Twenty-eight-year-old Junya Ukki and 25-year-old Masaki Satō are a comedy duo known as “Slenders,” struggling for three years in obscurity in the entertainment industry. One morning, Junya wakes up to find wild rumors spreading across social media: he has been falsely accused of being the perpetrator in a hit-and-run case involving a six-year-old girl that occurred years ago. With the statute of limitations about to expire, angry netizens, with nowhere else to vent their frustration, turn all their malice on this innocent young man.

The more Junya denies the accusations, the more viciously he is attacked. Netizens, cloaked in the guise of “anonymous vigilantes,” relentlessly dig into his past, expose his private life, and unleash a torrent of insults and online harassment, bringing his career and personal life to the brink of ruin. In his despair, Junya finally realizes that the only way to reclaim his life is to uncover the real culprit behind the crime.

This is not just a gripping mystery; it is also a stark, realistic exploration of the true nature of cyberbullying. The protagonist’s struggle resonates deeply, while the bond between the two comedians and the vividly drawn supporting characters add rich layers to the story. Written in clear, concise prose with a tight, fast-paced rhythm, the narrative keeps readers on the edge of their seats like a roller coaster. With unflinching honesty, it reveals the terrifying consequences of irresponsible online behavior. It serves both as an engaging read and as a powerful cautionary tale, reminding us to respect digital boundaries and human dignity—showcasing the courage of ordinary people as they seek the truth amidst a raging tide of hatred.

Kiyomi Fujii
Born in 1971 and raised in Tokushima Prefecture, Japan. She began writing stage plays while studying at Tsukuba University and has also worked on film screenplays. Her television and film scripts span a wide range of genres, from romantic dramas and thrillers to large-scale action films. As an editor, she has been involved in works such as “Rurouni Kenshin,” “Love Letter from the Drawer,” and “Detective Kyoshin.”