Chapter 52: Speed of Life and Death (Second Update!)

Outside the Odaiba Building, a crowd had gathered. At the entrance to the restaurant on the first floor of the Odaiba Building, a massive sign reading "Odaiba Building Disappearance Special Investigation Headquarters" was posted. Inside, dozens of detectives were gathered together, with laptops and various devices scattered haphazardly across the dining tables. The large screen inside the restaurant was broadcasting a live broadcast regarding the disappearance case.

"Attention to the Division Chief, salute!"

Everyone saluted.

"At ease!"

Everyone sat down.

The detectives from the Third, Sixth, Ninth, and Thirteenth Subsections of Investigation Division 1 were all on the front lines participating in the search. Aside from the high-ranking officers, those remaining at the Special Investigation Headquarters were mostly from the Administrative Unit or were internal staff.

The television was in the middle of a live broadcast when, at that very moment, the doors to the Special Investigation Headquarters were pushed open.

A female detective walked quickly into the Special Investigation Headquarters with an attendant. The weather in Tokyo at the end of September was already showing signs of chill. She was wearing a standard Metropolitan Police Department internal winter uniform: a navy blue police jacket over a white women's blouse, paired with a matching navy blue tie. There were gold patterns on the cuffs, and a gold lanyard hung down to the police badge on her shoulder. Her sweet and exquisite face, adorned only with simple, light makeup, could not hide her outstanding appearance. Below, she wore a navy blue uniform skirt with a slightly flared hem that fell about five centimeters above her knees. The narrow hemline gave off an air of solemnity and dignity, highlighting the slenderness of the female detective's waist. Her calves, delicate as jade, were wrapped in slightly thick, flesh-colored silk stockings, and a pair of flesh-colored, beautiful feet stepped into standard five-centimeter-heeled commuting high-heeled shoes, adding a touch of cuteness and vitality to her.

"Watanabe, Okada! What are you two doing standing there?!" Division Chief Mikasa spotted the two people who shouldn't have been there at a glance: "Sit down, quickly!"

Police Inspector Watanabe Minami of the Metropolitan Police Department's Police Affairs Department, the Face of the Metropolitan Police Department of this generation.

Police Inspector Okada, the personal driver for the Superintendent General of the Metropolitan Police Department, and the dedicated chauffeur for Director General Watanabe.

These two from the Career Track shouldn't have been here, but Division Chief Mikasa only dared to scold them briefly before hurriedly telling them to sit down.

Watanabe Minami was the only daughter of Director General Watanabe, and Police Inspector Okada was the Director General's driver; the arrival of these two indicated the severity of the situation.

Accompanied by the live broadcast from Fuji TV in the background, the Victim Countermeasures Team at the Special Investigation Headquarters was explaining the situation.

"The missing person, Hironaka Mariko, 28 years old, Keio University graduate, joined Fuji TV five years ago!"

Sitting in the audience, the Face of the Metropolitan Police Department, Watanabe Minami, had her brows tightly locked.

She had begged for a long time before her father agreed to let her come to the scene.

However, the situation at the scene made Watanabe Minami incredibly worried.

When the main force of the Metropolitan Police Department's Investigation Division 1 arrived at Fuji TV to begin setting up the Special Investigation Headquarters, Fuji TV emphasized their willingness to cooperate fully, even allowing direct searches of the station's confidential areas and the President's office. However, according to negotiations with Nippon Life and Dentsu/Hakuhodo, once the building lockdown exceeded three hours, the pressure on both the Metropolitan Police Department and Fuji TV would increase with every passing minute and second.

Yet, just assembling the police force, formulating a plan, and herding all the idlers into different areas had already taken over half an hour.

There was no helping it; it was already past office hours, and the Investigation Division 1 headquarters didn't have enough people. It was a huge effort to call in all the detectives from the Criminal Investigation Divisions of the various police stations in Minato Ward, not to mention that Fuji TV also had to conduct a live broadcast simultaneously.

By this time, the entire Tokyo area and even the Kanto Region were in an uproar. The internet was full of posts about the Fuji TV lockdown. After other television stations had already been broadcasting for a while, Fuji TV finally began its live broadcast, recounting the incident from the beginning.

"The missing person, Hironaka Mariko, 28 years old, passed the entrance exam for Fuji TV five years ago to become a news anchor. She was mainly responsible for reporting entertainment and weather news. She had a gentle and elegant appearance and an outstanding temperament, and she was somewhat popular."

"Hironaka Mariko became engaged last year to Shimakawa Ren, an Executive Director at Tokyo Ota Real Estate Co., Ltd., and the wedding date was set for tomorrow."

"Ms. Hironaka Mariko had expressed anxiety and anticipation regarding the wedding preparations in recent days. Other than that, there were no abnormal behaviors. Last Friday, Ms. Hironaka Mariko came to Fuji TV to clock in for the last time, and after being captured on surveillance for the last time that afternoon, she completely disappeared."

"Hironaka's family could never reach Hironaka Mariko, so they reported it to the police on Saturday night."

"Akasaka Station in Minato Ward determined that since the disappearance time did not exceed 24 hours and Ms. Hironaka was an adult with full civil capacity, she might have had business to attend to, or perhaps she had gone somewhere else to relax and prepare for the wedding, so they did not open a case."

"It wasn't until Monday that Ms. Hironaka's family discovered that Hironaka Mariko still hadn't appeared and reported it again. The Metropolitan Police Department decided to launch an investigation, and only then did they discover through surveillance that it was highly likely Ms. Hironaka Mariko had not left the Odaiba Building."

The Special Investigation Headquarters was describing the matters concerning Hironaka Mariko almost in sync with the live broadcast from Fuji TV behind them. Subsequently, the live feed cut to the upper floors of the Odaiba Building, where Police Inspector Megure was leading detectives from the Division and Fuji TV security to tear open the ceiling of the President's office.

They found nothing.

"It took almost an hour just to assemble; has the SIT not arrived yet?" Watanabe Minami said to Police Inspector Okada beside her. Although she was still relatively calm, her voice trembled slightly; it was her father who was responsible for this matter.

SIT refers to the Special Investigation Team of Investigation Division 1, the special police officers who wear bulletproof vests and helmets and are equipped with submachine guns.

"It takes some time for the Security Department of the Metropolitan Police Department to process the permit application." Police Inspector Okada's expression was even uglier: "Furthermore, looking at the attitude of Fuji TV, they probably don't know either."

At this moment, the Victim Countermeasures Team was already discussing content that had not been released during the live broadcast.

"Currently, whether Hironaka Mariko is dead or alive, or where she is, is unclear. The investigation into witnesses within the TV station is continuing. According to the information collected so far, after Ms. Hironaka was hired, she had relatively close relationships with quite a few high-level executives at the TV station, especially President Kameyama. She had participated in business social engagements with President Kameyama many times, and it was only after she got engaged last year that the number of times she participated in social engagements decreased significantly."

"We have reason to suspect that Hironaka Mariko's disappearance may be related to the high-level executives, but since the live broadcast is still ongoing, there is no opportunity for further questioning for the time being."

Division Chief Mikasa on the stage nodded repeatedly. He then cast his gaze toward a Police Superintendent Management Officer: "How many reserve personnel are there currently?"

"Only fifty-one." The Management Officer stood up.

"How many more from the local branch stations can arrive within ten minutes?"

"The fastest one currently on the way is Police Inspector Hayata from Akasaka Station; he has 14 people under his command."

"How many of them have experience with this type of investigation?"

"Not a single one, Division Chief!"

"Not a single one? What are these local branch stations doing all day?" Division Chief Mikasa roared: "As police officers, shouldn't you be prepared for the worst at all times?"

It was a pity that Police Inspector Hayata hadn't arrived yet; otherwise, one could have seen a Police Inspector bowing at ninety degrees, shouting "Sumimasen" with all his might.

Watanabe Minami stared at the large screen with full concentration: "What about Kashiwagi Jin from the Third Subsection?"

"Police Inspector Kashiwagi Jin should have gone to investigate the fiancé." Police Inspector Okada frowned: "In similar cases, the fiancé, husband, wife, and relatives are always the first suspects, Watanabe."

"Is that so?" Watanabe Minami nodded; she had naturally taken these courses at the Police University.

"In any case, the investigation into the high-level executives at Fuji TV cannot stop. Everyone, pay attention: besides the search, questioning and investigation are also very important. Everything must be done with caution and care. Meeting adjourned!"

"Yes!"

The reserve personnel also all went out. There were fewer than thirty people left in the Special Investigation Headquarters. They stared firmly at the live broadcast and surveillance on the large screen, watching with their own eyes as the Metropolitan Police Department, led by security, searched the building floor by floor starting from the top, yet they found nothing at all.

Unknowingly, another half hour was about to pass.

Fuji TV's live broadcast had also been going on for an hour, going back and forth over the same information and files; there was almost nothing left to say.

Nothing, nothing, still nothing; there was absolutely nothing.

Inside the Special Investigation Headquarters, everyone's palms were sweating.

Time, time!

————I am a separator that is nothing at all————

"Shh, be careful, Ikeda. You need to be aware that we are conducting an illegal search."

In the stairwell on the first floor of the Odaiba Building, Uesugi Muneyuki was passing through along the surveillance blind spot together with Ikeda Erena.

Unlike the air in the Special Investigation Headquarters, which was heavy enough to congeal, the atmosphere between these two was much more relaxed.

Faced with Uesugi Muneyuki's careful reminder that they were conducting an illegal search, Ikeda Erena scoffed at the man's warning. The tall beauty listening to his suggestion was not because she had taken Uesugi Muneyuki's words to heart, but simply because he was him; to her, he was special and a person worth trusting.

For some reason, Uesugi Muneyuki insisted that Eirina walk in front, his eyes darting about as if hiding some unspeakable intentions.

Eirina felt he was likely still afraid of being beaten by her, which was why he followed behind; she had the heart to say sorry, but thinking of how he had taken advantage of her and then acted innocent, her expression turned aggrieved, thinking that if it weren't for him, others would have already been sent to the ICU with ruptured livers and spleens from her strikes.

Eirina was, after all, a national-level martial arts expert; she knew that level of force wouldn't injure this man, and she had no desire to hurt him.

"What? Still dwelling on what just happened?" The tall beauty raised her eyebrows: "You were the one who started getting handsy first!"

"Yes, yes, yes, I was the one who started it." Uesugi Muneyuki sighed, a touch of sorrow appearing on his face: "I just feel very regretful; there is something I don't know if I should tell you."

This guy, is there anything between us that can't be said?

Seeing that Uesugi Muneyuki was no longer dwelling on the previous matter, Eirina felt relieved, smiled, and said softly: "What is it that can't be said?"

"Master Eirina, your police uniform skirt paired with black silk stockings is really beautiful; I'm very worried that I won't be able to see it in the future." Uesugi Muneyuki sighed quite bluntly: "You never dress like this usually."

The police shirt and jacket were tucked into a dark blue tight-fitting pencil skirt, which perfectly hugged the tall beauty's devilish, slender figure, not only accentuating her toned and delicate waistline to perfection, but also making Eirina's rounded, full backside look incredibly sexy.

Beneath the skirt, a pair of gorgeous long legs were wrapped in slightly translucent black matte silk stockings; following the black-clad legs downward, a pair of beautiful jade feet in silk stockings stepped into simple patent leather block heels; although the heels weren't high, paired with this police uniform, the already tall Eirina looked incredibly charming.

So this was what this guy was worried about?

If you begged me, it's not like I couldn't wear it for you on my day off; what's the big deal.

Eirina rolled her eyes at Uesugi Muneyuki, too lazy to pay him any mind, and grabbed his wrist to pull him forward, muttering "there's no reason to wear black silk stockings with a formal uniform anyway," while swaying her waist to signal him not to dawdle.

However, Uesugi Muneyuki suddenly grabbed her small hand back, pulled her into his arms with a sudden force, and the two of them squeezed together behind the fire cabinet in the corner of the stairwell!

"Shh!" Before Eirina could ask, Uesugi Muneyuki signaled for her to be quiet and pursed his lips toward the outside.

A squad of officers in black tactical gear, holding riot helmets, with police batons at their waists and holstered pistols swaying, passed by in a hurry with serious expressions, the sound of heavy equipment clashing echoing incessantly.

"SIT! Has the Investigation Division 1's Special Investigation Unit been deployed?" Ikeda Erena recognized the people who had come.

"Mm, be careful, we are conducting an illegal investigation, don't get caught." Uesugi Muneyuki pressed his hands against Eirina, and soon, his expression turned very strange, a deep flush rising on the man's cheeks: "Um, Master Eirina."

"Mm?" Eirina signaled that the SIT hadn't left yet, so don't be in a rush.

"Um, Master Eirina, I am... unable... to breathe." Uesugi Muneyuki said with a bitter face.

The tall beauty was wearing shoes with a bit of a heel, and because of the tension, she was standing on her tiptoes, her two long legs in silk stockings pressing against Uesugi Muneyuki's knees, her skirt slightly hiked up, the fair skin of her thighs and the deep, mysterious black of the silk stockings echoing each other, a sight of stunning beauty.

Ikeda Erena's face was also stained with a rosy glow; she signaled for Uesugi Muneyuki to wait a moment longer, and only after confirming that the SIT had all left did she struggle to pull herself out of the corner, lowering her head and biting her lip as she managed to say: "Is that enough?"

Squeezed in the corner of the fire cabinet, bathing in Uesugi Muneyuki's scent, the tall beauty's delicate body trembled slightly as she took a few breaths to slowly recover.

Uesugi Muneyuki was the same, panting heavily a few times: "Alright, let's continue."

Ikeda Erena lowered her head, a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth.

"Right, let's continue!"

The two of them secretly headed down the stairs, and as soon as they entered the underground area, a pungent odor rushed toward them.

Besides the parking lot, the third basement level of Fuji TV was piled with a large amount of miscellaneous items—props for sets, decorations, painting tools, and even some animals used for filming; the television station's programs were varied, so the clutter underground was naturally diverse as well.

Uesugi Muneyuki even saw an Ultraman costume hanging over a pile of animal furs, which gave off a leathery stench.

The structure of the underground area was very complex, with clutter everywhere; many items were just piled in the corridors, covered simply with plastic sheets or canvas, and there were even background boards for sets just left randomly at the end of the corridor.

"I feel like I've come to an underground catacomb." Uesugi Muneyuki coughed lightly: "Sure enough, every company has its mountain of shit code."

"So smelly... will Ms. Mariko really be here?" Ikeda Erena also covered her nose, frowning.

"We'll know once we take a look." Uesugi Muneyuki was confident.

"The third underground level, besides the parking lot, has several hundred square meters and dozens of rooms on each level; are we just going to rely on the two of us?" Ikeda Erena wasn't very confident, but she was still full of drive.

Because he was here, and because she had such strong expectations of him.

He could always give her surprises, and she believed this time would be the same.

"Right, just the two of us." Seeing her expression, Uesugi Muneyuki found it funny in his heart, put away his urge to tease her, and said seriously: "Trust me, it'll be quick."

"Mm, I trust you." Ikeda Erena replied blankly and turned around.

Oh no, the way he looks when he's serious is a bit hard to resist.

Oh no, looking at Brother's state today, plus the training from Redmi, the championship this year is nine times out of ten going to be my Top Esports!





(End of this chapter)