Chapter 400: , fifteen years later the culprit appears! (double-length chapter)

PS: This chapter is 5,900 words, a super double-length chapter. The Emperor decided to finish it all in one go, desu, hoping everyone will be satisfied, desu.

On February 23rd, Uesugi Muneshige woke up at 7 a. m.

Although today is a statutory holiday in Japan, it's regrettable that police are not covered by Japan's Labor Standards Law; instead, they are governed by the Police Law and the Civil Service Law. Therefore, the earlier statement that Japanese police, while defenders of the law, violate labor laws by their very first act on duty is strictly speaking incorrect.

So, how does the Japanese Police Law regulate police working hours?

The answer is the same: the Japanese Police Law stipulates that the statutory working hours for police are 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week. Due to the special nature of police work, strict enforcement of working hours is impossible, but this is generally the requirement.

But what about in practice?

In reality, Japanese police work hours not only exceed 40 hours per week but far exceed them. According to a survey by the University of Tokyo and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, although the Police Law strictly limits monthly overtime to no more than 80 hours, in practice, 40% of police officers work over 80 hours of overtime per month!

Under such intense overtime, Japan's divorce rate is 13%, but the divorce rate among police reaches as high as 30%, even leading to the phenomenon of "pseudo single-parent families," where a police officer father finally comes home to spend the night, but his children don't even recognize him, and as a father, he doesn't even know which grade his son is in, how old he is, or where he studies.

Generally speaking, if a police officer can work less than 30 hours of overtime in a month, it's already considered rest. Naturally, thinking about overtime pay is out of the question. According to the Police Law, police overtime should entitle them to at least 2,000 yen per hour (approximately 110 RMB at this time), but in reality, police headquarters and precincts across the country simply lack the budget to pay this amount. Officers who truly seek overtime pay are told by severely underfunded divisions to "self-restrain," while divisions or the Metropolitan Police Department with better budgets offer only a token amount—around 200 to 300 yen per hour—as a gesture.

As for days off, forget about it. Before the 1990s, Japanese police had no days off throughout the year except for New Year holidays and Golden Week, due to chronic understaffing.

This point is something Tanaka Lao Deng can speak to: when he was young, he spent four weeks chasing a fugitive without returning to his rented apartment, and the landlord even thought he had died and was preparing to relet the unit.

Therefore, while police are theoretically a solidly middle-to-high-income profession, if we strictly calculate total working hours, their actual hourly wage is not much different from that of a convenience store worker. The real value lies in the accompanying benefits, social status, and social resources that make the job worthwhile.

Being a police officer is a profession where you suffer greatly, but your close family, friends, and siblings all enjoy the benefits (various welfare subsidies and special treatment/protection for family members). This is similar to doctors, except that doctors become more valued with age, whereas 60% of police officers remain stuck at the rank of patrol division chief. However, it's easier to become a police officer than a doctor, which is notoriously difficult to enter.

Japanese society holds both professions in high regard.

This issue persisted until about ten years ago, when consecutive cases of police death from overwork, combined with insufficient pay making recruitment difficult, prompted the Police Agency and the National Public Safety Commission to formally reform the police system. This included mandating a monthly overtime cap of 100 hours, with "forced shutdown" rest upon reaching the limit, requiring at least four days of mandatory rest per month (i. e., one day off per week), mandating at least five days of annual leave per year, and requiring a 30-minute break after four consecutive hours of interrogation.

Even so, at the Metropolitan Police Department, don't even think about leaving at 5 or 6 p. m., or 7 or 8 p. m. —if you go to Investigation Division One to look for someone, you'll find everyone still there. Generally, it's not until 8 or 9 p. m. that things quiet down, and officers begin to leave one by one.

Only the Special Command System, led by Uesugi Muneshige in this ace division, can truly receive adequate overtime pay and actually obtain a short break after handling major cases.

Even so, after the Special Command System was reactivated, it too became busy—ace divisions don't let you idle. The 23 wards, 26 cities, 5 towns, and 8 villages of Tokyo all rest on the shoulders of Uesugi, the forensic officer.

This morning, the Metropolitan Police Department is to hold a flower-offering apology ceremony for the Toshima Ward familicide case, as it marks the 15th anniversary and reaches the former 15-year statute of limitations for criminal prosecution. Although the Japanese Diet later formally abolished the statute of limitations for similar major murder cases and changed it to perpetual prosecution, the 15th anniversary still holds significant meaning.

The officer in charge of investigating this case at the time was none other than Watanabe Eiji, then Chief of Investigation Division One. Although the current Commissioner General is illustrious, he still harbors guilt over failing to solve this case back then.

"To be honest, 15 years have passed, and my father still can't let go of what happened back then." Namiko, the young lady from a wealthy family, complained: "It's such a nice holiday—I want to go out and play with you guys! For example, Universal Studios Osaka—I want to be Hermione Granger!"

"Then I'll be Autumn-Zhang." Erina said excitedly from the side: "Muneshige—Harry Potter or Cedric?"

"And then I woke up, got hit by Voldemort's Avada Kedavra, and was instantly defeated—wdnmd." Uesugi Muneshige twitched the corner of his mouth.

"Mou—why do I feel like you guys are getting busier and busier?" At that moment, Asuka placed the cooked classic Hokkaido breakfast on the table, and the mischievous girl deliberately gave the plump girl a serving of cold sashimi rice for breakfast.

Erina's face turned completely black. Asuka gave her hot curry udon in summer, which didn't kill her, but in winter gave her frozen sashimi—clearly just to disgust her.

Muneshige! Say something!

However, the only response she got was the evil laughter from Uesugi Muneshige and Watanabe Namiko.

Ugh! Erina could only stew in her anger, retaliating by shoveling large mouthfuls of breakfast into her mouth.

So cold!

Tall beauty, early morning, heart refreshed and spirits soaring.

Third year of the Uesugi era, February 23rd, 7:45 a. m., Toshima Ward, Sato Family Old Site Memorial Park, Tokyo.

The winter morning light had not yet dispelled the deep chill, but the area around the Toshima Ward Sato Family Old Site Memorial Park had already been occupied by a suffocating clamor. This land, once the site of a child familicide bloodbath, has now been turned into a small neighborhood park, with a dark, shiny granite monument standing at its center, silently recounting the tragedy of fifteen years ago. Yet now, this place that should be solemn has become the center of a massive vortex.

Outside the park's iron railings, crowds surged, nearly impassable. Dozens of media broadcast vans and satellite antennas lined the roadside like steel beasts, their rooftop floodlights bathing the area in brightness like midday. Long and short lenses were densely aimed at the park's center; reporters, stern or professionally grave, conducted live broadcast warm-ups:

"TBS Private Broadcasting, TBS Private Broadcasting, hello everyone, this is TBS Television. We are currently at the Sato Family Old Site in Toshima Ward. The Metropolitan Police Department's annual flower-offering apology ceremony is about to begin. Fifteen years have passed, and this nationwide shock case remains a heavy stone pressing on Tokyo's heart."

"". ·NHK reminds you: the ceremony site is crowded—please stay safe. Police have increased personnel to maintain order———

Regarding this cold case, the Diet has already formally reclassified such cases as having no statute of limitations, meaning the Metropolitan Police Department will investigate forever."

"This is Fuji Private Broadcasting, I'm Tei Reiji. Our network's recent broadcast of 'The Hand of God' has sparked national discussion—online hot topic 'Ikebukuro Ghost Client' has surged back onto trending searches, and many people, having heard about it, have come spontaneously after the ceremony,

to express their grief for the deceased and their longing for the truth."

All major television networks have arrived, and Uesugi Muneshige's presence has brought this 15-year-old murder case back into public view. The crowd of onlookers is massive and complex, roughly estimated to exceed hundreds, shoulder to shoulder, their exhaled breath forming a hazy wall of mist in the air.

Among the onlookers, nearby residents are mostly elderly (after all, only they don't have to go to work or school), bundled in thick cotton coats, their faces etched with worry and an inescapable shadow.

"Another year has passed."

"I'll never forget the sound of police sirens that morning."

"The killer is still at large—truly——"

Many YouTubers also came to the scene, holding phones or small camcorders, excitedly recording everything, discussing various long-circulating conspiracy theories.

"Oh oh, I watched Fuji TV's 'The Hand of God' that day—Is Uesugi, the forensic officer of the Special Command System, also paying attention to this case?"

"You say, as Uesugi the forensic officer pays attention to this case, will there be a breakthrough this year?"

"Where would such a breakthrough come so easily? But indeed, it's rare that 15 years have passed and the Metropolitan Police Department still remembers?"

"Will the killer see this episode? Wow, if we could get another similar case, we'd never have to worry about content again!"

Ordinary passersby and office workers also noticed the scene, briefly stopping their steps, their faces showing curiosity, confusion, or a faint, hard-to-detect fear.

"Mr. Morita, what happened?" "Didn't you watch 'The Hand of God' that day?"

"Oh, it's that familicide case, right? It's been so many years."

"Police come every year—does it help? If they can't solve it, they can't solve it—just wasting our tax money!"

"Let's go, it feels oppressive."

"Not at ease, desu~"

There were also a few supporters of the victims and friends and relatives of the Sato family holding homemade signs reading "Never Forget," "Give Justice to the Deceased," "Where Is the Truth?"—standing silently at the edge of the crowd, their eyes filled with sorrow and determination.

The air was filled with a mixed atmosphere: pungent car exhaust, icy morning fog, the aroma of hot coffee, and an intangible, immense pressure named "unresolved."

8:00 sharp.

A low engine sound approached from afar, and over a dozen black Metropolitan Police Department official vehicles, escorted by sharp sirens, struggled through the crowd and stopped at the park entrance. The doors opened, and the current Commissioner General of the Metropolitan Police Department, Watanabe Eiji, stepped out first, his expression solemn. Facing the sea of cameras and gazes, he slightly lowered his chin, followed closely by several similarly dressed deep-suited, stern-faced senior officials: Criminal Affairs Chief Uchimura Kanji, and Investigation Division One Chief Sugishita Ukyo.

The final figure to appear instantly drew nearly all the cameras and a portion of the public's murmurs.

Led by Management Officer Watanabe Namiko and Forensic Officer Uesugi Muneshige, the Special Command System also appeared and made their entrance.

Wearing the Superintendent-General's four-star uniform, Watanabe Eiji refused his subordinates' assistance and got out of the car alone. The tall Watanabe Eiji kept his back straight like a pine. His face was solemn, ignoring all the surrounding clamor. His sharp, imposing eyes pierced through the gaps in the crowd, locking firmly onto the cold black stone monument in the center of the park.

The appearance of this renowned Superintendent-General temporarily silenced part of the noisy discussion, replaced by a complex silence mixed with respect and inquiry.

Amid the encirclement of hundreds of Metropolitan Police Department officers, the flower offering ceremony began.

Watanabe Eiji walked to the temporarily erected podium. The megaphone clearly transmitted his voice throughout the venue, carrying a programmed heaviness and unquestionable authority:

"Citizens, media friends: Fifteen years ago tonight, on this very land beneath our feet, Mr. Sato Kenichi, Ms. Biwako, young Shōta, and Miss Riko—a family of four—were brutally murdered. The cruelty of their methods and the viciousness of their nature are infuriating! This is not only the destruction of a family, but also a trampling of the safety底线 of society as a whole!"

His voice suddenly rose, carrying the intensity of an oath, echoing in the cold air:

"All personnel of the Metropolitan Police Department have never forgotten this heinous crime! Have never forgotten our promise to the victims' families! Have never forgotten our responsibility to every citizen of Tokyo!"

"Here, I, representing the Metropolitan Police Department, once again extend my deepest condolences to the departed souls of the Sato family, to all who care about this case and long for justice,

with the most profound and heartfelt apology!"

"Red Bean Paste Private Mosaic!"

The Superintendent-General and his senior officials behind him bowed deeply in unison, the depth and lowness of their bows appearing especially heavy before the camera.

At the time, as Chief of Investigation Division 1, Watanabe Eiji had always kept this case in mind.

This case is the shame of the Metropolitan Police Department, and also the shame of Watanabe Eiji.

Not far behind Watanabe Eiji, Uesugi Muneyuki and others also bowed and apologized in turn.

"Father-in-law, sir, this really is probably his heart ailment," Uesugi Muneyuki thought.

"Is it really over now? Father won't think that after 15 years the case can really be solved?" Minami thought.

"Does the Superintendent-General think Uesugi's strength could help with this case?" Okada thought.

The three heads of the Special Mission Unit had different thoughts, but for now, bowing was enough.

After straightening up, Watanabe Eiji's gaze swept over the crowd and also over the stone monument symbolizing shame and unfulfilled duty. His voice was firm and resolute:

"At the same time, we hereby swear: no matter how time passes! No matter how faint the clues! The Metropolitan Police Department's determination to pursue the truth and uphold justice—we will exhaust all resources, employ all technological means, spare no expense, and swear to bring the culprit to justice! If this case remains unsolved for one day, the shame of the Metropolitan Police Department will not be erased for one day!"

"Please believe us! Please give us time! Justice will surely come!" Watanabe Eiji bowed deeply again: "Never forget! Never forgive!"

Facing Watanabe Eiji's apology, flashbulbs flickered wildly, shutter sounds rang out in unison, but the crowd's reaction was far more complex.

Journalists quickly noted keywords: "Never forget," "Never forgive," "Metropolitan Police Department's shame," while cameras captured the moment officers bowed and the Superintendent-General's stone-carved-like profile.

Some nodded silently, eyes wet; some clenched fists, lips pressed tight; others shook their heads and sighed, muttering lowly: "Again, this same old talk for fifteen years—can't we hear something new?"

"The vow sounds harsh," "Spare no expense? Where did our tax money go?"

"The Superintendent-General's expression is terrifying—does he know something?"

"Back then, he was the Special Investigation Headquarters Chief, and it's said the U. S. Forces in Japan did it. The Metropolitan Police Department already found out but covered it up!"

"TMD, how did the country become like this? How can the U. S. be so bad?"

The crowd buzzed with discussion.

"Let's go, let's go, we gotta catch the subway."

"Sigh, sounds awful—an entire family of four killed. Hope they really solve it."

The ceremony gradually drew to a close. Watanabe Eiji received a bouquet of white roses from his dedicated driver, Yamada, and gently placed it beside the official flower offering at the stone monument. His fingers brushed the cold granite, as if he could still feel the bloody气息 that once made one's breath stop fifteen years ago. Gazing at the names on the monument, his lips moved silently, as if conversing with the departed souls.

When the case first broke out, Watanabe Eiji also thought there were many clues and it should be easy to solve. But he never expected that despite having so much evidence and so many leads—even the killer's fingerprints, saliva, blood, shoe prints, and DNA—he still couldn't crack it.

He even went to the U. S. Military Base in Yokosuka for testing through his father and uncle's connections, but still found nothing.

This has already become a heart ailment for Watanabe Eiji.

But if it were my son Uesugi, perhaps there would still be some hope. The Superintendent-General's concern for Uesugi Muneyuki also stems from this—his own son's case-solving ability is too strong.

"Wait for me, Kenichi, Biwako, Shōta, Riko—I will not give up." Watanabe Eiji murmured: "At least before I die, I will continue to follow this case."

After speaking, Watanabe Eiji reached out and lightly brushed over the black stone monument, then tapped it twice, indicating I still remember.

At this moment, the routine Toshima Ward mass murder case flower offering ceremony was nearly over. Hundreds of Metropolitan Police Department officers prepared to fall in and leave the scene. The surrounding crowds of onlookers also sensed it was nearly time, showing signs of gradual dispersal.

Standing in the crowd, Uesugi Muneyuki raised his head. He gave Watanabe Eiji's back a meaningful glance. Earlier, when Watanabe Eiji mentioned the cold case to him, he had felt Father-in-law was being deliberate. Indeed, is it this mass murder case?

But time has already passed fifteen years. The corpse has long been cremated. Japan lightly regards forensic medicine, so bodily evidence would not be preserved that long. Moreover, even if taken seriously, what then? Even the U. S., which values forensic medicine most, preserves bodily samples for only about five years.

He also feels powerless in this case. At most, he can only rely on Aizen Myōō's emotional perception and Kongō Yasha Myōō's inference of the killer's methods to sketch the killer's portrait and the reason for his bizarre behavior.

Human ability has its limits!

Unless.

【Hey, Uesugi.】At that moment, Arimura Hana, who had been watching the flower offering ceremony with interest all along, suddenly said to Uesugi Muneyuki from the Village Flower Palace: 【There's a very special cockroach.】

【A cockroach?!】Uesugi Muneyuki didn't react at first: 【Oh, you mean there's a very special person?】

【Yeah, he's been staring at you guys the whole time, and it seems the more excited your father-in-law gets, the more he wants to laugh but holds it in. Among all these cockroaches around, he's the most special.】Arimura Hana also felt a bit compelled to laugh, what a special cockroach!

【Cockroach? Cockroach—cockroach!!!】Upon hearing this, Uesugi Muneyuki's expression changed slightly. He immediately activated his spiritual vision!

His eyes, capable of piercing through mist, like the most precise radar, focused all their power scanning toward the crowd about to disperse.

The spiritual vision eye swept over blurred or clear faces, swept over the noisy media area, swept over the loose crowd修地!

Over fifty meters away, at the edge of the crowd stood a middle-aged man. He was raising his hand to adjust his scarf, wearing a deep gray down jacket. His blurry silhouette, as if吸住 by a magnet, suddenly froze!

Not his face—the scarf covered most of it. Not his build—he was utterly lost in the sea of people, utterly unnoticeable.

It was that moment when he raised his hand!

It was that gap in the scarf, where sunlight briefly pierced through and caught a strand of hair that was not pure black, with a subtle curl and an odd pale gold reflection!

And, his body was entwined by a strong resentment, soaked in some kind of grudge.

Is it a lighter?!

A flash of spiritual light passed through his mind.

In his mind, the ghostly side-profile sketch that was rotating, reconstructing, and analyzing—at a certain point, extremely faint yet incredibly sharp—overlapped!

Uesugi Muneyuki's heart pounded strongly in his chest, like a supercharged Earth medical needle had been injected. However, that figure was also highly alert. He seemed to feel Uesugi Muneyuki's gaze. Although ordinary people normally couldn't make out a face from fifty meters away, he still felt something was off. He pulled up his scarf, preparing to quickly retreat into the crowd.

Too late!

Just as the flower-offering apology ceremony of the Metropolitan Police Department was about to conclude, Special Mission Unit Forensic Examiner Uesugi Muneyuki suddenly pointed toward a certain direction in the crowd, roaring at the over a hundred police officers at the scene, dozens of cameras, and hundreds of onlookers: "It's him!

It's him!"

"??????" The entire scene was left stunned by Uesugi Muneyuki's bizarre behavior.

Oh my goodness, my Uesugi grandpa, what on earth are you singing about this time?

"I found the killer! It's him! Catch him!!!" Uesugi Muneyuki shoved through the crowd, frantically pointing at a certain direction in the crowd, shouting: "Catch him, catch him ah ah ah!"

Time seemed to freeze at that moment.

What?

Fifteen years have passed, the Ikebukuro Phantom Guest has reappeared?!