Tokyo Unnatural Forensics

Chapter 571, I wish to be the river, so that we may meet again!
P.S.: This chapter has 4200 words, plus the previous chapter's 3900 words, making it a combined chapter. So, the Emperor previously owed 3 chapters, but now only owes 2! Yay!
When Kai Toru heard the news that Okada's father might be promoted to Vice Minister of Finance, he swallowed hard.

The position of Vice Minister of Finance is actually one level lower than the previous position of Director-General of the Financial Services Agency.

As mentioned earlier, the Vice-Minister of Justice and the Superintendent General of Police are theoretically at the same level, both belonging to the vice-ministerial (harmonious) rank. Therefore, Kai Takayuki's father, Kai Mineaki, the Vice-Minister of Justice, and Watanabe Eiji were theoretically at the same level. However, the Commissioner General of the National Police Agency and the Commissioner General of the Financial Services Agency are clearly one level higher, namely the Commissioner General rank.

Therefore, it appears that Okada Masahiro was not promoted, but rather demoted! He was demoted from Director-General to Administrative Vice-Minister!

However, in reality, the position of Vice Minister of Finance is actually comparable to the absolute "king" below all the cabinet ministers!
Its actual influence and political status completely overshadow the Commissioner of the National Police Agency! Even those ranked lower, such as the Minister of the Environment, the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, are inferior to the Vice-Minister of Finance.

Because the Ministry of Finance is the top-ranking "agency within an agency" in the Japanese system, it theoretically controls the "purse strings" of all ministries and agencies by compiling the national budget and controlling national tax revenue.

The Vice-Minister of Finance is responsible for directly handling the budget preparation and financial approval of various ministries and agencies. All of the country's core policies, especially the economy, taxation, and social security, require financial support. The Vice-Minister of Finance is the most important high-ranking official who interacts most frequently with the Prime Minister's Office. His opinions can often directly determine whether a project can be approved and the direction of national policy.

In a country across the sea, the position of Vice Minister of Finance corresponds to the Director of the National Development and Reform Commission.

Therefore, although the Vice Minister of Finance is on the same level as the Superintendent General of Police, he is slightly inferior to not only the Superintendent General of Police, but also the Commissioner General of the National Police Agency, the Chief Prosecutor, and even the Ministers of State who rank lower.

This already means that the supervisory power has been stripped away. In the early years, the Ministry of Finance's predecessor, the Ministry of Finance, was the most powerful, oldest, and most central department in Japanese history, known as the "immovable government agency."

Just now, in front of the cabinet ministers, the prime minister, the finance minister, the chief cabinet minister, the foreign minister, and the defense minister, you called me Vice Minister Okada, and I didn't mind. Now, what do you call me?
A: Vice-Minister of Budget, Accounting and Statistics (a respectful term used in person), Minister of Finance (an internal term), Minister of Finance (a term used in private discussions).

The key reason why Masahiro Okada was able to win the most competitive, most sought-after, and most crucial position in the country was the heroic act of his son, Masayoshi Okada, who risked his life and was seriously injured to save a young girl from a nursery school in front of the whole country!

This earned him a huge boost in his image. Whenever he is mentioned, people immediately think of his son, and his son's performance naturally makes them feel that this Financial Services Commissioner is trustworthy, of good character, and has excellent family upbringing.

Kai Toru thought to himself, "The Special Missions Division is truly full of hidden talents!"
Yeah, me too...

"Then I'll be going now." Kai Toru said goodbye when he saw that it was almost time.

"I'm about to leave too." After shipping out his stickers, butterfly knife, gloves, and weapons, Date Chomune stood up.

Happy times are about to begin!

Meanwhile, in a secluded private room of the upscale restaurant "Matsuo" in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo.

The bamboo curtains hang low, shutting out the noise from the outside world.

The only sounds inside were the delicate fragrance of incense and the soft lapping of spring water against the rocks. Superintendent General Eiji Watanabe and Financial Services Agency Commissioner Masahiro Okada, who was about to be promoted to Vice Minister of Finance, sat facing each other. The two had shed the formality of the official residence and were dressed in casual clothes. The atmosphere seemed relaxed, but the conversation gradually turned to official business.

"Watanabe-kun, things have been really messy lately." Okada Masaaki took a sip of sake, seemingly casually bringing it up. His temples were slightly gray, but his eyes were sharp, the insight honed from long-term management of the nation's financial lifeline and his role as the head of the Financial Services Agency: "The massacre of a family, the bulletproof vest corruption case, the bombing, the kidnapping and murder case, one case after another, making headlines in the newspapers every day."

Eiji Watanabe poured Okada a full glass of wine and calmly replied, "Thanks to the efforts of everyone in the Metropolitan Police Department and the strong support of the Cabinet, everything has turned out very well."

“Indeed, your performance in this regard is beyond reproach.” Masahiro Okada nodded and said in a low voice, “In fact, the cabinet has already been discussing a possibility… In order to effectively deal with this widespread and serial wave of crime, it may be necessary to establish a higher-level command mechanism.”

"Oh?!" Watanabe Eiji raised an eyebrow, thinking to himself, "Here it comes!"

The rumors we heard earlier weren't false!
“For example, how about granting a temporary title, such as ‘Comprehensive Inspector General of Police in the Kanto Region,’ to integrate the police forces of the six prefectures and one metropolis in the Kanto region, and to carry out unified dispatch and command? The Superintendent General of Police would serve as the head of the headquarters, with the police chiefs of each prefecture as members, to ensure smooth cooperation. The term of office would be one year and could be extended as needed, but it would require regular evaluation and updates and cabinet approval. What do you think?” Masayoshi Okada casually stated the direction of the cabinet’s discussion.

“If that were possible, that would be wonderful.” Watanabe Eiji was very shrewd; he neither rushed to agree nor feigned modesty, but kept a close eye on Okada’s reaction.

Eiji Watanabe knew that any idea involving cross-departmental collaboration and potentially increasing the budget would be extremely difficult to implement without the tacit approval or even support of this "head of the Ministry of Finance".

The air was silent for a moment.

Okada Masayuki did not respond immediately. His fingers tapped lightly on the table, as if he were weighing the pros and cons. Suddenly, he changed the subject, his tone taking on a rare, almost personal warmth.

"Watanabe-kun, let's put official business aside for now." He raised his eyes, his gaze becoming complicated. "My good-for-nothing son... he's recovered from his injuries and returned home. Has he caused you or the Sakurada clan any trouble lately?"

Eiji Watanabe immediately grasped the deeper meaning behind this.

“You’re too kind, Okada-san.” Watanabe Eiji smiled sincerely. “Makiyoshi is an outstanding professional team member, exceptionally capable and highly motivated. He’s been very active under my daughter Minami. More importantly…”

He paused deliberately to make his next words more weighty: "He has been involved in and solved several difficult major cases with Minami and Muneyuki. To be honest, half of Uesugi's reputation as a 'crime-solving machine' is thanks to excellent executors and assistants like Masayoshi who are by his side."

"The merits that Lord Yi made are clearly written in the archives!"

Upon hearing Watanabe Eiji's words, Okada Masahiro, despite his best efforts to restrain himself, couldn't help but smile slightly, and his eyes brightened considerably. His only son, without relying on his protection, had achieved real success within a rival's (in his view) system, through his own efforts and "correct" following. This brought the stubborn old father more comfort and pride than his son's meteoric rise in the Ministry of Finance.

"I have to thank Watanabe-kun for his guidance and arrangements, and I also thank Watanabe-kun for giving my son a chance to act alongside Uesugi-kun and your daughter. I toast to you!"

"Not at all, not at all. My daughter and son-in-law are extremely honored to have such an outstanding and upright subordinate as your son, whose heroic act of risking his life to save his daughter moved the entire nation!"

After listening to Eiji Watanabe's words, Masahiro Okada took a deep breath, picked up his glass, and drank it all in one gulp: "Masahiro's growth today is largely thanks to the guidance of your daughter, Inspector Minami, and the support of Dr. Uesugi. I, Okada, will always remember this."

In a way, Uesugi Muneyuki and Watanabe Minami saved Okada Masayoshi's life because of his daughter-in-law. That daughter-in-law was a sore spot for him and his son, and Eiji tacitly avoided talking about it.

He looked at Eiji Watanabe again, his eyes regaining the sharpness of someone who was the Commissioner of the Financial Services Agency, but with a hint of unspoken understanding: "I think the idea of ​​a 'Combined Inspector General of the Kanto Regional Police' is very necessary. In the face of the current complex crime situation, breaking down administrative barriers and concentrating superior police resources is in line with the principle of efficiency. As for the Ministry of Finance, I will pay attention to the necessary budget and coordination..."

"As for Masayoshi, the Special Missions Division has proven that it can overcome any challenge. Such a powerful and effective department should be reorganized. Although your daughter is still under promotion freeze, she can temporarily take over as acting head of the department." Okada Masayoshi brought up the old topic again.

Stop letting your daughter block my son's path to promotion!

Upgrade the Special Missions Unit to the Special Missions Division immediately! Promote Jiang Yi to Superintendent General. Your daughter can't be promoted to Superintendent yet, but she can serve as Acting Chief of the Special Missions Division for now! Once the suspension period ends, promote her directly to Superintendent. Don't let my son face the risk of a possible murder again! He's already been seriously injured once!

Eiji Watanabe felt a weight lifted from his shoulders.

He knew that this was not just a matter of official approval, but also a trust based on personal relationships.

“Thank you very much for your understanding and support, Mr. Okada.” Eiji Watanabe solemnly raised his glass: “For the sake of the security of the Kanto region, and to prevent the talents of those outstanding young people, including your son, from being buried, the Metropolitan Police Department will do its utmost.”

Two wine glasses clinked together softly, producing a crisp sound. This sound not only sealed an important decision that could affect the security landscape of the Kanto region, but also maintained a silent understanding and gratitude between two fathers at the top of the social hierarchy regarding their children's future.

"Hehehe, with His Majesty's and the Imperial Household Agency's invitation, it seems your precious son-in-law doesn't need any help." When he spoke again, the bureaucratic detachment in his voice had faded considerably.

“Foreign Minister, we should thank Zong Xue!” Watanabe Eiji said with a playful expression, “He wanted to put pressure on the District Public Prosecutor, but Chief Prosecutor Nishikawa scolded Akimoto-san for being crazy and said that if he hinted again, he would tell the Americans.”

Hahahaha~

"Hmph hmph hmph hmph hmph hmph~"

After several rounds of drinks and dishes, Okada Masahiro and Watanabe Eiji exchanged a satisfied look and finally couldn't help but burst into laughter. Their laughter contained the ease of having weathered many storms, gratitude for each other's support, boundless hope for the future, and a detached, almost theatrical, anticipation of the chaos to come.

I wish I could be the river, so that we may meet again!
........................

In stark contrast to the relaxed atmosphere in the ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurant), the air inside the Prime Minister's official residence was almost stagnant.

Minister Shinichiro Akimoto could no longer maintain his composure. His face was ashen, his eyes were puffy, and he looked at Prime Minister Owada, who was sitting opposite him, slowly sipping his tea, with a hint of panic.

"Prime Minister! You must help me!" Akimoto's voice was filled with a pleading tone he himself didn't even realize. "That madman, Osumikawa, is spouting nonsense in front of the media! Now all the public opinion is pointing at me! But... but I really don't know what Shota did! The people who know... his secretary and driver..."

He couldn't continue. The explosion not only took away his son, but also a key figure who might have known the inside story.

He was suffering inside! In the past, his subordinates always handled Shota's "little things" "cleanly" in order to please him, and they would never let those sordid details offend his ears.

He only knew that his son would occasionally cause some "minor trouble" and that he needed to use his influence to "appease" him. He never imagined that it would accumulate into such a deep-seated hatred.
Prime Minister Ōwada slowly put down his teacup and let out a long, meaningful sigh: "Akimoto-kun... I understand your feelings very well. It is the greatest pain in life for an elderly person to bury their child."

He abruptly changed the subject, his tone becoming as cold as a scalpel: "However, precisely because we are in high positions, we must be even more careful in our words and actions, and restrain those around us. The order of 'cultivating oneself, regulating one's family, governing the state, and bringing peace to the world' cannot be reversed."

Shinichiro Akimoto's heart sank.

Owada continued, his tone filled with regret and helplessness: "Public opinion is raging right now, and the will of the people is paramount. As representatives of the people, we must never stand against the will of the people. For the stability of the cabinet, and for the smooth implementation of the national policies we are pursuing together... sometimes, necessary sacrifices are unavoidable."

He stood up, walked to the window, his back to Minister Akimoto, and said indifferently, "Haven't things always been like this? The subordinates' credit goes to the superiors! The superiors' mistakes are borne by the subordinates!"

"Akimoto-san, you're not hiding something from me, are you?" Prime Minister Owada said meaningfully, gazing at the scenery outside Nagata-cho.

The foreign minister did not answer, or rather, dared not answer.

"Mr. Akimoto, I hope you will prioritize the nation and act accordingly. The Cabinet will pay close attention to the follow-up investigation to ensure that everything is conducted in accordance with the law." Seeing that the Foreign Minister did not answer, Prime Minister Ōwada knew what was going on, and his attitude became even colder.

Shinichiro Akimoto collapsed onto the sofa, as if all his strength had been drained away.

He understood.

What Ōwada said can be translated as: Your son deserved to die. You have to deal with the mess you made yourself. Don't drag me and the cabinet into this. I won't protect you. I might even "legally" kick you while you're down.

The two had been tacitly discussing how to "sacrifice" Shota, but now he himself had become the one being discussed for "sacrifice." The irony and coldness of this situation made him feel as if he had fallen into an ice cave.

He looked at Ōwada's "glorious and righteous" back and felt angry: he thought he was in control of everything, but he didn't even know what his own son had done. He thought he was a chess player, but in the end he found that he was just a piece in a bigger game that was about to be discarded.

Owada! Owada!
Have you forgotten the days when we were close partners, running elections and forming governments together?

So now they're going to try and cut things off?!

Well, Owada, if I'm finished, you won't get anything out of it either!
Minister Akimoto's inner madness and twisted nature transformed into a raging storm!

I'd be the swill, flowing alongside you!
(End of this chapter)