Tokyo: Rabbit Police and Her Evil Partner

Chapter 593 The Corner Coffee Shop
The sensational attack case, after dozens of adjourns, finally ended with the death penalty due to the defendant's historic statement.

On the day of the execution, hundreds of people spontaneously went to mourn, but the authorities dispersed the crowd, and only three people were actually present during the execution. One of them resigned afterward due to the immense pressure of the execution.

Afterwards, NHK produced a special documentary that recorded former detective Shika Fushimi's hijacking of the Tokyo Tower broadcasting system, revealing the truth about the Cat Island incident, which triggered nationwide riots and a judicial crisis.

After the video was broadcast, demonstrations broke out in many parts of Tokyo, with people storming police stations, parliamentary offices, and companies involved in the case.

The Superintendent General of Police resigned to take responsibility, and the National Assembly urgently passed the Special Act Against Violent Groups, dissolving 23 religious groups involved in the incident.

The Supreme People's Procuratorate released a white paper on criminal law enforcement, acknowledging systemic corruption and establishing an independent supervisory body.

Inagawa-kai has gone public and become a legitimate financial investment company. It is currently acquiring and investing in promising emerging industries, showing signs of becoming a zaibatsu (conglomerate).

The world has been slightly altered, yet it seems that nothing has changed. The sun still rises every day, illuminating every inch of the land.

……

Seven years later.

Social realist mystery writer Naoki Mori published the "Heavenly Punishment and Cherry Blossoms" series of novels based on the characters of Minamoto no Tamako and Fushimi Shika.

The film received a warm market response after its release, and to this day, the sequel has reached its third installment. The rights to both the TV series and the film have been sold. The TV series has become a national hit, and the third film is scheduled for release during the Spring Festival next year.

On the fifth anniversary of its release, Naoki Mouri traveled to South Korea for a book signing at the invitation of an overseas publisher.

That afternoon, at the COEX Convention Center in Seoul.

Four critics and publishers sat in a row, with Naoki Mori in the middle. Readers and fans lined up to buy the book and ask Naoki Mori to sign it on the spot.

After the limited-edition autograph session, it was time for a Q&A session.

Critic Park Jae-hyun, unfamiliar with the book's historical context, inquired on behalf of Korean book fans:
"Mr. Mori, there's been a question in our book club: the ending of the final chapter of the 'Cherry Blossoms and Heavenly Punishment' series seems abrupt. But Japanese book clubs consider the final chapter a stroke of genius, and there are even rumors that the final chapter contains a hidden truth, something that actually happened... Is this rumor true? Can you answer this question for us?"

The translator translated her words verbatim, and Mouri Nai, holding the microphone, listened patiently until she finished. She then replied:
"Here's the thing, everyone should already know who the prototype for this series of novels is. In news reports, the female protagonist died in a riot, and the male protagonist was sentenced to death."

“But your final chapter isn’t like that,” Park Jae-hyun chimed in, playing the straight man.

Mouri Nai nodded: "Yes, because before I wrote the third part, I took my partner, Kensaka Kotaro, to visit various places to gather information and carefully investigated the whole story."

"So your investigation concludes that both of them are still alive?" Park Jae-hyun turned to look at the somewhat youthful-looking popular author: "What led you to this conclusion?"

There are three points of doubt.

Mouri Na held up three fingers: "Firstly, according to NHK's report, Minamoto Tamako 'was hit by a stray bullet and died despite rescue efforts'; however, I have read the operation report, and now that the details of the case have been released, everyone can read it themselves. In fact, Minamoto Tamako was injured by 'metal fragments'—at the time, the sniper bullet hit the metal floor, and the cavity effect ejected metal fragments, which hit Minamoto Tamako's temple, thus giving her a possibility of survival."

"Secondly, the executioner, Yasuhito Toda, was not himself, but someone else. The reason is that Yasuhito Toda had been receiving a salary without working for a long time and outsourced his work to unemployed people. As a result, the photo on his work ID was not of himself, but of the outsourced unemployed person, Kenichi Ouchi."

"On the day of the execution, in order to avoid the exposure of his embezzlement, Toda Yasuhito still chose to have Ōuchi Kenji do the work, attempting to continue to conceal the truth. In the end, after the execution, Toda Yasuhito was internally dismissed, and it was publicly stated that he resigned for 'psychological reasons'."

"Back to Kenichi Ōuchi, he was a member of Aum Shinrikyo and was responsible for recruiting followers. After the police destroyed the Aum Shinrikyo branch in Tokyo Fuji, he became a social outcast and had received help from Shika Fushimi. He had both the ability and the motivation to help criminals."

"Thirdly, and most importantly, after their deaths, their bodies were not made public. There were no photographic evidence or written records. It was publicly stated that their bodies were donated and cremated by the government, but I have been unable to find any relevant documentation."

As she spoke, Mouri Nai felt thirsty, picked up the small water pitcher on the table, and took a sip of hot water.

The translator spoke rapidly, and the book lovers and reporters gradually showed expressions of surprise. Two other critics whispered among themselves, feeling that this blank space warranted the publication of another novel.

Park Jae-hyun thought for a moment, then reached up and smoothed a strand of hair from his forehead, letting it stick to the hair gel: "But these are just doubts, right? Being hit by metal shrapnel could still be fatal; and how could a prison officer let an important death row inmate go in front of two other people?"

Mouri put down her water glass and said, "Let's leave the first question for now; it's certainly possible. As for the second question..."

She smiled, her tone slightly teasing: "I'm more inclined to believe that the prisoner has the ability to escape, it's just a matter of whether they want to or not."

"Hey, if a death row inmate had the chance to escape, would they choose not to run away?" Park Jae-hyun asked skeptically, flashing a businesslike smile. "You're probably talking about a fictional setting, aren't you?"

“Who knows?” Mouri Nai replied ambiguously.

Park Jae-hyun felt that the conversation had gone on long enough and it was time for the raffle, so he said, "It's a real pity, I was hoping to hear even more amazing behind-the-scenes stories about the novel's creation..."

“Actually, there’s something I haven’t mentioned yet,” Mouri Nai suddenly said.

"Huh?" Park Jae-hyun was taken aback, and the book fans all perked up their ears.

The insider information just mentioned is enough to spark their imaginations. Veteran fans are already eager to use it as material for fanfiction, perhaps even creating a wrap-up story.

"Fushimi Shika actually has a younger sister named Fushimi Sakurako." Mouri Nai dropped a bombshell as soon as she opened her mouth.

The scene erupted in commotion, and Park Jae-hyun had to maintain order, gesturing for everyone not to push. Once the crowd quieted down, feeling the atmosphere was good, he asked, "And then?"

Mouri paused, then said seriously, "On the night of the Tokyo Tower incident, Fushimi Sakurako followed Minamoto Tamako the whole time. She was like a transparent person; no one noticed her presence."

"But as long as a person is alive, they will leave traces."

"The paramedics that night remembered the child. They had a deep impression of him, and even years later, when I asked him about it by chance, he could immediately recall it."

Mouri Nai took a deep breath; every time she recounted this incident, she couldn't help but get goosebumps.

"After the Tokyo riots ended, Minamoto Tamako was put into an ambulance, accompanied by Fushimi Sakurako as a family member. She kept playing videos for the injured, trying to wake up Minamoto Tamako who was about to go into shock."

“I continued to investigate along this line of inquiry. Generally, death row inmates are given one opportunity to visit their families before execution and to give their last words to their families.”

"According to prison entry and exit records, on the day of Fushimi Shika's execution, there were family members visiting him."

"The signature left behind is not by Fushimi Sakurako, but by Minamoto Tamako."

"After that, there was no further news of Fushimi Sakurako."

……

A moment of silence fell over the hall, followed by thunderous applause. The fans finally understood why Mouri Nakamoto's final chapter was hailed as a masterpiece.

In the end, the protagonist, Fujita Keijin, is filled with despair and attempts suicide. His former lover suddenly reappears, awakening his will to live and guiding him in the direction of his escape, allowing him to escape from prison and be completely reborn.

Park Jae-hyun was very satisfied with the results of today's autograph session and couldn't help but nod, saying, "This is indeed something worth thinking about..."

But for the sake of social impact, he still had to play the spoilsport commentator to prevent anyone from over-interpreting: "However, if they were still alive, they would definitely be recognized, right? Seven years have passed, and there's not a single piece of news about them. They're probably really no longer alive..."

At this point, Park Jae-hyun clapped his hands: "Thank you for sharing, Ms. Mori. Next up is the exciting lucky draw!"

Staff brought over a lottery machine filled with small balls and a central rotating shaft. Accompanied by fast-paced music, the staff quickly turned the handle, sending the balls rolling around in a transparent box. Book fans clutched their drawn numbers, a hint of anticipation in their hearts, temporarily setting aside the Q&A session they had just finished.

The lottery lasted for about a minute, and then a small red ball fell out.

Park Jae-hyun broke open the small ball, took out the small slip of paper inside, and said in a drawn-out tone, "Congratulations—this event was jointly organized by Seoul Culture and Youngpoong Bookstore. If you like popular suspense and mystery novels, please look for Black Rock Publishing under Seoul Culture—the winner is 9527!"

The staff pulled the confetti cannons and clapped to create a festive atmosphere.

A girl in the audience cheered and stood up. Under the envious gazes of the book fans, she received a complete set of the collector's edition novel for free, and also won tickets to a preview screening of the movie next year.

Following procedure, Park Jae-hyun handed a microphone to the lucky winner, signaling her to give her acceptance speech.

"My name is Jiang Zhimin..."

The moment the girl spoke, Mouri Nai abruptly raised her head, staring at her with an incredulous expression.

"I love reading mystery novels... I'm so happy to have won the prize today... I don't even know what to say... I wish Ms. Mouri great success with her books!"

The woman was unfamiliar to him. She bowed to Mouri Nai with a smile.

Mouri met her gaze; the woman's eyes were exceptionally bright, her pupils as beautiful as jewels, reflecting the camera lights.

……

After the autograph session, Mouri Nai approached the woman named Kang Ji-min, exchanged contact information, and wanted to talk to her.

Jiang Zhimin was very happy about this. Her favorite writer took the initiative to chat with her, and she couldn't stop smiling, raising her eyebrows high.

"How about we go to a coffee shop together? I know a coffee shop with a really nice atmosphere!" Jiang Zhimin recommended.

"You can speak Japanese?" Mouri asked as they walked.

“Yes, I heard that my native language is Japanese.” Jiang Zhimin said, counting on her fingers, “I’ve read all the Japanese mystery novels! I attend every book signing event, and I’ve never won a prize before, but today is the first time.”

"I heard?" Mouri Nai caught the key word.

The two walked through the gate of the clubhouse and along the pedestrian shopping street, amidst the bustling crowd.

“Yes… because I was in a car accident seven years ago and lost my memory, so I don’t remember anything from before.” Jiang Zhimin crossed the traffic lights and she could already see the coffee shop’s sign.

"Eh, really?" Mouri Nai's eyes lit up.

"It's absolutely true."

Jiang Zhimin lifted her hair and sideburns, revealing a hideous scar that stretched from her temple to her forehead, leaving a bald patch in her bangs that she could only cover with the hair at the back.

Then, realizing she had been a bit presumptuous, she said, "Sorry, did I scare you...?"

"It's alright, it's alright." Mouri Nai waved her hands repeatedly. She was about to say something when she heard Jiang Zhimin cheer, "We're here! I know the owner of this shop, he's a very nice guy!"

Jiang Zhimin pushed open the door of the coffee shop, and the hanging doorbell rang. Mao Li Nai stood outside and could see a tall young man standing by the water counter. His appearance was also unfamiliar, but his eyes, which vaguely carried a hint of mockery, were particularly familiar.

Mouri couldn't help but smile.

Through the glass window, she watched Jiang Zhimin greet the coffee shop owner. Business was slow; there was only one customer, a girl of about seventeen or eighteen. Her features were familiar, and she was writing something intently with a steaming cup of coffee beside her.

It was clear that Jiang Zhimin liked the shop owner. She spoke cheerfully, showing off her winning prizes like a treasure, and was so engrossed in the conversation that she forgot about the customer she had brought outside.

"Ah, I must have misheard."

Mouri hurriedly left, took out her notebook from her pocket, bit the cap of her pen, and scribbled in her inspiration notebook:

"Don't ask why the Mona Lisa smiles, and don't ask why Vienna lost its arm."

Perhaps there is no ending in this world that can satisfy everyone.

……

“Really, this classic novel can’t be bought anywhere else! It’s very precious!” Jiang Zhimin emphasized.

The store manager, skeptical, squinted and asked, "What's the difference between the novel's content and the regular version?"

"No, no... but the font is different! And look at this cover, it's so high-quality!" Jiang Zhimin patted the hardcover cover: "Look, feel it, it could be a family heirloom!"

“They’re just kidding you,” the store manager said, wiping the counter with a rag. His white shirt sleeves were rolled up, revealing his fair and strong forearms. “Maybe in a couple of days the store will put a ‘collector’s edition’ on the shelves. These few books of yours are just a set of inventory that they just grabbed from the warehouse.”

"Impossible! Absolutely impossible!"

Jiang Zhimin waved her hand, then remembered Miss Mori: "If you don't believe me, you can ask... Huh?" She turned around and looked around: "Where's Miss Mori?"

The young female customer sitting next to her said, "You mean the woman standing outside the door? She left a long time ago."

"Eh--"

Jiang Zhimin hurriedly chased after her, but couldn't find Miss Mori. She picked up her phone and just then received a text message:
"Sorry, something urgent has come up. Let's talk another day."

Jiang Zhimin felt deeply guilty as she read the text message. It was rare for Miss Maoli to want to chat with her, but she had left her standing there. It was really impolite of her.

"I should apologize. I'll definitely treat you to coffee next time I have time."

She typed a reply with her head down, but after waiting for a long time without receiving a reply, she returned to the coffee shop somewhat disappointed.

"Boss, a glass of milk, please."

Jiang Zhimin sat down at the coffee table and snapped her fingers with the air of someone ordering whiskey: "What a pity, I feel that Miss Maoli has the potential to be a detective."

"Still thinking about being a detective? You're over thirty, can't you do something more productive?" The shop owner poured a glass of hot milk and pushed it in front of her.

"I'm only twenty-nine years old!" Jiang Zhimin immediately corrected.

After saying that, she gulped down her milk, let out a long, satisfying sigh, and slammed the cup on the table.

She had a ring of milk stains on her upper lip, and with her chest puffed out, she loudly proclaimed:
"I'm going to be a famous detective!"

(End of the book)

(End of this chapter)