Chapter 247: Yokohama Case, National Spotlight

After the topic shifted from the Yokohama Case to the Yokohama Tank Road Tournament, the level of attention did not drop, but instead rose.

At this moment, the spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police Department's press conference shifted from Uesugi Muneyuki to Counselor Kobe Takeru of the Public Security Department, who briefly explained the process of the battle for the Kudo-kai stronghold and the reasons for the SAT opening fire.

The dark-gray-toned press conference venue was packed with over two hundred media outlets, their long-lens cameras aimed at the three high-ranking officials in crisp uniforms on the stage, the cherry blossom badges embroidered in gold thread on their left chests gleaming coldly under the spotlights; after briefly explaining the Yokohama Tank Road Tournament, Director of Security Kudo Tsuyoshi of the National Police Agency stood up and bowed for ten seconds, his Adam's apple bobbing as he rose: "This operation completely eradicated the most dangerous Violent Group of the Heisei Era, and is a victory for all citizens and the nation against violent groups and terrorist extremist organizations."

Kudo Tsuyoshi's tone was as steady as if he were reading out articles of the penal code, until an Asahi Shimbun reporter was the first to raise a hand.

"May I ask the Public Security Department, does the fact that Kudo Geni escaped from the encirclement on the day of the raid prove that there are major loopholes in the police intelligence system? There are rumors that he obtained the route map by bribing local police officers; has an internal investigation been launched?"

"All operations in this case were carried out in accordance with the law and kept confidential; the details regarding the escape of Kudo and the others are currently being analyzed by the Special Inspection Team. The National Police Agency will never tolerate any dereliction of duty."

A Reuters correspondent then asked: "The late Detective Yamada Shota was patrolling alone at the time and was not issued a bulletproof vest; does this violate the security regulations for high-risk operations? Does the police view the compensation as 'hush money' for the family?"

Criminal Investigation Department Chief Uchimura hurriedly interjected: "Yamada-kun's equipment met standard patrol requirements. The pension measures are implemented based on the National Public Servant Disaster Compensation Act and have nothing to do with freedom of speech."

A reporter from Weekly Gendai was even sharper: "The Kudo-kai ledger records years of political donations; which specific groups are involved? Will the police investigate to the end?"

Director Kudo looked straight into the camera: "Evidence of crimes directly related to this case has been handed over to the prosecutors. The National Police Agency's duty is limited to combating violent groups; for questions regarding political donations, please consult the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications and the Ministry of Justice."

"The father of the late Detective Yamada stated, 'The police used my son's life to trade for headlines.' How do you respond to the family's questioning of the 'operational priorities'?"

"Yamada-kun's courage is a torch illuminating the path of anti-organized crime, worthy of study by every one of us police officers; we are about to hold a study seminar to vigorously promote Yamada-kun's heroic and fearless spirit."

An NHK reporter asked: "The police claim this is the 'end of the worst gang of the Heisei Era,' but the Violent Group executives easily shot and killed a detective while fleeing; does this expose problems with the SAT's capabilities? How are citizens supposed to believe in the 'Public Safety Declaration'?"

"The professionalism of the SAT and regional security are tasks of different dimensions; there is no universality. This case has prompted us to further deepen the synergy between this agency and the grassroots security defense lines..."

The intense news battle of wits left the high-ranking Japanese police officials sweating profusely after a round of questions and answers.

Uesugi Muneyuki couldn't help but stifle a laugh, and after locking eyes with Minami-ojousama beside him, both felt a similar sense of humor and helplessness.

Minami blinked, signaling that if it were her, she could only answer like that too.

Uesugi Muneyuki, meanwhile, was thinking about the art of bureaucratic speech.

Replacing accountability with a narrative of glory, using established policies to shift the focus, repeating legal clauses to build a wall against substantive answers, and if all else failed, kicking the ball to the District Public Prosecutors Office, or refusing to answer directly on the grounds of national security.

The reporters asked the three high-ranking police officials many sharp questions, but ended up with absolutely nothing to show for it.

Seeing that they couldn't get a scoop, the reporters shifted their attention to Uesugi Muneyuki.

As it happened, this guy had a slightly stifled expression of laughter.

Tomorrow's headline would be him!

"Forensic Examiner Uesugi, what is your take on the final shootout of the Yokohama Case?" a Kyodo News reporter asked.

"Excuse me, I didn't participate in the final shootout; I'm just a Forensic Pathologist, not an SAT member." Uesugi Muneyuki helplessly spread his hands: "Do you see me carrying a gun?"

A burst of laughter erupted from the scene.

"However, I do have some personal thoughts. Frankly speaking, I am also pained by the sacrifice of Assistant Police Inspector Yamada." Uesugi Muneyuki said bluntly: "We should have been able to avoid this tragedy. I believe this tragedy was caused by the failure to notify the Kanagawa Headquarters during the Yokohama Special Operation, but as the previous issue reflected, if the Kanagawa Headquarters had been notified, the SAT's surprise attack would not have existed, and we would not have been able to wipe out the Kudo-kai's stronghold in Yokohama, nor find the ledger and the large quantity of narcotics and firearms. So I don't know what to do either; after all, I am not a professional."

This line of reasoning was clearly "a small scolding to provide big help," but the Japanese media present generally accepted this explanation.

Thus, the Kyodo News reporter continued: "Thank you for your answer, Forensic Examiner Uesugi. Considering your performance in a series of events in recent years, I would like to address this question to the Metropolitan Police Department and the National Police Agency: will we be able to see the Special Mission Unit active outside of Tokyo in the future?"

"Regarding the question of the Special Mission Unit, we are indeed actively considering it. At present, our Metropolitan Police Department is still committed to having the Special Mission Unit focus on solving matters within Tokyo, but if there is a need, we do not rule out sending the Special Mission Unit out to work on joint cases with other local police headquarters." Superintendent General Watanabe Eiji said seriously: "Provided that it is necessary."

"The National Police Agency has already reached a consensus with the Metropolitan Police Department on this aspect. We both believe that the activity of Forensic Examiner Uesugi's Special Mission Unit in a series of events has already proven its value, so the National Police Agency holds an open attitude toward the Special Mission Unit handling cross-regional cases." Director of the Commissioner's Secretariat Onoda Koki also said with a smile: "However, as the Superintendent General said, the Special Mission Unit will still prioritize solving cases within the metropolis first... After all, the Special Mission Unit is the Metropolitan Police Department's Special Mission Unit... hehehehe~"

Onoda Koki smiled meaningfully and glanced at Watanabe Eiji.

We at the National Police Agency respect your Metropolitan Police Department's and your Watanabe Eiji's ownership of Uesugi Muneyuki, but if there is a need, you must help out!

"Thank you. The next question goes to Forensic Examiner Uesugi." A JNN Fuji TV reporter stood up and asked: "It is said that local television stations intend to adapt your story into a TV drama. What is Forensic Examiner Uesugi's intention regarding this?"

"In this regard, I respect the wishes of the department." Uesugi Muneyuki laughed: "If possible, wouldn't that be interesting?"

Fuji TV Odaiba Building, Board of Directors meeting; all the high-ranking Fuji TV officials watched Uesugi Muneyuki's answer.

President Kameyama took the opportunity to say to the directors and the head of the production bureau: "... Everyone, from Uesugi-kun, what have you seen?"

"President?" A director below replied: "I think I see the huge commercial potential in Uesugi Muneyuki. A person like him naturally carries huge topicality. If we can obtain the support of the Metropolitan Police Department to develop screen value around him, it will definitely become Fuji TV's ace program."

"Yes, Counselor Takamatsu is right." President Kameyama nodded, but his emotions were more agitated: "But it's more than that. Have you noticed? Uesugi Muneyuki is only 23 years old this year!"

"He is only 23! And for things like doctors, the older they get, the more valuable they become, and men have a longer shelf life!"

"As long as he can maintain his performance, as long as he can continue to build his miracles as the Legendary Forensic Uesugi and the final line of defense for the Metropolitan Police Department, do you know what will happen?"

Kameyama Chihiro excitedly slapped the table: "Perhaps he can't do it until he's sixty or seventy, but at least from now until Uesugi Muneyuki is around fifty, he will always be the center of national attention and a traffic king!"

"As long as we design programs, TV drama adaptations, and live broadcasts of cases around him, our station will be equivalent to firmly grasping a gold mine that can be mined for at least twenty years! Our station will have one more hit program, one more traffic ace!"

"Moreover, everyone, Uesugi Muneyuki's relationship with our Fuji TV has always been very good. As long as we offer enough price and show enough sincerity, Uesugi Muneyuki will definitely prioritize our station."

"Everyone, don't hesitate any longer. Let's officially send an invitation to the Metropolitan Police Department now."

"We will first conduct a special variety interview around Uesugi Muneyuki, and invite Shirakawa Mai to be the host. Then, the issue of TV drama adaptation will also enter the negotiation stage as soon as possible. We must get the whole project up and running before the year after next! Let all of Japan see with their own eyes the story of the Legendary Forensic Uesugi solving cases!"

"In addition, we can also invite him to produce special case-related programs around him, where he personally explains to us those complex and bizarre cases he has encountered. The citizens will absolutely love to hear it!"

President Kameyama wrote three things on the small blackboard—variety interview, case-telling program, and TV drama adaptation.

Finally, the three things intersected.

"Make Fuji TV great again!"

The eyes of all the members of the Board of Directors lit up. Looking at President Kameyama's plan, they felt that a new glory and an ace program were rising under President Kameyama's planning.

"However, there is a problem, President." Just at this time, Production Bureau Chief Abiru Kazuhiko suddenly raised his hand: "Uesugi-kun does indeed have a relatively good relationship with our station, but... where is our advantage compared to other TV stations? We can invite Shirakawa Mai, but other stations can also invite her. In terms of financial strength and connections, NTV and Asahi are not inferior to us, not to mention that Uesugi-kun seems to like Tokusatsu quite a bit, and TBS is a close partner of Tokusatsu films."

"Hmm..." President Kameyama was silent for a moment: "Investigate, does Uesugi-kun have any hobbies?"

"For example... women or something?"

Hearing President Kameyama say this, all the high-ranking Fuji TV officials showed knowing expressions.

I think this works.

After all, we at Fuji TV have this glorious tradition~

Hehehehehehe~

Just like that, in the discussion of the Fuji TV Board of Directors, the press conference for the Yokohama Case also officially came to an end.

And at this very same moment, on Asahi Television's "Music Station," the famous female idol group YKC48 had just finished recording their program.

Miyawaki Sakura, wearing a stage outfit consisting of a modified schoolgirl-style blazer, a red plaid skirt, and over-the-knee socks, hurried back to the backstage area, but the Metropolitan Police Department press conference was already nearing its end; she only managed to catch a few glimpses of Uesugi Muneyuki, and Miyawaki Sakura felt somewhat disappointed, but thinking that she was, after all, a top member who could perform on stage, while these Wash-foot Maids backstage didn't even have the chance to show their faces, she couldn't help but lift her little head, feeling very proud.

I am different from them!

Sure enough, the Wash-foot Maids backstage were also discussing the Yokohama Case and Uesugi Muneyuki's "Reverse Forensics," their faces full of envy and infatuation.

I am different from them!

Sakura was smug; she was the only person in this super-large female Idol group who had actually met and spoken with Uesugi Muneyuki, and she had been bragging about it for a long time!

The other members of the group were also dying of envy.

This was a walking king of traffic!

Sakura had told the story of that one time she met, spoke to, and got an autograph from Bai Chuan and Uesugi Muneyuki eight hundred times, but she had it, and for someone at the bottom of the entertainment industry like an Idol, whose status was very low, being able to latch onto any bit of heat was a victory, let alone popular figures like Bai Chuan and Uesugi Muneyuki.

It really was a thrill for Sakura to latch onto that heat.

But today's situation was a bit different.

A Trainee in the group pointed at Uesugi Muneyuki's face in surprise: "I've done it with him!"

"Eh?!" The dozens of female Idols backstage, who had been chattering noisily about how handsome Uesugi Muneyuki was and how strong this Heisei-era Sherlock Holmes of our own Japan was, all fell silent the moment this Trainee spoke.

The Trainee seemed to realize she had said the wrong thing and quickly covered her mouth.

But it was too late; she was immediately surrounded by everyone and fiercely interrogated.

Miyawaki Sakura, who had just come off stage and intended to draw a line between herself and the Wash-foot Maids, was stunned upon hearing this.

What, does that mean?

(End of this chapter)