The ninth episode of the TBS Sunday drama "Reboot," starring Ryohei Suzuki, aired on March 22nd (Sundays at 9 PM). A scene in which Hayase (Suzuki) pulls his son Takumi's (Hiroshi Yazaki) ear brought viewers to tears.
◇The following contains spoilers.
After receiving a declaration of war from Hayase and Natsumi (Erika Toda), Goroku (Yukiya Kitamura) sent his henchmen to Hayase Confectionery and attempted to take Takumi hostage. In response, Hayase had previously provided information to the police under the name "Hayase Riku," successfully protecting Takumi.
Hayase told Takumi and his mother, Yoshiko (played by Mieko Harada), not to leave the house. When Takumi asked anxiously, "Will you stay here all the time?", Hayase replied, "It's okay. The police are keeping an eye on things, so you two will be safe."
"Don't worry, Grandma. I'll protect you," Takumi said, showing concern for Ryoko, when Hayase sat down in front of him. He gently pulled on both of Takumi's ears and said, "You've gotten strong. Grandma, I'm counting on you," before returning to the chaotic scene.
This gesture was Hayase's way of showing affection for Takumi, and it appeared many times throughout the film. With his mouth half-open, Takumi instinctively realized that the man in front of him, who looked like Gido, was actually his father, Hayase Riku.
On social media, comments included: "I burst into tears the moment Hayase touched Takumi's ear," "I cried during the scene where he pulls Takumi's ear to reassure them both. Suzuki Ryohei is so good at this kind of acting," "Pulling Takumi's ear was great. It brought tears to my eyes," and "Even though the reboot has changed his appearance, he's still the same loving and kind father inside. Suzuki Ryohei's gentle expression is just like the father played by Matsuyama Kenichi."
