Tokyo Unnatural Forensics

Chapter 487, Welcome Banquet
P.S.: I got 3000 monthly votes last month, and I owed 2 more chapters, so I owe 4 chapters. But it seems like it's practically the same as not owing any (laughs)? Anyway, please keep track of it for me, and I'll see when to make up for it. This chapter is 4200 words to show my sincerity~
Police Department, Chief Cabinet Secretary's Office.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Kimiaki Onoda, with his back to Security Chief Soichiro Kamishiro, who was sitting on the guest sofa, gazed at the Metropolitan Police Department across from the National Police Agency. A slight smile played on his lips, clearly indicating his satisfaction with the operation he had planned.

The most important aspect of securing PMC was the successful expansion of the Public Security Bureau's overseas resources.

As is well known, although the Japanese Public Security Bureau is called the police, it actually undertakes many special operations intelligence and secret surveillance duties. If this group were placed in the context of China, they would be closer to "national security" than police.

The public security police held an absolute dominant position from the post-war period until the Cold War. However, with the formal establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States and Japan in the late 70s, coupled with the collapse of the Soviet Union's finances, foreign espionage and domestic anti-X have degenerated from the primary contradictions to secondary contradictions. The attention of the Japanese police gradually shifted to social order, and the criminal faction thus overwhelmed the public security faction. Especially after the 90s, more and more superintendents-general of police were appointed from the criminal faction.

Even after the Aum Shinrikyo incident, the influence of the Public Security Police inevitably declined gradually, and their privileges were restricted.

It is our inescapable duty to restore the glory of the public security force!
Onoda's goal is to rebuild the Public Security Police's intelligence network and influence overseas. PMC, a company that operates across the Pacific Rim, plays a crucial role in this effort. This company has offices in the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and even SeeHigh.

Of course, more importantly, the public security police also discovered that there seemed to be a very large dark force behind PMC.

This power extends beyond the Yuasa father and son, even reaching deeper and darker forces behind them... Yuasa Seidou is at most just one of the Four Heavenly Kings.

“In that case, we can openly ‘search’ the document that Sakura Miyawaki stole.” Security Minister Kamishiro rarely showed a hint of satisfaction.

This is the most important step, which is to shift the police's perception from "illegal theft" to "legitimate investigation." When the police retrieve the document that Miyawaki Sakura stole, the PMC will be utterly speechless.

The public security police are veterans at doing this kind of thing.

"That's how it is, eh~" Onoda Kimiaki looked towards the Metropolitan Police Department and thought to himself, Ukyo, did you see that?

You are upholding social justice and fairness, but I am protecting the greater good of this country!
"Speaking of which, Chief Cabinet Secretary, did you say Miyawaki Sakura... has she been discovered yet?" The head of the Kamishiro Security Department hesitated for a few seconds before tentatively asking, "I mean, what about Uesugi Muneyuki?"

“Yes, if it were anyone else, I would definitely tell you no.” Onoda slowly turned around and looked at Kamishiro meaningfully: “But if it’s Uesugi-kun, I can’t say. This guy is too amazing. He saw the pinhole at a glance, scanned out the insect eggs on the spot, and immediately found American experts… I tend to think that he has already discovered something.”

"But if Uesugi really discovered something, why hasn't he said a word?" Kamishiro pondered.

"Heh, doesn't this mean our test is half successful? Heh~" Onoda's heavy eye bags gleamed with shrewdness: "It seems that Miyawaki Sakura holds a special place in Uesugi's heart."

"This might be an important way for our police to leverage Uesugi-kun's exceptional crime-solving and forensic abilities!" Onoda was clearly very confident in his plan: "His extraordinary abilities are too good to be used only in the criminal investigation department. Don't you think our police cooperation with Uesugi this time has been very pleasant? He needs our strength, and we need his abilities."

Minister Kamishiro nodded slowly.

In fact, the Public Security Bureau also really needs Uesugi Muneyuki's abilities, but... Uesugi Muneyuki is just too amazing, and the Public Security Bureau isn't suited to digging into every little thing.

If Onoda Kimiaki's judgment is correct, then this time, Miyawaki Sakura has truly created a united front value for herself!
Just because she could silence and protect Uesugi Muneyuki, she is valuable to the Public Security Bureau, very valuable!
“YKC48 is probably doomed. Even if it doesn’t completely collapse, it will have to step down from its status as a national female idol. Commander Okada will never let the person who hurt his son get away with it.” Onoda Kimiaki said coldly, “Perfect, arrange someone around Miyawaki Sakura and establish a communication channel with Uesugi-kun through her! As for what she wants, we can give it to her little by little as appropriate.”

"Yes!"

........................

The next evening, Tokyo, late April.

Inside the largest private room of the "Fishing Fire" izakaya, the air was filled with the sounds of people and the aroma of smoke. The smoky smell of grilled chicken skewers, the malty scent of draft beer, and the lively laughter of colleagues created a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Following the successful resolution of the case, the Metropolitan Police Department's Criminal Investigation Division, First Investigation Section, Special Missions Unit held a belated welcome party for new recruits.

The newcomer to the professional group, Nango Yui, sat in the guest of honor seat, next to the protagonists of the night—Manager Watanabe Minami and Chief Inspector Uesugi Muneyuki. She had taken off her crisp police uniform jacket and was wearing only a simple white shirt, which made her look even more graceful and gentle. She raised a beer glass that was almost the size of her face, and her voice was clear but extremely penetrating, instantly drowning out the noise in the room.

"Everyone! Please be quiet!"

The entire room immediately fell silent, and everyone smiled and looked at her.

"Today, our Special Missions Division of the First Investigation Division welcomes a new member of our force—Yui Nango! He's our colleague and our junior. From today onward, he's a member of our 'family'! The work of a police officer is one that carries the weight of human lives and justice; it's arduous and heavy. That's why this moment after get off work is so precious. Let's temporarily forget the case and welcome Yui Nango with the utmost enthusiasm and noise! ​​Cheers!"

"Cheers! Welcome, Nango-kun!"

Eight beer glasses clinked together, foam flying everywhere. Nango quickly raised his glass and downed it with the others. The cold beer slid down his throat, washing away the slight nervousness he felt from just starting his job.

He looked at the scene before him: the wooden table was covered with yakitori, edamame, fried chicken nuggets and Japanese dishes, typical of a "popular izakaya" menu, with an average cost of no more than 5000 yen per person.

In Yui Nango's life experience, this was a scene belonging to the "common people," even somewhat "shabby." The welcome banquet at his mother's law firm, Mori Hamada Matsumoto, was held in a high-class restaurant in Ginza, while his father went even further, hiring the head chef from a restaurant affiliated with the Mitsubishi UFJ Group to host a dinner at their family villa.

However, here, he felt a completely different kind of energy.

Kai Toru was the most disrespectful. Taking advantage of being a senior and having a father of considerable status, he patted Nango's back forcefully: "Nango-kun, don't be shy! Eat more! This restaurant's grilled chicken cartilage and grilled pork belly are amazing! From now on, when we're investigating cases until midnight, this will be our 'energy recharge station'!"

After saying that, she stuffed a whole bunch of food into his mouth.

Mikoto Ishihara, standing nearby, chuckled and teased, "Kai-kun, don't scare the newbie. Nango-kun, if you have any questions about forensics in the future, feel free to ask me or Muneyuki-kun. As for business matters, ask Supervisor Watanabe. Don't let her youth fool you; she controls the crime-solving KPIs of all the police forces in Tokyo!"

Minami Watanabe smiled slightly and poured herself a cup of oolong tea: "Don't flatter me, Mikoto! Nango-kun, remember, in the Metropolitan Police Department, theory and practice are two different things. I'm just a commander sitting in an office. During this time, you should learn more about the field experience from Muneyuki and the seniors. They are the true cornerstones supporting the Metropolitan Police Department, especially Muneyuki."

"Yes!"

Nango noticed that when Manager Minami spoke, all the seniors, including Chief Inspector Uesugi Muneyuki and the judo beauty policewoman Ikeda Erena, listened attentively, their eyes filled with genuine respect and recognition, rather than just fear of her position.

As expected, her father's advice was correct. Although Uesugi Muneyuki was very capable, he focused his energy and interest on other things, leaving the administration and general affairs entirely in the hands of Administrator Watanabe.

Date Nagamune, still tipsy, leaned over and said, "Nango-kun, do you have a girlfriend yet? We police officers have such a high divorce rate because we're so busy with work! Hahaha!" "Hey! Date, don't curse me, and don't curse the supervisor and Chief Uesugi either!" Kai Toru was the first to jump out.

“I don’t think Date needs a vacation,” Uesugi Muneyuki complained. “When we’re on vacation, let’s just borrow Date to another department. He’s ‘very busy’ anyway.”

"Yada yada! Boguwa yada!" Date Chomune screamed, covering his face. "I have to see the Second Miss! I made a promise!"

This idol fan caused the entire audience to burst into laughter.

"Yes, Nango-kun, our Special Missions Division is different from other places. We get time off after every major case, because Uesugi-san needs to rest!" Igarashi said naively. "We get at least ten days off every month, which is heaven compared to other divisions! But don't tell anyone!"

It was this unvarnished, even somewhat rude, concern and joke that gave Nango a strange sense of warmth. Here, there was no calculating maneuvering like in the banking world, no meticulous calculations like in the legal profession; there was only a straightforwardness and unity akin to that of a "family." He didn't need to play the role of "the son of the managing director" or "the son of a top lawyer"; he was simply a "newcomer."

His slight sense of superiority regarding the restaurant's class was quickly melted away by the enthusiastic atmosphere. He took off his suit jacket, loosened his tie, and revealed the most genuine smile he had shown since joining the company.

"Manager, please give me another skewer of pork belly!"

"Uesugi-san, let me toast you again! Please take care of me from now on!"

"The fried chicken nuggets at this shop are really delicious!"

He let loose, scrambling for food with everyone, laughing and talking loudly, completely integrating into this "noisy" family.

"Uesugi-san, there's a karaoke room here!"

"Uesugi-san, sing us a song!"

"Yeah, yeah, Uesugi-san, you actually let us miss you. This time, the police got credit for it. We're not happy about it. You should be punished. Sing a song and we'll forgive you."

The crowd quickly started to jeer, especially the criminal police officers who were very dissatisfied with the arrest. They went to search Takikawa's temporary residence and office, but found nothing. In the end, the public security police arrested him.

I want to hear it! Erina, who is usually quiet, immediately turned on the karaoke app and handed over the microphone.

"Alright, I'll try my best to fulfill your wishes." Uesugi Muneyuki sighed and took the microphone from Erina: "A song 'Guest' is dedicated to everyone!"

As Uesugi Muneyuki requested a song, a melodious and gentle prelude began.

"What age are you in after starting work? What's your TI year? What's the latest news?"

"Heroic mechanics have become distorted; wins and losses are no longer a concern; I play in the Arcade, not ranked matches~"

"When the war drums sound once more each year, when the Aegis of Immortality is raised high, it feels like my youth has returned once more~"

"A legendary ten-time champion in a single year, a miraculous comeback from a three-on-one situation—I've witnessed so many dazzling moments in the past~"

"The once invincible writing team was IG, the former NewBee twins, the once most romantic wings in Seattle—but alas, it's all in the past."

"That day I congratulated OG on developing PTSD. The fireworks in the arena were so spectacular!"

"Brilliant lights shone into the player's seat, illuminating his expressionless face. The more enthusiastic the cheers outside, the more desolate he felt inside."

"Wow~ Even though we're miles apart, I feel the pain like I'm right there with them~ The fifth game without banning Magnus~~~"

As he sang, Uesugi Muneyuki also got a little teary-eyed. He felt as if he had returned to that sweltering summer at school, listening to the narrator's voice, staring nervously at the screen, and holding his breath.

PSG.LGD, please select your heroes!
It's so hot!

Although no one understood what Uesugi Muneyuki was singing (he was singing in Chinese), they felt he was very impressive, just like how he solved cases – seemingly incomprehensible but incredibly powerful, yet he was able to solve them nonetheless.

When the welcome party ended, Minami Watanabe naturally took out her wallet and went to the counter to pay. Yui Nanago subconsciously wanted to take out her credit card as well, but was stopped by Muneyuki Uesugi with a look.

“Nango-kun,” Uesugi Muneyuki said softly, a knowing smile playing on his lips, “that’s the rule. Tonight, all you need to do is feel welcome.”

Nanxiang was taken aback, but then he understood the meaning and thoughtfulness behind it. He withdrew his hand and nodded solemnly: "Yes! Thank you very much everyone! I am very happy today! I mean it!"

He watched as Chief Uesugi and his seniors expertly pulled out several thousand yen in cash and handed it to Manager Minami. No one objected, as if it were perfectly natural. At that moment, he felt not the amount of money, but a sense of being protected and accepted.

Everyone here is a very friendly and kind person! There was absolutely no bullying or anything like that.

Nanxiang thought to himself, "The benefits are good, the holidays are plentiful, and solving cases quickly gives me a great sense of accomplishment."

Wow, the Special Missions series is amazing!

At this rate, I'm going to turn into a Special Mission type!

Unfortunately, I didn't get to see Section Chief Okada, who was hospitalized for treatment. However, judging from his life-saving rescue of the girl in Toshima Ward and what happened afterward, Okada shouldn't be a difficult person to get along with. Besides, we're all in the same circle, and we know each other and have greeted each other before.

Walking on the slightly cool streets at night, listening to his colleagues discussing whether to have a second round of drinks, Nan Xiangwei felt that this "shabby" welcome banquet was more precious and heartwarming than any high-class dinner he had ever attended.

His new chapter in life officially began amidst the smoky aroma of grilled skewers.

(End of this chapter)