Tokyo: Rabbit Police and Her Evil Partner

Chapter 501 Aren't all men the same?
When Fushimi Shika took the train back to Toshima Ward, it was already 6 p.m.

If you're lucky, this body might not be discovered for a hundred years; if you're unlucky, it might be found by a traveler tomorrow... In a sense, the probability of either is very low.

Fushimi Shika stopped dwelling on the matter. What's past is past, and he was prepared to face the consequences, so there was nothing to worry about.

Yuan Yuzi made several phone calls along the way to ensure the safety of both parties and to report on the progress of the investigation.

After investigating for a long time, all she found out was that Miyazaki Yuuko had disappeared, and the time of her disappearance was probably the day they were hypnotized.

If we follow the line of reasoning, it is highly likely that he fled after his crimes were exposed.

After all, Minamoto no Tamako and Fushimi had already investigated the Nishino family, and it was only a matter of time before Miyazaki Yuko was exposed. Hypnotizing them and then escaping seemed reasonable... They didn't have any deep-seated hatred, and Minamoto no Tamako felt that Dr. Miyazaki wouldn't want to kill her.

She did pay quite a bit of money for the house call, after all!

Yuan Yuzi felt a pang of heartache when she thought about this, feeling that all her hard-earned money had been used to fund criminals.

Fushimi Shika kept giving evasive answers, claiming that he was investigating Miyazaki Yuuko's social relationships, but when Minamoto Tamako asked him, he started dodging the question and making up various topics to brush her off.

"You're not slacking off again, are you?" Genji's infatuation had worn off, and she began to reasonably doubt Fushimi Shika's character: "I was wondering why you suggested splitting up!"

"I did it for efficiency," Fushimi Shika argued.

"Has efficiency improved?" Gen Tamako asked in return.

Fushimi Shika had no choice but to change the subject again, saying that he wanted to go to the pet cemetery to take a look. In two days, Ah Jun would be dead, and the funeral should be arranged as soon as possible. It would be best to get it done today.

When talking about this, Minamoto no Tamako became a little sad again. She hung up the phone and ran to the police station to meet up with Fushimi Shika—A-Jun was sealed as evidence in the evidence room—the two of them went through the formalities together, intending to take A-Jun away.

Fushimi Shikahara thought the police station would be very quiet, as the anti-terrorism case was not yet over and the Metropolitan Police Department was probably short-staffed.

However, when he returned to Sugamo Police Station, he found it was the same as always; the detectives who had been transferred back had all returned and were performing their duties. Kinoshita Shojin was also at his workstation, intently using one-finger typing on his large CRT computer.

"Hey, is the case closed?"

Genji was very surprised. She took the initiative to approach Section Chief Kinoshita, saluted him, and then stood aside to ask about the results of the bombing case.

“Ah, no, it’s been handed over,” Section Chief Kinoshita said while typing. “Commander Kujo set up a separate International Organization Crime Countermeasures Division, and the bombing case is now under their jurisdiction.”

After saying that, he glanced at Fushimi Shika: "Maybe they feel that the detectives in the Metropolitan Police Department aren't doing their jobs very well."

"Is that so? Then can we come back to work?" Yuan Yuzi asked.

She and Fushimi Shika were previously suspended from work due to their involvement in the case and the need to avoid suspicion. Now that the case has been transferred, does that mean they can return to work normally?

“You can do it.” Kinoshita Shojin nodded. “Go to work as usual tomorrow. It’s already a bit late today, and you still have to deal with the pet’s carcass… Get some rest after you’re done.”

"Hey, what about Fushimi-kun?" Minamoto no Tamako asked on Fushimi Shika's behalf.

As the captain of the reasoning team, it is her duty to care about the careers of her team members.

“If he doesn’t want to do this job, don’t force him.” Kinoshita Shojin said without looking up.

He still remembered Fushimi Shika's attitude at the time; even Kujo Yui's personal pleas were useless, and he resigned without hesitation. How could a police officer who openly defied his superiors possibly remain in the Metropolitan Police Department?

Yuan Yuzi became anxious and quickly asked what he meant by that.

Kinoshita Shojin didn't want to explain further. He waved his hand, letting Minamoto no Tamako ask Fushimi Shika herself.

When Genji turned around, Fushimi Shika was nowhere to be seen.

She wandered around for ages before finally finding Fushimi Shika in the evidence room. He was leisurely going through the paperwork, completely ignoring her conversation with Section Chief Kinoshita.

Genji was a little anxious. She repeated what Section Chief Kinoshita had said and then hurriedly asked what was going on.

“I didn’t go on the bomb disposal mission. Chief Kujo called me and said he would fire me if I didn’t go,” Fushimi Shika shrugged and continued filling out the form. “In the end, I still didn’t go. I guess Section Chief Kinoshita doesn’t like me because of this.”

"Then why didn't you go back then?" Yuan Yuzi was so anxious that she forgot to think for a moment.

"You were waiting for the call, didn't you forget?" Fushimi Shika glanced at her and asked, "If it weren't for that transfer phone, how would Commander Kujo have been able to identify the suspect? Now that she's set up a new classroom, she's really impressive. She probably doesn't need someone like me who doesn't follow orders anymore."

Minamoto no Tamako felt that Fushimi-kun was being sarcastic, but she had no proof, since what he said made sense.

"Then, then explain it to my mom and Section Chief Kinoshita. They'll definitely understand. Maybe you'll even get a commendation after catching Uesugi Shion!" she advised from the side.

"I don't have the time for that. Someone complained that I was inefficient in investigating the case and thought I was slacking off all afternoon. I have so much to do next, I don't have the energy to argue with people..."

Fushimi Shika sighed deeply: "I guess I'm just destined to be a busybody."

Yuan Yuzi is certain; this guy is just being sarcastic and sarcastic.

But she was magnanimous and, remembering Fushimi's service, decided not to hold it against him this time: "Why say that? If you're embarrassed, I'll just explain for you!"

"I'm not embarrassed..."

“Then it’s settled.” Yuan Yuzi interrupted, “I’ll add one more item to my to-do list. After I finish what I’m doing, I’ll explain it properly to the director, Section Chief Kinoshita, and Mom.”

"Whatever you want." Fushimi Shika couldn't persuade her otherwise.

Immediately afterward, Fushimi Shika put down his pen, turned around, and asked, "How about we add another item?"

"What?" Yuan Yuzi was taken aback.

“As for your to-do list,” Fushimi Shika said, “we’ve already done everything couples do, haven’t we? Shouldn’t we go meet the elders of the Kujo family?”

"what……"

Minamoto no Tamako couldn't think of an excuse, but she also felt that she didn't need to make one. After all, meeting the parents wasn't the same as getting married; it was just to prove that Fushimi-kun was taking this relationship seriously.

"Then... then let's list them."

Gen Tamako pulled a small black notebook from her pocket, bit the pen cap, and quickly added two lines of small writing:
"Help Fushimi-kun explain clearly why he disobeyed orders."

"Take Fushimi-kun back to Hokkaido to see Grandpa Kujo."

……

Fushimi Shika was quite satisfied. He quickly filled out the form and collected A-Jun's body.

Ah Jun was sealed in a plastic box, looking like a small bundle, and very light to hold.

Fushimi Shika and Minamoto Tamako took it away from the police station and headed to a nearby temple... That's right, Japanese temples also offer pet funeral services.

Actually, Shika Fushimi would prefer to bury him on the lawn downstairs at the Sugamo apartment building, and if conditions permit, erect a monument, so that Jun wouldn't be too far away and could come downstairs to pay his respects from time to time.

Unfortunately, it is not allowed by law.

Japan's Waste Disposal Law classifies pet remains as "general waste," but in some areas (such as Tokyo), pet remains are considered "special waste," and it is strictly forbidden to bury them in public areas such as parks, forests, and open spaces or on private land.

In other words, Japanese temples have essentially monopolized the pet remains disposal business.

After Fushimi Shika and Minamoto no Tamako arrived at the temple, the bald monk led them into a side room and introduced several service packages, the most recommended being the cremation package and pet cemetery.

The former is cheaper; you only need to burn the ashes and take them back with you. It doesn't matter whether you enshrine them or scatter them in the mountains or the sea.
The latter is more expensive. Land is extremely valuable in Tokyo, and pet cemeteries are just as pricey, but the service is very comprehensive, providing not only memorial tablets but also regular tomb sweeping services.

Yuan Yuzi sat cross-legged on the futon, holding the menu and looking at it from left to right, unable to make a decision for a while.

Which one should I choose?

She asked Fushimi Shika, "I didn't expect that organizing a funeral would be so troublesome. Is it really okay to be so concerned about money at a funeral? Sigh... I don't know what to do."

"Let's choose cremation." Fushimi Shika quickly made his choice.

"Eh, why?" Gen Tamako asked.

“You can pack up the ashes and take them back, and put them wherever you want. If you choose burial, you can only put them on someone else's land, and they can come up with all sorts of excuses to charge you extra fees later, so you'll just have to grit your teeth and pay them.” Fushimi Shika’s perspective was completely different from hers.

Upon hearing this, the monk (or rather, the staff member) interjected, "Our fees are all open and transparent, with standardized rates..."

"Then what is this loss and damage fee for?" Fushimi Shika asked.

"Well, the cemetery plot is only leased. If you two don't plan to renew the lease in the future, it will definitely need to be repaired and rented to the next guest. Naturally, we need to collect a depreciation fee in advance to cover future repairs..."

"What if I keep renting it?" Fushimi Shika asked.

"There's a discount..."

"So you'll just keep paying, unless the body is moved. Otherwise, I'll have to keep paying even after I die, right?" Fushimi Shika scoffed.

The staff member didn't want to explain any further and instead started recommending cremation packages.

Yuan Yuzi was persuaded and finally chose cremation. The staff pushed Ajun into the incinerator, and then a Taoist priest performed a ritual.

The monk clasped his hands together and chanted scriptures, it was unclear whether he was trying to bring peace to the dead or to the living.

After it was all over, Minamoto no Tamako held the urn and cried secretly for a while, tears streaming down her face on the way home. Fushimi Shika couldn't comfort her; this time, he could only wait for Minamoto no Tamako to process it herself.

The two sat side by side on the tram seats when Minamoto Tamako suddenly said, "If you die, I will definitely buy a burial plot."

Fushimi Shika didn't take it seriously and casually replied, "Why? So that the stinky monk can extort money from me?"

“When I die, I can be buried next to you,” said Minamoto no Tamako.

Fushimi Shika felt a little embarrassed. He scratched his head and said, "How unlucky! Quickly spit it out!"

"Why are you spitting like that?" Yuan Yuzi didn't quite understand.

"It's a custom of the Chinese people." Fushimi Shika didn't elaborate further.

Yuan Yuzi said "Oh," and then added, "I don't want to spit on Ah Jun, but everyone has to die eventually. I never thought about this kind of thing before, but since I became a police officer, it feels like it's becoming more and more common." She paused, wiped away her tears, and turned to look out the car window.
"First, there was my father. He passed away before he could reconcile with my mother... I don't know what my father was thinking, but I know my mother always felt regretful. Otherwise, I would be called Kujo Tamako now."

"I was young then and didn't really understand the pain of death."

"Then there was Kawai. Unlike my father, she wasn't sick. She was only twenty-two, about my age. That night, she was chatting with me, complaining that the pork in the cafeteria was terrible, and telling me not to be so picky about food. But she died the next day, and I didn't even get to see her one last time."

That was probably the first time we were separated by death.

"Next was Grandpa. Actually, I always thought that Grandpa might have just gotten lost, and it's normal for him to suddenly become confused at his age. But when Kazama-senpai confessed, I learned that Grandpa had actually died three years ago."

“Now it’s Ah Jun’s turn. I still remember when he helped me move, he was pulling a small cart and wagging his tail behind me.”

"Who's next? Who will go before me?"

When Minamoto no Tamako asked her last question, she turned to look at Fushimi Shika, her eyes filled with unease.

Fushimi Shika knew what she was thinking and what to say at that moment.

"I won't die."

"Because I love you, I will not die."

He spoke very softly, worried that others might hear him. After all, these were lines from a TV drama, and it would be somewhat shameful to say them in real life.

Yuan Yuzi immediately recognized the line as one from the movie "101st Proposal" that they had watched yesterday.

She felt inexplicably moved, and her sadness subsided considerably. She felt that being together was better than bearing it alone.

Perhaps this is something "couples should do".

"Ah."

Holding the urn wrapped in yellow cloth, Minamoto no Tamako turned slightly to the side and rested her head on Fushimi Shikamichi's shoulder.

Fushimi Shika could see the small whorl of hair on the top of her head, and the tip of her nose peeking out from under her bangs.

They only stood up and got off the train to walk home when the announcement of their arrival time was made.

Fushimi Shika tilted her head slightly to observe Minamoto no Tamako. She seemed to have recovered. Although her eyes were still a little red, she didn't look so sad anymore.

Perhaps she didn't want to bring her bad mood home.

All the way home, Minamoto Yuko was thinking about how to tell Hira Sakurako about this. When she finally got home, she did speak to Sakurako, who simply said "Oh" in a very flat tone, and then said, "I know."

"Uh, you already knew beforehand?"

Minamoto no Tamako felt that Hiraoko's reaction was too bland.

Ping Yingzi was still playing video games. She had already finished Castlevania and was now playing The Legend of Zelda: "I had a vague idea before, right? I hadn't seen Ajun since I came back, and you didn't explain it to me, so I roughly guessed what was going on."

"Aren't you sad?" Gen Tamako asked.

“It’s sad,” Hira Sakurako said. “That’s why I need to play games seriously and not think about those sad things.”

Upon hearing this, Genji gave her a gentle hug.

After they comforted each other, Fushimi Shika brought up the matter of moving. Minamoto Tamako expressed her confusion, so he explained the situation of his room.

Of course, he didn't mention the coordinates of Cat Island at all, lest Genji have a brain fart and think about going to Cat Island to catch someone.

"There's no need to move! Perfect, we can call the forensic investigator over; there might be some evidence we missed!"

Ignoring Fushimi Shika's response, Minamoto no Tamako went straight to the police station and told them to bring people over.

Kinoshita Shojin originally didn't intend to get involved, but he was transferred to the newly established International Organization Crime Countermeasures Division of Kujo Yui. They told him to have the police station send someone over to investigate, compile a case file, and send it over. He had no choice but to go there in person.

Half an hour later, Kinoshita Shojin arrived at the 'scene' with forensic experts, searched through Fushimi Shika's room, and took photos continuously.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Minamoto no Tamako explained the reasons behind Fushimi-kun's disobedience.

After listening, Kinoshita Shojin waved his hand, indicating that he didn't care. He was already used to Fushimi Shika's slacking attitude. What mattered was how Chief Kujo and the police department viewed it.

Minamoto no Tamako thought her mother would be easy to deal with; she could just call her when she had time. As for the police station, it was indeed a bit troublesome. However, as long as Fushimi-kun hadn't done anything wrong, she could always explain things away.

If you're upright, you have nothing to fear!
After working for more than two hours, everyone moved everything away. After all, it was a major case, and no mistakes could be made. Even Fushimi Shika's bed became evidence.

If Minamoto no Tamako weren't Kujou Yui's daughter, her house would have been sealed off by now.

After Kinoshita Shojin left, Fushimi Shika looked at the empty room and turned back to ask, "Where am I sleeping tonight?"

He asked that question on purpose because he wanted to sleep with Gen Tamako tonight.

“I’ll just sleep on the sofa,” Hirayuki retaliated maliciously. “You slept on the sofa last night anyway.”

Fushimi Shika glared at her fiercely, signaling that children shouldn't interrupt when adults are talking.

Minamoto Tamako felt that announcing Jun's death to Sakurako today must have hurt her, so she had to sleep with Sakurako tonight to soothe her wounded heart. Therefore, Fushimi-kun would have to continue sleeping on the sofa.

"Ugh."

Fushimi Shika sighed and wanted to go to the balcony for some fresh air, only to find that the spot was already occupied.

Kazama Takusai hadn't left yet; he remained on the balcony, acting as if he were invisible, smoking a cigarette when bored and staring blankly at the lawn. Seeing Fushimi Shika approach, he instinctively offered her a cigarette.

"I've given it up," Fushimi Shika politely declined.

Kazama Takusai didn't ask why. He placed his hands on the railing and exhaled white smoke into the evening breeze: "Jun asked if you're free tonight."

"What's wrong?" Fushimi Shika also leaned against the railing.

"The Special Investigations Division has disbanded. He just finished work and wanted to invite you for a drink. What else could it be about?" Kazama Takusai flicked his cigarette ash. "I saw you were busy earlier, so I thought I'd ask you now. What's going on with the bombing?"

Fushimi Shika briefly recounted what had happened, omitting some things he shouldn't have said, and finally asked, "Sure, let's have a drink together, you should come too."

"Aren't you worried?" Kazama Takusai asked.

"What are you worried about?" Fushimi Shika asked in return.

“That woman, judging from your past personality, you definitely wouldn’t be in the mood to do anything else unless you killed her.” Kazama Takusai looked him up and down: “You’ve really changed a lot; the way you look at people isn’t so annoying anymore.”

“I’m starting to have a life of my own now,” Fushimi Shika said.

"If only she could have met Tamako sooner," Kazama Takusai suddenly sighed.

Fushimi Shika knew who the 'she' Kazama Takusai was referring to was, so he didn't pick up on that topic and instead continued the previous conversation: "If you come tonight, we'll go out for drinks, without Tamago."

If a man doesn't mess around, I still prefer drinking with other men; the atmosphere is better that way.

Kazama Takusai's expression changed slightly, as if he was a little embarrassed. He suddenly coughed and said, "Of course I'll go. Well, let's just stay at your place. Don't go out and spend money."

Fushimi Shika was very astute; he could tell something was wrong just by looking at Fushimi's expression: "What's wrong?"

Kazama Takusai turned his face away: "What? What's wrong?"

Fushimi Shika, like a primary school student, followed his gaze from below: "You're bringing someone? A man or a woman? It should be a woman, right? With Tamako's alcohol tolerance, you're still drinking at my house..."

“Invite former colleagues over for a get-together, is there a problem?” Kazama Takusai’s expression returned to normal: “It’s been a while since we’ve all seen each other, let’s get together, what are you thinking?”

Fushimi Shika squinted, assuming he'd just said something trivial: "How many people?"

“Me, you, Watanabe, Tamako, Ms. Moriki…” Kazama Takusai paused, “Six people.”

"Oh my, who's that extra person?" Fushimi Shika asked.

“My former colleague,” Kazama Takusai repeated.

"Never mind, we'll find out when we see each other tonight." Fushimi Shika patted the railing, turned and left to inform Minamoto Tamako about the dinner party that evening.

Genji is checking off completed items:

"Comfort Sakurako", Completed; "Give Ah-Jun a decent pet funeral", Completed; "Go to bed before 10 PM and adjust your sleep schedule", Pending; "Investigate Miyazaki Gardenia's whereabouts", Updated to "Report her missing if we can't contact her family tomorrow"...

The rest are all pending.

Yuan Yuzi put down her pen and paper and said, "Okay, okay, I miss Ya Lan too."

Fushimi Shika nodded and went out with Minamoto Tamako. The two went to the market to buy ingredients and returned home to prepare dinner for their guests. Kazama Takusai was responsible for notifying the guests and taking care of Sakurako at home.

Around nine o'clock in the evening, everyone gradually arrived. Fushimi Shika personally cooked a table of dishes to accompany drinks, and everyone sat around the coffee table in the living room, watching TV and chatting together.

Unable to play the game, Hira Sakurako was quite depressed and went back to her room to read comics alone.

"What?! Boss is bringing a female companion?!"

With a can of beer in his left hand and his right hand on the sofa, Watanabe Shun asked in surprise, "Who is it? Do I know them? What stage is our relationship at?"

Genji shook his head: "I don't know, I only heard it from Fushimi-kun."

Moriki Arashi, clutching the TV remote, leaned forward, elbows on her knees, and glanced sideways at Kazama Takusai still smoking on the balcony: "Eh—there are still people interested in him?"

"That's really hard to hear. What's wrong with the boss?" Watanabe Shun protested, defending his boss: "I just think the boss is a responsible and good man. You don't see that often these days!"

"Tch, aren't all men the same?" Morigi Yalan's gaze returned to the television screen.

Just as Watanabe Shun was about to retort, the living room doorbell suddenly rang. He jumped up from the sofa and shouted, "Coming! Coming! Open the door right away!"

(End of this chapter)