Shorter Wong met a tragic end in Banana Fish, being manipulated and ultimately killed by Ash Lynx, who was forced into the act under duress.
The Circumstances Leading to Shorter's Death
Shorter was a crucial ally and friend to Ash Lynx, known for his loyalty and intelligence. However, he became a victim of the manipulative tactics employed by Yut-Lung Lee.
- Forced Drug Administration: Shorter was injected with "Banana Fish," a powerful and mind-altering drug designed to induce a violent frenzy and obedience.
- Attack on Eiji: Under the drug's influence, Shorter lost control and violently attacked Eiji Okumura, Ash's close friend, putting Eiji's life in grave danger.
- Moment of Lucidity: Despite the drug's powerful effects, Shorter experienced a brief moment of clarity and begged Ash to kill him, understanding that he was a threat to Eiji and himself, and wishing to escape the horror of his situation.
The Tragic End
Ash was cornered by Arthur, who provided him with a gun containing a single bullet. Faced with an impossible choice – allow Shorter to harm Eiji further or end his suffering – Ash made the agonizing decision to shoot and kill Shorter.
Key Events Around Shorter's Death:
| Character | Role in Shorter's Demise | Aftermath Involvement |
|---|---|---|
| Shorter Wong | Victim of "Banana Fish"; begged Ash to kill him. | Cremated by Ash. |
| Ash Lynx | Forced to kill Shorter; later avenged him. | Rescued the group, killed Abraham, cremated Shorter's body. |
| Yut-Lung Lee | Orchestrated Shorter's drugging and manipulation. | Indirectly caused the situation, though later freed Ash. |
| Arthur | Provided Ash with the gun used to kill Shorter. | Part of the opposing gang; a direct adversary. |
Aftermath and Cremation
Following Shorter's death, Yut-Lung intervened, leading to Ash's freedom from immediate capture. Ash then proceeded to rescue the rest of his group, confronted and killed Abraham (one of the orchestrators behind the "Banana Fish" drug), and in a poignant act of final respect, personally cremated Shorter's body. This event profoundly impacted Ash, fueling his determination against the forces that caused such devastation.
