Chapter 23: , A Sense of Security!

Shinjuku's Kabukicho is one of Tokyo's entertainment hubs. With cinemas, video arcades, bars, and more, the crowds are endless from late night until dawn; it is a quintessential city that never sleeps.

Located in the heart of the bustling Shinjuku ward in Tokyo, Kabukicho is divided into the first and second districts, known as Ichome and Nichome. It sits right next to the transportation hub of Shinjuku Station and is a pleasure district concentrated with eateries, amusement facilities, and cinemas. The Shinjuku ward office is located within Kabukicho Ichome.

Before the war, this was one of Tokyo's educational centers. After the war, due to the reconstruction and entertainment needs of the American Empire, Kabukicho gradually became an entertainment hub. Foreign investment and the large-scale construction by overseas residents became the main forces of its revival, making it the first area to recover after the war. Various erotic trades stained it with a unique color. This tiny plot of land, only 0.35 square kilometers, has become a world-famous erotic venue and the largest red-light district in all of Asia, densely packed with over 5,000 establishments including hotels, chat bars, matchmaking agencies, love hotels, and pachinko parlors.

During its heyday in the seventies and eighties, there were over sixty violent groups and thousands of gang members active here. However, that past glory has faded. Nowadays, gangs have gradually gone into hiding due to repeated heavy-handed crackdowns by the Metropolitan Police Department, and the area has shifted toward purely commercial activities, though the shadow of gangs remains in many establishments.

"According to intelligence, the host club that Ms. Yamada visited repeatedly is called 'KJDZ'. This is not the first time an incident has occurred at this club. It is said that there are several high-profile hosts there who are particularly popular, attracting many wealthy women to spend lavishly on them, leading them to rack up massive debts—millions before they even realized it. There have even been instances of violent group members going to the countryside to collect debts."

In the car, Ikeda Erena gripped the steering wheel and said hatefully to Uesugi Muneyuki in the passenger seat: "Ms. Yamada Aika admitted during interrogation that she had spent a lot of money, but she adamantly refused to admit any connection to that club."

"Mm, I can guess that." Uesugi Muneyuki sat in the passenger seat flipping through the police files provided by Ikeda Erena. Unlike Ikeda Erena, Uesugi Muneyuki's expression was calm with no emotional fluctuations: "Your police station must have investigated the club, but the specific bills involve personal privacy and cannot be accessed, and Shinjuku ward is not under the jurisdiction of Otsuka Station, so the trail ends here. That is what Assistant Police Inspector Tanaka meant by stopping here."

"Mm." Ikeda Erena responded softly. Her beautiful face looked quite "fierce"; unlike the soft and delicate appearance of traditional Japanese women, the deep contours of this tall, mixed-race beauty's face made her sharp and piercing: "I... cannot tolerate this! Uesugi-san, a woman was driven to a dead end and fell to her death, yet the club is still open. Then what are we police for?"

Hearing this, Uesugi Muneyuki shook his head: "Ms. Ikeda, you are a police officer, not a member of a violent group. You cannot convict based on preconceptions... and you are not Ghost Hachibei."

"Ghost Hachibei, who is that?" Ikeda Erena realized she felt comfortable talking to Uesugi Muneyuki. This normal man spoke in a witty and appropriate manner, and she couldn't help but say a few more words.

"You're a police officer and you don't know Ghost Hachibei... it's Hiratsuka Hachibei, the famous police legend from decades ago." Uesugi Muneyuki casually told a few stories about Hiratsuka Hachibei.

Hiratsuka Hachibei was a famous frontline Japanese police officer after the war, known for his extremely high case-solving and arrest rates. He was touted as having no case he couldn't solve and was a famous star in the police world throughout Japan. Countless difficult and complex cases were solved by his hands. Hachibei's life motto was "No promotion, no compromise, no obedience (to superiors)." He personally solved over a hundred murder cases and received 97 commendations from the Metropolitan Police Department in his lifetime, earning him the titles "God of the Police World" and "Invincible Hachibei."

However, this guy was also notorious. The reason he earned the nickname "Ghost Hachibei" was because he was particularly fond of torture and interrogation, and using the "Great Memory Recovery Technique" on suspects (which meant helping you "recover" your memory by deciding how you committed the crime for you). He liked to repeatedly induce and extract confessions to secure direct convictions, and he also liked to hide evidence from the scene and not share clues.

Therefore, it is highly questionable which of the hundred-plus murder cases this guy solved were truly solved, and which were just cases where he found a convenient scapegoat.

"We won't know the specific situation until we go and see for ourselves. Besides, you didn't tell Tanaka and the others at all when you came to find me, right?"

"Mm... I figured it would be useless to say anything. Those people would absolutely never agree." Ikeda Erena felt angry just mentioning her colleagues.

Every police officer in the Criminal Investigation Division automatically stayed five steps away from her and never looked at her. If they could hear her clearly, they would use an absolutely polite and courteous tone to keep her at a distance; if they couldn't hear her clearly, they would pretend not to, and they firmly rejected any of her proposals.

She truly had no other choice, which is why she came to ask Uesugi Muneyuki for help.

"So we are accomplices." Uesugi Muneyuki nodded slightly and smiled: "You don't have to treat me like your other police colleagues. I know what you mean. You believe that this industry of selling one's body is inherently abnormal, right?"

"Isn't it?" Ikeda Erena's beautiful eyes narrowed, and flames flickered in her brown pupils: "Are you trying to speak up for these people?"

"Of course not. I'm just saying there are many ways to sell one's body, not just this one." Uesugi Muneyuki ignored the small thorns in Ikeda's words and said kindly: "Is a construction worker moving bricks on a site selling their body? Is a chef sweating in front of a stove selling their body? Is someone handing out flyers on the street selling their body? As a Forensic Pathologist, I spend my days performing autopsies and dissections and running around; isn't that also selling my body? Think about it, as a detective, you engage in investigative work, making arrests and patrolling; isn't that also selling your body?"

"An artist singing and dancing on stage is selling their body, an employee serving tea and water in a company is selling their body, and streaming games and chatting on camera is essentially selling one's body. What industry a person engages in is their own freedom. Although I don't recommend the sex industry, the profession of a host is not illegal. You can't just start with a presumption of guilt, right?"

"Hmm..." Ikeda always felt that something Uesugi Muneyuki said was wrong, but when she thought about it carefully, she felt there was nothing wrong with it. Her head felt muddled and she couldn't explain it clearly. But unlike ordinary girls, the tall beauty was unwilling to admit defeat just like that, so she could only remain silent.

"Actually, Tanaka-san once recommended that I become a host, saying I could earn at least a million a month. It sounded so tempting that I was moved, but unfortunately, I couldn't get past my own conscience." Uesugi Muneyuki said playfully.

"That Tanaka! He is truly the worst!" Ikeda Erena gripped the steering wheel tightly with both hands, having already sentenced her greasy, old-timer boss to death in her heart.

It was hard enough to find a normal man, and yet this guy Tanaka actually recommended he become a gigolo?

How could he be so upright in offering such scummy advice to Uesugi?

"So the real key is whether Kurosawa's death was instigated by that host, and whether the murder method was directed by that host. If it was, then he must be severely punished. If not, then he who enjoyed Ms. Yamada's offerings still won't escape our sanctions! That is why I came with you!" Uesugi Muneyuki said seriously: "We have the same stance, don't we?"

"Mm." Ikeda Erena answered softly and nodded silently. Ripples rose in her heart.

We are accomplices.

She originally hated men, but she felt that acting with this man was barely acceptable. Talking to him was very comfortable, he knew a lot of things, and he had the same stance as her—to investigate to the very end!

With this thought in mind, Ikeda Erena found that she could barely communicate with Uesugi Muneyuki and could even tolerate his occasional wandering gaze a little bit.

Being with him, there is a sense of security!

But Uesugi Muneyuki couldn't help but turn his head.

Even in the most conservative attire and with the most serious expression, this policewoman could not hide the vitality and charm constantly radiating from her skin and beneath her suit, making it truly impossible for one to look away. Unlike traditional Japanese women who value reserve and restraint, this mixed-race woman naturally possessed a charm that radiated from her, something she might not even be aware of herself.

Uesugi Muneyuki thought it was no wonder that superiors were constantly trying to make a move on her. After spending a little more time together, Ikeda would unintentionally reveal her unique open aura. Perhaps influenced by her bloodline, her every gesture and look displayed more charm and freedom than traditional Japanese women. Under Japanese culture and traditional views, actively displaying one's charm is a signal of being "open," indicating a willingness for further contact.

In reality, it was not that at all; she was just a normal Western-style woman who didn't fit into the Japanese environment.

It didn't take long to reach Kabukicho in Shinjuku ward. As the two got out of the car, under a sea of neon signs, brilliant and magical light and shadow enveloped every corner of their vision. Here, everyone was dressed in finery; here, human desires were infinitely magnified. Shedding conservative shells, it was flashy, exaggerated, and chaotic. The brightly lit traffic and surging crowds at night hid sins within.

Ikeda Erena's standard lady's office suit trousers and Uesugi Muneyuki's standard hospital official suit attire could be said to be out of place, but in the chaotic environment of Kabukicho, they actually wore an effect like a couple's outfit.

"On this street, there are only those who exploit and those who are exploited." Uesugi Muneyuki put his hands in his pockets: "Everyone on this street is shining, aren't they?"

"…Let's finish this quickly." Ikeda Erena's 1.7-meter tall stature was particularly conspicuous on the street. She had only taken a few steps when someone carrying a camera immediately stopped her, asking if she wanted to participate in an audition. Naturally, she was rejected by Ikeda.

It was normal for a tall beauty to be spotted by a talent scout, but what kind of audition it was, that was hard to say.

On Uesugi Muneyuki's side, someone also tried to come up and strike up a conversation. However, under the blessing of the Aizen Myoo Dharma Image, his eyes carried a magical power. Many people tried to approach tentatively, but retreated sheepishly under those eyes.

Several blonde handsome men stood at the entrance of the "KJDZ" club, with slender figures and dressed in suits, soliciting customers at the door. Originally, a combination like Uesugi and Ikeda was not their target, but seeing the two approaching, the leader had no choice but to take the initiative to greet them: "Welcome!"

"That's him, he's working today." Ikeda whispered: "Takigawa Tsubasa, a highly popular gigolo at the club."

"Very good." Uesugi Muneyuki whispered: "I'll ask the questions, you go to the front desk and show your police badge."

"Okay."

Just as Ikeda left, Uesugi Muneyuki said to the host in front of him, who had long golden hair, a slender figure, and a suit printed with lace patterns and shiny scales: "Ms. Kurosawa actually introduced her own niece to you; she really has no eye for people. The five champagne towers and two bottles of Royal Salute she opened for you were truly a waste."

"Eh?!" The host Takigawa Tsubasa was stunned and hurriedly lowered his head: "I don't know what you are talking about."

"Hmph, then let me mention a few things you do know." Uesugi Muneyuki leaned in and whispered: "She took you out twice, bypassing the club to give you money on your day off. Tsubasa-san, you wouldn't want the club to know about this behavior of yours, would you?"

"You... how do you know?!"

"So I'll ask you a few questions, and you better answer them properly." Uesugi Muneyuki raised his eyebrows, signaling that they could go in.

Five minutes later, the bright small room in the club was filled with drinks, fruits, and snacks. The charming rotating lights cast colorful shadows. Uesugi Muneyuki and Ikeda Erena sat on one side of the soft sofa, while the host Takigawa Tsubasa sat on the other. Unlike before, the host, who was usually high-EQ, highly confident, and eloquent, lowered his head unnaturally in front of Uesugi Muneyuki. Coupled with Uesugi Muneyuki's high-profile looks and cold temperament, for a moment, it was hard to tell who the gigolo was.

The front desk already had a wealthy lady accompanying Uesugi Muneyuki.

"You really are a good seedling, Tsubasa-san." Uesugi Muneyuki whispered: "How many champagne towers did Ms. Yamada open for you?"

"Just once." The host was extremely nervous: "What's wrong?"

"That's what I should ask you." Uesugi Muneyuki whispered again: "Who kept showing Ms. Yamada that 'other ladies have opened champagne towers for me,' and who revealed to Ms. Yamada that 'I'm still 1.5 million short of my sales target this month' to become an executive?"

"What are you talking about? I never forced her to do these things for me. We were always voluntary!" Takigawa Tsubasa was so nervous that his back was already soaked with sweat. The host didn't know how Uesugi Muneyuki knew these things.

Precisely because it was unknown, he felt fear.

"Takigawa-san, please tell the truth, you..." Ikeda Erena's long legs under her trousers were tightly closed, and the tall beauty looked at the host with both disgust and anticipation.

Uesugi Muneyuki interrupted Ikeda Erena's questioning, signaling with his eyes that he would handle it; wasn't that what they had agreed upon?

Ikeda Erena's eyes flickered, and she obediently shut her mouth.

However, her questioning had already made Takigawa Tsubasa wary: "I don't understand what you are talking about. If you want to drink with a host, I am at your service, but if you don't intend to order anything, I have other guests to entertain."

"A Young Mastiff told me," Uesugi Muneyuki continued to ask.

"What? Who?!" Sure enough, Takigawa Tsubasa instinctively shook his head: "Please do not try to induce a confession like this again, sir. I really do not know anything about Ms. Yamada's situation. I must excuse myself."

Uesugi Muneyuki and Ikeda Erena exited the host club; seeing Ikeda looking as if she had more to say, Uesugi Muneyuki signaled for the two of them to get in the car to talk.

After returning to the car, Ikeda Erena said almost impatiently: "Is that it?"

"What about the matter I asked you to inquire about with the owner?" Uesugi Muneyuki asked with his eyes closed.

"The same as before, no difference at all." Ikeda Erena still didn't understand: "The owner said that unless we have a search warrant from Investigation Division 2 or the District Public Prosecutors Office, we have no right to access consumption records. At the same time, he guaranteed that his shop is completely clean and has no connection to any Violent Group."

"That should be the case." Uesugi Muneyuki couldn't help but smile: "My judgment is the same. The murder of Ms. Kurosawa was an accident. It was likely that Ms. Yamada was manipulated by this guy, who told her she was short 1.5 or 2 million in sales to be promoted to an executive or something similar, so she went to Ms. Kurosawa for money. During their dispute, Ms. Yamada accidentally pushed Ms. Kurosawa unconscious, so she went all the way and killed her, rather than being incited by this guy... that is also normal."

"Then you mean this matter has nothing to do with this host?" Ikeda Erena couldn't help but feel very disappointed.

"No, the murder wasn't incited by him, but he instructed her on how to dispose of the body." Uesugi Muneyuki narrowed his eyes: "Looking at his expression, he clearly knew something. Think back, did we ever mention that Ms. Kurosawa was dead? Or that Ms. Yamada had been arrested? Yet he was very certain, which shows he was very nervous inside. On one hand, he was nervous that we were wrongly accusing him, and on the other, he was nervous that we would implicate him."

"So that's how it is..." Ikeda looked dazed, feeling she still didn't quite understand, but since this man had said so, she felt it must be the case: "Then what do we do? Arrest him?"

"We have no evidence, how can we arrest him?" Uesugi Muneyuki shook his head slightly: "All of the above is just my personal speculation."

"Then we are just going to let him go? How can that be? Uesugi-san, didn't you say you and I share the same stance, that we should investigate such matters to the end?" Ikeda Erena bit her lip tightly.

Unreconciled!

Absolutely... unreconciled!

The criminal is right in front of us, how can we just give up like this!

How can we just let go of such scum who manipulates women, swindles money, and instructs others to commit crimes?

"Right, I don't intend to let him go either." Uesugi Muneyuki signaled for Ikeda not to be anxious: "Let us think again. A host with a correspondence high school education—how could he possibly know how to dispose of a body, and even know how to use such exquisite methods to confuse the Forensic Pathologist's Autopsy results?"

"The answer is simple: he was previously a Yakuza (Violent Group), a low-level fringe member responsible for disposing of bodies. But later, he quit, changed his name, and assumed a new identity to be reborn as a host." Uesugi Muneyuki clapped his hands: "Remember the Young Mastiff I mentioned?"

"I remember." Ikeda still didn't understand.

"That is a technical term only Yakuza understand, referring to a traitor." Uesugi Muneyuki joked: "If he was once a Yakuza, then knowing how to dispose of a body is quite normal."

After speaking, he reached out again and pressed down on Ikeda Erena's shoulder, telling her not to get up: "Wait, we have no evidence!"

The tall beauty was going crazy. No evidence, no evidence—can't a case be solved without evidence? Can't crime be punished without evidence? Then what did she become a Detective for?!

"So we need to shift our thinking slightly." Uesugi Muneyuki said softly: "A host might instruct Ms. Yamada on how to dispose of a body, but without concrete evidence, he cannot be convicted."

"However, if a Yakuza potentially incites a woman from normal society to commit murder for money, thereby funneling profits into a host club for illegal financial activities, then we don't need evidence." Uesugi Muneyuki said in a deep voice: "Do you understand?"

The man narrowed his eyes, gazing at the deep, resplendent sky of Kabukicho, his bright eyes no longer hiding his calculations.

Confident and calm, his spirit soaring.

His appearance and the answer he provided instantly captured the tall beauty's emotions.

From this man, Ikeda Erena felt a sensation that no other man had ever brought her.

A sense of security!

Updated, please vote for me~

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(End of chapter)