Dual numbering. This story in 2 volumes numbered 1-2 also bears volume number in the set of his works volumes 311-312.
The author, based on his own experience during Japan's post-war confusion period, draws lives of men who tries to survive the rough time.
A shorter version of this story, mainly focused on a manga-ka on whom the author apparently modeled himself, is carried in the vol. number 274 under the same title. However, both of the stories finished without reaching the conclusion.