Ep 21. C: Left-Behind Trace; ERASER

Section 9 is assigned to investigate a case where several high-ranking politicians' memories have been tampered with. As the team delves deeper into the case, they come across a mysterious hacker who goes by the name "ERASER." ERASER is known for hacking into people's memories and erasing specific information without leaving a trace. With this case being highly sensitive, the team is under pressure to solve it quickly before any more damage is done.

The team discovers that ERASER is using a program that allows them to enter and manipulate memories in real-time, leaving behind no trace of their actions. This means that they can manipulate events as they happen, and no one would know the difference. With the help of an AI program called "sync room," the team creates their own virtual world where they can enter the memories of the victims and analyze them for any clues that could lead to ERASER's identity.

As they delve deeper into the case, they uncover a conspiracy involving a secret organization that specializes in manipulating memories to further their own agenda. The team takes it upon themselves to bring this organization down and bring ERASER to justice. However, as they get closer to the truth, they discover that ERASER is not working alone and that the organization they are facing is much larger and more dangerous than they thought.

In the midst of all this, Major Motoko Kusanagi is presented with an opportunity to restore some of her lost memories. However, as she considers taking the offer, she questions whether her memories are truly her own or if they have been manipulated by outside forces. This prompts her to dig deeper into the case and try to uncover the truth behind the organization's motivations.

The episode culminates in a tense showdown between the team and the organization's leader. Using their knowledge of the sync room and their own hacking skills, the team is able to take down the organization's defenses and face off against ERASER and their cohorts. In the end, the team emerges victorious, but not before uncovering a shocking truth about the organization's ultimate goal.

Overall, "C: Left-Behind Trace; ERASER" is a thrilling episode that explores the concept of memory manipulation and its potential dangers. With high stakes and complex themes, it is a standout episode in an already impressive first season.