Chapter 758

The TV drama version of Fuji TV's ace variety show "Hand of God" has finally officially started filming!

Within twenty-four hours of the news breaking, the entire Japanese entertainment section was flooded with "Hand of God" posts.

Not because Fuji TV invested three billion.

Not because Tsumabuki Satoshi is appearing in a Getsuku for the first time.

Not even because Shirakawa Mai is starring in a serial drama for the first time in two years.

What truly ignited the topic was that inconspicuous supplementary report — "Genius forensic doctor Uesugi Muneyuki will appear as himself, and will have emotional interactions with the female lead Shirakawa Mai."

Social media instantly boiled over.

【Wait wait wait, Uesugi Muneyuki? That real Uesugi Muneyuki? That god of solving cases? Legendary forensic doctor? Appraisal immortal? He's going to act??】【Not acting, it's appearing as himself, right? Playing himself.】

【Then doesn't that mean the character Shirakawa Mai plays is a female detective who works with the real Uesugi Muneyuki??】

【No, seems like it's saying Mai-sama plays Uesugi Muneyuki's role, and that tall, judo, big-breasted beauty policewoman by his side is played by 48's Miyawaki Sakura.】

【Miyawaki Sakura? You serious? She's not just an idol? Then who's gonna make up for the boob bounce I'm missing?】

【12】【Right, what to eat?】

Okayama Prefecture, Ah Sound, what to eat?

【Nice, us 48 fans get to eat good too, little idol can be in a Getsuku!】

【This isn't just breaking the fourth wall anymore, this is grinding the fourth wall to dust and pasting it on the wall!】

And as Fuji TV released news and several carefully selected production stills, the Yahoo News comment section broke three thousand comments in one hour. 【Did you guys see that photo of the two standing together? The one from the press conference. My god, how is this visual level possible, is it reasonable for a forensic doctor to look like this?】

【Shirakawa Mai is already plenty pretty, standing next to Uesugi she actually isn't overshadowed, these two in the same frame is simply a visual critical hit.】【Heard they're senior-junior from Gunma Prefecture Tokiwa Middle School? Isn't this a shoujo manga setup??】

【I checked, Tokiwa Middle School is indeed their shared alma mater, Shirakawa Mai is one year older than Uesugi, she really is the senior!】

【CP shippers have gone crazy, I want to see them fall in love right now!!】

【Calm down, Uesugi-sensei is married, his wife is also a Metropolitan Police Department policewoman! She's the Special Mission Division Section Chief, the Face of the Metropolitan Police Department, Uesugi Minami! Mai-sama even witnessed their marriage!】

【So what if he's married? Married people can't watch? I'm just watching a drama, not taking it seriously!】

【So what if they're married? We want true love, true love I tell you!】

【Exactly exactly, falling in love in the drama, reality is reality, we can tell the difference! If we can't tell the difference, we support Uesugi-dono leaving his fate and being with Mai-sama!】

Of course, skeptical voices were not lacking either.

【Just hype again? Fuji TV's been failing these years, only knows how to pull stunts like this, damn traffic dogs!】

【Dragging an amateur real person in to act, can they act well? Don't crash and burn when the time comes.】

【Shirakawa Mai's acting is just so-so, lives off her face, same as Aragaki Yui only knows how to play herself, running into a big production like this she probably can't carry it.】

But these voices were quickly drowned in an even greater wave of heat.

A fan account named "God's Hand Support Group" was established on Twitter, surpassing 150,000 followers in twelve hours. The pinned post was an edited video — clips of Uesugi Muneyuki calmly analyzing cases on the variety show, paired with Shirakawa Mai's classic scenes from "Detective Galileo," BGM a current hit love song "Love," comment section full of howling.

【Sisters help, this edit is too good! Truly typhoon suction invincible absolutely amazing crying till my toes curl!】【That one look Uesugi-sensei gave the camera, my soul is gone!】

【Uesugi Muneyuki: I'm still the world's number one forensic doctor!】

【Mai-sama that look back, ah I'm dead.】

【Oh oh oh oh oh Monis! Oh oh oh oh oh Counter-Terror Elite God! Oh oh oh oh oh Essence TOP2!】

【When are these two getting a kiss scene arranged? Damn abs bureau, pulling this neither-here-nor-there stunt, I really will kneel in thanks!!!】 Even more exaggerated, CP fans have already started writing fanfiction.

Titles like "A Certain Scientific Super Forensic Doctor," "Rascal Junior Won't Dream of National Female Star Senior," "Studied Medicine, Then Met Senior Mai," "Rent-A-Boyfriend," "Frieren: The Sister-Brother Romance" and such short stories emerged on various platforms, someone even specially opened a website to collect these creations. Fuji TV's publicity department looking at these data, their mouths were practically splitting to their earlobes.

"Just like this, maintain this heat!" Executive Producer Kinoshita Hiroko excitedly slammed the table: "If the first episode airs and ratings don't hit 28%, I'll resign directly!"

And on the roof of the Odaiba Building, President Kameyama sat behind his chair, quietly browsing the online buzz, his ten fingers interlocked, elbows propped on the table, glancing at the sponsor list beside him.

The sponsor list for the "Hand of God" TV drama version numbered over twenty companies, and was strict to the point that every scene in the drama and every prop used by every character had a sponsor.

President Kameyama's glasses reflected light under the lighting, his facial expression unreadable, only a slow tactical lean back and a satisfied sigh.

And just at this moment a knocking sound rang out, FNS Production Bureau Chief Abiru Kazuhiko said excitedly: "President, over ten more companies have proposed additional sponsorship, including Japan's largest funeral company Tokyo Boeki Kabushiki Gaisha! US Amazon and A. O. Smith Water Heaters! San Diego Pesticide Fertilizer Co., Ltd! And South Korea's famous arms conglomerate Hanwha Life... Uesugi really is our Fuji TV's benefactor!"

President Kameyama said not a word, merely kept smiling, he suddenly raised his hand: "Hmph!"

"Hah!" Bureau Chief Abiru immediately responded.

The two laughed heartily together.

And inside the Metropolitan Police Department, it was another scene entirely.

"Uesugi Chief this time really..." Investigation Division 1 Section 2 Inspector Shiratori Sho scrolled his phone, expression complex: "Became a national idol?" Shiratori Sho was a bit displeased, he had just recently broken up with Okada Sayaka, though he soon switched to another girlfriend, but ultimately felt uncomfortable that he, a proud Career Track Inspector, got cuckolded.

"Why not? Isn't he?" Third Division Chief Kameyama Kaoru beside him glanced over, smiling: "Don't be jealous, if you had that face, you could too."

"I'm not jealous, I just feel..." Shiratori Sho smiled bitterly, choosing his words: "Pretty good, right? Our police got scolded so much before, rare to have a positive image come out."

These words were truly reasonable.

Before Uesugi Muneyuki burst onto the scene, the Japanese police's image these years was indeed not too good.

Japanese news industry is essentially relatively independent, except for the Chrysanthemum (Imperial Family), Crane (traditional local religious forces), Star (referring to both Self-Defense Forces and US stationed troops), all other news can be freely reported.

And since the 90s, police dereliction, concealment, abuse of power... negative news emerged endlessly.

Don't look at criminal injury case numbers declining year by year, but telecom fraud case numbers are skyrocketing year by year, and as mentioned earlier, Japanese police have low authority plus the system makes new department establishment and operation very slow, therefore telecom fraud solve rate is only 40%, and truly solving cases meaning recovering part or all of the money is only 15%-18%, many times when a report is made they just register it, fundamentally powerless and unwilling to handle, freezing an account requires repeatedly running to court, very troublesome!

Since the 90s, the number of police exam applicants has declined year by year, public trust in police has fallen to a historic low.

Everyone knows Japanese police are very polite, very respectful, even very seriously help you find dogs find cats help old grandmas cross the road help you find lost items help you mediate introductions help you solve noise disturbances.

On this point Japanese police's international reputation is still not bad.

But for typical fraud-type crimes, they are instead mostly powerless, and actually mostly don't want to handle them.

Japanese SWAT Team places dead last every year in the International Criminal Police Organization's Counter-Terror Elite competition.

The only five categories Japanese police are truly willing to expend energy on are murder, robbery, gambling, drugs, and human trafficking, and only these five categories' solve rates reach 90%+, of course considering some cases local police and precincts seeing insufficient evidence and dim solve prospects will try not to file cases, forcibly ruling them "suicide" "missing," the comprehensive solve rate is actually even lower.

But "Hand of God" is different.

Although this is a TV drama, its core is "reality" — real case prototypes, real solving methods, real police work daily life, and most critically, there is Uesugi Muneyuki this real "star police" sitting in command, equivalent to stamping the whole drama with an "officially certified" seal. No one dares say this drama is fake, no one dares say this drama is flattering the Metropolitan Police Department.

Because it's adapted from real people and real events.

Since Uesugi Muneyuki burst onto the scene, the Metropolitan Police Department's public satisfaction has reached its highest point this year at 87%, and with Japan's recent economic downturn, more people are applying for civil service positions, and police now rank among the top three desired careers in high school employment surveys; Uesugi Muneyuki's presence cannot be said to have contributed nothing, but can only be described as a pillar holding up the sky.

"If we could get through this drama, letting ordinary people know how we usually work..." Inspector Shimano of the Fourth Unit interjected: "Maybe we could recover some impression."

"That's for sure." Superintendent Higurashi laughed: "My daughter used to be embarrassed to tell her classmates I was a police officer, but now she brags every day: 'My dad personally witnessed Chief Uesugi's only on-site autopsy!' 'My dad is a police officer, working alongside Chief Uesugi!'" Everyone laughed.

The laughter carried a touch of relief, and also a touch of anticipation.

The Public Relations Division of the Metropolitan Police Department privately coordinated with Fuji TV: as long as no specific secrets are involved, filming can proceed however they like, the Metropolitan Police Department will fully cooperate, and even proactively offered that if needed, more police officers can be arranged to participate as extras, making the "police flavor" in the shots stronger.

"The opportunity to improve our image—if we miss this village, there won't be this store." This was Section Chief Togasaki Tomonobu's original words in the internal meeting: "We will provide Chief Uesugi with all possible support! We will accomplish everything within our ability, and if there are difficulties, we will resolutely overcome them!" Chief Uesugi is our great benefactor at the Metropolitan Police Department!

One week later.

Gunma Prefecture, Tokiwa City.

A black nanny van slowly drove into the gate of Tokiwa Middle School, followed by three broadcast vehicles and over a dozen work vehicles. Hundreds of fans and onlookers who had heard the news had already gathered at the school gate, security personnel set up police cordons, maintaining order.

Uesugi Muneyuki looked out the car window at the familiar campus, his mood somewhat complex.

Tokiwa Middle School.

He spent less than three years of high school here; the playground was still the same playground, except the lawn had been replaced with artificial turf. The teaching building was still that building, the exterior walls had been repainted, the color brighter than before. The auditorium, gymnasium, cherry blossom trees... everything was still recognizable, yet somehow different.

Shirakawa Mai, sitting beside him, was also looking out the window.

"I remember you rarely came to school back then." Uesugi Muneyuki said.

Shirakawa Mai withdrew her gaze, chuckled softly: "How so? You still remember?"

"How could I not remember?" Uesugi Muneyuki shook his head: "Back then you were already a national idol, coming to school twenty times a year was considered frequent. The guys in class were always hoping you'd show up, and every time you did, the whole grade would be in an uproar."

"And you?" Shirakawa Mai turned her face to look at him, her eyes carrying a hint of teasing: "Did you also get worked up?"

Uesugi Muneyuki fell silent for two seconds, then spoke honestly: "A little."

Shirakawa Mai burst out laughing with a "puchi" sound, laughing happily, the corners of her eyes curling into crescent moons.

"The 'Spring Pig-Headed Underclassman' won't dream of the National Female Star Upperclassman." Mai Xuejie made no sound, but her lips formed these words: "And there's also 'Rented Boyfriend,' 'Rented Husband,' deliberately writing Minami as the victim." Uesugi Muneyuki complained: "It's simply unbearable—'hehe, seriously.'" Shirakawa Mai suddenly lowered her voice: "Old Dog Kameyama, choosing this place to film outdoor scenes, clearly just trying to hype a CP." "I know."

"Are you going along with it?"

Uesugi Muneyuki looked at her, gave no direct answer: "I've come all this way—what do you think?"

Shirakawa Mai's mouth corner slightly rose, she did not continue pressing the question.

The car came to a stop, staff opened the doors, the two stepped out one after the other.

Shutter sounds instantly erupted in a chorus, flashlights blazed so brightly people couldn't keep their eyes open, Shirakawa Mai naturally stood beside Uesugi Muneyuki, maintaining just the right distance—neither too close nor too far—so photographers could capture the most "story-filled" shots.

A scream came from the crowd.

"Mai-sama!!!"

"Chief Uesugi!!!"

"Look this way!!!"

The two waved in unison toward the surroundings, then were guided by staff toward the school interior.

The principal had already been waiting at the entrance for some time.

He was a man in his sixties with white-streaked hair, wearing a pristine suit, a school badge pinned to his chest. Seeing the two approach, he nearly ran to meet them, gripping Shirakawa Mai's hands with both of his, so excited his voice trembled.

"Ms. Shirakawa! Mr. Uesugi! Welcome welcome! Heartfelt welcome! I represent all faculty and students of Tokiwa Middle School in expressing our deepest gratitude for your arrival‖"

Shirakawa Mai was made somewhat flustered by his enthusiasm, only able to maintain a polite smile, she and this principal were not acquainted at all: "Principal, you're being too courteous..."

"No no, not at all courteous!" The principal turned to Uesugi Muneyuki, likewise gripping his hands with both of his, shaking vigorously: "Mr. Uesugi! You are our school's pride! University of Tokyo Medical Department, Chief Medical Examiner, having solved so many major cases! Whenever someone interviews me, I say, this is someone who came from our Tokiwa! Our Tokiwa's educational philosophy is to cultivate talents like you!"

Uesugi Muneyuki……."

"And Ms. Shirakawa!" The principal turned again to Shirakawa Mai, his eyes lighting up: "National Female Star! Our Tokiwa Middle School's history room has a dedicated display case for your photos and news reports! Every open house day, visiting students' parents all want to take pictures there!"

Shirakawa Mai gave a dry laugh: "Thank you, Principal………"

"It's a great honor for the school that you two could return to your alma mater to film this drama!" The principal grew more excited as he spoke, refusing to let go of their hands: "Do you know, after the news spread, inquiry calls for admissions these past few years have tripled! Tripled! All parents asking, 'Did Shirakawa Mai and Uesugi Muneyuki really study here?' Plus several kids saying they want to come to this school to study, and later become police officers, become stars!" Uesugi Muneyuki and Shirakawa Mai exchanged glances, both seeing helplessness and amusement in each other's eyes.

"Principal," Uesugi Muneyuki tried to pull his hand back: "We're just here to film a drama, you don't need to……"

"How could I not!" The principal interrupted him, earnestly locking eyes with both of them: "You two truly are our school's great benefactors!" They are benefactors, they are traffic, they are profit.

Where there is benefit, naturally countless people will gather.

Uesugi Muneyuki couldn't help but spin three hundred sixty degrees at the school gate, wanting to see what kind of commercial district this was, whether he could open a Mixue Ice City? Hmm, possible, and absolutely profitable!