Chapter 1016: , Noble Lineage Wanderings Tale (Grand Chapter!)

PS: I fell asleep, overslept, and the update is late—sorry about that. So I just combined two parts into a massive 5,800-word chapter titled "Horse Head, Cow Awesome Super Chapter!" It's just past 8 a. m., and the domestic departure hall at Haneda Airport is at peak crowd levels.

As Maeda Toshihide and Asō Kōta passed through security, they were still arguing about which airport souvenir shop sold the better shrimp senbei.

These two really do battle all day—it's quite entertaining. One comes from the old nobility, the other from a political powerhouse family; their arguments could produce the kind of resonance heard in Kyoto's crane calls.

Date Munemune, however, was different. He exuded the sour-sweet scent of love, walking ahead with a light travel bag, eyes distant, as if he hadn't yet recovered from last night's tenderness.

Yes, last night Date Munemune specifically went to comfort the second young lady. At this time, women truly do need companionship—but it's best not to overstay, or else they'll vent their negative emotions on you. So, offer appropriate companionship, fulfill their emotional needs, then learn to part ways appropriately—distance creates beauty.

This is what Lord Uesugi Sōsetsu taught.

Date Munemune said nothing, thinking: Lord Uesugi, if I were Date Masamune, who founded the Sendai million-koku domain, you would be my lord who gave me life, raised me, and sustained me!

Nangō Yūi stood nearby, head down, scrolling through flight information on her phone, while Okada Masayoshi gripped seven boarding passes, distributing them to each person.

Kai Kyō didn't come—his girlfriend is about to give birth. Likewise, Minami has also started her maternity leave and was taken back by Mrs. Watanabe Michiko.

Yamada Nanase, on the other hand, had really wanted to come. She even said her dream was to shoot a photobook on Okinawa's beach, titled simply "Casual Wear"!

"Female staff of the General Affairs Division, stay put in the office!" she declared—and was easily subdued by Ozawa Sumiko.

Ikeda Erena walked at the rear of the group, her pace slightly slower than usual, but her gaze remained locked on Uesugi Sōsetsu, like a stretched rubber band, neither too far nor too close, always two steps behind him.

Today's tall, beautiful judo master wore a white short-sleeve shirt, with a deep blue base dotted with white floral pattern silk scarf tied at the neck, and light gray-blue high-waisted wide-leg trousers whose legs fluttered slightly in the air-conditioning breeze as she walked.

On her feet were ivory pointed-toe mid-heel shoes, with nude-toned stockings catching a faint sheen under the lights—stockings that bridge workplace and summer wear, making her legs look long and neat. Her freshly trimmed medium-short hair was neater than usual, as if specially adjusted for the business trip. Ikeda Erena's eyes remained sharp; she thought to herself: This trip, every drop of Sōsetsu's is mine! Mine!!!! And Uesugi Sōsetsu, being the renowned national idol he is, was recognized again after just a brief moment of activity.

As they passed an airport convenience store, two young women in short skirts suddenly stopped. One pointed at him and let out a soft scream.

The other immediately pulled out her phone, hesitating whether to approach.

Ikeda Erena's gaze swept over them in that instant, her eyes cooling by two degrees: "Official hours—unrelated personnel, stand back!" The two girls exchanged a glance, then continued forward. Meanwhile, the crowd that had gathered began to disperse. Uesugi Sōsetsu exemplifies this: most of his actions are wrapped in the guise of official duty, so he rarely interacts with ordinary people or fans. Outsiders can't accuse him of putting on airs, because his true identity is still that of a forensic examiner—not a celebrity—so he isn't judged by celebrity standards. This is a certain degree of public power used for private ends.

Uesugi Sōsetsu himself remained unaware, standing before a newsstand, flipping through a newly arrived manga magazine.

"Release That Witch!"

"Otherworld Liberation Front—Opening!"

Uesugi Sōsetsu amusedly flipped through a few pages—it was actually quite interesting. The protagonist, reincarnated as a king, is one of the least favored children, just as the populace begins hunting witches...

With still plenty of time before takeoff, Uesugi Sōsetsu leisurely read two chapters.

Asō Kōta leaned in to glance at the cover, then smirked: "Why is it always this kind of story? A modern Japanese person transported to another world, bringing progressive ideas to liberate oppressed witches. Isn't this just the 'Leftist Saves Yan Ni' trope? The protagonist must be male, must rescue a falsely accused female character, must enact Enlightenment in a medieval setting, must push gender liberation, must industrialize..."

"I recall there was even a book on 2ch called *Kanmusu Tō*ki*—who even reads these? Is it entertaining?" "If people like it, there's a market." Uesugi Sōsetsu flipped the magazine to the table of contents, then replied casually: "The public likes it. You don't? Then what are you, chopped liver?"

"No, I'm just saying this story is too formulaic." Asō Kōta, having been scolded by Uesugi Sōsetsu, gave a wry smile.

"No, buddy—Japan has similar tropes too, like 'Kishū Ryūritan'." Uesugi Sōsetsu couldn't help but laugh: "Aren't Korean dramas also like this? Take Cinderella, for example."

A classic, enduring trope in Japanese drama is known as "Kishū Ryūritan."

I won't go into full detail here—everyone can grasp the general idea from the literal meaning.

Simply put: a person of noble birth, due to some circumstance, falls into common society, endures hardship in the lower classes, then discovers their true identity—either reclaiming their status or using their noble status to save others.

The story arc generally follows five acts: origin, wandering, hardship, meeting, overcoming. Origin means the protagonist has noble blood; wandering means they are forced to wander far from home; hardship refers to trials and challenges during their wandering; meeting is when they encounter their destined partner or a benefactor; overcoming means they prevail through innate qualities or relentless effort, returning home or gaining glory and wealth. This pattern exists worldwide, but the Japanese especially favor it.

It already appeared in Heian-period tales, and later in Noh, Jōruri, and modern works—constantly recycled.

Especially in the samurai era: the founders of the Kamakura shogunate, Minamoto no Yoritomo and Yoshitsune; the Ashikaga shogunate's Ashikaga Takauji; and the Tokugawa shogunate's Tokugawa Ieyasu—all fit this template almost perfectly.

Nangō Yūi looked up from her phone, adjusted her glasses, and smiled wryly: "When I was at Kyoto University, I read a modern literary critique stating that 'Kishū Ryūritan' is essentially nostalgia for identity. After the Meiji Restoration dismantled the old status system, society still psychologically sought a replacement. Hence arose tales of 'fallen nobility,' 'hidden bloodlines,' 'innately extraordinary'—now replaced by 'isekai protagonists bringing modern knowledge to save another world.' Same essence. Only before, it was noble blood; now, it's noble knowledge. Besides, most importantly, bloodline theory saves a ton of exposition." Uesugi Sōsetsu snorted: "You always have to explain why the protagonist is naturally gifted, why they have so many lucky breaks, why people treat them differently, why their power skyrockets."

"If written normally, all this would require lengthy explanation. But with bloodline theory? Readers accept it instantly." Uesugi Sōsetsu smiled: "Likewise, there's the 'Secret Manual' trope—ordinary people need years to master ninjutsu or swordsmanship, so you need a 'secret scroll'; otherwise, who'd believe the protagonist only starts conquering the world at thirty or forty? Or that they just train all day?"

"True enough." Maeda Toshihide held up a book: "Look at this light novel author, called 'Tang Dynasty Emperor'—he loves giving protagonists bloodlines: Ash Knight gene prototypes, Four Gods of Chaos co-selected..."

"That 'Tang Dynasty Emperor' book is full of junk." Nangō Yūi couldn't help but complain: "What Warhammer Ash Knights, what D&D Chaos Gods, even what Sony Music executives—none of it matters. He just wants to write about stockings, stockings, stockings."

"Exactly—so perverted. He's definitely cut from the same cloth as Miyazaki Takahiro of Soul System, a total foot and stocking fetishist!" Maeda Toshihide nodded vigorously. "Yeah, who's that twisted?" Ikeda Erena glanced sideways at Uesugi Sōsetsu, amused yet resigned.

"That damn Miyazaki Takahiro clearly likes Minami Nanryō!" Uesugi Sōsetsu immediately shook his head: "This guy doesn't earn my approval!"

Date Munemune turned back from the duty-free shop entrance, flipping through *The Secret History of Hong Kong*, which details the mysterious connection between famous Hong Kong star Anita Mui and bowling. He was engrossed, then overheard the discussion and glanced at Nangō Yūi with mild confusion: "You're a cop—why are you reading this?"

Nangō Yūi pushed up her glasses: "I graduated from Kyoto University."

Kyoto University—famous old leftist stronghold, with every kind of club imaginable, embodying utter freedom of thought.

Uesugi Sōsetsu returned the magazine to the shelf, preparing to move on, when the overhead TV screen suddenly switched.

NHK News.

Anchor Hyōtō Miyako's voice came from the ceiling-mounted speakers, cutting through the airport's noise and chatter clearly enough to make passing travelers slow down: "Regarding the earlier case in Nagoya where Handō Sarina was found murdered, the Aichi Prefectural Police Headquarters announced today the establishment of a special investigation task force, mobilizing over 100 officers to fully pursue the case. The task force is led by Superintendent Nagase Ren of the Aichi Prefectural Police Criminal Division..."

Uesugi Sōsetsu stopped, looked up at the screen.

The screen showed a distant view of the Aichi Prefectural Police Headquarters building, then the special task force's sign being mounted on the wall. Hyōtō Miyako continued reading her prepared script:

"The Metropolitan Police Department stated that, for now, the case remains under the lead of Aichi Prefectural Police, with the National Police Agency providing necessary technical and intelligence support. Handō Sarina's body underwent preliminary forensic examination yesterday, and the cause of death was confirmed as mechanical asphyxiation. Further details remain under investigation." Maeda Toshihide stood beside Uesugi, watching the scrolling subtitles, muttering softly: "Over a hundred officers... this is a massive deployment."

Ikeda Erena walked to Uesugi Sōsetsu's side: "I thought we were going to Nagoya."

"Me too, but it seems Nagoya police don't think they need our help." Uesugi Sōsetsu gazed meaningfully at the screen: "Well then, let's see what happens next."

The group continued waiting for their flight; the Okinawa Prefectural Police had already booked them into the Okinawa Hyatt Hotel.

This trip is basically just for fun—plus, we're here to prove that Sugimoto Ukyō's ex-wife and Sugimoto Ukyō himself have no connection.

Madam, you wouldn't want Ukyō-san to be unable to retire smoothly, would you?

And just as Uesugi Sōsetsu and company were idling at Haneda Airport, killing time, they happened to spot a pair of Pikachu underwear selling for 5,000 yen (airport price, tax-free).

Nagoya, Special Investigation Task Force, Day One.

Superintendent Nagase Ren stood in the central office area of the special task force, facing rows of desks already filled with personnel.

Headquarters Chief Ishida kept his word—he assigned over 100 officers: seasoned detectives drawn from precincts across Aichi Prefecture, technical staff from the Identification Division, video analysis team, interview unit, and information compilation team.

Phones rang constantly in the task force office; printers never stopped spitting out paper; the whiteboard was covered with timelines of Handō Sarina's disappearance, maps of Nagoya's southern ward, road networks around garbage dumps, and surveillance coverage diagrams.

The special task force was operating at full capacity—and they only had five days!

Superintendent Nagase Ren held all the authorization he needed.

Chief Ishida had indeed kept his promise: communications record retrieval warrants were approved, bank transaction queries could use the fast track, summoning and questioning relevant personnel required no layered approval, and the application to expand DNA database comparisons was also approved.

He could do whatever he wanted. But after the first day, he found himself stuck.

Tangqian Yang's interview was scheduled for two in the afternoon.

Nagase Ren asked in person, in a not-so-formal interview room, the two sat facing each other across a long table.

Tangqian Yang wore a light gray cardigan, with a white T-shirt underneath, looking much gentler than on television; he had obviously just dyed his hair, his face showed considerable sorrow, and when mentioning Hirate, Tangqian Yang himself was deeply saddened, he remained silent for a long time before speaking.

What made Nagase Ren feel even more that Tangqian Yang was not the killer was that he had not brought a lawyer.

Nagase Ren asked about Hirate's movements in the last few days, communication frequency, and meeting arrangements.

Tangqian Yang simply replied: "She has been under a lot of pressure lately, often saying she doesn't want to perform anymore. I thought she was just in a bad mood, and letting her rest for a few days would fix it. Who knew… she would run out alone that night."

"I wasn't with her that day, I don't know what happened, and I have an alibi."

Nagase Ren nodded: "Did Hirate mention anything to you? For example, her future goals? Or… other aspects?"

"Hirate has always wanted to become a regular in national dramas like Sakura, she is dissatisfied with her current positioning, she wants to be remembered by everyone as a national actor, not a national idol." Tangqian Yang said with a bitter smile: "But how do you arrange resources of this level? I've already tried my best to let her do that; as for the idol work, I originally planned to have her gradually phase out after April next year…"

Tangqian Yang truly cared for Hirate, he even kept emphasizing his expectations for her and future arrangements, speaking of the future, Tangqian Yang's nose felt sore, his eyes turned red.

Nagase Ren was even more at a loss, he interrupted Tangqian Yang's incessant talking.

He could see no trace of lying on Tangqian Yang's face, nor any opening that would let him dig deeper; he knew Tangqian Yang was avoiding something, but avoidance and lying are not the same thing.

Tangqian Yang was certainly avoiding the drug matter, but he was also almost certainly not the killer.

The first secretary of the National Diet Member Party Three Roles had precious time, he soon took his leave, of course Nagase Ren had no reason to keep him long, Aichi Prefecture had gone to great lengths for this interview inquiry!

The DNA database expansion comparison was completed on the same day.

There was no match.

That complex genetic makeup could not find a corresponding individual in the national database.

Nagase Ren stared at the report, looking at those percentages precise to two decimal places: Portugal, India, East Asia Japan-Korea, Southeast Asia, Caucasian, African, Middle Eastern, Latin American, each present, each proportion low, unable to piece together any specific face. What earthling? How many passports does this person hold? Even the Habsburgs don't have such a complicated bloodline!

He flipped the report to the last page, then closed it, placing it on the right side of the desk atop that ever-growing pile of documents.

After several days of investigation, he did have a few leads and eyewitnesses.

One lead pointed to a Pakistani dispatch worker employed at Nagoya Port, but investigation showed he was on duty when the incident occurred, with time-card records; another lead pointed to a Nepalese international student, but his fingerprints did not match the partial prints found at the scene.

There was also a lead from an anonymous tipster, saying he saw a dark minivan parked near the South Industrial Zone on the night Hirate disappeared, but the tipster himself has a history of mental illness, and the credibility of his testimony is questionable.

Today another lead emerged pointing to a Filipino temporary worker engaged in loading and unloading work at Nagoya Port.

Another came from a passerby, saying he saw a gray light truck loitering near the South Industrial Zone on the night Hirate disappeared, its license plate half-covered by mud.

Hordes of police have already gone to investigate.

The leads are indeed numerous, but these leads have no intersection whatsoever.

Nagase Ren couldn't help but laugh.

Meanwhile, outside, media attention had already reached frightening levels on the first day.

Facing the reporters' frantic questioning, the Nagoya Police Department faced enormous pressure.

This also couldn't be said, that also couldn't be said, the police spokesperson could only keep repeating: "We are doing our utmost to solve it," "We have already deployed large numbers of police," "We urge citizens to provide leads"—these standard public talking points.

"Is that it?"

"Not even a suspect's name?"

"Is Aichi Prefecture capable or not?"

"This is already the ninth day since Hirate's disappearance! The fifth day after the report! The second day since it was officially upgraded to a specially major designated case! Why is there still nothing?"

"What exactly happened, why is nothing being made public?"

"Call Uesugi! Call Uesugi! Why aren't you calling?"

"Not calling is fine, you guys hurry up and solve the case!"

"Hirate! My Hirate! Wū wū wū wū~"

"The nation awaits your answer! What exactly is involved here?"

"We need an explanation!!!"

A full day of search time passed quickly.

Sure enough, no results, and it was even hard to find suspicious personnel, yet it seemed like everyone was suspicious.

Keke, there are too many dispatched and mixed-blood employees!

At seven in the evening, his phone rang.

The caller ID showed "Mom".

Nagase Ren hesitated a moment, then still answered.

On the other end of the phone was his mother's voice, carrying the particular concern and worry of a woman who has lived her whole life in a small local city: "Ren, I saw the news. That idol girl's case, are you in charge of it?"

Nagase Ren leaned back in his office chair: "Hmm."

After his mother got confirmation, she fell silent for a moment, then cautiously asked: "Have you caught the culprit?"

Nagase Ren did not answer immediately, after a moment of embarrassed silence, he finally said: "Still investigating. Don't worry, Mom." His mother, hearing this on the other end, became quite excited: "Then investigate well, Ren, the neighbors nearby have also seen you on TV! Knowing you're investigating this case, Hirate—we all know her, alongside Sakura, she's one of the three-generation new-generation idols, dying like this is truly excessive! You passed into the professional police ranks, you are my and your father's pride, this is exactly a chance to prove yourself, our son truly is no worse than Uesugi!"

Nagase Ren listened to his mother's voice, his throat felt a bit tight, but he only said: "Thanks, Mom, I still have things to do here. I'll call you back later."

"Good good good, you focus on the investigation, I and your dad are waiting for your good news." His mother said excitedly.

Nagase Ren hung up the phone, gave a bitter smile.

He had always been someone else's child since childhood, Nagoya University, professional track, under thirty, a police inspector, handling a national-level major case.

Outside the window, Nagoya's night had already fallen.

The first day had already passed.

There are still four days until the deadline given by Headquarters Chief Shimada Motonobu!

Nagase Ren suddenly remembered a familiar story template.

Will this be my, the noble kind's wandering tale?