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There was a chase to retrieve the tape and Abe didn't get to it first, but it didn't look to be destroyed. Abe may be able to figure out who took it, by the fact that Kurita was involved in the case or in that someone saw Kurita take it! Hirata isn't too intelligent. He has power and money to frame Gai but he was unaware of the explosion and paid a big mouthed stranger to be a part of his plan. Both of those were awful and could have ended him. Now the director is in a tough circumstance though. He may believe in a justice that would make him want to stand against Hirata, but Hirata seems like he may even fund this place or something and further, the director Sawai cannot let this place get known so he couldn’t really do anything against Hirata even if he wasn't below him in a place of power.
So, Sawai... he was freaking out and squirming!! It was pretty cute but this looks like it's serious, he was so scared. He made up that Gai's tongue was removed so he has to do it now as to save himself. More than Sawai feeling like Tonegawa, Hirata is totally a Hyoudou figure in this context. I wonder if Fukumoto would go down that tongue road by the way?? I've seen some pretty horrible wounds inflicted onto his characters and Gai doesn't even talk much! Lol.
Lastly, Ishihara was found so that's bad for him... and Hirata is coming to Gai.. perfect for Gai to enact his revenge!!