Chapter 501: Special Command System's Daily Life 40

PS: Today I need to watch Ti, and I plan to finish this section in one go, so it's a combined 5600-character super thunder-fire chapter! Hope everyone enjoys reading it!

At 8:48 a. m., Sakurada Gate Metropolitan Police Department Headquarters, Special Investigations Unit.

Sunlight filtered through the blinds, casting light grids across the desk piled with documents. The air was filled with the mixed aroma of black tea and instant miso soup.

Everyone in the unit had arrived, but it was still before official work hours (the Special Investigations Unit starts at 9 a. m.), so the atmosphere was relaxed. Date Munetaka was greedily biting into a tuna rice ball, while Igarashi Hayabusa had chosen a grilled Wagyu beef rice ball, and the two mumbled unclearly as they discussed the baseball game.

Okada Masayoshi was still recovering from injury, so the acting unit chief remained Nanogo Yui. This deputy inspector, from an extremely wealthy family, elegantly added sugar to his Darjeeling tea. After a month of practice, he had gradually gotten the hang of things and had clearly found his place.

This is exactly what I wanted!

This is the place I came to be, this is why I became a police officer!

Nanogo Yui previously didn't understand why his father used immense connections and countless resources to force him into the unit, but unlike Kai and Okada, Nanogo Yui has a good relationship with his father, so he didn't say anything about it.

But only after joining did Nanogo Yui realize how good his father had been to him.

In the Special Investigations Unit, the Metropolitan Police Department's document-heavy meetings need not be considered. As the final line of defense of the Metropolitan Police Department, the unit's greatest role lies in relying on the superhuman forensic abilities of Uesugi Munesuke to solve cases. Therefore, all kinds of routine meetings, case reports, and official documents are handled by others in the Criminal Department, so the unit's main responsibility is simply:

Solve cases!

This allows the officers of the Special Investigations Unit to escape endless paperwork, reports, and various inquiries and investigations, focusing their attention solely on the case.

So, how strong is the Special Investigations Unit's case-solving ability?

Need you ask? With the legendary forensic expert Uesugi Munesuke here!

Therefore, working in the Special Investigations Unit is deeply fulfilling—any effort and sweat put in will be met with strong positive feedback.

And the other benefits go without saying. Although Nanogo Yui comes from a very wealthy family and doesn't care much about extra subsidies or special treatment in the unit, he still feels that eating at a 5000-yen izakaya during welcome parties or celebration banquets is "commoner's food," yet compared to the disparity and hierarchy felt by other officers, he feels utterly satisfied. Moreover, the atmosphere here is great, and he's begun to enjoy this kind of team-building.

Follow Uesugi-san, roll up your sleeves and work hard!

Nanogo Yui thought: No wonder Unit Chief Okada gave up two promotion chances just to stay in the Special Investigations Unit.

If it were me, I wouldn't want to leave the Special Investigations Unit as the price for promotion either!

But, Unit Chief Okada is returning next month. If this official chief comes back, then my role as acting chief will feel a bit awkward. So I'd better solve one or two major cases during this time to really show my worth—then, when the chief returns, I'll have firmly planted my feet.

Meanwhile, Uesugi Munesuke was chatting with Kai: "Wow! Kai, is this bento made by your girlfriend?"

"Yeah, how is it? Envious, right?" Kai happily showed his bento to Uesugi Munesuke.

Whenever her girlfriend, Fueki Etsuko, isn't on international flights and is resting at home, she makes bento for her boyfriend. Kai, being a young master, finds the Metropolitan Police cafeteria food hard to stomach, so his girlfriend, feeling sorry for his hard work, makes him bento.

Today, Kai's bento consists of plum and seaweed rice, a huge pork cutlet, octopus balls, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, pickled radish, and Korean kimchi—looks quite delicious. Just heat it in the microwave at noon and it's ready to eat.

"Looks delicious!" Uesugi Munesuke couldn't help but say: "This color—just one look and it's five ants, oh, vaguely~"

"Of course it is… hey, Uesugi-san, I'll tell you: don't even think about touching my bento, this is what Etsuko made for me. If you want bento, have the management officer make you one!" Kai said, both proud and wary.

Uesugi Munesuke has always had a big appetite—actually, the Metropolitan Police cafeteria already offers large portions for officers on field duty due to their high energy consumption—but Uesugi sometimes still needs two meals to feel satisfied, so he's long had the nickname "Glutton Uesugi" within the department.

Not far away, Watanabe Minami, sitting at the management officer's desk reading the news, heard this and gave Kai a silent, sideways glance.

Hmph~ Although I'm truly bad at cooking and can only handle pre-made meals, someone at home cooks for us!

We, the Sakurabashi Three Giants, each have our own roles and duties—keeping our own lives in order is more important than anything, so don't come here, Kai, trying to stir up trouble!

Minami, the young lady, was looking at the news when she suddenly frowned: "Ikeda?"

"Here!" Ikeda Erena is always full of energy.

"Turn on the TV, switch to NTV."

The wall-mounted TV in the common area turned on, playing the morning news program, serving as background noise.

"……Next is the follow-up report on the 'YKC48 Female Idol Yamaguchi Maho Assault Incident' that occurred recently……" The female announcer's clear, resonant voice suddenly drew some people's attention.

Date and Igarashi stopped chewing, Nanogo Yui slowed his tea-sipping motion, and even Uesugi Munesuke and Kai lifted their heads, eyes turning toward the TV screen.

The TV screen first showed photos of the crime scene from that time, then photos of several main characters, followed by blurred photos of Kishimoto Hiroyuki and Takei Masanori and an assault diagram, and finally mentioned Uesugi Munesuke and the little cherry blossom.

"……The suspects, certain individuals (pseudonyms), were arrested on suspicion of assault and violating the anti-stalking regulation law. After review by the Tokyo District Prosecutors Office, considering they were first-time offenders, showed good remorse, related parties had died and evidence was insufficient, and they had reached a certain settlement with the victim's agency, they were ultimately given a summary indictment. The verdict was announced yesterday: both suspects were fined 500,000 yen and detained for 30 days……"

A suppressed, incredulous clicking sound came from Uesugi Munesuke in the office.

Just like that?

Only a 500,000 yen fine and 30 days detention? Those two should already be out by now, right?

Damn it! They got off way too easy!

But there's nothing we can do—everyone who knew the truth and the masterminds behind this are already dead, judicial proceedings have stalled, and without testimony, we can't establish anything. Plus, both the Metropolitan Police and the Prosecutors Office are now focused on the Iwasaki manager and those two young idols.

The screen immediately cut to the YKC48 management's press conference. Female idol Yamaguchi Maho wore a simple dress, her face pale, eyelids downcast, standing among company executives and her manager.

She spoke into a forest of microphones, voice slightly trembling, almost crying: "Because of me, this incident caused such a huge uproar, causing trouble and worry for many people—I'm truly sorry. Also… I'm really grateful for the fans' concern and support. I will… I will work harder, repay everyone with better performances……"

She bowed deeply; the camera close-up captured her struggling to hold back tears, her expression a mix of humiliation and forced professional smile.

"What a joke!"

Ikeda Erena slammed her hand on the table, sending documents flying—she didn't even bother to pick them up. The tall, beautiful woman was furious: "This was an assault! This was kidnapping! Just a fine and 30 days detention? Those two bastards were trying to drag Yamaguchi away at the time—she almost got taken! Who knows what could've happened afterward?"

"Can't be helped." Uesugi Munesuke took the coffee from Nanogo Yui's hand, shook his head calmly: "Hmph, 'reached a settlement'? Definitely because YKC is in a busy season now and doesn't want more trouble from this—afraid of damaging their image and profits, typical move. As for Yamaguchi, she chose to stay and not graduate; management definitely made her apologize and submit a letter of understanding."

Kai put down his bento box, sighed: "Ah, this is just reality. In stalker cases, most end up like this. The law is what it is—we caught them, we did our duty. The rest? Not our jurisdiction."

His tone was flat, but deep with helplessness: "We got off lucky—local precincts deal with this kind of thing all the time!"

"But!" Ikeda Erena, young and fiery, face flushed with indignation: "Why should Yamaguchi apologize?! She's clearly the victim! Look at her expression—she's about to cry from humiliation! Are those fans and management blind?"

"Fans think she 'poorly managed' herself, attracting crazy fans and blackening the team's image. Besides, defining 'casual sasaeng' vs. 'extreme sasaeng' is inherently difficult—no matter what, prosecuting or warning sasaengs always backfires." Date Munetaka, the idol expert, calmly analyzed, with a hint of annoyance: "As for management, they just want to settle things quickly—apology is the fastest way."

Ikeda Erena was speechless with rage, her chest heaving, she punched her own thigh: "Damn it! We risked everything to catch that guy—what was the point? Just so he pays a fine that might be pocket change to the agency? Then he gets out in 30 days, and we watch the victim come out to apologize?"

At that moment, Watanabe Minami spoke. The young lady in her precious Metropolitan Police uniform crossed her hands on the desk, sat in her seat, and watched the TV screen, which had already switched away from the news.

Her face was calm, but her eyes sharp: "The meaning lies in us doing what we were supposed to do."

Her voice wasn't loud, but carried weight, calming the agitated junior officers slightly: "Law has its limits, society has its operating rules—many times it's not perfect, even messed up."

She paused, her gaze sweeping over these subordinates—detectives who've solved countless cases but now look somewhat deflated.

"Our duty is, within our authority, to stop criminal acts, catch suspects, and protect public safety. As for the verdict and what happened after the incident……" Minami took a deep breath.

"That's not something we can control. Feeling angry means you still have a sense of justice—and that's good. Hold onto this frustration; next time you get a case, follow Uesugi and give it your all to investigate and arrest! That's our true duty." Minami said seriously: "Remember, we are police, not prosecutors or judges—first do our own job, then consider other things. This case was inherently hard to handle: all involved parties are dead, judicial proceedings halted, the agency and victim chose forgiveness, plus they didn't cause actual harm, and considering Yamaguchi needs to continue her idol activities for social impact…… Though this outcome is frustrating, it also aligns with the spirit of precedent."

"Moreover, although Yamaguchi was forced to apologize, she can instead gain a huge amount of sympathy points; on the contrary, if she insists on not letting go, then her idol career will also end, and no fan will like such an aggressive idol. Being an idol always requires some sacrifice." Date Nagamune said sheepishly, avoiding Eirina's punitive gaze.

"Yes, black-red is also red, infamy is also fame, and I have already greeted YKC over there, telling them that Yamaguchi's matter is about settled; you just wait and see, the next single, Yamaguchi will definitely enter the senbatsu, and she might even stand in the front row with Sakura, Sashihara, and Jurina." Uesugi Muneyuki said.

"Yes." The office fell silent for a moment, and the Special Mission Unit members all nodded to indicate they understood.

The television began broadcasting the weather forecast.

At this moment, the landline on Minami Ojou-sama's desk rang.

The Special Mission Unit members' expressions changed.

This voice is the Metropolitan Police Department's internal dedicated line!

Minami Ojou-sama dared not delay and immediately picked up the phone: "Hello, I am Watanabe, this is the Special Mission Unit..."

"I am also Watanabe." Superintendent General Watanabe Eiji said a cold joke to vent his hidden joy, then turned serious: "Watanabe Management Official, major matter, immediately summon Uesugi Chief to come to my place! Unit Chief also come!"

"Yes." Minami hung up the phone: "Muneyuki, Special Mission Unit major matter, the Director General calls us to come over immediately."

"What about me?" Nango Yui, acting as the Acting Unit Chief, asked.

"You... you also come with us." Minami nodded.

The three of them rushed together to the Superintendent General's office upstairs, and upon seeing the "Special Mission Unit Three Heads" mobilize, the Metropolitan Police Department officers coming and going also sensed a hint of something different.

Every time that can mobilize Watanabe Minami, Uesugi Muneyuki, and Okada Masayoshi (currently Nango Yui acting as substitute) together, it is absolutely a major matter!

Another major matter has occurred?

Uesugi Muneyuki also sensed that something was not quite right.

What matter does this father-in-law of mine have, that he wants to call all three of us?

Are our noble Special Mission Unit three slugs about to start wriggling again?

Heh, you European three slugs top son, ceb, notail might be strong or perhaps double crown version.

But we dispatch the Pokémon ultimate three slugs maybe, chalice, fy, how would you, Your Excellency, respond then?

……………………

The heavy wooden door closed silently behind them, cutting off all external sounds.

Watanabe Eiji did not sit behind the huge desk, but stood by the window, his back to them, gazing out at the closely packed Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.

The air in the room seemed to solidify, filled with the oppressive feeling of an impending mountain rain.

"Father?" Minami spoke first, her voice carrying a hint of not easily detectable doubt, her sharp intuition telling her that some extremely major event must have occurred.

Watanabe Eiji slowly turned around, his face showing none of the gentleness he usually had when seeing his daughter and prospective son-in-law, only a profound solemnity and... a hint of elusive complex emotion.

"Minami, Muneyuki, and Nango."

Watanabe Eiji's voice was low and deep, without any pleasantries, directly cutting to the core: "Ten minutes ago, I received a direct request from Maeda Director of the Imperial Household Agency and Kenji Chief of the Imperial Police. A matter... capable of shaking the foundations of the state has occurred."

He briefly described the discovery of the body of Imperial Household Agency staff member Shizuo in the Imperial Palace, preliminarily judged as drowning but unable to determine the nature, and with each additional sentence, Minami and Muneyuki's brows furrowed a little more. Especially upon hearing the event occurred within the Imperial Palace gardens, the three's breathing almost simultaneously halted.

"The Imperial Police's capabilities have reached their limit, and due to the highest-level secrecy requirements, they cannot publicly seek aid." Watanabe Eiji's sharp gaze swept over the three: "Maeda Director and Kenji Chief... they named you specifically, Muneyuki, requesting you, in your capacity as Chief Medical Examiner of the Metropolitan Police Department, to secretly intervene and conduct a judicial autopsy to determine the cause of death."

Incident in the Imperial Palace? Imperial Household Agency staff accidental death???

Here comes the action!

Uesugi Muneyuki's eyes lit up, but he immediately feigned surprise and concern.

He immediately understood the weight and danger involved.

Imperial Palace! Imperial Gardens! Imperial Household Agency!

Living God? Old Gods New Gods? Secrets of the Inner World?

This time might be an opportunity!

Uesugi Muneyuki sensed a different flavor.

Watanabe Director continued, his gaze turning to his daughter: "And this is not merely an autopsy. In view of the event's particularity and extreme sensitivity, the Imperial Household Agency and Imperial Police have in principle agreed that we, the Metropolitan Police Department, dispatch the Special Mission Unit to secretly station in the designated area around the Imperial Palace, taking full charge of the subsequent investigation."

His gaze fixed on Minami Watanabe: "Minami, the Special Mission Unit shall act as the representative of the Metropolitan Police Department, directly confronting this thorny case unprecedented since the war."

Instantly, the pressure in the room increased manifold.

Minami Ojou-sama felt a chill rise along her spine, but at the same time, a flame ignited by ultimate trust and challenge surged in her chest.

Unnatural death within the Imperial Palace, the Imperial Household Agency's helplessness, the highest-level secrecy requirement... any one of these signifies unimaginable risk and responsibility. One misstep could not only destroy personal careers but also trigger an uncontrollable political storm.

Yet she instantly understood the profound meaning unspoken in her father's words.

Watanabe Director lowered his voice by a few degrees, carrying a near-whisper heaviness: "This matter... is an unprecedented crisis, but also contains... opportunity."

He chose his words: "The Imperial Household Agency and Imperial Police have shown weakness in this matter. Whoever can cleanly and neatly resolve this will gain the absolute trust and immense gratitude of the Imperial Household Agency... and even higher levels. This achievement and trust are worth a fortune."

He did not spell it out, but everyone present understood clearly. This "higher level" points where. This is indeed a huge stage bristling with thorns, but once successfully bowed out, what will be gained is the key to knock on the door of the power core.

Uesugi Muneyuki slowly exhaled, breaking the brief silence: "Leave it to me."

Minami Watanabe's gaze also shifted from initial shock to sharp and resolute, she straightened her back, quite confident: "Father, please rest assured! We will not let you down!"

Watanabe Eiji looked at these two equally outstanding youths before him, whose eyes now burned with the same fighting spirit, and nodded heavily. Concern remained, but more so was his trust in their abilities and determination: "Nango, thank you for your hard work."

"Please rest assured, Director, I will assist Watanabe Management Official and Uesugi Chief in formulating the most meticulous investigation and secrecy plan. We will, in the name of the Metropolitan Police Department, thoroughly investigate this case and give all parties a clear explanation." Nango Yui excitedly beyond words, he immediately declared his loyalty: "Although I lack the management official's broad perspective and do not have Uesugi Chief's super strong forensic ability, I will do my utmost!"

"Very good." Watanabe Eiji said in a deep voice: "All permissions have already been opened for you. You may mobilize any resources within the Metropolitan Police Department's scope, go back to tidy up and change clothes, from now on, the Special Mission Unit has only one task—the 'Imperial Gardens Incident' truth. Go, begin preparations immediately. The Imperial Household Agency's liaison personnel will contact you shortly."

Minami and Muneyuki exchanged glances, each seeing in the other's eyes the heavy pressure, as well as the hard-to-suppress excitement and determination sparked by the great challenge.

Uesugi and Minami Watanabe bowed slightly to the Director, turned, and briskly left the secret room.

The door closed again, Watanabe Eiji remained alone in the room, his gaze once again turned toward the window.

He knew he had already sent the sharpest blade and most capable cutter into the most sensitive heartland of Japan.

Next, will it be to stir up stormy waves? Or to turn the tide?

Muneyuki, it's up to you!

(Chapter End)