I planted a sacred tree in Tokyo.

Chapter 65 You Regret My Shadow

Chapter 65 You Regret My Shadow
Tap tap tap,

The girl came down from the second floor with her laptop and sat down next to Akihi Yu, who was 'daydreaming'.

"The government has publicly acknowledged the existence of supernatural beings."

"Oh? So fast~~"

With a flick of her eye, Akihi Yu's gaze fell on the laptop, which was playing Japan's 'NHK 7 o'clock news'.

Judging from this setup, it seems that all channels and platforms are broadcasting live simultaneously.

"Please rest assured, the Cabinet will definitely protect everyone's safety!"

In the news footage, the island nation's prime minister announced with a serious expression:

"Effective immediately, each prefecture, province, and county will establish a special countermeasures department, which will be under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Public Security and under the unified command of Tokyo."

"In addition to disaster drills such as earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons, and fires, schools have added extraordinary drills."

Apart from the island nation's prime minister, all the cabinet officials stood in a row, their serious expressions serving as a backdrop, endorsing the numerous bills that were about to be implemented.

"The Metropolitan Police Department has established a new 'Special Countermeasures Division,' and the Self-Defense Forces have set up a 'Special Response Unit.' The government hopes that brave individuals who are dedicated to protecting our island nation will join us."

"The salaries and benefits for the above departments are as follows."

With this policy stance set, the police and Self-Defense Forces began to expand their recruitment and significantly increase salaries and benefits.

The scene then shifts to a realistic battle: an earthquake catfish forced back by artillery fire and eventually engulfed in smoke; a giant Rashomon gate pierced by a rapidly spinning tornado.
Interspersed throughout the event were two dashing policewomen wearing exoskeleton armor who jumped from an armed helicopter;
And Tanimura Watari, leading two dogs, walked out with a serious expression and wearing a special police uniform.

There were also a large number of armored vehicles roaring out and Self-Defense Force soldiers jogging forward!
These scenes were all prepared in advance, with every second and every frame carefully edited; what is presented is naturally the island nation's Self-Defense Forces fighting bravely and fearlessly, and the Metropolitan Police Department's 'super special police' being invincible, with superhuman beings seemingly vulnerable to modern weapons and the super special police appearing to be no match for them.

They could be wiped out by the government with a wave of their hand, and they could only hide from the iron fist of the state like rats; it was all a facade of peace and prosperity, but only those in the know understood the heavy price they paid.

"If any citizen discovers or suspects the existence of supernatural phenomena, please do not make any contact without authorization. Please call the following numbers immediately."

"The current cabinet government reiterates its commitment to placing the safety of its citizens as its top priority!"

"Um,"

Qiu Riyou touched her chin and spoke.

"Now 'extraordinary' is directly exposed to everyone's eyes, although..."

It still has nothing to do with the vast majority of people.

The 'True Spirits of a Hundred Demons' projected by Akihisa are not fake; anyone or any animal that finds them can become a new extraordinary being. It's entirely based on luck, and even so, for the hundreds of millions of people in this island nation, it's still a one in a million chance, rarer than winning the lottery.

However, Akihi Yu wasn't in a hurry; everything was going according to plan.

Take it slow. Artificial superhumans are still superhumans!
"Qiong, if you could possess extraordinary power, what would you want?"

Hearing Qiu Riyou's words,
The girl next to him rolled her eyes at him.

"Wake up, we're high school students now."

"Moreover, extraordinary power is a double-edged sword; obtaining it means engaging in conflict."

The girl's slender fingers moved across the screen, revealing an image of Tanimura Wataru falling: blood splattered from his forehead, his body tattered and mangled, a truly pitiful sight.

"I don't want to end up like that, but—"

"If it's to protect you, then it's not impossible."

Faced with the girl's earnest gaze, Akihi Yu suppressed the urge to retort.

If even this "Great Unity Tree" needs protection, then there's no point in this world existing.

"Then forget it."

Let's talk when we've completely crushed the world.

The conversation ended with a double entendre, and Qiu Riyou's gaze fell on the news broadcast, her eyes flickering.

In the corner of the screen, he saw an extraordinary female police officer approach the Metropolitan Police Department's superintendent behind him and whisper something to him. The Tokyo police chief then turned and hurriedly left.

Oh.
What new discoveries has the Metropolitan Police Department made?
A crow nearby flew away in a clone, and Qiu Riyou, intrigued, prepared to watch the show.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

"Gululu~~~"

In the lobby of the Metropolitan Police Department, naked murderous intent and bloodshed mingled together.

The massive military dog, missing a leg, crouched down, letting out a low growl—a gesture to warn the enemy.

Even if its former 'trainer' is on the other side, it has its own stance after gaining superhuman power.

"Woof!!"

On the other side, a Shiba Inu, also two meters tall, roared with its jaws wide open!

Even the Shiba Inu, known for its 'cheeky' nature, can become a ferocious beast that makes countless people retreat in fear when it grows as large as an elephant. Moreover, with their 'demonic power,' tearing an elephant apart is as easy as turning their claws.

"Ms. Yagi, tell them to step back!"

Opposite the two giant dogs were police officers and Self-Defense Force members aiming at them with various weapons.

Despite facing only two 'dogs,' everyone was on high alert, sweating profusely. The section chief in charge was trembling all over, as if he would collapse to the ground at any moment.

Because there were already several corpses lying on the ground!

"Don't even think about it—"

Protected behind the two giant dogs was a girl who had collapsed to the ground, clutching the body of Tanimura Wataru.

With her strength, she couldn't even lift the person she loved.

Fortunately, there is still the extraordinary dog left by his lover.

"Watari is mine! What do you want to do with his corpse?"

"I"

The section chief in charge moved his lips, but couldn't utter a word.

What else can I do?
Of course, it involves dissection, analysis, and experimentation. We will utilize every single hair, every inch of skin, and every drop of bone marrow from Taniguchi Watari!

But how could such words be said, even though the girl opposite clearly understood?

"Ms. Yagi, the dead cannot be brought back to life. Please accept my condolences."

"Given the current situation in our island nation, we must investigate the secrets of the extraordinary as soon as possible."

"Shut up!"

The girl across from me
I don't want to hear anything about 'national righteousness' or anything like that.

"Du Mingming was a hero who saved everyone, yet you're so eager to seize his body! I will never believe a single word you say again! Get out of my way, or else—"

"Mocha, Mai,"

As Tanimura Watari lay dying, he commanded two demon dogs to obey the girl, which became her only source of resistance.

Even if she dies, she will not hand over the salvation to anyone!
"kill"

Thump,

Just as the situation was about to escalate into a bloody brawl, the hall door was suddenly pushed open.

"stop!"

A voice filled with anger broke the tense atmosphere.

Everyone instinctively looked over, and the person who came was none other than the Superintendent General of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department: Takeya Haru.

"Put the gun down!"

Amidst the other side's roar, the police officers with guns raised trembled, their weapons feeling like hot irons, and they instinctively dropped them.

While the Self-Defense Force members weren't as fearful, they all lowered their guns. They didn't want to get involved in the power struggle between the big shots.

Tap tap tap,

She strode up to the section chief, and blood vessels appeared under Director Zhu Ya's glasses.

"Who gave the order?"

"I"

Snapped!
A powerful slap silenced the Metropolitan Police Department section chief, sending him spun violently to the side as several teeth flew out.

Grabbing the other person's collar and pulling them back, Director Zhu Ya, with a ferocious expression as if she wanted to devour them, pressed them for answers again.

"Who gave the order?"

"Yes Yes."

His cheek swelled up instantly, and blood kept oozing from the corner of his mouth. The section chief, who had been beaten senseless, was blank and unable to utter a complete sentence.

"it's me,"

The door was pushed open again, and an elderly man with a gloomy face walked in.

"Minister Matsumura?"

Director Zhu Ya turned around, letting go of the section chief in her hand.

"You bypassed me, the director, and gave the order directly. What a display of your authority!"

"The situation is urgent. The island nation is in turmoil, and we don't have much time to waste."

The elderly man, known as 'Minister Matsumura,' stopped at the door, surrounded by a group of fully armed soldiers, and spoke forcefully.

"Tanimura Watari's body must be dissected immediately—"

"Roar!!!" x2
The two giant dogs, their pupils bloodshot, instinctively lunged forward, saliva dripping from their fangs onto the floor!

They clearly understood what the other party meant: if it weren't for protecting the 'mistress' behind them, they would have already started a massacre.

“Minister Matsumura, the Metropolitan Police Department oversees all matters of the supernatural. How to arrange Mr. Tanimura’s remains is my decision. You have no right to interfere.”

? !
"Zhuya, I am the Chairman of the Public Security Committee!"

Anger flashed across the elderly man's face; theoretically, he was the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department's superior.

but--

"I'm the director!"

Zhu Yachun retorted with a single sentence.

Theory is theory, practice is practice: the cabinet changes every three years, and even if someone is re-elected, it's only for six years. Ministers come and go like a revolving door.

However, Takeya Haru has been in the position of 'Tokyo Metropolitan Police Commissioner' for 16 years! Behind him stands a huge family, and he is no political 'novice'. In the Tokyo police force, it is no exaggeration to say that his network of connections is extremely intricate!
In a real fight, he wouldn't be afraid even if it were someone he was theoretically superior to.

"you--"

The elderly man opposite him pointed shakily at the other person, but could only force himself to swallow his words.

"You will regret this!"

After saying that, the old man turned away angrily.

Thump,

The door was slammed shut.

"Woof~~"

Under the watchful eyes of the two giant dogs, Director Takeya walked through the middle and came to the girl holding the body of Tanimura Watari.

"I'm so sorry,"

Instead of bowing, they chose to squat down.

"It was my mistake; I didn't expect the police to get involved."

"Director, what kind of 'performance' is this now?"

Faced with the girl's questioning, Director Zhuya gave a wry smile.

No.

"No, just think of it as me acting."

At this point, Director Zhuya simply abandoned all decorum and sat cross-legged on the ground.

"At my position, I can't even tell when I'm acting and when I'm being genuine."

"However—I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Tanimura."

"Just consider it the loss of a capable subordinate."

With her hands on her knees, Director Zhuya looked intently at the girl in front of her.

"Please believe me, I, Zhu Yachun, may not be a good person, but I am definitely not a 'heartless and ungrateful' bastard."

"I will never allow anyone to touch Mr. Tanimura's body unless you agree!"

"Heroes should not end like this."

As a true 'aristocrat,' Takeya Haru excelled academically from a young age, easily graduating from the University of Tokyo. After graduation, he started directly as a police inspector, rising through the ranks annually, reaching the position of Chief of Security at the Metropolitan Police Department within five years. He then became the Superintendent of the Imperial Palace Police, Director of the National Security Bureau of the National Police Agency, President of the Police University, and Commissioner General of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department.
In just ten years, they have reached heights that countless elites from island nations could never achieve in a lifetime.

His life can be described as 'smooth sailing'.

The reason I've been a director for 16 years is that I've reached the point where I can't get any higher!

Entering the cabinet, however, comes with many restrictions.

and so--

"Therefore, I have the right to be willful."

The director, who was nearly fifty, stood up after winking at the young woman.

"Consider this my last bit of respect for the heroes. However, please understand that these two extraordinary dogs will remain with the Metropolitan Police Department."

"Their treatment is equivalent to that of a superintendent of police; there's no need to worry about anything."

"I will protect Watari myself!"

The girl raised her head. In just a few hours, her former innocence and naivety had faded, leaving only determination and resolve.

"I want to become extraordinary too!"

"Use Watari's blood!"

Crossing, we will be together forever.

Power, authority. One day, I will bring you back!

By then:
"Is that so? But, Miss Yagi..."

"wrong,"

Holding the corpse in her arms, the girl interrupted Director Zhuya.

"From this day forward, I am Tanimura Hoshino!"

"Okay, Mrs. Tanimura."