Conan: Chief of Rice Flower's Science Points

Chapter 349 The Missing Floppy Disk

On the afternoon of March 3, Shiraishi marked the visit on the director's schedule and drove straight to the Metropolitan Police Department...

In the car, Shiraishi was still listening to the radio...

[Minister Takamori, the Metropolitan Police Department has recently announced the final outcome of the Tsukishima Police case. What do you think of this? ]

This Minister Takamori is the new Minister of Justice after Inukai. He has now removed the word "acting" from his title and officially taken office.

His secretary had called Shiraishi before, hoping that Shiraishi would "deal with" Otani of the Ministry of Finance, but Shiraishi handled the case impartially and found that Otani's father was just suffering from Alzheimer's disease and was not a murderer...

During this period, Takamori's secretary called Shiraishi to complain, but the new minister probably didn't want to leave any handle, so he had no private contact with Shiraishi.

even……

Because his home was in Beika-cho, Shiraishi ran into him twice while jogging in the morning, but the two of them pretended not to recognize each other!
[The guardian of national order is the police organization. When the people do not trust the police, the rule of law will collapse. Therefore, as police officers, you must remain honest and incorruptible...]

Listening to his polite words, Shiraishi said "tsk" and changed the channel - it would be better to listen to the Rakugo of the Kiraku family than to listen to him...

……

Today, quite a few people from various police stations in Touto came to the Metropolitan Police Department, but not many commissioners came in person, and only Shiraishi went directly to the office of the Superintendent General.

Bai Shi had made an appointment by phone in the morning, and when he arrived in the afternoon, he knocked on the door and walked in...

"Director, something terrible has happened. Inspector Kunikida must have offended someone and was transferred to Tsukishima Police Station!" Shiraishi started complaining as soon as he entered the door.

"Inspector Shiraishi, please don't be sarcastic. Inspector Kunikida is obviously going to be promoted." Hakuba said calmly.

"Ah? Then what should our Beihua Police Department do? Not to mention the incidence of new homicides, the 'large-scale search in remote locations' that we have been carrying out before now has resulted in an average of two bodies being discovered every month. If this continues, the Beihua Police Department will have more and more backlogs!" Shiraishi said in horror.

White Horse: ...

Or you could do more to educate people about the law?
After a moment of silence, Bai Ma felt helpless - Bai Ma also understood very well that the popularization of law by the police station could only reduce the incidence of minor crimes, and crimes like murder and arson had little to do with popularization of law!

Who doesn’t know that murder is against the law?
The responsibility for public security issues such as serious crimes lies more with the town council and town office, and cannot be solved by the police station.

But Bai Ma also knew that Bai Shi's current appearance was completely acting...

"No need to perform. I have already found a new chief of the Criminal Section for you... After all, the Beihua Police Station has trained a large number of talents for our Metropolitan Police Department. How could the General Department not see it?" Baiba said as a matter of course.

Well, that's true, especially this year, Shiraishi recommended so many people at once, especially so many detectives. Although they were not promoted immediately, in a year, there will be several more "police chiefs from the Beihua Police Station"!
"Although the transfer of Inspector Kunikida was a temporary decision, but... in fact, the case at that time happened in Tsukishima. If it was changed to other police stations, he might not accept the transfer. If he had not worked under you for half a year, I'm afraid he would not go to Tsukishima." Hakuba was afraid that Shiraishi would have some thoughts at this time, so he made a special explanation.

It was only then that Shiraishi realized that there was this reason, which Kunikida hadn't mentioned before...

Maybe he doesn't want Shiraishi to have any extra worries!

Seven years ago, Kunikida had a conflict with the prosecutor over a case and was transferred directly from the "Investigation Section 1" to the "Publicity Section", away from the front line.

And that case happened in the jurisdiction of Tsukishima Police Station!
At this time, Shiraishi frowned and said, "Just on Tsukishima... Is this really okay? Director, you are not playing chess again, are you?"

Shiraishi always felt that this fat old man was playing a big chess game again, just like when Shiraishi wanted to investigate Inukai, Director Hakuba kept stopping him from doing so, and in the end he gave Shiraishi a holiday... Now when Shiraishi looks back on it himself, he always feels that he had something planned!

"No, this is the best arrangement." Bai Ma said as a matter of course.

Shiraishi did not refute Hakuba's statement - the person who tied the bell should be the one to untie it. Kunikida's stay at the Beika Police Station only rekindled some of his fighting spirit, but he did not really untie his knot...

Bai Shi understands this very well!
Of course, just as Director Bai Ma said, if it was before he came to Beihua Police Station, even if he was asked to go to Tsukishima Police Station, he would "not be motivated" and would not be able to face the wrong case of that year.

Just then, there was another knock on the director's office door.

Hearing the voice, Bai Shi turned his head and looked, seeming to be wondering why someone else had made an appointment at this time?

At this time, Bai Ma said, "Just in time, everyone is here... Please come in."

Seeing this, Bai Shi had a vague guess in his mind. If it was another visitor, Bai Ma would not have met him together, unless...

After the office door opened, a middle-aged man... no, uncle walked in.

Although he was wearing a suit, he looked a bit sloppy. Judging from his age, he was probably almost 60 years old, the retirement age for police officers.

Just when Bai Shi was uncertain, Bai Ma said, "Let me introduce you two. Zong Fang, this is..."

"Are you Director Mika? I've long heard of your name." Munakata took the initiative to extend his hand and shook hands with Shiraishi.

Shiraishi certainly didn't refuse, but...his attitude made Shiraishi a little confused - when facing Director Baiba, the old man acted very relaxed, and someone who didn't know him would think he was at least a Metropolitan Superintendent, but...

"Shiraishi, this Inspector Munakata is a capable candidate I have selected for you." Hakuba said solemnly.

It turns out he’s just a police inspector!

Shiraishi was just thinking that if someone were to introduce himself to someone at this time, it should be the new criminal section chief of the Beika Police Station.

It was just that the old man's attitude at the beginning made Bai Shi a little confused, and...

Shiraishi felt a sense of relaxation from him - not financial relaxation, but... not the kind of relaxation that a police officer could feel at all!
"Director Bai Ma, I'm not a police captain now. I'm just a civilian security consultant." Zong Fang waved his hands when he heard this.

really!

Bai Shi secretly said: It really feels right...

"Munakata, there is no one else except you who is suitable to be the chief of the criminal section under this guy!" Bai Ma said directly in a familiar tone.

Shiraishi:? ? ?
You make it sound like I'm difficult to get along with...

"If you want a detective under Chief Mika, it should be easy to find even in Souichi Middle School, right? Why me?" Sohkata said directly.

Upon hearing this, Bai Shi felt that this old man at least had a keen eye.

"If I have to say it... it's because you hate the police force." Bai Ma said frankly.

Shiraishi:? ? ?
My goodness, Bai Shi is a little confused.

"What kind of reason is that?" Zongfang also laughed out of anger.

"The reason why you left the police force in the first place." Bai Ma said as a matter of course.

The two looked at each other for a while, and Shiraishi complained in his heart: Director, are you reliable? You dare to assign me this position before you even convince me? I'm not even a police officer yet, and you're recruiting on the spot?

"The guardian of national order is the police organization. When the people do not trust the police, the rule of law will collapse. Therefore, as police officers, you must remain honest and upright... Can you stand listening to such nonsense?" Bai Ma asked scoldingly.

Shiraishi:? ? ?
Why does this sound familiar?

Bai Shi thought about it and resisted the urge to question out loud - after all, if he spoke out, it would prove that he knew what Bai Ma was hinting at.

Bai Shi, who has become much more mature, understands that some things are better left unsaid...

The corners of old man Zongfang's mouth trembled at this time, as if he had thought of something, and then he said: "I have a condition... I hope that Shiraishi can agree to it."

Bai Ma nodded, motioning for him to speak out.

"Childcare comes first... I have a daughter now and I have to pick her up from school. I have to work from nine to five every day and I can't work overtime." Zongfang said excessively.

"Daughter?" Bai Ma seemed to have thought of something when he heard this, and then looked at Bai Shi as if seeking his opinion.

After all, these working hours are really too much for police officers.

Shiraishi:……

"Um... may I ask where is your daughter going to school this year?" Bai Shi asked curiously - considering your age... I wouldn't be so surprised to hear that you're my granddaughter... She doesn't need her father to pick her up and drop her off at university, does she?

"He's in the second grade at Teitan Elementary School." Munakata said as a matter of course.

Shiraishi:……

Although I feel like there must be some hidden story here, but... isn't this just a coincidence?
"I see... Then I also have two conditions." Bai Shi nodded.

These working hours are a bit too much. You still want to work from nine to five?

However, Shiraishi also understood that since Hakuba recommended Munakata so much and didn't even reject such a condition, his ability was beyond doubt, and... there might be some other factors. "As expected of Director Mika, I gave one condition and you gave two." Munakata teased.

"First of all, nine to five is fine, but if there is something urgent, I hope your phone can remain open." Shiraishi said first.

The cases in Beika Town don't happen just during working hours!

"Of course." Zongfang nodded.

"The second thing is, actually... I found my sister recently. DNA testing has shown that she is my half-sister." Bai Shi first said something that seemed unrelated.

"Huh? Is that so? Congratulations." Bai Ma congratulated at this time.

Shiraishi continued, "She lives with me now, and I am her guardian... I have also enrolled her in Teitan Elementary School, and she is also in the second grade. Since Inspector Munakata is going to pick up his daughter, can he bring my sister along as well?"

White Horse: ...

My goodness, you suddenly had a daughter and one of you suddenly had a sister, and their ages are so weird, did you discuss this beforehand?

"Hahaha, that's great. Kotomi will be happy to have an extra playmate." Munakata agreed without a doubt.

"Hello, Inspector Munakata, Shiraishi Kuro, Chief of the Beika Police Station, please give me your guidance in the future." Shiraishi greeted them formally.

"Yes, Director, please take care of me in the future!" Zongfang also said formally.

Bai Ma watched this scene with great satisfaction, and then said to Bai Shi: "I found a veteran for you this time, don't let me down."

Shiraishi could tell that Hakuba still had something to say to Munakata, so he also said goodbye and left.

But after going out, Shiraishi went straight to the clerical class.

……

"Shotaro Sokata? Let me look for it..." When Iwata heard the name Shiraishi said, he immediately started searching on the computer.

That’s right, Shiraishi would not be completely reassured about letting such an old man be the head of the criminal section just because of Director Bai Ma’s words. After all, the position of the criminal section chief of Mihua is a matter of great importance!
What Iwata is looking for now is the internal archives of the Metropolitan Police Department, which cannot be searched randomly on the Internet.

"Hmm? It's true that he was a police officer before, but he left seven years ago, but..." Iwata was puzzled at this time.

"What's wrong? Were you from the Investigation Division before?" Bai Shi asked hurriedly.

"No... don't even mention the Investigation Division. You can see for yourself... he's not a detective at all, but..." Iwata said as he showed Shiraishi Munakata's electronic file.

It only says General Affairs Department Human Resources Section, but...

"Huh? The specific position is not written?" Bai Shi also noticed this immediately.

"That's right, which means...it's most likely the Inspector." Iwata nodded.

Indeed, due to the nature of the job, the supervisors’ files are theoretically classified, nominally to prevent them from being targeted for future promotions, so their resumes in this regard cannot be directly checked, but…

If you have a little experience, you can basically tell the difference!
After all, there are only a few positions with confidentiality levels, so it can be said that confidentiality is maintained in a perfunctory manner.

and……

If Zongfang is the Inspector, it would explain why he is so familiar with Director Baiba.

Matsumoto had said before that he once wanted to resign during the pursuit that led to the car accident, but the Chief Inspector at the time, now Director Shiraba, tried his best to retain him and did not hold him accountable within the police system.

At that time, Bai Shi also sighed - even as the chief inspector, he was able to fight his way out and continue to be promoted. Director Bai Ma's skills are really extraordinary.

In other words, if Munakata is a veteran inspector, he may have worked in the same department with Director Hakuba!

In addition, if Munakata is really the Inspector, then what Hakuba said before that he "hates the police force" would make sense - it would be hard not to be disgusted when he spends all day staring at the dirtiest and darkest corners of the police force.

"I resigned seven years ago, but I only wrote that it was for personal reasons... In this case, it's hard to tell what the reason was," Iwata said as a matter of course.

If it's a criminal policeman, even if it says "personal reasons", you can still look for what case he was in charge of at the time, and maybe you can get a clue.

but……

Of course the inspector will not record what he is investigating!

"It may really be a personal reason. His daughter is only seven years old." Bai Shi said confidently.

"Eh? Could it be..." Iwata has already imagined a melodramatic TV drama in his mind.

"Okay, let's stop gossiping." Bai Shi interrupted his thoughts.

Of course, Shiraishi actually didn't believe this was the reason. Judging from Director Bai Ma's previous cryptic words, Shiraishi even suspected that this might be related to Minister Takamori!

However, it would be better for Iwata not to continue exploring this kind of thing, so Shiraishi directly changed the subject.

……

"Let's go for a drink after get off work?" Shiraishi asked Iwata.

"Huh? Don't you have a sister at home?" Iwata asked back.

Shiraishi:? ? ?
You know all this?

Shiraishi has a new understanding of Iwata's gossip ability...

"It's okay, he's a big enough kid, he can take care of himself!" Bai Shi said righteously.

Just then, Shiraishi's cell phone rang.

Bai Shi took it out and saw that it was really "Sister-Ai".

"Hey, I have something to do tonight, you go by yourself..." Shiraishi was halfway through his words when he suddenly heard Xiao Ai say, "I suddenly remembered something. I may have accidentally mailed out a floppy disk related to medicine. Which one do you want to do first?"

Hearing this, Bai Shi's expression became serious: "Some boys are bullying you, right? Okay, I'll go back now."

Shiraishi found a reason to leave Iwata...

After returning to the apartment, Shiraishi hurriedly asked what happened to Ai.

As "Sulli"...

How could he possibly have the chance to send out the floppy disk when he was in contact with the organization's most important secrets?
and……

You, the "Crow Legion", have completely localized in the East Island Country, right?
floppy disk?

Are there other countries that use floppy disks?
Gin even bought the American armed helicopter, so can't it also keep up with the international standards in other areas?
"When I was recalling the information about APTX4869 today, I suddenly remembered something. A few years ago, my sister sent me a few floppy disks with photos of herself and her club classmates traveling together... I looked at them and sent them back to her, but later I found that one of the floppy disks containing the medicine information was missing." Xiao Ai recalled at this time.

Shiraishi:? ? ?
How does the Black Organization keep this secret?

There's no way to prevent leaks, and you just have to rely on silencing them afterwards, right?

Seeing Bai Shi's incredulous look, Xiao Ai explained: "Maybe it's because I had just taken over my parents' research project at that time, and I had no other ideas at all, so the organization didn't doubt me."

"But if that floppy disk was with your sister, it should have been burned, right?" Bai Shi asked doubtfully.

Not long after the robber's "suicide", her entire residence was burned down...

"That's right, but if it was a floppy disk used during travel, it is possible... that it would be kept by my sister's professor in the club when she was in college!" Xiao Ai said as a matter of course.

Bai Shi's face turned serious when he heard this - if that was the case, then this clue was extremely important...

"Who is your sister's club teacher?" Shiraishi asked immediately.

"Professor Masami Hirota from Nanyang University." Xiao Ai said directly.

When Shiraishi heard this name, he understood - the pronunciation was the same as Hirota Masami, so it seemed that he must be a very close teacher, otherwise Miyano Akemi would not have directly referred to the pronunciation of his name when thinking of a kana...

(End of this chapter)