Chapter 800

PS: Today I went on a blind date, had Thai food, the girl was nice, hehe~ So here's a double chapter of 5000 words! As mentioned before, Japan's Self-Defense Force system is a very strange system.

This system is extremely twisted, highlighting how Japanese people are very conservative and stubborn by nature, yet they have to make compromises for practical reasons, but they are also afraid of losing control, so they have to put layer upon layer of shackles on it, but when problems finally arise, they blame it for being "not useful enough"—this twisted feeling. Due to past history, incidents of military失控 and rogue actions have occurred too frequently, so whether it's clan politics, Taisho democracy, or later bureaucratic regimes, they have all struggled to truly control the military. Therefore, since its establishment, the Self-Defense Force has been half about circumventing the Japan-US Security Treaty and the postwar constitution prohibiting military forces, and half about fearing a repeat of the Shōwa-era military rogue actions. Thus, the Japan Self-Defense Forces are not military personnel; in Japan's system, they are classified as "security personnel" within the civil service and are strictly monitored by the Japanese Public Security Police. How strict is it?

For example, as previously emphasized repeatedly, Japan's gun control is extremely strict: police face restrictions on firearms in actual law enforcement and would rather engage in physical combat than fire their weapons; moreover, in any situation where a gun is fired, they will undergo extremely strict internal review afterward and also face scrutiny from the District Public Prosecutors Office and the Ministry of Justice.

However, if the Public Security Police discover problems with the Self-Defense Forces, they can directly open fire.

Yes, it was this strict from the beginning.

But why say "from the beginning"? The reason is simple: any system and regulation will gradually corrupt and loosen over time.

The Japanese Public Security Police are no exception; with the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War, international circumstances changed, and the vigilance and espionage role of the Public Security Police have gradually waned, their importance overtaken by the criminal investigation division—what is called "civil tranquility and military leisure"—so control and vigilance over the Self-Defense Forces have gradually declined, while the military itself is an organization with strong right-wing tendencies; here, besides emphasizing obedience, they also emphasize "the victor is king."

Self-Defense Forces personnel receive low pay and face discrimination, yet management is very strict, naturally leading many who joined just to "get free university education" or "scrape by" to develop other ideas.

In recent years, there have been multiple incidents where the Maritime Self-Defense Force deliberately caused trouble during ocean patrols to stir up foreign relations with other countries, and even the Ground Self-Defense Force has attempted to go rogue.

Criminal Investigation Department Chief Haruko Yoshikazu sensed a hint of strangeness.

Precise route planning, multi-branch coordination, high-intensity driving.

Indeed, there are shadows of that—Japan has enjoyed peace for a long time, so biker gangs do have skilled riders capable of such feats, but banks…… if the explanation is the Self-Defense Forces, then it makes sense.

However, after thinking it over, Department Chief Haruko still decided to remain silent for now.

As mentioned before, chrysanthemum, crane, and star are Japan's three major taboo zones, where chrysanthemum refers to the Imperial Family, crane refers to local religious and cultural forces, and star refers both to the Self-Defense Forces and to the U. S. Forces Japan.

Speaking out with accusations without evidence, if it turns out afterward that a former Self-Defense Officer was responsible, Department Chief Haruko would gain nothing, but if something goes wrong, such suspicion could easily bring trouble.

The Criminal Investigation Department Chief couldn't help but glance at Watanabe Eiji.

Actually, for this case, the most suitable person to assign would be Uesugi Muneyuki—when it comes to Japan's three most taboo zones, Uesugi Muneyuki has deep enough background to navigate them all.

Chrysanthemum: he is already a Junior Fifth Rank, Lower Grade in the Imperial Household, and he has played tennis together with Emperor Akihito.

Crane: his close associate Shirakawa Mai is the Chief Priest of the Kanto Shinto sect, and as a former member of the peerage, Uesugi Kenshin's image is firmly tied to local culture, Shinto, and Buddhism.

Finally, star: although Uesugi Muneyuki indeed does not know any Self-Defense Forces factions…… he does know the Commander of U. S. Forces Japan, General Roy Uuran!

This person is such that even the Joint Chiefs of Staff have to smile, nod, and bow! As the ancients said of the great emperor, the Katana overwhelms myriad ages! One thought, flowers bloom; alone, he breaks through eternity; the four stars on his shoulders, with every gesture, grind down the Great Katana!

However, Watanabe Eiji specifically named Kashiwagi Jin to investigate this case.

Even feeling something off himself, Department Chief Haruko doesn't believe Watanabe Eiji, with his considerable frontline experience, failed to notice it.

But he still named him.

Is this also in your plan? Director???

After the high-level meeting ended, information seeped downward like water.

Our comrade Kashiwagi Jin received the call in the office of Investigation Division One, Section One.

Criminal Investigation Department Chief Uchimura Kanji personally called, and even through the handset, one could hear the solemn tone of "I only gave you this case after enduring great pressure": "Kashiwagi-kun, the speeding bank robbery case—you're in charge! The Special Investigation Headquarters will be formally established tomorrow; you will be the central figure. Work hard, don't let the Director General down!"

Kashiwagi Jin hung up the phone, leaned back in his chair, and the corners of his mouth slowly curled upward.

Here they come! They've come!!

Finally, it's mine!

This kind of case, this level, this kind of nationwide spotlight—this dance should be Kashiwagi Jin's!

Section Chief of Investigation Division One, Section One, the Absolute Dual Pride of the Metropolitan Police Department!

Kashiwagi Jin hasn't been idle this year either; after the Sigh River Renewal Army case ended, he successively solved the East Sunshine Town kidnapping case, the Asakusa serial murder case, and even last month's Ikebukuro jewelry store robbery case that had the media chasing reports for an entire week.

If it's not a major case, I won't bother with it!

Hey! This time Uesugi won't be of use, right? Can't help, so you thought of me, huh?

He stood up, walked to the window, gazed at Tokyo's night scenery, and took a deep breath.

Two billion yen in losses, nationwide attention, the Director General personally assigning—this is his opportunity.

As long as he solves this case, his position as the ace of Investigation Division One will be secured, and even moving toward the role of Section Chief of Division One in the future is not impossible. Kashiwagi Jin doesn't have a strong obsession with office or wealth, but the position of Section Chief of Investigation Division One—radiant with countless glories and under the spotlight—he still wants it. "Someone come." He pressed the internal line.

Immediately, two young detectives rushed in from outside the door, their eyes flashing with excitement.

"Notify Section Chief Shirotori of the Second Division, ask him to come over. Also, call all the key personnel from Section One who are present to the conference room; the meeting will start in five minutes. Additionally……" Lao Ren paused, his mind racing: "Also inform the Special Mission Division—case is urgent, and if necessary, we'll need their cooperation, especially Uesugi Muneyuki!"

Kashiwagi Jin thought that although the Special Mission Division operates independently of the existing Investigation Division One investigation system, the name Uesugi Muneyuki itself is a card. If he could seize this opportunity, using the establishment of the Special Investigation Headquarters to temporarily place the Special Mission Division under his command, that would not only add a forensic expert but also add a golden signboard.

The God of Solving Cases serving under Kashiwagi Jin—just this gimmick alone would be enough for the media to hype for months.

Humph, a single Uesugi, nothing but my Chrysanthemum Character Then Sect!

Of course, Uesugi Muneyuki's temperament may not necessarily listen to him.

But trying it can't hurt, what if? I mean, what if?

I also want to solve the case quickly, and Uesugi also wants to solve it quickly—shouldn't we be on the same side?

Shirotori Sho arrived quickly.

This year, Section Chief of the Second Division Shirotori Sho is also thirty years old, short and slim, with dyed yellow hair; he didn't really want to take this case but knew he had no choice. When he pushed the door open and came in, he was still holding a stack of documents, clearly already researching this case.

"Have you heard?" Kashiwagi Jin asked.

"I've heard." Shirotori Sho sat down opposite him, spread out the documents: "I looked at the route of the speeder—there's a problem." "What problem?"

"Too professional." Shirotori Sho pointed to several points on the map: "Here, inertial drift on the Central Loop Line; here, pendulum lane changes on the Metropolitan Circular Line; and here, precise vehicle control in the alleyways of Kyobashi Street. These maneuvers, ordinary people cannot perform, and even most professional drivers might not be able to execute them this cleanly. I checked—those capable of this level nationwide do not exceed twenty people. Moreover, most of these people hold racing licenses, have competition records, and have traceable backgrounds."

Kashiwagi Jin's eyes narrowed: "You mean this person might be a professional?"

"Not possibly—it's definite." Shirotori Sho crossed his arms: "Moreover, his route planning is very meticulous. He isn't running randomly; he is drawing a line—one that just right mobilizes all police forces in Tokyo Metropolis without letting the situation spiral out of control. This shows he is very familiar with Tokyo's police deployment and response times."

Kashiwagi Jin remained silent for a few seconds, then nodded: "The Special Investigation Headquarters will be established tomorrow. Bring the Second Division personnel over; we'll work together." Shirotori Sho looked at him, the corner of his mouth slightly twitching: "I knew it."

Kashiwagi Jin patted his shoulder, the two locked eyes, and each saw in the other's eyes the same thing—ambition.

It was already past eight o'clock in the evening; on this side of the Special Mission Division, Maeda Toshihide picked up the phone.

"Hey? This place, Hulao Pass! Oh oh oh, Sugawara Clan, Imperial Lady! This is the call from Investigation Division One, Section One!"

Uesugi Minami was in the office organizing documents; after receiving the call, she remained silent for a long time.

The other end was Kashiwagi Jin's assistant, tone polite but barely concealing pride: "Section Chief Kashiwagi says the Special Investigation Headquarters will be established tomorrow, hoping the Special Mission Division side can dispatch personnel to assist. Preferably, Chief Priest Uesugi Muneyuki himself would participate."

"It's too late today, I'll ask for his opinion tomorrow." Ikeda Erena hung up the phone, looking at Uesugi Muneyuki sitting on the opposite sofa flipping through a magazine: "Hey, your good pong friend is asking you for help, Muneyuki!"

"Good pong friend? Who says he's a good pong friend with him?" Ikeda Erena complained.

Uesugi Muneyuki finished listening to the phone content, flipped a page of the magazine, his tone flat as if saying today's weather is nice: "He wants me to take orders from him." "If successful, they're friends; if failed, they're opponents; willing to help is pong friend; unwilling to help is enemy." The prosecutor's coroner laughed: "Must admit, Police Inspector Kashiwagi is a capable person, but that face of his, wow! Simply!" Date Nagamune also chimed in complaining: "Besides Uesugi-san, he judges people by their nostrils? Our Special Mission Division has no obligation to assist! I don't care, I want to go home!" "Do we need to help?" Public Security's Ozawa Sumiko asked, and behind her, Hojo Toru and Hikawa Makoto, seeing the situation, put down their briefcases. If overtime is needed, we're ready.

"No need, everyone go rest, we'll talk about anything tomorrow." Uesugi Muneyuki closed the magazine, stood up: "But this case I really can't help with. No corpse, no deceased, what can I do? Analyze that thrown-away Cadillac? The Forensic Science Laboratory people are more professional than me." Minami Ojou-sama nodded, said nothing more.

She knew he was telling the truth, but she also knew, Kashiwagi Jin wanted not just Uesugi Muneyuki's professional ability, but that signboard. The God of Solving Cases, under Kashiwagi Jin's command, one by one, just this gimmick is enough for him to shine in front of the media for a while.

"Then I'll go refuse?"

"No need." Uesugi Muneyuki walked to the window, looking at Tokyo's night scenery outside: "You go attend the meeting, cooperate where you should. The Special Mission Division is not Kashiwagi Jin's附属, but also not his enemy. If he wants to mess around, let him mess around. When he's checked everything he can check, really can't find anything, naturally he'll come find me."

Minami looked at him, suddenly laughed: "You're quite open-minded."

"It's not that I'm open-minded, it's that I've seen too much of this." Uesugi Muneyuki turned around, suddenly shouted: "Off work off work off work off work, going to work is just for getting off work!"

"Oh Oh Oh! Uesugi-sama, board loaded!" The Special Mission Division inside cheered for a while, then everyone dispersed.

Off work!!!

Early next morning, the Tokyo Metropolitan Bank Robbery Special Investigation Headquarters was formally established.

The headquarters is set up in the Metropolitan Police Department Headquarters, occupying an entire half floor.

A brand-new plaque hangs at the entrance, inside are filled with whiteboards, maps, computer screens.

Kashiwagi Jin stands in the center of the meeting room, before him is a huge map of Tokyo Metropolitan, marked with red marker lines everywhere—every road the Cadillac drove, every intersection, every curve.

Behind him stand Shiratori Sho and the core detectives of the First and Second Divisions, each person's face showing that "we want to pull off a big one" expression. "From now on, this case is ours, the First and Second Divisions'." Kashiwagi Jin's voice isn't loud, but each word is very clear: "The target is only one—catch these people, recover the two billion."

He glanced at the people present, his eyes holding a kind of determined certainty: "Yesterday someone said, this case has no corpse, no deceased, nothing for the forensic pathologist to intervene in. But, no corpse doesn't mean no clues. That Cadillac, that route, that timeline, every spot is a clue. What we need to do is to string them together."

He picked up a marker, drew a circle on the map: "First, start from this vehicle. Check its origin, check where it went before being stolen, check who the vehicle owner has been in contact with."

"Second, start from inside the bank. The vault's electronic lock was bypassed, the mechanical lock was technically opened, this needs internal information. Bank staff, security company employees, even the construction team that previously participated in vault maintenance—check them one by one."

"Third, start from that speeding driver. His driving skill isn't innate, it's practiced. People in all Japan who can reach that level, no more than twenty. Check them one by one, there will definitely be clues!"

Shiratori Sho added beside him: "I've already contacted the Japan Automobile Federation and the National Racing Association, obtained the list of all professional and amateur racers from the past ten years. In the coming days, the Second Division people will go through them one by one."

Kashiwagi Jin nodded, glanced at the clock on the wall: "Alright, begin action."

The Special Investigation Headquarters door closed. Inside people began busy, phone rings, keyboard tapping, paper flipping sounds intertwined, forming a busy yet orderly rhythm.

What disappointed Lao Ren was, Uesugi Muneyuki and his Special Mission Division didn't come.

But it's fine, once I discover the key points and places needing help, Uesugi will have to come!

Kashiwagi Jin full of ambition! Kashiwagi Jin crazy output! Kashiwagi Jin morale high! Kashiwagi Jin at his peak!

And in the Special Mission Division office, Uesugi Muneyuki is waiting for a phone call.

The Forensic Science Laboratory side is conducting a full inspection on that abandoned Cadillac, although he thinks it's unlikely to find anything—those people dared to dump the car, they must have cleaned it thoroughly.

But he still had the Forensic Science Laboratory people check carefully, just in case.

The phone rang.

He answered, on the other end is Public Security Police's Hikawa Makoto, he's a former Forensic Science Laboratory member: "Uesugi Chief, the car is very clean inside. No fingerprints, no hair, no biological samples that can extract DNA. Even the steering wheel and gear shift were wiped. The only thing certain is, this car had maintenance a week before the incident, tires are new, brake pads are also new— the car owner is probably someone who really cares for his car."

Uesugi Muneyuki said "Understood", hung up the phone.

Indeed. Spotless, nothing left.

He stood up, still preparing to go to the Forensic Science Laboratory for a visit, personally look at that car.

Pushed open the door, the hallway has people coming and going, everyone busy with their own affairs, seeing him just slightly nod, obviously already used to his appearance, Uesugi Muneyuki walked to the elevator entrance, pressed the down button.

The elevator door opened.

Inside stood a person.

Kashiwagi Misa.

Kashiwagi Misa today wears a summer uniform, dark blue short-sleeve police uniform, tailored fit, outlining her slender waist and upright figure perfectly.

The skirt reaches above the knee, revealing a section of delicate calf wrapped in flesh-colored stockings. The stockings are very thin, thin to the point of almost not seeing they're worn, but that delicate luster and perfect fit again let one immediately see they're a pair of valuable high-quality stockings.

On her feet are a pair of black low-cut high-heeled shoes, heel height just right, putting the calf lines longer and straighter.

Her mixed-race icy handsome face is that kind of beauty cold to the extreme—not intentionally putting on a cold face, but emanating from the bones, an iceberg aura that makes people dare not easily approach.

Five features exquisite, between eyebrows and eyes carrying a kind of aloof icy clarity, but those two eyes, the moment they saw Uesugi Muneyuki, like a warm current surging under the ice surface, faintly brightened for a moment.

"Uesugi…… Chief, what a coincidence!"

Uesugi Muneyuki was stunned for a moment, then walked in, pressed the floor where the Forensic Science Laboratory is.

"Yeah, what a coincidence, Kashiwagi Division Chief!"