Chapter 787

PS: This is the third update. Today, the author wrote a full 13,000 characters, making up for all previous delays. I hope everyone enjoys reading it! A fleeting flash of Mars made everyone present widen their eyes in shock!

Major Morante, he fired!

No, he already fired! Everyone's surprise isn't about that! Logically speaking, the moment the Public Security Bureau Chief of Shinjō fired his weapon, the conditions for self-defense were already met—let alone the fact that American police can empty their magazines the instant an unfamiliar person makes a motion to reach into their pocket. Even Japanese police, who are extremely strict about firearms, are allowed to fire if they draw their weapon and must undergo post-incident review. In this situation, they too could have fired!

What truly shocked everyone was that Major Morante actually intended to reload?!

He actually planned to directly kill the Shinjō Bureau Chief!

Had it not been for Uesugi Sōsetsu shoving him with his shoulder, that shot would have blown Shinjō Shigetoki's head clean off!

Ikeda Erena, Date Nagamune, and Kai Toru, still reeling from shock, immediately reached for the guns on the ground. Morante, clearly thrown off by Uesugi Sōsetsu's action, flinched, swung his barrel, and fired several shots in another direction inside the room!

"No!!!" Date Nagamune's anguished cry rang out—turns out, the computer he was using to crack the cryptocurrency key, his laptop, and all storage devices had been destroyed!

"What are you doing?!" Kai Toru pointed his SIG pistol at Morante.

Ikeda Erena's SW small revolver in her hand was also aimed at this U. S. Army major.

And Date Nagamune, eyes red with fury, snatched up the M9 from the ground and pointed it at Morante alongside the others: "You bastard!"

Morante's eyes flickered—he was alone, facing three guns.

The U. S. Army major glanced at the fallen Shinjō Bureau Chief and Uesugi Sōsetsu, then suddenly asked: "You…… when did you figure it out?"

"Just a short while ago." Uesugi Sōsetsu hastily bandaged the bureau chief's wound, his expression grave: "As I suspected… it's you!"

"U. S. Forces Japan Criminal Investigation Division, Major, Mr. Jia-Morante."

"You're the one in U. S. Forces Japan responsible for operating and selling various corpse photos, aiding Setouchi Makoto in gaining illegal income, right?"

Upon hearing his name, Morante's facial muscles twitched slightly. His not-so-dark Black face darkened considerably. He still held his gun aimed at Erena and the others, speaking in a rough voice: "Looks like I underestimated you."

"It's me who underestimated you, Major Morante." Uesugi Sōsetsu locked eyes with Morante and his M17 pistol: "At first, I genuinely thought you were really here to help me."

"I really am here to help you." Morante said, laced with a hint of mockery.

"Uesugi-san, could it be……" At this moment, Kai Toru was the first to react.

"Exactly, this is a trap." Uesugi Sōsetsu nodded solemnly: "This Major Morante inserted himself into the situation, just so we'd reach the conclusion he predetermined."

"Namely, that the final outcome of this Fourth Kanagawa Battle is Uesugi Sōsetsu successfully solving the case—aside from the involved party Setouchi Makoto, the ones protecting the umbrella organization are the Japanese Public Security Police, and the leak of those photos and their sale on the dark web can be traced back to the U. S. Forces Japan Atsugi Base, and even the entire U. S. Forces Japan headquarters." Uesugi Sōsetsu continued calmly: "Once this scandal is exposed, without a doubt, U. S. Forces Japan—from the commander down to many involved personnel—will be forced to resign in disgrace."

"But…… Uesugi-san, doesn't U. S. Forces Japan enjoy extraterritorial privileges in our country?" Date Nagamune blinked, then said instinctively: "Yes, it's true—generally, if a criminal incident occurs during military duties, it's mostly tried by U. S. military courts, and Japan can only send prosecutors to observe, not intervene. For example, what we in East Asian culture consider a grave crime like rape is actually not considered that serious in the U. S., where military courts typically sentence to three years, with immediate release possible via probation for eighteen months, plus appeals and sentence reductions—sometimes U. S. service members don't even serve time. And if the act occurred during off-duty hours or off-base, only about half or slightly more would be handed over to Japanese local prosecutors." Uesugi Sōsetsu nodded: "But this case has already escalated to FBI involvement and the U. S. Secretary of State and Vice President's Office releasing photos—so it can't be quietly buried."

"So this guy just……" Ikeda Erena finally began to understand.

"Yes, so from the very beginning of my investigation into this case, I've had a lingering doubt." Uesugi Sōsetsu stared at Morante and said: "Although I obtained crucial information from Onoeda, Tanabe, and other channels, making Setouchi Makoto's guilt easy to determine, I've now realized a problem."

"What problem?" Ikeda Erena asked blankly.

"Without a doubt, from these people's accounts, we know the Public Security Police have approached them and issued gag orders. According to our understanding, by the time Setouchi Makoto was arrested and investigation began, the Public Security Police had already intervened. So here's the question: if the Public Security Police already largely knew about the entire industry chain and dark web trafficking, why didn't they act? Why wait until things exploded before I personally stepped in?" Uesugi Sōsetsu said calmly.

"Is it because it involves the U. S. Forces Japan bases? Yokosuka, Atsugi—multiple investigations point to internal U. S. military involvement." Date Nagamune said, somewhat humiliated.

There's nothing we can do—old America's grandpa is still grandpa!

"Yes, but not entirely." Uesugi Sōsetsu nodded: "While the presence of U. S. forces is indeed a reason why Public Security Police hesitate, since the 1990s Okinawa U. S. Forces rape case, the military has been condemned and forced to reform. U. S. Forces Japan are not immune to investigation—they simply require Japan to produce concrete evidence."

"Too bad, virtual currency transactions and dark web sales investigations aren't Japan's strong suit, so Public Security Police have never been able to gather sufficient evidence." Uesugi Sōsetsu turned his gaze to Morante: "If I haven't guessed wrong, you, Major Morante, also thought this matter had been buried—but you didn't expect the FBI on the American side to suddenly provide new evidence, did you?"

"You originally planned to steer this toward the entire U. S. Forces Japan structure, muddy the waters, and even make the top brass take the fall for you—but when you saw on TV that Uesugi Sōsetsu had mobilized, you felt cornered, so you decided to insert yourself into the situation, personally stepping in to redirect my investigation toward the entire U. S. Forces Japan system."

"And you, Morante, as a collaborator and evidence provider, are undoubtedly a white lotus—indeed, you might even become a hero."

"I'm not wrong, am I, Major Morante?" Uesugi Sōsetsu said, then fell silent, staring intently at this U. S. Army major.

"SUBARASHII! KAKUICHI! NIPPONICHI! HAJIRO WO KUTSUGATTE DAMN~" Morante couldn't help but praise, dazed for a moment, but quickly refocused: "No wonder you're Japan's only forensic expert!"

"But the information I provided is genuine and valuable—my reasoning is flawless. So how did you figure me out?"

"I even arranged for others to make the initial contact—those people's memories were of a tall, blond, white man. So how did you uncover me?" Morante, unwilling to accept defeat: "Why don't you think it was actually our U. S. Forces Japan Commander-in-Chief, General Zachary-Brancker-Ulan, who did this?"

"Because the money doesn't add up." Uesugi Sōsetsu said calmly.

"Money?" Morante couldn't help but say: "I already told you—I made a total of $200,000!"

"Still doesn't add up." Uesugi Sōsetsu smiled and shook his head: "I know this sum seems like a lot to you personally, and I don't believe the U. S. Forces Japan Commander-in-Chief is necessarily a good person—but have you considered that $200,000 is barely anything for a four-star general? U. S. Forces Japan generals earn at least $18,000 a month, with stable annual income between $200,000 and $300,000. Let's use $200,000 as a baseline—that's equivalent to 28 to 35 million yen in annual income."

"And this $200,000–$300,000 isn't subject to Japanese local taxes, plus there's generous housing allowances and various overseas stipends. All food, most daily necessities, and daily activities can be reimbursed through the military system—so you spend nothing out of pocket. This is pure income, just like me, the Chief Medical Examiner of the Metropolitan Police Department."

"Now you're telling me a four-star general and his team went through all this trouble for just twenty thousand—no, twenty thousand U. S. dollars? Over years, just to risk a massive scandal that would force resignation and a court-martial? I don't believe it—not even $2 million would tempt General Zachary, let alone $20 million, which might."

Uesugi Sōsetsu shook his head: "The money doesn't add up."

"So, this can only be your personal doing!"

"I see now." Major Morante revealed an ugly expression: "That's something I didn't anticipate."

"Of course, there's another issue—the Public Security Police's reaction." Uesugi Sōsetsu sighed, lowering his gaze to look at the bureau chief: "In this case, the conclusions reached by the Public Security Police and my initial findings are similar—that the evidence points to…… the entire U. S. Forces Japan structure!" "This would indeed threaten the very foundation of the U. S. -Japan alliance, and since the Public Security Police lack concrete evidence, and given my temperament—everyone knows I'd inevitably open fire on U. S. Forces Japan—so Bureau Chief Shinjō had no choice but to risk defying headquarters and even the cabinet to stop me." Uesugi Sōsetsu said with a bitter smile: "He's the one truly trying to preserve the greater good and protect national security—he's already prepared to sacrifice himself."

The bureau chief on the ground let out a soft "nng," tears glistening in his eyes.

He felt wronged—but he had no choice!

"I see now!" Kai Toru and Date Nagamune exclaimed in sudden realization—no wonder the local Public Security Police reacted so intensely this time.

"Ah, is that really how it is? Turns out there are still good people in Public Security?" Ikeda Erena said blankly.

"Especially after seeing you come to me voluntarily to provide evidence, Bureau Chief Shinjō became even more frantic—because in his eyes, you're a tainted witness, having provided key information that points directly at U. S. Forces Japan. This would provoke me to open fire on the entire U. S. Forces Japan establishment, dragging out the police industry chain scandal, destroying the Kanagawa Police Headquarters, and truly breaking the U. S. -Japan alliance!" Uesugi Sōsetsu said coldly: "So he's gone to every extreme to stop me—he didn't hesitate to deploy SAT alone, nor did he hesitate to come here personally and draw his gun in confrontation."

"Because he's faced with an utterly hopeless situation—whatever he does is wrong. To die now or to launch a grand plan—both lead to death. To wait for death—can a dead nation be acceptable? Hmm, a dead nation it is!"

"You, Morante, you successfully manipulated me—and also prepared to send him on his way—but just when you thought everything was settled, you failed to consider that I've already figured out the full truth." Uesugi Sōsetsu said with a smile: "I won't let you kill the bureau chief." "We can't let a hero bleed and weep!"

"Indeed, dead people are the best at keeping secrets." Major Morante sighed, still unwilling to let go, but he conceded to Uesugi Sōsetsu's reasoning: "But so what? Chief Uesugi, don't you think people will believe your theory?"

"Everyone saw you clash with the Public Security Police, and everyone knows I provided you with evidence. Now, the only thing that could prove my connection with Setouchi Makoto…… is shattered." Morante pointed his gun at the destroyed computer: "And this morning at seven o'clock—it's coming up soon. This is what I heard your people say—oh dear, you've already run out of time to give the cabinet and Japanese police a sufficient explanation." Uesugi Sōsetsu's face showed repressed frustration as he pressed his lips together: "You're not afraid I'll expose your actions and my suspicions to the public?" "Hahaha" Too bad—looks like Chief Uesugi, you still can't handle us U. S. Forces Japan. Correct— in this country, you're a legendary forensic expert with unmatched prestige, the Metropolitan Police Department's treasure, Japan's ultimate weapon—but unfortunately, I'm American. I'm a U. S. service member…… and…… I'm still Black." Morante burst into laughter: "You really think reporting this will make people believe you over me?"

"Who's politically correct? I am! Do you know what 'national interest above all' means? Do you know what 'foreign ally shock' means? Do you know what 'racial discrimination' means? 'Presumption of guilt'?"

"!!!!" Hearing this, Ikeda Erena and Date Kai glared at Morante with fury—but they couldn't deny he was right. Accusing the military requires evidence!

"The Special Investigations Division may be the Metropolitan Police Department's ace unit, but it has no authority to arrest me—so you can only let me go." Morante laughed, the dirt braid behind his head swaying as he revealed a mouth full of big white teeth.

"I could kill you." Uesugi Sōsetsu whispered: "Right here, right now—afterward, no one would know, since you came alone. You'd die—would your words still matter then?"

"Hahaha, people must have a purpose when they act. Of course, I don't want to die, but what about you? You kill me—what good does it do? You can't solve the case, you can't save the crumbling U. S. -Japan alliance, and you'll only become a suspect in the eyes of the U. S. Forces in Japan." Morante laughed: "Well, I have a good proposal—why don't you hear me out?"

"What proposal?" Uesugi Muneyuki asked, gritting his teeth.

"As for Shinjo, I originally wanted him dead, but now that he's seriously injured, that'll do too—he can be considered as having died for his country. The Public Security Police, knowing the truth, will certainly protect him, sacrifice him, and keep him silent. Then, now that the evidence is also destroyed, you can announce publicly: Kanagawa Prefectural Police Public Security Bureau Director Shinjo Shigetoki colluded with Setouchi Makoto, long profited from selling corpse photos, and when the incident occurred, tried to make an arrest, but I shot him on the spot, leaving him gravely wounded. Your legendary forensic medical career continues, and I continue as my lieutenant colonel. We each go our separate ways—everyone wins."

"As for the US-Japan alliance, oh my, it can still continue—may it live long! I still have around fifty thousand US dollars in savings on hand. There are exactly five people present, so we'll do two plus one makes five—each gets ten thousand US dollars. Not much, but everyone can treat it as pocket money. How about that?"

"Once this matter is settled, I'll apply to be transferred back to the US mainland, and soon after, apply for retirement. By then, I'll go to Nevada and Tennessee states, live as a wealthy gentleman, and from now on, we'll never meet again in life or death. This is your Japanese concept of 'one time, one meeting.' How does that sound?"

"You're simply a genius." Uesugi Muneyuki couldn't help but sigh.

"Thank you for the praise." Morante proudly lifted his head.

"What a brilliant plan!"

"Thank you, thank you……huh?!" Morante suddenly realized the voice came from outside the door!

Before the words had finished falling, the conference room door was pushed open.

Streaming in were four tough soldiers in US military uniforms, holding M16A4 rifles, escorting the Commander of US Forces Japan, Zachary-Brancati-Uuran!

The dark muzzles of their guns were aimed at him.

Behind him followed a civilian military officer, two gendarmes, and two Agence France-Presse reporters holding cameras and audio equipment!

"Uesugi Chief Medical Examiner said it correctly, Mr. Jia-Molante—you're simply a genius!"