Dead and the Stench of Death
A story set in the African nation of Africana, where China seeks land rights and the president, eager to enrich himself while in power, maneuvers behind the scenes.
Both sides intend to exploit each other to the fullest, but the Chinese bureaucrats holding a portion of power have the upper hand.
The people of Africana, unwilling to let China take their land, spark conflicts across the region.
Enter Golgo 13, appearing amidst guerrilla groups.
At this point, it’s unclear whether China or Africa commissioned Golgo.
To thwart practical interests, lethal flies are released to overpower the guerrillas.
Amidst the repression, Golgo himself is stung by a venomous bee.
Furthermore, in an attempt to avoid danger, the vial of serum he carried is shattered.
In the midst of this, he coincidentally ends up teaming up with a woman from the guerrilla forces to escape.
The woman sees Golgo 13 as an enemy of the Chinese. (Golgo is not portrayed as purely Japanese in the story.)
However, as Golgo repeatedly saves her from pursuers, her perception begins to change.
She, too, becomes instrumental in saving Golgo from the poison, becoming Golgo 13’s savior upon his recovery.
Golgo 13 never forgives those who target him and will hunt them down no matter where they flee on Earth.
The initial target was the president, but Golgo efficiently eliminates the Chinese bureaucrats who targeted him as well.
Before parting ways with the woman, Golgo 13 tells her:
“If you ever find yourself in trouble, call me. I’ll be there to help.”
He hands her his contact information and, as a token of gratitude, gives her a large sum of money.
As Golgo leaves, the woman, now aware of Golgo’s name, finally realizes that he’s not Chinese.
It’s highly unusual for Golgo to give his contact information to someone who doesn’t offer him immediate benefits, but it underscores his gratitude to the woman for her dedicated efforts to help him recover from the poison.
The words Golgo leaves behind reveal much about the story:
“There’s no need to justify rewards for deeds done. Don’t die.”
The Miracle Boy
The protagonist is Greg, a boy with an incurable disease.
Diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor, Greg’s doctors declare that there’s little time left for him.
They advise him to imagine the tumor shrinking away with a strong image in his mind, as there’s nothing more medicine can do.
While bird-watching, an event unfolds that changes everything.
Greg accidentally witnesses Golgo 13 practicing shooting before a mission fro
m a far-off distance through a telescope!
Greg is astonished to see Golgo hit the center of a coin, his target, from such a long distance.
For a moment, Golgo merely glances in the direction of the lens, undoubtedly noticing Greg.
Greg startles but decides to play dead, not wanting to interfere, though it’s not a bear situation this time (laughs).
Yet, did his spontaneous action prove effective?
Or did Golgo simply assess that Greg wouldn’t disrupt his mission?
However, from that day on, Greg can’t help but worry about when Golgo 13 might come to finish him off, forgetting even about his serious illness.
In the midst of this, Golgo completes his mission, shooting his target in the head.
Greg is haunted by nightmares of being sniped by Golgo 13, but Golgo never attempts to snipe him.
Later, after waiting anxiously, Greg receives an explanation from his doctor that his tumor has significantly shrunk.
The image of Golgo shooting him in the head overlaps with the image of the tumor being shot, bringing about a positive effect.
Months pass, and Greg’s tumor almost disappears, all thanks to Golgo 13, though Golgo himself is entirely unaware of it, saving a single boy’s life.
European Renaissance: The EU Auto War
In a story where Golgo 13 appears in about ten percent of the entire narrative, the plot progresses, a common characteristic of Golgo’s appearances in stories (laughs).
As the title suggests, various countries within the EU vie for dominance in the automobile sales competition.
Numerous companies reminiscent of well-known ones make their appearance.
Even the CEO of a certain Japanese company, who fled to Japan to evade public scrutiny, plays a significant role (laughs).
However, Japan often appears as a weak country easily overwhelmed by other advanced nations.
While France and Italy struggle with economic downturns, Germany thrives.
Yet, it’s not just Germany that prospers; politicians and power brokers from various countries move to promote EU-wide revitalization and European integration.
In the midst of intersecting ambitions, snipers are hired to eliminate figures deemed obstructive.
However, the opposing faction turns to the world’s best sniper, Golgo 13, for assistance.
Golgo eliminates an Italian veteran sniper with a single shot.
Behind the scenes, the existence of a woman grieving the death of that sniper emerges…
Despite lofty words and grand accomplishments, behind the scenes, individuals engage in rather mundane activities.
Balancing between toughness and flexibility is one way to live without accumulating significant stress.
The leader of the wise men’s council, emphasizing softness too much, ends up hanging himself.
Even after reaching the 200th volume milestone, Golgo 13 never retires as a sniper.
As long as clients worldwide refuse to accept Golgo 13’s retirement, he will continue to accept missions that adhere to his rules…