Chapter 416

The Metropolitan Police Department's Scientific Investigation Research Laboratory, commonly known as the Forensic Science Laboratory, utilizes highly advanced scientific technology for identification.

Hearing that Uesugi Muneyuki had personally summoned them, the equipment system expert from the Forensic Science Laboratory, Assistant Police Inspector Hikawa Makoto, came in person, wearing thick winter clothing,

carrying a briefcase.

This brother is from Watanabe Eiji's system and is trustworthy.

After hearing Uesugi Muneyuki's inquiry, he immediately examined the bulletproof vests left behind by Kikuchi and Yamada, borrowed equipment from the Forensics Division, and called in personnel from the Forensic Science Laboratory to assist.

After a full half day had passed, Assistant Police Inspector Hikawa was drenched in sweat, and gestured for Uesugi Muneyuki to follow him.

The two slipped into a sparsely populated room; Assistant Police Inspector Hikawa glanced at the door, and Uesugi Muneyuki immediately locked it.

The equipment system expert from the Forensic Science Laboratory produced two starkly contrasting inspection reports and X-ray scan images.

Image A shows a standard NIJ III Level bulletproof vest, with a uniform and dense layered fiber structure on top.

Image B shows the bulletproof vest worn by Kikuchi Fūma; according to the X-ray scan, the fiber density in the critical heart area is sparse and uneven.

This simple, crude image was clear even to Uesugi Muneyuki, who knows little about police equipment and nothing about firearms.

"This bulletproof vest does not meet the standard for Level III bulletproof vests; it has obvious voids and cheap substitute materials!" Uesugi Muneyuki stared intently at the scan.

"That's right." Hikawa Makoto, with his middle-parted black hair, small eyes, and high nose bridge—standard Korean-style handsome looks—though his forehead was sweating: "The product severely falls below procurement specifications (NIJ III Level); it is confirmed as defective. Especially, the bulletproof performance in the heart area is lacking. Through ballistic reproduction testing, there is a fatal defect in being penetrated by standard. 45 caliber bullets!"

"A fatal defect?! Didn't the Forensic Science Laboratory check it at all?" Uesugi Muneyuki frowned tightly.

"Impossible! Every time new bulletproof vests are stored, we always conduct live-fire inspections on the samples sent in, and every time,

there have been no problems—" Assistant Police Inspector Hikawa wiped sweat from his forehead, muttering to himself: "It shouldn't be like this, it shouldn't be like this!

?

"No problems? You call this no problems?!!" Uesugi Muneyuki pointed at the scan images of the bulletproof vests of the two fallen officers, Kikuchi and Yamada—these two vests came from different police stations and different koban, yet their scan images were surprisingly similar!

"However—" Assistant Police Inspector Hikawa was already drenched in sweat; he lifted his head and glanced at Uesugi Muneyuki, noticing the other was staring at him with an extremely sharp gaze, and could only murmur: "However, the samples we have inspected in the past were all sent by the Equipment Management System of the General Affairs Department; as for how the sampling is done, what random method is used, which batch is inspected—those decisions are not ours at the Forensic Science Laboratory to make."

General Affairs Department? Equipment Management System?!!!

"In short, you first explain—what exactly is the situation? For this matter I am an outsider, not very clear; please explain more clearly.

" Uesugi Muneyuki said in a deep voice.

"Hmm."

Assistant Police Inspector Hikawa Makoto of the Forensic Science Laboratory swallowed, then began to explain exactly why.

"Level III bulletproof vests are equipment that conform to the American NIJ standard; theoretically, they can resist 7.62mm full-metal-jacketed bullets (such as AK-47),

their function being to provide protection in high-risk scenarios."

"Of course, if the opponent uses armor-piercing AP bullets, then Level III bulletproof vests will be penetrated."

"But. 45 caliber M1911 pistols, even if using AP bullets, even if the soft bulletproof vest lacks hard bulletproof inserts,

as long as worn correctly, even if penetrated, it would at most be flesh-deep, or even just deep bruising—impossible to be pierced through, let alone when the Ghost Guest uses only standard bullets."

Hikawa Makoto explained the bulletproof principle of bulletproof vests to Uesugi Muneyuki.

The design principle of bulletproof vests relies on depending on the high-strength layered structure of Kevlar or ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene fibers, absorbing kinetic energy through fiber stretching and breaking to prevent the bullet head from continuing forward.

Through the layered structure, the bullet head is blunted and fragmented, reducing penetration.

Through indentation depth limitation, blunt instrument injury is prevented.

. 45 caliber pistol bullets belong to low-speed handgun ammunition; although the caliber is relatively large, Level III bulletproof vests are already fully sufficient to handle them.

"Where is the problem?" Uesugi Muneyuki roughly understood and pressed on: "What exactly is wrong with these two bulletproof vests?"

"Many problems." Assistant Police Inspector Hikawa pointed at the image layers: "Normally, the Kevlar fiber layer count should be ≥30 layers, but these two bulletproof vests, in the heart area that was penetrated, one has only 16 layers, the other only 18 layers—this means the Kevlar layers did not fully absorb the bullet's kinetic energy."

"At the same time, regulations require fiber density to be ≥1500 denier—

"Ah! I know this one! Denier refers to thickness!" Uesugi Muneyuki immediately answered; he understood this!

"The density and thickness of stockings are measured in denier!"

"Yes, not bad for a Forensic Examiner Uesugi—indeed, well-informed and knowledgeable!" Assistant Police Inspector Hikawa nodded: "However, according to my inspection, within those 1500 denier, at least 800 denier of cheap nylon has been mixed in! This causes tensile strength to plummet, making fibers prone to breaking! Moreover, fiber layers should be orthogonally stacked and pressed, but look here, Uesugi-san—the fiber directions in the bulletproof vest are chaotic! Unable to effectively disperse impact force!"

"And the fiber layers that should be uniformly covered with resin adhesive mostly show missing resin adhesive, with layers not fully bonded!"

Assistant Police Inspector Hikawa gritted his teeth: "Clearly, cutting corners! Substituting inferior goods!"

"Moreover, Uesugi-san, as you said, these two bulletproof vests not only come from two different departments, but according to their serial numbers, they also come from two different batches." Assistant Police Inspector Hikawa said this far and dared not continue.

Different locations, different batches of purchased bulletproof vests, yet both show extremely similar problems!

Different locations, different batches of Bulletproof Vest purchased, yet they all exhibited an extremely Similarity problem!

"Which company did the Metropolitan Police Department purchase bulletproof vests from?" Uesugi Muneyuki asked in a deep voice.

"Daiwa Bōgu Corporation; since ten years ago, headquarters has uniformly purchased police equipment from this company; the most recent batch was purchased three years ago."

"Good, very good." Uesugi Muneyuki nodded, he instructed: "Do not tell anyone about this matter; I am now going to find Watanabe Director!"

"Yes!" Assistant Police Inspector Hikawa swallowed, wanting to speak but hesitating.

He dared not imagine what would happen if this issue were exposed—not just the Metropolitan Police Department, but the entire Japanese police force would endure what kind of storm!

But. this technical backbone of the Forensic Science Laboratory also felt a surge of righteous anger.

This is nothing but a bulletproof vest made of paper! Paper-glued armor!

This is the Metropolitan Police Department's betrayal of every single police officer!

At the same time, in the Metropolitan Police Department Headquarters Building, top-floor special conference room.

Superintendent General Watanabe Eiji, Deputy Superintendent Ooyama Ren, Criminal Investigation Department Chief Uchimura Kanji, Security Department Chief, Public Security Bureau Chief, General Affairs Department Head, Transportation Secretary, Public Relations Division Chief, Investigation Division 1 Chief, Special Mission System Management Officer are all present.

Among them, Special Mission System Management Officer Watanabe Minami has no voting right, merely an invited attendee.

The scene is filled with the lingering joy and warmth of survival after calamity; external praise and criticism pour in toward Sakuradamon, but having won is having won—the resolution of a 15-year cold case still brought great prestige and honor to the Metropolitan Police Department; under these circumstances, the martyrdom of two officers and their bitter struggle against the Ghost Guest are flaws that do not obscure the excellence.

Superintendent General's visage is refreshed; the cloud that had weighed on his heart for fifteen full years has finally dissipated like smoke and clouds, yet dignity remains; his voice low and solemn as he opens: "Gentlemen, first, let us offer this historic achievement—capturing Sakuma Kaito—to the fighting police organization on the scene, the Traffic Mobile Unit,

SAT, especially the self-sacrificing actions of Forensic Examiner Uesugi and the Special Mission System members, the brave conduct of Assistant Police Inspector Okada Masayoshi, and the noble sacrifice of the fallen Patrol Officer Yamada Yuki and Patrol Officer Kikuchi Fūma, expressing the Metropolitan Police Department's utmost respect and gratitude!"

SAT, especially the selfless actions of Forensic Examiner Uesugi Muneyuki and the Special Mission Unit, the brave conduct of Police Inspector Okada Masayoshi, and the noble sacrifice of Police Sergeant Yamada Yuki and Police Sergeant Kikuchi Fūma, who died in the line of duty, the Metropolitan Police Department extends its highest respect and gratitude!

He led the way in standing up, and all senior officials rose solemnly, standing in silent tribute and bowing toward Minami, the Security Department Chief, and the Public Security Bureau Chief.

Minami also immediately stood up, bowing to the senior police officials present to show her humility; Minami Ojou-sama felt ecstatic inside, her face betraying nothing,

even appearing somewhat sorrowful, after all, two police officers had died in the line of duty.

After saying a few routine remarks, Togasaki Tomonobu, Chief of the Public Relations Division in the General Affairs Department, immediately spoke, urgently: "We must quickly restore public trust! Focus on the heroic story of Special Mission Unit Forensic Examiner Uesugi, the indomitable spirit of our police organization in relentless pursuit, edit the video footage for nationwide broadcast! The fallen Officers Kikuchi and Yamada should serve as 'Symbols of Protection,' and Okada Keibu as 'Shield of Life' to beautify—no, to honor! Minimize tragic elements, emphasize our police organization's victory and unity." He had not yet finished when Sugishita Ukyo, Chief of Investigation Division 1, abruptly interrupted: "We must face reality! Citizens see the reality that the armored vehicle failed to protect the kindergarten! Relying solely on heroic stories cannot wash away Kikuchi's blood on the explosive shield!"

Sugishita Ukyo's voice was calm yet filled with an ineffable power and obstinacy: "Announcements must be based on facts. SAT's actions, the initial chaos, the kindergarten tragedy, and why Officers Yamada and Kikuchi died!"

"Chief! Headquarters has caught that person! Didn't let him escape! This is a great honor—why at this time do you insist on raising this issue? I say 1.4 billion people of the Yamato ethnicity, so many selflessly devoted, so many sacrificing liver and brains for the nation—why don't you report that, instead picking only this to report? Which country has no gun violence? The United States has gunfights every day." Togasaki Keibu said impatiently: "Why must you lead our citizens to believe our organization has problems?"

"If you don't say it, does that mean our organization has no problems?" Sugishita Ukyo said calmly.

"You" Togasaki Keibu flushed with anger, thinking: No wonder you, at 57 years old in the Career Track, only just became a Chief! Indeed, you're a foolish idiot!

"Enough, this matter needs no debate—transparency is the foundation of public trust in our organization. If we always conceal defeat as victory, there will one day be another Kikuchi, another Yamada. On the contrary, appropriately acknowledging mistakes and shortcomings actually makes our victory appear all the more precious, all the more hard-worn." Watanabe Eiji said in a deep voice: "This is more truthful."

Upon hearing the Superintendent General speak, all senior officials responded in low voices.

Afterwards, everyone discussed the handling of Ghost Guest Sakuma Kaito, unanimously agreeing to refer him for prosecution, and demanding the prosecution charge him with multiple counts of the highest-level offenses, including the death penalty!

Death penalty, must be death penalty!

This point was also unanimously approved without doubt; the police organization utterly despises this person, and if unclear legal punishment is not made as a counterexample, the entire police organization will rebel!

Then came the condolence for the deceased, spoken by Deputy Superintendent General Ooyama Ren.

"Officer Kikuchi Fūma, posthumously promoted to Police Inspector, awarded the Seventh Rank Azure Paulownia Leaf Medal, maximum condolence payment, lifelong family assistance, hold a police funeral!"

"Officer Yamada Yuki, posthumously promoted to Police Inspector, awarded the Seventh Rank Azure Paulownia Leaf Medal, maximum condolence payment, lifelong family assistance, hold a police funeral! Together with Officer Kikuchi—I recall Officer Yamada only recently married, correct?"

"Yes, Officer Yamada has a wife named Yamada Nanase, a full-time housewife with no fixed income." The Deputy Superintendent of Police Affairs nodded.

"Then let's arrange for her to take an internal desk position at headquarters, a quiet clerical post will do." Deputy Superintendent General Ooyama nodded.

Newlywed husband died for the country, wife is a housewife without stable work—our police organization ought to assume responsibility, otherwise how would other police still be willing to risk their lives? How would the public view us?

This part was meaningless, passed unanimously,

"Special Mission Unit Ikeda Erena, having accumulated merits, officially promoted to Assistant Police Inspector, awarded the Superintendent General's Prize and 2 million yen bonus."

"Special Mission Unit Kai Toru, officially promoted to Assistant Police Inspector, awarded the Superintendent General's Prize and 2 million yen bonus."

"".. —. Igarashi Shu, promoted to Police Sergeant, Superintendent General's Prize + bonus."

"".. —Date Nagamune, newly appointed Police Sergeant, less than half a year in service, tenure insufficient, only awarded the Superintendent General's Prize and bonus, no promotion considered."

"As for Uesugi Sōsetsu, Watanabe Minami, and Okada Masayoshi, they require headquarters to report to the National Public Safety Commission and National Police Agency for further discussion, considering Watanabe Management Official's promotion to Superintendent is less than half a year, this time promotion is not considered—focus on monetary reward and conferral of honors; Uesugi-kun needs headquarters and Tokyo University to discuss separately; as for Okada Keibu and Watanabe Management Official, may I ask if Officer Okada is willing to serve as Superintendent in the Public Safety Bureau's Cybercrime Countermeasures Division?" Deputy Superintendent General Ooyama Ren asked.

Watanabe Eiji and Watanabe Minami simultaneously felt their hearts leap.

Someone wants to take advantage of the situation to transfer Okada Masayoshi away?!?

Which bigwig wants to send their own child into the Special Mission Unit?

"Officer Okada will temporarily not be considered for transfer from the Special Mission Unit." Watanabe Minami said politely: "He stubbornly wishes to continue shining and burning in this system, he (that giant father of yours, at least one or two levels above you all) personally told me."

"But the Special Mission Unit already has a Management Official, so in that case promotion would not be considered!" Deputy Superintendent General Ooyama Ren seemed unsurprised by this outcome: "Then Okada Keibu's reward will first be provision of full public expense for top-tier treatment and recovery support, as well as lifelong salary security; as for conferral of honors, headquarters needs to discuss separately with the Imperial Household Agency."

Everyone had no objection to the aforementioned proposal, swiftly passed.

At that moment, someone entered from outside—the Superintendent General's dedicated attendant ran up to Watanabe Eiji, bent down, and whispered.

Forensic Examiner Uesugi has an urgent matter to discuss with you, saying he wants to give you a surprise!

Oh? Watanabe Eiji was initially a bit displeased, but upon hearing the name Uesugi Sōsetsu, his expression relaxed even more.

My adorable, omnipotent, handsome, noble son—like a white jade pillar holding up the heavens, a purple gold beam spanning the sea—this time, what surprise will he give me?

"Then let's end it here for today—adjourned!"

Looking forward, looking forward.