Chapter 650

Facing Berenji's declaration that "The Special Mission Unit is now under my command," the members of the Special Mission Unit all flashed a hint of displeasure in their eyes.

Okada Masayoshi frowned, thinking: You're also a graduate of the Tokyo University Faculty of Law, and so am I; you're a police inspector, and so am I; you're the head of the occupational division, and so am I—how come you're the one giving me orders?

This guy—how can he be so matter-of-fact about it?

And you said Uesugi-san has already delegated the investigation to you—is that really true?

However, Okada understood Berenji's personality: although this man is arrogant and self-assured, he doesn't tend to lie, nor does he enjoy lying.

Since he's so certain about it, there's probably some truth to it.

Okada Masayoshi thought for a moment, then decided to temporarily comply—after all, Minami and Uesugi aren't here right now.

He gestured to Berenji-san: "You give the orders."

Berenji took out a tablet computer from his briefcase, tapped a few times, pulled up several photos, and projected them directly onto the whiteboard at the front of the office.

The image was bloody and horrifying: a black Toyota Century sedan parked in the middle of a remote road, the driver's side window glass shattered in a spiderweb pattern, with a clear bullet hole at the center.

Inside the car, an elderly man wearing a kimono, his hair white with age, slumped sideways in the seat, a dark stain spreading across his chest, already congealed.

The photo was taken at night, but the emergency lighting illuminated the grim scene with crystal clarity.

"Around 5 a. m. today, on a secluded auxiliary road in the Wakazaki Sanchome district of Mitaka City. The victim is Akiyama Tadashige, 78 years old, former Deputy Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, retired for many years." Berenji spoke quickly, with professional composure, but there was a hint of gravity in his eyes: "Initial assessment at the scene suggests the victim was ambushed while driving. The perpetrator used a handgun, firing from close range at the side—one shot, instant death, very professional. The vehicle was not moving fast; it was likely forced to slow down or stop when attacked."

The atmosphere in the office instantly dropped to freezing point. All casual chatter and teasing ceased abruptly. A former high official assassinated—this is an extremely serious matter.

"Motive?" Okada Masayoshi asked in a low voice.

"The possibility of a political motive is extremely high." Berenji switched the image, showing a blurry photo of Akiyama Tadashige participating in activities of certain right-wing groups before his death, along with some of his online posts expressing strong xenophobia and opposition to immigration,

and independent, self-reliant radical rhetoric: "After retirement, Akiyama remained active in certain conservative groups, his rhetoric extreme. We preliminarily suspect this was carried out by an extreme left-wing organization."

"You also know about the Sakikawa Restoration Army"—as for this emerging organization, in fact, I and Uesugi have been investigating them all along. The resolution of the Ōsumikawa incident doesn't mean the Sakikawa Restoration Army has vanished—

"The Sakikawa Restoration Army?!" Assistant Police Inspector Kai Toru's ears perked up: "These people still exist? No way—wasn't it said that Ōsumikawa and that Takigawa Tsubasa were already wiped out? They—

still have the capability to obtain firearms?

still have the capability to assassinate a former minister?!"

Nanxiang Yui slammed her thigh: "TMD, how did the country become like this?!"

Berenji glanced at Kai Toru, nodded slightly: "My and Uesugi's follow-up investigation shows that although they've gone into hiding, they haven't abandoned continued activity. The 3N severance compensation left behind by Ōsumikawa should still be unspent by them."

"The interrogation of that Indian national by Public Security is also quite interesting—

that 'A-San' claimed he was advised by drinking buddies, but again, doesn't know who the other party is—Public Security also suspects someone might be pulling strings behind the scenes, but there's no evidence—so for now, let's just look at this."

Berenji continued operating the tablet, pulling up several extremely blurry, severely shaky surveillance video clips.

"These are from civilian surveillance near the crime scene and a dashcam from a passing vehicle—distance is far, image quality poor, and the perpetrator obviously deliberately avoided the main cameras. All we can see is that, before and after Akiyama's vehicle slowed down, a suspected white light cargo truck briefly stopped by the roadside in the shadows, with one or two blurred figures moving about. The shooting itself was not captured. The white cargo truck then drove off, its license plate deliberately obscured."

The footage is indeed terrible—human shapes appear as shifting color blurs, vehicle details impossible to discern.

This is where we need the Special Mission Unit's help. Kashiwagi Jin looked at Okada Masayoshi, his tone still requesting assistance, but with a faint hint of "You guys are good at handling tough cases, aren't you?": The killer's choice of location, timing, and clean execution show meticulous planning and strong counter-investigation awareness. Routine scene inspection and neighborhood inquiries are already being handled by the Third Subsection. But how, with such limited clues, can we quickly pinpoint the suspect's vehicle and direction, and flush out the tail of the Sakikawa Restoration Army? I hear you have some unconventional methods and technical resources.

"Large-scale introduction of Wakon Hai Shi is indeed urgently needed." Nanxiang Yui complained: "It's gotten this blurry—you say this person is Kobe Bryant, I'd believe you."

"This is where the Special Mission Unit's assistance is needed." Berenji looked at Okada Masayoshi, his tone still a request for help, but faintly carrying a hint of "You guys aren't good at handling tough cases, are you?": "The perpetrator's choice of location, timing, and clean, efficient execution clearly indicate meticulous planning and strong counter-surveillance awareness. Routine scene investigation and neighborhood inquiries are already being handled by the Third Subsection. But how, in a situation with such limited leads, can we quickly pinpoint the suspect vehicle and its whereabouts, and flush out the tail of the Sakikawa Restoration Army—

He steadied his mind, gazing at the blurry image on the whiteboard: "Nanxiang, immediately contact the Metropolitan Police Department's technical team and request the highest-level image enhancement and restoration. Focus on any possible feature of that white truck—headlight shape, mirror style, any special markings or damage on the rear cargo area. At the same time, investigate all white light trucks of the same or similar model across the city, especially those with recent abnormal records or rental history."

He specifically mentioned "technical resources," his gaze seemingly unintentionally sweeping over the empty seat once belonging to Uesugi Muneyuki—meaning unmistakable—you may not have your ace forensic pathologist here, but you'd better have some other skills up your sleeve.

"Kai, Date," Okada continued issuing orders, "you pull traffic surveillance and ETC records centered on the crime scene, expanding the range. Focus on the passage routes of all white or light-colored trucks one hour before and after the incident, attempting path reconstruction and cross-referencing. The killer may have switched vehicles or license plates—watch for abnormal driving routes or stopping points."

He steadied his mind, turned to the blurry image on the whiteboard: "Nanxiang, immediately contact the Metropolitan Police Department's technical team, request the highest-level image enhancement and restoration, focusing on even the slightest feature of that white cargo truck—headlight shape, reflector style, any special markings or damage on the rear cargo area. Simultaneously, investigate all white or similarly colored light cargo trucks citywide, especially those with recent abnormal records or rental logs."

"Igarashi, help organize Autumn Mountain Zhongzhong's public activities over the past six months, the list of opponents indicated by his statements, and all groups and individuals who have had public clashes with him or been harshly criticized by him, especially those with left-leaning tendencies. See if, aside from the 'Sakikawa Restoration Army,' there are any other potential suspects."

"Kai, Date—" Okada continued issuing orders: "You pull traffic surveillance and ETC records centered on the crime scene, expanded radius, especially one hour before and after the incident, all passage tracks of white or light-colored cargo trucks, attempt route reconstruction and cross-comparison. The perpetrator may have switched vehicles or plates—watch for abnormal driving routes or stopping points."

"Yes!" Kai Toru and Date Nagamune also put away their joking expressions and got to work.

"Igarashi, you assist in organizing Akiyama Tadashige's public activities over the past six months, the targets implied by his statements, and all groups and individuals with whom he had public clashes or whom he harshly criticized, especially those with left-wing leanings. See if, besides the 'Sakikawa Restoration Army,' there are any other potential suspects."

"Leave it to me!" Igarashi Hayato responded energetically.

Berenji watched as the Special Mission Unit instantly shifted from idle to high-efficiency operation, a flicker of surprise and slight approval crossing his eyes, though his face remained expressionless: "Good. Our Third Subsection will fully pursue physical evidence and direct suspect screening. We'll sync any updates promptly."

"It's a Glock 19." Date Nagamune suddenly spoke up.

"But this handgun probably isn't one of those, so— the source of such a handgun is actually quite simple." Date Nagamune said confidently: "You get it!"

"The shooter used a Glock 19 model handgun—no mistake about it." Date Nagamune peered at the blurry image, relying solely on the extremely indistinct color blurs and the shooting posture, and immediately made his judgment: "No doubt—it's a Glock 19 fifth-generation pistol, this model is widely assembled from imported parts from Southeast Asia, favored by many extremist groups and gangs, its components mostly plastic, making it easy to slip through security checks."

"And moreover—" Date Nagamune said with meaningful depth: "Some of them also come from leaks at the Yokosuka US Military Base and our former Self-Defense Forces."

"But this handgun probably isn't one of those, so— the source of such a handgun is actually quite simple." Date Nagamune said confidently: "You get it!"

Ishihara Mikoto added softly, bringing her professional perspective as a forensic assistant: "If it's a Glock 19 and the shooting distance was this close, the gunpowder reaction and residue— perhaps there are microscopic traces left in the killer's position or inside the vehicle, possibly missed even after cleaning. If the technical team can locate the suspect vehicle, they can conduct ultra-high-sensitivity particulate detection."

Indeed, there's talent in the Special Mission Unit! Berenji was shocked, thinking: No wonder he's from a thief-military background—he really does know his stuff.

He was about to leave, but turned back for a glance at the busy Special Mission Unit members, especially the empty seat of the Chief Forensic Examiner, and finally said: "This case has extremely negative repercussions. Pressure from above is immense, demanding a swift resolution, calming public opinion, preventing copycat crimes and political panic. I'm counting on all of you."

Ishihara Mikoto softly added, from her professional perspective as a forensic assistant: "If it's a Glock 19, and the shooting distance was this close, gunpowder residue and residue—

perhaps traces remain at the perpetrator's hiding spot or inside the vehicle, even after cleaning, there could be blind spots. If the technical team can locate the suspect vehicle, they could conduct ultra-high-sensitivity particulate detection."

Berenji nodded: "Reasonable suggestion. I'll feed it back to the Forensic Identification Division."

He was about to leave, but turned back to glance at the now-busy members of the Special Mission Unit, especially the empty seat of the Chief Medical Examiner, and finally said: "This case has extremely恶劣 impact. Pressure from above is immense, demanding a swift resolution, to quell public opinion, prevent copycat crimes and political panic. I entrust this to all of you.

After Kashiwagi Jin left, the Special Mission Unit office was left with only the sound of keyboard taps, phone rings, and hushed discussion.

Kai Toru scrolled through the surveillance footage while muttering lowly to Date Nagamune beside him: "Tsk, Inspector Kashiwagi acting like that—makes it seem our Special Mission Unit can't do anything without Dr. Uesugi but sip tea and read the paper. Still— this case is intense, a former deputy minister gunned down in broad daylight, and with a gun—those Sakikawa Restoration Army guys, it looks like their previous schemes failed, so they've gone straight for something harsher."

Date Nagamune's gaze locked onto the screen, trying to discern vehicle features from the blurry pixels, he said in a deep voice: "Political assassination, in any era, is a grave crime that shakes the foundations of the state. The killer chose a remote stretch in the early hours, the method professional, clearly planned, aiming to instill terror and convey a political signal. We must bring them to justice swiftly, otherwise social panic will spread, with consequences too dire to imagine."

Unless we completely eradicate the Sakikawa Restoration Army, Alice and Shi Shi—

this point, Berenji stands in agreement with Uesugi Muneyuki.

After Berenji left, the Special Mission Unit office was left with only the sound of keyboard taps, phone rings, and lowered voices.

Kai Toru rolled the surveillance footage while muttering to the Date Nagamune beside him: "Tsk, Berenji acting like that—makes it seem like our Special Mission Unit, without Dr. Uesugi, just sits around drinking tea and reading newspapers. But—this case is seriously intense, a former deputy minister gunned down in broad daylight, still with a gun—

【61】 the Sakikawa Restoration Army"—these guys, looks like their previous failed attempts made them go straight for something nastier."

【62】 Date Nagamune fixed his gaze on the screen, trying to discern vehicle features from the blurry pixels, and said in a low voice: "Political assassination, no matter the era, is a grave crime that shakes the foundations of the state. The perpetrator chose a deserted road at dawn, method professional—clearly planned, aiming to spread terror and send a political signal. We must bring them to justice swiftly, otherwise social panic will spread, consequences unimaginable."

【63】 Okada Masayoshi rubbed his brow, feeling the immense weight of responsibility and pressure. He glanced outside, thinking silently: Miwa-chan, Uesugi-san—could it be your vacation has to end early? This case—without you, can we really pull this off on our own?

【64】 Former Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism assassinated by the Sakikawa Restoration Army!

【65】 This will be another case to shock the entire political world!

【66】 The Special Mission Unit members looked at each other—me at you, you at me.

This time, Uesugi Chief is not here; this time, we have to rely on ourselves!

And Ikeda Erena and Ishihara Mikoto exchanged a glance, both seeing worry in each other's eyes.

"Germany has an old saying: 'Action over words.'" Nango Yui stood up very gracefully:

"

"No matter what, we should still go to the crime scene first to take a look."

Everyone nodded in agreement. As Chief of the Special Mission Unit and the temporary agent handling all affairs, Okada Masayoshi straightened his suit and stood up: "Alright, Ishihara San will stay behind here; we'll now head to the crime scene in Mitaka."

"Chief, is this a request for assistance from Public Security?" Date Nagamune thought for a moment, then asked.

"A request for assistance from Public Security!" Okada Masayoshi thought briefly, then immediately nodded.

For the long-term peace and stability of the nation, for the new system, criminal justice, Public Security, and the District Public Prosecutors Office must all learn to act closely united under the future banner of the Special Mission Division.

Now is a good time to cultivate everyone's sense of cooperation.

After all, it is precisely because Uesugi Chief can enable the criminal justice and Public Security factions to cooperate.

"Special Mission Unit, deploy!"

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