Chapter 380: Kashiwagi's Counterattack!

PS: Writing major cases consumes a lot of energy and brainpower—Chapter 2 yesterday was indeed a bit rushed, so today I condensed it into one update, a combined 4,500 words, quality and quantity guaranteed! Ah, I feel Super Earth calling me (to escape)!

Nippon Life Insurance is handling the compensation matters, naturally. Since the gym has purchased insurance, it's Nippon Life's turn to step in. Considering the total compensation might exceed 1 billion yen (Sugō Ryōhei has a 1 billion yen policy), Nippon Life deployed its medical, investigation, and political teams—among them, the investigation team includes Hirokatsu Takeda.

"Mr. Uesugi, long time no see." Hirokatsu Takeda greeted Sōsetsu Uesugi with a slight bow, a hint of ease in his tone: "You're here—"

"Looks like our investigation team doesn't need to go through all that trouble."

"What? Want me to hand over my investigation findings?" Sōsetsu Uesugi couldn't help but retort: "I haven't even officially started as your company's personal injury compensation consultant yet!"

"Right away, right away." Takeda pushed up his wire-rimmed glasses, wearing an elite professional expression: "The formal offer from headquarters for March will be delivered to you soon. Until then, please help us once more, Mr. Uesugi—for the 1 billion yen policy, I can at most secure a 3 million yen reward for you."

You know, Nippon Life has always been my brother-in-arms—we've solved many compensation cases together side by side. I've been cooperating with the Metropolitan Police Department for a long time; their equipment, mobility, and flawless execution are almost unbelievable. Sometimes decisions are hard, but after countless nights of reflection, I decided to bring my talent to the Special Investigation Unit of the Public Prosecutors Office. I can't wait to put on the white coat of Tokyo University Hospital Affiliated Medical Center.

As for Professor Zaizen and Director Goshōin, I wish them all the best at Tokyo Medical and Dental University.

Uesugi Sōsetsu's rich network caused Investigation Division Chief Ukyō Sugō to glance at him again, thinking, "This kid has quite the connections." He coughed twice: "Then please also ask Nippon Life's representatives not to interfere with the investigation. Regarding compensation matters, the headquarters will share what it can. If it involves confidential investigation details, we kindly ask for your understanding."

And so, Uesugi Sōsetsu and the others officially began the investigation.

Mikoto Ishihara sprayed the ground with luminol, reconstructing the blood spatter trajectory: "The largest spatter point is 1.8 meters from the device—proving arterial pressure ≥180 mmHg at impact:"

"Moreover," the beautiful forensic expert sprayed and sprayed, forming on the floor the shape of a (harmonized) testicle.

. 」

Everyone present froze for a moment, then reacted differently—Kai Kyō and Ikeda Erena couldn't help laughing, Sugō Ukyō and Kōsaka remained composed, while Uesugi Sōsetsu felt a sudden chill drift past him from below.

Senior Mai, you're so ruthless! So hateful!

Only Jin Kashiwagi remained sullen, always giving Uesugi Sōsetsu a hesitant, reluctant look, wanting to speak but holding back.

This made Uesugi Sōsetsu feel somewhat guilty.

Will this guy discover something? But there's no reason for it.

"Chief, Mr. Uesugi and everyone else—look." Deputy Inspector Itan of the Fifth Division, most familiar with the scene since they were first to arrive and begin searching, and first to conclude "accidental incident" in their preliminary assessment: "Look here!"

Itan displayed the fabric fibers found in the skateboard groove.

According to forensic analysis, the fibers contained traces of cleaning agent and Kobe beef steak sauce.

"Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) shows the victim, Sugō Ryōhei, had a BAC as high as 0.13%, proving heavy drinking last night." Mikoto Ishihara reviewed the evidence collected by forensics and reported: "Urine samples can detect ethanol metabolites like ethyl glucuronide (EtG), also proving last night's heavy drinking."

"In other words, this is an accident caused by a hangover?" Takeda nodded, noting it in the record.

"Not only that—there's another important indicator." Ishihara, today in a standard white lab coat over a gray turtleneck, slim-fit heavy winter trousers, and black leather ankle boots—sharp, professional, and composed, with minimal makeup (less flirtatious, more serious), no jewelry—only Uesugi Sōsetsu knows: hidden inside her trousers and boots are a pair of 80D gray tights: "We detected sildenafil metabolites in the victim's bodily fluids."

"What?" Erena Ikeda didn't understand—she too wore winter business attire, but her underlayers were the same as Ishihara's,

all thanks to Uesugi Sōsetsu half-coaxing, half-tricking her into voluntarily wearing the pantyhose: "N-desmethyl sildenafil!" Ishihara rolled her eyes, adding.

"What?" Ikeda looked even more confused.

"Through immunoassay screening combined with LC-MS quantification, we confirmed the presence of sildenafil metabolites—specifically glucuronidation products—in the victim's blood and bodily fluids." Ishihara grew impatient, thinking: You wouldn't understand even if I explained.

"So what does this mean?" Ikeda widened her eyes, seeing Ishihara ignore her, so she instinctively glanced at Uesugi Sōsetsu.

Sōsetsu, say something!

"Sildenafil is essentially a drug used during sexual activity to delay ejaculation." Uesugi Sōsetsu chuckled slightly: "Delay medications typically refer to PDE5 inhibitors used to treat erectile dysfunction—like sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), or vardenafil (Levitra). These drugs can delay climax but may cause delayed reflexes, abnormal heart rate, and lowered blood pressure."

"So the victim wasn't just hungover—he also overindulged in lust!" Takeda immediately nodded, recording it.

"These are the only findings we have so far." Ishihara continued: "Remaining substances require analysis by forensics, the research institute lab, and biomechanical reconstruction. Additionally, we must examine the victim's vomit."

"Very well—entrust this to you, Sis Ishihara." Uesugi Sōsetsu nodded, telling her: "Since that's the case, let's begin the 'autopsy'!"

Thus, the two of them, in front of everyone, began a thorough examination of the device that caused Sugō Ryōhei's injuries.

Chief Sugō Ukyō also individually questioned the gym manager, other trainers, and the detained female trainer, Sayakura.

Naturally, Sayakura denied any involvement, repeatedly emphasizing her alibi.

Afterwards, Sugō Ukyō and Kōsaka Kashiwagi reviewed the surveillance footage again—unmistakably clear: Sugō Ryōhei repeatedly told the "female trainer," "Just follow my usual level," while gesturing to a group of yoga pants-wearing women, slurring: "My strength has no limits!" and "Sitting and talking won't get it done—better to rise and act!"

"So the victim caused his own injury through operational error and showing off?" Takeda frantically nodded, recording it.

After spending over an hour re-investigating the gym, the Metropolitan Police decided to dismantle the entire footprint analysis system and send it back to the research institute for examination.

"Mr. Uesugi, any findings?" Chief Sugō Ukyō sharply noticed that the female trainer, Sayakura, seemed uneasy,

frequently glancing at them—but when they inspected the gym area, she appeared calm. Yet when they searched other zones, especially the yoga room, she unexpectedly grew tense.

"Chief, I'm the one in charge of autopsies—if you want me to solve the case, you need to give me a body to examine!" Uesugi Sōsetsu complained: "How am I supposed to conduct an autopsy like this? Are we supposed to autopsy this?"

Saying that, he pointed to the testicle-shaped mark on the ground.

"Hmm—so overall, this event is filled with bizarre coincidences." Chief Sugō Ukyō calmly analyzed: "Victim Sugō Ryōhei, first secretary to a Diet member, simultaneously had: hangover + drug-induced lust excess + operational error + showing off + loose limit screw + faulty seal + cleaning agent on the floor causing anti-slip mat failure—yet somehow suffered serious but non-fatal injuries?"

"Well, based on current findings, that seems to be the case." Deputy Chief Kōsaka nodded: "People around him also confirm he usually exaggerates his abilities."

"... Then let's wait for the results from the research institute and forensics." Chief Sugō Ukyō felt something was off, but upon reflection, couldn't pinpoint it. He glanced suspiciously at Sayakura, thinking: This absolutely isn't just a coincidence!

The one unexplainable element in this case—the "female trainer" appearing in the surveillance footage—might just be the key to unraveling this bizarre accident!

At the same time, Uesugi Sōsetsu gave a meaningful glance to the tense Sayakura, signaling to wrap up.

Thus, the first day of investigation by the newly formed Special Investigation Headquarters temporarily concluded. Mikoto Ishihara arranged several large evidence boxes to be returned to Metropolitan Police Headquarters for forensic analysis, while everyone else returned temporarily to the Special Investigation HQ.

Seeing the Special Missions Division's first return lacked its previous superhuman performance, Metropolitan Police staff felt a bit disappointed—but considering they didn't even have a corpse, they understood and decided to rest briefly, awaiting results.

At that moment, Jin Kashiwagi suddenly approached Uesugi Sōsetsu and grabbed his wrist: "Uesugi, can we talk for a moment?"

"???" Uesugi Sōsetsu's face tightened—especially seeing Kashiwagi's expression mixing fatigue, excitement, sincerity, and solemnity—he inwardly thought: Uh-oh.

Meng De Shu De Shao Kaoru Zong! Lend me your strength!

"I have something I want to show you!" Kashiwagi said earnestly, especially gripping his wrist tightly—he was dead serious, dead serious!

"????!!!!" Uesugi Sōsetsu's expression became nearly indescribable. Seeing this, Ikeda Erena instinctively leaned in, using her eyes to ask if he needed help.

"What exactly are you trying to do?" Uesugi Sōsetsu pulled his hand away, face strange: "This is the Special Investigation Headquarters."

"I know this is the Special Investigation Headquarters!" Kashiwagi pleaded further: "But did you see? Whether it's Kōsaka or Itan, both want to close this as an accident quickly—I believe only you would support me!"

"!!!" Uesugi Sōsetsu finally realized Kashiwagi wasn't approaching him because of Kashiwagi Misa's matter.

"!!!" Uesugi Muneshige finally realized that Kashiwagi Jin hadn't come to him because of Kashiwagi Misa's matter.

Guilt, guilt!

Because of the matter concerning the former face of the Metropolitan Police Department, Uesugi Muneyuki always felt he indeed owed this brother a little, and seeing the situation, he nodded: "Let Ikeda Erena come along too."

"Also bring your forensic assistant." Kashiwagi Jin said seriously: "She might be useful."

Fifteen minutes later, Uesugi Muneyuki, Ikeda Erena, and Ishihara Mikoto followed Kashiwagi Jin to an underground parking lot near the police station. After confirming there was no surveillance nearby, he furtively took something out from his bosom: "I found this in the yoga room."

"What is this?!" Uesugi Muneyuki and Ikeda Erena both failed to recognize it for a moment, only Ishihara Mikoto exclaimed: "This thing is a hidden camera!"

Hidden camera! Erena was first surprised, but then anger surged up.

Uesugi Muneyuki then narrowed his eyes slightly, his expression unchanged.

"Correct, this thing is a hidden camera, found in the power strip in the yoga room." Kashiwagi Jin said softly: "This gym, perhaps it's not as simple as we imagined, and have you noticed a detail?"

Uesugi Muneyuki gestured for Kashiwagi Jin to continue.

"Suo Masao has always been extremely angry, like a lion gone mad with hair, wanting to bite anyone he sees, but—have you noticed, he's so furious, yet he hardly mentions responsibility for the gym? He hasn't even bothered the gym's person in charge?" Kashiwagi Jin continued in a low voice: "This point is highly suspicious!"

"Moreover, I discovered another detail: when several women who attended the yoga class were talking, they said they were often invited by Sayakura Female Trainer to a bar called Burning to have a drink, often drinking until blackout, and one woman named Chihiro has not been seen since." Kashiwagi Jin's eyes flashed with the bright light of wisdom: "Do you know what this reminds me of? I recall the incident in Kabukicho, where it's said that not a few host enthusiasts, to repay their huge debts to host clubs, were sold to Southeast Asia or even the United States!"

As the topic reached this point, both Erena and Mikoto experienced shocked pupils.

Could it be?

Only Uesugi Muneyuki's expression was slightly surprised, that expression just like: "Kashiwagi, you're still capable!"

Ishihara Mikoto immediately took the camera, skillfully disassembled and inspected it, wanting to find the storage card inside.

However, under the gaze of several people, Mikoto shook her head.

There was no storage card inside, indicating this hidden camera did not collect footage via storage means, but through other methods, such as WiFi, such as real-time upload, such as custom band transmission.

"Good, Police Inspector Kashiwagi, you've found the blind spot." Uesugi Muneyuki's expression grew solemn, he carefully examined the disassembled hidden camera in Mikoto's hand.

"This case and this gym may not be so simple; now we need to clarify three things: first, what exactly is the relationship between Suo Masao and this gym? Second, is there a connection between Sayakura Female Trainer and the 'Sayakura Female Trainer' appearing in the surveillance? Third, what exactly lies behind the hidden camera in the yoga room? Is there a connection to the Burning bar?"

Here we come! Here we come!

Erena's eyes were full of little stars; she loved watching Uesugi Muneyuki strategize and solve cases!

"Muneyuki!" At this moment, Ishihara Mikoto suddenly grabbed Uesugi Muneyuki's hand: "Be careful!"

"Hmm——" Uesugi Muneyuki heavily nodded his head; this matter was not like before, the waters behind it might be deeper than any case he had previously involved himself in.

Just from this point, Kashiwagi Jin indeed found the right person.

"Kashiwagi-san, can I trust you?" Uesugi Muneyuki proactively said to Kashiwagi Jin.

"Of course! Don't forget! My heart pursuing justice is the same as yours!" Kashiwagi Jin said with great resonance and strength; it was clear he longed to investigate to the end: "What I truly suspect is you!"

"Ah?" Uesugi Muneyuki was confused.

"I suspect that, having already joined Tokyo University, already engaged to Watanabe Management Official, repeatedly achieved great merits and personally appointed by a National Diet member to handle cases, repeatedly appearing on TV to host programs, and—" Kashiwagi Jin meaningfully scanned Erena and Mikoto, speaking firmly: "Uesugi-san, is your forensic blade still sharp?"

"I came to find you today just to let you know one thing: my sword has never been dull!"