Chapter 635

On workdays, the Special Mission Unit, as time gradually approached autumn, saw its members' clothing becoming progressively thicker; Minami, who was naturally afraid of the cold, had already put on her autumn police uniform coat, while only the sturdily built Eirina Igarashi and others still wore long-sleeved summer attire.

At this moment, everyone was watching a special report on television.

Follow-up report on the mysterious death of a male high school student in Kansai Osaka.

Anonymous neighbor: That kid — lately he's always been holding his head, saying "It's too noisy," "There are too many eyes."

We thought he was under too much academic pressure —

Anonymous classmate (voice hesitant): Kenta — he — before, he always seemed to be alone.

Recently it's gotten even stranger; sometimes he'll suddenly stare at you, then show a terrified expression, as if there's something frightening on you — but clearly, there's nothing there at all.

(The scene cuts back to the studio, where the host sits opposite a stern-faced psychology professor)

Host: Regarding this unprecedented pathological phenomenon, we've invited a renowned clinical psychologist, Professor Morita of Kyoto University. Professor Morita, how do you view this situation?

Professor Morita (adjusting his glasses, tone cautious): Based on the available information, this is extremely rare. It strongly suggests an extreme somatic symptom disorder, possibly combined with rare gene expression abnormalities. When an individual endures unimaginable mental stress — such as long-term school bullying or extreme social isolation — sometimes the mind's intangible pain seeks a "outlet" in the body in unfathomable ways. These — tissues — may be the physical manifestation of such inexpressible anguish. Of course, this is merely speculation based on extreme cases; concrete conclusions require thorough biopsychopathological analysis.

"As everyone knows, under special circumstances, human subcutaneous tissue and some tumors can grow hair, teeth, even eyes, due to cells receiving erroneous signals and then dividing again; some people develop hundreds of lipomas on their bodies, and if the circumstances are highly unusual, these lipomas may all grow eyes, which is also possible."

"Alright, thank you, Professor Morita, for your explanation!"

(The screen cuts to a brief statement from the school and police)

School representative (avoiding the camera): We are fully cooperating with the investigation and strengthening psychological counseling on campus. Regarding whether bullying exists, there is currently no conclusive evidence.

Osaka Police spokesperson (formal tone): The incident remains under investigation, and the cause of death awaits the final forensic report. Currently, clear signs of homicide have been ruled out, and it is leaning toward being classified as a rare physiological lesion triggered by extreme psychological stress.

Urging the public not to spread unverified rumors.

(The final shot shows the apartment building where Kenta lived; a reporter stands in the distance)

On-site reporter: "Currently, the body of Kenta Taizaki has been retrieved by his family in extreme grief and cremated. The police stated, out of respect for the family and to avoid social panic, the detailed autopsy report may not be fully disclosed.

This case will be closed as 'accidental death due to abnormal acute illness.' However, the shadow and questions left by this incident remain far from dispelled. Regarding the weakness in adolescent mental health protection, and regarding those invisible 'bullying' and 'loneliness' that can cause such terrible harm, society still needs deep reflection. Kansai News, on-site reporting."

(Host's screen returns)

Host (heavily): "A young life has passed in such an incomprehensible way. No matter the reason, it has sounded an alarm for us. Next is another news item — "

"Why is Kansai always so terrible?" Kai Toru couldn't help but complain: "Can't you learn from us in Kantou? Solve every case, punish every guilty, right every wrong?"

"Hey hey hey, Kai, you wouldn't really think solving cases is all your own achievement, would you?" Nanxiang Yui held a cup of British black tea, half-smiling, half-threatening: "I also studied at a university in Kansai! You brat, don't go painting everything with one brush? How many major cases have we in Kantou seen over the years? Although we ultimately relied on Uesugi Chief leading us to solve them, but rather than having incidents every day, wouldn't it be better if nothing happened at all, forworldand

peace! forsuperearth!"

"As the saying goes, the skilled warrior wins without fame." Minami Ojou-sama leaned back in her chair, half-smiling, and said.

Actually, no — if there weren't constant major incidents, how could Father and Sōsetsu demonstrate their abilities? Without constant major incidents, where would the budget and exceptional promotions come from? Without constant major incidents, how could Father continue advancing straight into the Cabinet Secretariat? Without constant major incidents, how would Sōsetsu attain his current terrifying influence?

But is it necessary to say such things out loud?

Ruthvenia once had a Ranma Gama who said: Muffled voice, great wealth — this is the tsuho drip!

"In memory of humanity's first airborne paratrooper in history, Super Qu Yuan." Date Nagamune laughed.

"Well, it's clear you, Uesugi, really want to go observe an autopsy." Okada Masayoshi noticed Uesugi Muneyuki's solemn yet eager gaze.

Uesugi Muneyuki didn't speak; instead, Ishihara Mikoto helplessly said: "I wanted to, I applied, but the Osaka Police Headquarters said no, claiming there was no need to accept guidance from the Metropolitan Police Department — they could handle the matter themselves."

"Again, the Kantou-Kansai rivalry." Kai Toru gave this a very accurate assessment.

Japanese police operate under a local autonomy system, as mentioned earlier; the Special Higher Police instilled such fear in civilians that during postwar police reconstruction, whether the U. S. or Japan itself, both firmly rejected centralization. Therefore, if localities do not actively request assistance, the National Police Agency and Metropolitan Police Department have no authority to interfere in local affairs.

Currently, for Watanabe Eiji and Uesugi Muneyuki, the Kantou region has basically become their private domain, the Tohoku region is the old Peerage stronghold, and even today the head of the Sasaki clan still serves as a prefectural governor, retaining terrifying influence — but by the time one reaches Nagoya or even Kansai, their influence diminishes significantly, and indeed, because they are from Kantou, the other side will deliberately oppose them.

"And right now, going to Osaka isn't the proper timing either." Uesugi Muneyuki complained.

Everyone didn't know what Uesugi Muneyuki meant by "proper timing," so they could only continue watching the news.

"NHK reports that someone in Kagoshima Prefecture was caught smuggling 1KG of drugs in their rectum during an illegal crossing; after arrest and trial, considering their good attitude of confession and active cooperation with investigation, prosecutors filed a six-year indictment, and filed for sealing of records involving related personnel."

"Hah?!" This news shocked everyone in the Special Mission Unit.

"Well, carrying drugs and trafficking drugs are indeed different in sentencing, just like that NBA star Anthony, who was arrested for carrying marijuana, but later his friends said it was left in his car, and Anthony was ultimately acquitted." Date Nagamune muttered casually.

"That's different — that's America! In America, getting marijuana is hardly harder than getting cigarettes! Some states have fully legalized marijuana, some have partial legalization." Uesugi Muneyuki shook his head repeatedly: "Our country is different! Our drug prohibition is extremely strict — this matter may seem small, but it's actually significant."

After Roosevelt took office, America was actually a country with extremely strict drug prohibition, but starting in the 1960s, during the Vietnam War, large amounts of morphine were used for pain relief to save lives, plus the 60s-70s rock decadence trend, combined with the spread of left-wing ideology (respect for individual freedom), so standards gradually loosened; later, for global dissemination, controls were slightly tightened again for a period — for example, NBA Commissioner David Stern spent his life trying to keep the NBA isolated from gun and drug gangs — but as Obama released LGBT, America there finally couldn't hit the brakes.

So actually, many things are indeed from Obama's era.

But Obama also has it rough — his predecessor Bush Jr. spent over three trillion dollars in Iraq, what could he do? He was also desperate.

"No wonder, it's said that in some places and stores in Canada and the Netherlands, one can legally consume higher levels of — " Nanxiang Yui crossed her arms, sighed: "The world is getting worse and worse."

"Wait, everyone, look quickly!" Just then, Okada Masayoshi exclaimed in surprise.

Another news clip appeared on television!

Yesterday, the then-leader of South Korea's largest opposition party, the "Democratic Party of Korea," Mun Kakaka, during a large lecture in Seoul on "Women's Rights and Historical Justice," mercilessly pointed his spear at Tokyo!

" — Recently, our neighboring country's political core has exposed a horrifying, systemic women's exploitation scandal!" Mun Kakaka stood under the spotlight, solemn expression, sharp words: "This is absolutely not an isolated incident! It profoundly reveals that certain Japanese political figures and historical revisionists have consistently disregarded women's dignity, and this attitude shares the same lineage as their evasive stance toward historical issues!"

He immediately raised his voice, steering the topic toward more sensitive historical territory: "This forces us to recall again those who suffered inhuman hardship during wartime — the comfort women" elders! The Japanese government has consistently failed to offer victims and the international community a sincere, satisfying, and legally binding apology and solution for the comfort women" issue! Now, within their political upper echelons, another such trampling of women's rights has occurred — could this not be a modern continuation of their erroneous historical view? We urge the Japanese government: not only must it thoroughly investigate the current crime, but also correct its historical attitude, sincerely resolve historical legacies such as the comfort women" issue, and truly earn the trust of Asia's near neighbors and the international community!"

This speech video and transcript, via Yonhap News, KBS, etc., South Korean mainstream media, spread rapidly and were immediately translated and reported by Japanese Kyodo News, Jiji Press, etc.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry at this moment was leaderless, only able to say: "No comment on this matter; Japan and South Korea should face the future," appearing pale and hypocritical.

However, this fierce accusation made Uesugi Muneyuki frown.

International pressure has made thoroughly investigating the "N-net" and severely punishing implicated officials more "politically correct" and urgent, to some extent stemming the domestic possibility of "family shame must not be aired," "internal digestion" undercurrents. The Special Investigation Unit Special Mission Unit's actions gained a firmer rationale of "upholding national image."

However, the case has been assigned greater political sensitivity and international attention. Any leak of investigative details could be infinitely amplified, evolving into a larger diplomatic incident. At the same time, it may also prompt forces behind the case, still unrevealed, to, for "national honor" (in reality, self-preservation), frantically cover up traces, even resort to extreme measures.

Cracking down on real estate speculation, implementing purchase restrictions, resulted in Seoul's housing prices surging 110%, leaving many young people who worked hard for 20 years still unable to afford homes.

Forcibly raising the minimum wage led to large numbers of small and medium enterprises collapsing en masse.

Heavy blows against chaebols, yet for South Korea, a country with such a small domestic market, only chaebols capable of integrating all resources to compete internationally are the nation's lifeline; result: youth unemployment soared to 22.7%, suffering severe blows, while entities like Samsung, whose largest shareholder is the National Pension of South Korea.

lax supervision of subordinates, one scandal after another involving sexual favors, leading netizens to jokingly call it the "Democratic Rape Party."

Uesugi Muneyuki pondered what Mun Kakaka's denunciation rally meant for him.

This is both an unexpected disruption and an exploitable east wind.

International attention is like a searchlight, making it harder for rats in the shadows to hide, but it may also illuminate some areas he wishes to keep vague for now.

He must more carefully balance the clues in his hand, domestic maneuvering, and this sudden international gaze; the current silence or awkward response from the Bokkakka government also foreshadows that domestic political forces in South Korea may further ferment pressure on Japan over this issue.

However, since Bokkakka proactively stepped forward to occupy the moral high ground, Uesugi Muneyuki feels he can appropriately remain behind the scenes.

As the war of words between the two sides intensifies, then I will just get married with peace of mind!

Uesugi Muneyuki watches Bokkakka gesticulating on the TV set, thinking this guy speaks very well on the surface; once he takes office, the good days are still ahead!

Still, thanks must be given to Bokkakka—his appearance has shifted all of Japan's attention onto him.

Next, first get married to avoid the spotlight; when Alice wakes up, publicly denounce him at the prosecutors' office, and everything will be over.

Upon hearing this, Uesugi Muneyuki let out a soft sigh, thinking that after enduring such a long time with this complex case, it is finally time to see its conclusion.

May everything come to a peaceful end!

Now let me have a splendid wedding!

Kita Ward, Tokyo, the top floor of a housing complex apartment nearing demolition.

——

Rainwater drips continuously down the rusted fire escape, striking the terrace piled with discarded home appliances below; the sound is monotonous and dense, perfectly masking other noises.

Inside the room, no lights are on; only a faint, dull yellow glow from distant streetlights filters in, barely outlining a few blurred figures. The air is filled with dust, mold, and a kind of suppressed excitement.

Sato Liang leans against the peeling wall, the eyes behind his black-frame glasses unusually bright in the dimness.

Before him lies a long, bundle wrapped in waterproof tarpaulin, carefully placed on the ground by a stocky man whose breathing is slightly labored.

"Done!" the stocky man's voice is pressed extremely low, yet he cannot suppress his trembling—a shudder mixed with fear and fervor: "Three of them, plus the matching————gear."

He unwraps the tarpaulin, revealing several segments of metal parts emitting a cold, dull sheen—Glock 19! Beside them lie a few boxes of ammunition and a crude, clearly homemade silencer attachment.

In the dim light, two other young people involuntarily lean forward, emitting faint inhalation sounds from their throats; one instinctively reaches out to touch it, but Sato Liang stops him with a cold glance.

"Checked?" Sato Liang's voice is calm, as if discussing a textbook.

"Tested." The stocky man nods, swiftly assembling one of them with practiced motion; the "click" of metal parts meshing is especially sharp and piercing in the silence: "Although somewhat old, it will do if it works."

Sato Liang's fingertips lightly brush the cold gun body, as if caressing a precious sacrificial vessel.

He does not look at the near-sacrificial fire igniting in his companions' eyes, but gazes out the window at the Tokyo night scene blurred by the rain curtain, and says slowly: "Remember, this is not merely a gun." This is————sound. The first crack in the false tranquility curtain of this nation.

Inside the room, only suppressed breathing remains, and the endless rain outside.

A dangerous and resolute aura, like mold, silently spreads through this ruined room.

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