Chapter 687

Huh? Moshi moshi, this is Kumesan. "Kumesan, the president, picked up the phone. Thinking that only major matters would call this direct line, and then he heard the voice of Abiru Kazuhiko, the section chief, and in his heart he wasn't exactly pleased?

【1】 "Huh? Moshi moshi, this is Kameyama." Kameyama President picked up the phone, thinking that only major matters would call this dedicated line, and then he heard the voice of Bureau Chief Abiru Kazuhiko, and in his heart he wasn't exactly pleased?

It must be good news, I said so!

【2】 It must be good news, I said so!

Indeed, it was Abiru Kazuhiko, the director of the FNS (Fuji Television Network System) Production Bureau, calling. His tone was unusually devoid of his usual smooth composure. "President, sorry to disturb you. Over in Yonezawa, the outdoor unit for the New Year special of 'God's Hand' has run into trouble." Abiru's voice was low but spoken quickly.

【3】 Indeed, it was Abiru Kazuhiko, Director General of the Production Bureau of FNS (Fuji Television Network System), calling, his tone unusually losing its usual smooth composure. "President, sorry to disturb you, over in Yonezawa, the location shoot team for the New Year special of 'Hand of God' has run into trouble." Abiru's voice was kept low, but his speech was rapid.

"Wasn't this reported yesterday? Uesugi Munesuke mysteriously disappeared, causing a false alarm. It's said he saw a white deer... or was it a white tiger? Anyway, he felt it was an ancestral revelation and chased into the forest." Kumesan shouted nonchalantly: "Scared us half to death, even the Metropolitan Police Department was startled."

【4】 "Wasn't this reported yesterday? Uesugi Muneyuki went missing strangely, causing a false alarm, it's said he saw a white deer while paying respects to Lord Kenshin...... or was it a White Tiger coming? Anyway, he felt it was an ancestral revelation and rushed into the forest." Kameyama President shouted with a face of utter indifference: "It scared us half to death, even the Metropolitan Police Department side was startled."

Japanese people are very tolerant of geniuses, especially someone like Uesugi Munesuke, a specialized talent, who often makes divine-sounding statements and inexplicable actions. Considering his ability, as long as it's not illegal, the Japanese public almost always finds it reasonable.

【5】 Japanese people are very tolerant of geniuses, especially specialized talents like Uesugi Muneyuki, who often have divine-sounding remarks and inexplicable actions; considering his ability, as long as it's not illegal, Japanese citizens almost all find it reasonable.

"No, it's..." Abiru continued.

【6】 "No, it's......" Bureau Chief Abiru continued saying.

"Which idol threw a tantrum?" Kumesan shouted: "Didn't we just say an idol went missing? TMD Akimoto Yasushi, I really need to rein him in! Or did Date get hurt? Weren't we going to cover medical expenses? The budget is more than sufficient..."

【7】 "Which idol threw a tantrum?" Kameyama President shouted: "Didn't we just say an idol went missing? TMD Akimoto Yasushi, I really want to rein him in! Or is it Date who got hurt? Didn't we say we'd cover medical expenses? The budget is more than sufficient....

Kumesan spoke in a flat tone, with the calm of someone who has weathered many storms. Yesterday's news about Date Chosuke's injury and the members' temporary disappearance had already reached him, and to him it was just a common hiccup in variety show production, even adding a bit of topical interest.

【8】 Kameyama President's tone was flat, carrying the unruffled composure of one accustomed to storms; yesterday's news of Date Nagamune's injury and members' temporary disappearance had already been relayed, and to him it was merely a common hiccup in variety show production, even somewhat newsworthy.

"No, President. This time...... it's a murder case." Abiru took a deep breath, "Early this morning, at a highway rest stop toilet near the filming site, a young woman's body was discovered, her condition...... extremely brutal. Yamagata Prefectural Police have confirmed the victim is a YKC48 member participating in the filming, Nishino Miki, 17 years old."

【9】 "No, President. This time...... it's a homicide case." Abiru took a deep breath, "This morning before dawn, at the highway rest stop toilet near the filming location, a young female corpse was discovered, the condition...... extremely gruesome. Yamagata Prefecture Police have confirmed, the deceased is a YKC48 member participating in the filming, Nishino Miki, 17 years old."

"Eye socket."

【10】 "Eye socket."

Kumesan's silver coffee spoon lightly tapped the edge of the dish, producing a faint but clear sound.

【11】 Kameyama President's silver coffee spoon lightly tapped the edge of the dish, producing a faint yet clear sound.

The calm on his face showed a crack, his pupils slightly constricted.

【12】 The calm on his face showed a crack, his pupils slightly constricted.

Murder case? Idol member? During filming? These phrases combined mean a storm—public relations disaster, partners demanding accountability, social media erupting like a tidal wave!

【13】 Homicide? Idol member? During filming? These phrases combined mean a storm—one after another: PR disaster, partners demanding accountability, social public opinion's overwhelming waves!

And...... immeasurable attention!

【14】 And...... immeasurable attention!

"Details." Kumesan's voice remained steady, but his body had already leaned forward slightly, a faint flush appearing on his face. Abiru quickly reported the known summary: brutal sexual assault and murder, decapitation, bizarre body disposal, large-scale police deployment, the production team in panic.

【15】 "Details." Kameyama President's voice remained steady, but his body had already leaned forward slightly, his face bearing a faint, hardly noticeable flush. Abiru quickly reported the known outline: brutal sexual assault murder, decapitation, bizarre corpse disposal method, large-scale police deployment, the production team plunged into panic.

Kumesan listened silently, his fingers unconsciously tapping the polished redwood desk.

【16】 Kameyama President listened silently, his fingers unconsciously tapping the polished redwood desk surface.

"Hmm?" he uttered an ambiguous sound.

【17】 "Hmm?" he transmitted an ambiguous sound.

"What is the police's current attitude? Toward our production team?" Kumesan asked, one hand covering his face, looking distressed. "Currently, they are demanding full cooperation with the investigation, sealing off information, and controlling members' emotions. The on-site commander is a man named Yamaguchi Risu, a police inspector under great pressure." Abiru paused, then his voice suddenly gained a strange, nearly excited tremor: "President, according to the latest information from our on-site personnel in Yonezawa...... Yamagata Prefectural Police seem to have formally invited Uesugi as chief to join the investigation."

【18】 "What's the police's current attitude? Toward our production team?" Kameyama President asked, covering his face with one hand, looking sorrowful. "Currently they demand full cooperation with the investigation, information blockade, and control of members' emotions. The on-scene commander is a Police Inspector named Yamabe Risuke, under great pressure." Abiru paused, his voice suddenly injecting a strange, nearly excited tremor: "President, according to the latest information relayed by our personnel on-site in Yonezawa...... Yamagata Prefecture Police seem to have formally invited Uesugi Chief to intervene in the investigation."

"】" Kumesan's four eyebrows all rose at once.

【19】 "】" Kameyama President's four eyebrows all rose at once.

"Uesugi Munesuke?" Kumesan's voice, like a cigarette butt igniting in the dark: "Ah ha!"

【20】 "Uesugi Muneyuki?" Kameyama President's voice, like a cigarette butt ignited in the dark: "Ah ha!"

Yes! They found him on the guest list and have already personally gone to the hotel to invite him!" Abiru's tone finally could no longer hide the mix of shock and frenzy: "President!"

【21】 Yes! They found him on the guest list and have already gone in person to the inn to invite him! "Abiru's tone finally could not conceal the complex emotion mixed with trepidation and fervor: "President!"

"】" Abiru!" Kumesan, suppressing excitement: "This is, you said, good news?"

【22】 "Abiru!" Kameyama suppressed his excitement: "This is, you said, the good news?"

"】President!" Abiru exclaimed excitedly: "This year...... no, next year's ratings champion will be ours!"

【23】 "President!" Abiru exclaimed excitedly: "This year...... no, next year's ratings champion, and it's ours!"

"】Really TMD is good news!" Kumesan Chihiro has already learned to control his emotions well, he suddenly turned serious and criticized: "Abiru, someone died!"

【24】 "Really TMD it's good news!" Kameyama Chihiro has already been able to control his emotions well, he suddenly sternly criticized: "Abiru, someone died!"

"】President, this is of course a tragedy, a heavy blow to Miss Nishino Miki and her family, to YKC Red Saka, and to our production team." Abiru Kazuhiko said excitedly: "It really is a blow! I'm serious!"

【25】 "President, this is naturally a tragedy, a heavy blow to Miss Nishino Miki and her family, to YKC Red Saka, and to our production team." Abiru Kazuhiko said excitedly: "It really is a blow! I'm serious!"

"】Strike!" Kumesan affirmed righteously.

【26】 "Strike! Blow!" Kameyama President affirmed righteously.

"As media, we must have sufficient humanistic concern!" Abiru declared sonorously.

【27】 "As media, we must have sufficient humanistic concern!" Bureau Chief Abiru declared sonorously and forcefully.

"】Human! " Kumesan, merciful like the Virgin Mary: "】Care!"

【28】 "Human! ities!" Kameyama President, merciful as the Virgin Mary: "Care! concern!"

"】The case itself is extremely bizarre, involving a top idol, inherently explosive in topic! As citizens, as conscientious media, we have the duty to let the public know the truth! We Japanese people have the right to know!" Abiru Kazuhiko proclaimed loudly.

【29】 "The case itself is extremely bizarre, involving a current top idol, inherently possessing explosive topic value! As citizens, as conscientious media, we have the obligation to let citizens know the truth! We Japanese citizens have the right to know!" Abiru Kazuhiko loudly praised.

"】Right to know! " Kumesan closed his eyes, tears of sorrow streaming from the corners.

【30】 "Know! right!" Kameyama President closed his eyes, tears of sorrow flowing from the corners of his eyes.

What a tragedy!

【31】 Tragedy!

"Express our deepest condolences and comfort to YKC48's management and Miss Nishino Miki's family, stating we will fully cooperate with the police and provide all necessary assistance, with proper posture and sincere attitude." Kumesan issued important instructions on several matters.

【32】 "Express our deepest condolences and sympathy to the YKC48 operators and Miss Nishino Miki's family, indicating we will fully cooperate with the police and provide all necessary assistance, posture must be complete, attitude must be sincere." Kameyama President issued important directives on several matters.

"Yes, President, I'll arrange it immediately." Abiru understood perfectly.

【33】 "Yes, President, I'll arrange it immediately." Abiru understood tacitly.

"But," Kumesan shifted tone, his eyes turning dark and profoundly imaginative: "As the producer and broadcaster of 'God's Hand,' we have the responsibility to reveal the truth to the public and the duty to record law enforcement's efforts for justice! If Uesugi Munesuke participates in solving the case, the process itself holds immense social value and legal educational significance!"

【34】 "But," Kameyama President shifted his tone, his eyes turning dark, profound, fantastical: "As the producer and broadcast platform of 'Hand of God,' we have the responsibility to reveal the truth to the public, and also the obligation to record law enforcers' efforts for justice! If Uesugi Muneyuki participates in solving the case, the process itself possesses extremely high social value and legal education significance!"

"】For the people!" Abiru declared with party spirit: "We'll act immediately, work solidly! Unite our hearts and minds, put knowledge into practice, establish sincerity and spread widely! Comprehensively build a legal education concept with Japanese characteristics! Strive to be the leader in private broadcasting!"

【35】 "For the people's service!" Bureau Chief Abiru said with strong party spirit: "Do it immediately, genuine effort and solid work! Unite hearts and concentrate strength, know clearly and act firmly, establish sincerity and extend widely! Comprehensively build a rule-of-law education concept with Japanese characteristics! Strive to be the leader of civilian broadcasting!"

"】Excellent!" Kumesan paused, fingers lightly tapping the desk: "Tell the Yonezawa production team, under the premise of absolutely obeying police arrangements and not interfering with the investigation...... maintain the highest level of news sensitivity. Especially regarding everything about Uesugi Munesuke—his movements, analysis, and interactions with police...... I want the most detailed and timely reports. Have the accompanying cameramen and reporters stand by at all times."

【36】 "Very good!" Kameyama President paused, his fingers lightly tapping the desk: "Tell the production team on-site in Yonezawa, under the premise of absolute obedience to police arrangements and not interfering with the investigation...... maintain the highest level of news sensitivity. Especially regarding all movements, analysis, and interactions with police concerning Uesugi Muneyuki...... I want the most detailed, most timely reports. Let the accompanying cameramen and reporters stand by at all times."

"】Understood!" Abiru's voice full of energy: "I'll immediately send an encrypted notice to the on-site supervisor. Also, should we activate the emergency special report plan? Prepare the studio, hosts, and related background footage in advance?"

【37】 "Understood!" Abiru's voice full of vigor: "I'll immediately send an encrypted notice to the on-site person in charge. Also, should we activate the emergency special report contingency? Prepare the studio, host, and related background footage in advance?"

Kumesan pondered for a moment, nodded: "Can prepare. But keep it low-key, wait until Uesugi's forensic side has a substantive breakthrough, or until police release more information before launching. Remember," he emphasized: "Our core advantage is Uesugi Munesuke. We must ensure communication channels with him remain open, and when necessary...... we can ask Host Tsutsumi to assist in communication, she...... she is always specifically requested."

【38】 Kameyama pondered for a moment, nodded: "Can prepare. But keep it low-key, wait until Uesugi Coroner's side has a substantive breakthrough, or police release more information before activating. Remember," he emphasized his tone: "Our core advantage is Uesugi Muneyuki. We must ensure communication channels with him remain unobstructed, and when necessary...... we can ask Anchor Tobu to assist more in communication, she...... she is always nominated."

"】Yes, it seems Tsutsumi was still...... someone saw her last night." Abiru cut himself off in time, but the meaning was conveyed.

【39】 "Yes, Reimi she seemed last night...... someone saw her." Abiru timely cut off his speech, but the meaning was already conveyed.

Kumesan coughed twice, signaling he didn't need to continue.

【40】 Kameyama coughed twice, indicating he need not continue.

Every Fuji TV female anchor wants to entertain Uesugi Munesuke in the green room, but not every Fuji TV female anchor enjoys doing so. Though handsome, young, well-connected, newsworthy, and resourceful, Uesugi Munesuke is ultimately just one person.

【41】 Every Fuji TV female announcer wants to entertain Uesugi Muneyuki in the green room, but not every Fuji TV female announcer likes entertaining in the green room. Handsome, young, of good family, topical, and resourceful, Uesugi Muneyuki is ultimately only one.

Past agreement does not mean present agreement, and present agreement can be withdrawn at any time in the future—ten minutes of full process can be nine minutes of agreement and one minute of disagreement.

【42】 Past agreement does not represent present agreement; present agreement can be withdrawn at any time in the future; a full 10 minutes can consist of 9 minutes agreement and 1 minute disagreement.

He walked to the window, looking down at the bustling Tokyo below. The city's noise was blocked by thick glass, the office silent. "NHK over there......" Kumesan murmured softly, like talking to himself, or to Abiru: "This year's Kohaku, I wonder what they've prepared again" the 'Moving Japan' segment."

【43】 He walked to the window, overlooking the bustling Tokyo below. The city's clamor was blocked by thick glass, the office was silent. "NHK over there......" Kameyama suddenly spoke lightly, as if talking to himself, yet also as if speaking to Abiru: "This year's Kohaku, I don't know what else they've prepared for the 'Moving Japan' segment."

Abiru stood on the other end of the phone, nearly able to imagine the fleeting, icy yet scorching smile on the president's face now. He replied softly, his tone carrying unspoken understanding: "President, if this time...... Uesugi the forensic expert once again performs a 'God's Hand' miracle solving the case, and our cameras keep pace...... then next year's ratings champion......"

【44】 Abiru stood at the telephone end, nearly able to imagine the fleeting, icy yet fervent smile on the President's face right now. He responded softly, his tone carrying unspoken understanding: "President, if this time...... Uesugi Coroner once again performs the 'Hand of God' case-solving miracle, and our cameras can keep up closely...... then next year's ratings champion......"

Kumesan didn't respond, merely gazing out the window, silently mourning in his heart.

【45】 Kameyama did not respond, merely gazing out the window, silently mourning in his heart.

Why wasn't it Watanabe Mayu who died?

【46】 Why wasn't it Kawabe Mayu who died?

Not afraid of death, just afraid it's not sensational enough!

【47】 Not afraid of death, just afraid it's not sensational enough!

Miss Miki's tragedy is heartbreaking, but since it happened...... if it had been Tomomo Tomomo instead, ratings could exceed 50%! How dare you! Tomomo Tomomo, you missed a chance to surpass Shirayuki Maeyama, you fool!

【48】 Miss Miki's tragedy is heartbreaking, but since it happened...... if it were Watanabe Mayu who died, this rating could exceed 50%! Ritual phrase! Watanabe Mayu, you missed a chance to surpass Yamaguchi Momoe, you fool!

Fuji TV President's office, Kumesan Chihiro returned to his seat, today's breakfast meeting minutes now meaningless, his fingers lightly rubbing the "ratings forecast" column, his mind already uncontrollably sketching the layout of the evening news special, and that possibly sky-shattering, thrilling yet terrifying ratings number.

【49】 In the Fuji TV President's office, Kameyama President returned to his seat; today's breakfast meeting minutes have lost all meaning, his fingers lightly stroking the "ratings forecast" column, his mind's eye already uncontrollably sketching the layout of the evening news special program, and that possibly sky-piercing again, both terrifying and exciting ratings figure.

All roads are made of bones!

【50】 The imperial road is all bones!

This, is my Kumesan Chihiro's stairway to godhood!

【51】 This, is my Kameyama Chihiro's stairway to godhood!

"】Victim, Nishino Miki, 17 years old." In the police car en route to near Yamagata Prefecture, Uesugi Munesuke looked at the list, asking himself beside Date Chosuke Date Chosuke, "Now you're awesome," he is the only idol otaku among those present, thus he understands idol culture's rules and problems better than anyone, and because it involves a murder case, Date Chosuke finally has the chance to show off various knowledge and firsthand information in front of Miss Akiyama Akane, from just now until now, Iine hasn't stopped.

【52】 "The deceased, Nishino Miki, 17 years old." In the police car heading toward the vicinity of Yamagata Prefecture, Uesugi Muneyuki looked at the list, asking the person beside him, Date Nagamune Date Nagamune, this is awesome, he is the only idol otaku among everyone present, thus he understands idol circle rules and problems better than anyone, and because it involves a homicide case, Date Nagamune finally has the chance to show off various knowledge and firsthand information in front of Second Young Lady Moriya Akane, from just now until now, Iine nonstop.

"】Wow, Date-san, you're amazing!" Miss Akiyama exclaimed excitedly via private Iine.

【53】 "Wow, Date San, you're amazing!" Second Young Lady said excitedly via private Iine.

Hehe~ Thinking that because of my professional skills, Miss Akiyama admires me, Date Chosuke puffed out his chest proudly.

【54】 Hmph~ thinking that because of his professional ability Second Young Lady admires him, Date Nagamune proudly puffed out his chest.

For many otaku, being told by the girl they secretly admire, "Wow, this place is awesome," makes them explode with gold coins, Date Chosuke already planned to take Miss Akiyama to a Michelin one-star Italian restaurant when he returns.

【55】 For many otaku, being told by a secretly admired young lady "Wow this place of yours is awesome," will make them explode gold coins, Date Nagamune has already thought that upon returning he will invite Moriya Akane to a Michelin one-star Italian restaurant.

"】Date? And then?" Uesugi Munesuke saw Date Chosuke spacing out, then asked further.

【56】 "Date? And then?" Uesugi Muneyuki saw Date Nagamune spacing out, then continued the Q&A.

"】Nishino Miki, 17, roughly entered YKC48 through audition around age 13, her personality and appearance were especially sweet and cute when she first joined, earning her the nickname 'Second Tomomo Tomomo,' initially attracting many fans."

【57】 "Nishino Miki, 17 years old, probably passed selection at around 13 to enter YKC48, her personality and appearance when she first joined were especially sweet and lovely, dubbed the Second Watanabe Mayu, she initially attracted a large following."

"】Hmm, good, go on." Uesugi Munesuke nodded, signaling to continue.

【58】 "Mm, very good, goon." Uesugi Muneyuki nodded, indicating to continue.

"】But after joining, she first couldn't control her weight gain, and since when she joined, AKB48 was already a national idol group, this period for new members was relatively easy, so she quickly deteriorated due to uncontrollable weight, worsening looks, etc., in short, Nishino soon began losing her so-called 'face fans,' then she tried to break through on variety shows, but the variety effect kept swinging between 'so embarrassing' and 'trying too hard,' and over time, although she had some topicality, her haters increased, and her age gradually increased, so......"

【59】 "But after she joined the team, first she couldn't control her weight and gained weight, and moreover since she entered when 48 was already a national idol-level group, this period new members actually have it relatively easy, so soon due to inability to control weight, appearance deterioration etc. there are many problems, in short Nishino quickly began losing her so-called 'look fans,' afterward she personally tried to make a breakthrough on variety shows, but the so-called variety effect kept oscillating between 'so embarrassing' and 'overdoing it,' over time although there was some topic value, black fans increased more and more, her age also gradually increased, so......"

"】So it's basically reached the 'kill line,' right?" Uesugi Munesuke said calmly.

【60】 "So it's roughly reached the 'kill line,' right?" Uesugi Muneyuki said very calmly.

"No wonder you're Uesugi-san." Date Nagamune was a little surprised—he had truly put what he learned into practice.

"You taught me that if an idol doesn't break through by their third year, they start having other thoughts, and there's also the Cutting Line Theory." Uesugi Muneyuki nodded calmly.

The path to becoming a new god is made of bones.

Akimoto Yasushi's Path of Ascension Through Bones essentially consists of forging it through the sacrifice of one female idol after another—her youth, passion, vitality, and dreams. As for his own Path of Ascension Through Bones... it truly is piled high with countless dead bones.

But Nishino Miki's death... what necessity is there to sacrifice a female idol who sits between a wash-foot maid and an undergirl? At that very moment, Inspector Yamanaka's phone also rang.

"Uesugi Chief, the County Headquarters has officially filed the case!"

"The case is titled, National Female Idol Toilet Monster Death Case!"