: As Ash walks through the streets reading the letter, he is distracted and stabbed by Lao.
: Ash kills Lao in return and then makes his way to the New York Public Library. He continues reading Eiji's letter while bleeding out and eventually rests his head on the table, appearing to pass away with a peaceful smile. Banana Fish Episode 24
: Eiji and Ibe prepare to return to Japan. Ash, recognizing the danger he brings to Eiji, decides not to see him off at the airport. The Ending : As Ash walks through the streets reading
: While the manga's side story "Garden of Light" confirms Ash's death, the anime adaptation by MAPPA MAPPA Official Site technically leaves it as an open ending, though most fans interpret it as his final rest. Key Themes & Impact : Eiji and Ibe prepare to return to Japan