Tokyo Detective

Chapter 389 Is this old guy trying to trick me?

Naoki Hanyu arranged for people to continue searching for new clues in the room, while also sending someone to collect a report on Minamino Souichi's physical condition for reference. He then took the witness back for questioning.

The next steps in the investigation will depend on the autopsy report and finding the prostitute.

Naoki Hanyu really hopes that Souichi Minamino's death is just a simple myocardial infarction, otherwise, if it happens at this critical juncture, it may have a very bad impact.

However, now that it's in his hands, as long as it's confirmed to be murder rather than an accident, he will still handle it officially.

Who can blame him when he's the pride of the Metropolitan Police Department?
.
3:00 AM, Metropolitan Police Department Criminal Investigation Division Office.

Naoki Hanyu and a team are working overtime; the autopsy report has arrived in his hands.

"Although no residual substances were found in the body, there were signs of partial muscle breakdown in the myocardium. This is not a normal symptom of myocardial infarction, and the possibility that it was caused by drugs cannot be ruled out."

"It's not out of the question, is it possible? It's such an ambiguous report. This autopsy report doesn't contain any evidence whatsoever."

Without finding any suspicious points, they will have a hard time proceeding.

Soon after, Sato Miwako returned with her team, bringing the same bad news.

"The big data didn't have any information about the woman, and the surveillance footage didn't show any trace of her either. The agency that introduced the woman to Minamino Souichi couldn't be found either. It's like they vanished into thin air. According to witnesses who saw the woman, she was probably a foreigner and spoke Japanese very poorly."

Naoki Hanyu was not disappointed. Although this clue could not be used as evidence in court, it was enough for them to continue their investigation.

“Foreigner, no information. I understand. Miwako, you and your team go back and rest first, and come back early tomorrow morning. The task force will be very busy then and won’t have time to rest.”

"Yes."

Time passed by, and the late summer night began to lighten at 5 a.m.

Other members of the group also returned one after another to report. Some received news and medical examination reports from Minamino Souichi's wife. According to the medical examination report from half a month ago, Minamino Souichi's physical condition was much better than that of an average young man, and the chance of him having a stroke was extremely low.

Before the Metropolitan Police Department officially started its workday, a group of people suddenly gathered downstairs at the Metropolitan Police Department headquarters. The number of people gradually increased to dozens, hundreds, and then hundreds. They held up wooden signs and shouted.

"We demand the truth and that the murderer be severely punished."

"Mr. Minamino was deliberately murdered by certain people who threatened their interests. He was just trying to make the country better. The murderer was so cold-blooded."

"We want"

The noise of the protests made Naoki Yuzuru rub his head. He had been busy all night without sleep. The information was spreading way too fast. Not only were there protests on site, but online opinions were also arguing. Some said it was an accident, while others said it was murder. He had clearly tried to block the news first.

Just then, Miyuki Kobayakawa walked into the office with some documents in her hand.

"Minister, the higher-ups need you to attend a meeting. They also need a copy of the compiled clues and evidence."

"Go arrange the photocopying. Oh, and Miyuki, when the others come back, talk to them about the case."

"Ok."

Naoki Hanyu pushed open the door to the Metropolitan Police Department's high-ranking office and entered. He saw that there were more than ten people inside, all of whom were ministers or above. Whether judged by their positions or police ranks, they were all higher than him, the deputy minister. The three bigwigs of the Metropolitan Police Department were still sitting at the head and on the left and right sides.

Koichi Uemura looked a little upset, after all, he hadn't even started work yet when he heard people protesting in front of the gate, forcing a man in his fifties to get up early for work.

"Vice Minister Yuzuru, how's your investigation going? The situation is no longer a simple case; we need to consider the impact on public opinion."

Naoki Hanyu doesn't care about public opinion; it won't affect him anyway.

"Based on preliminary evidence, we can investigate this as a homicide case."

Koichi Uemura glanced at the documents and nodded.

"Although the clues are insufficient, they are enough to continue the investigation."

Several department heads from the director's faction nodded in agreement, but the deputy director, Kenichi Kitano, had a different opinion.

“I think it’s inappropriate. Everyone has noticed the turmoil these past few days. If we were to announce now that Minamino Souichi was likely murdered, what do you think people would think? They would definitely think it was done by the agricultural cooperative. That could lead to some major incidents, or even a mob storming the Metropolitan Police Department.”

"."

Koichi Uemura did not refute this.

"In that case, Deputy Director Kitano, what do you think should be done?"

“That woman is very likely an illegal immigrant. Although it is impolite to say this, it would be very difficult for the Metropolitan Police Department to find an immigrant in Tokyo, a city of more than 1000 million people. The public opinion will not wait for such an investigation. Therefore, I think it is better to determine that Minamino Souichi’s death was an accident. With Vice Minister Hanyu’s reputation, I believe that not many people in Japan will question his investigation results.”

Naoki Hanyu frowned upon hearing this. What did Kenichi Kitano mean by this? Was he trying to trick me into reciting the text?
Koichi Uemura frowned as if he wanted to say something, when suddenly his assistant ran in and whispered something to him.

"Director, it's a call from the Chief Cabinet Secretary."

Upon hearing this, Hirokazu Uemura stood up and left.

"Excuse me."

A few minutes later, when Koichi Uemura returned, he changed his usual behavior and leaned towards Kenichi Kitano's opinion.

"I also think this evidence is ambiguous. The people involved are still illegal immigrants who are deeply hidden. The situation outside can't wait. What do you think, Shiratori?"

Shiratori Ten'ei gave Kitano Kenichi a deep look; this guy seemed eager to close the case quickly.

“The deputy director’s words make sense; we need to consider the big picture. However, I am no longer the head of the criminal investigation department, so I would like to hear the opinions of professionals. What do you think, Deputy Director Hanyu?”

Naoki Hanyu fell into deep thought. No matter how Minamino Souichi died, this matter was still quite complicated.

However, the information had already been sent out. If he told his subordinates now that the death was ruled an accident, his hard-earned authority would be greatly diminished. Besides, he had been too free these past few days, so it would be good to handle some big cases. At least it would make Kitano Kenichi, who wanted to take advantage of him, suffer a setback.

"Of course I'm confident."

Shiratori Ten'ei nodded.

“In that case, we can tell the public that the autopsy will take some time. Before that, we can have Vice Minister Yuzuru conduct the investigation. Director Uemura, Vice Director Kitano, what do you think?”

Koichi Uemura finally agreed.

“Vice Minister Yuzuru, you can investigate first. If there is no new progress in three days, we will discuss it again.”

"Yes."

Just as the meeting was about to end, Kenichi Kitano suddenly reminded him.

"Director Uemura, everyone, the position of head of the Criminal Investigation Department has been vacant for almost two months. It's time for us to elect a new head."

"."

Only a few members of the department head echoed this sentiment, and even Kitano Kenichi's confidants were puzzled as to why their boss was targeting Hanyu Naoki.

Naoki Hanyu wasn't in a hurry. He stared at Takeshi Kitano for over ten seconds, his narrowed eyes startling the other man so much that he turned his head away.

An hour later, the Metropolitan Police Department issued a statement saying that no suspicious circumstances had been found in Kitano Souichi's case initially, and the possibility of an accidental death could not be ruled out. However, for the sake of thoroughness, a few more days of further investigation and autopsy would be needed.

This response angered the protesters, but the ambiguous words failed to clarify the case.

Because the higher-ups favored the theory that the death was accidental, Naoki Hanyu was unable to assemble a special task force of hundreds of people. He could only form an investigation team of a few dozen people to continue the investigation. The team leader was Miwako Sato, and Seiko Akimoto's faction was also transferred over. In this situation, it was natural to use one's own people.

Inside the office, Naoki Hanyu and several senior members of the investigation team discussed the direction of the investigation. A whole morning had passed and they still hadn't found the brown-haired woman.

Naoki Hanyu wrote several names and several pictures on the whiteboard.

"There are a few directions for the investigation. The first is to find the brown-haired woman, but unfortunately she has disappeared and we have no idea where she was. The second is to find the agency that introduced the woman. Miwako, take some people to investigate this agency and also investigate the gang behind the agency. I will ask the Organized Crime Countermeasures Division (formerly Section 4) to send people to assist."

Naoki Hanyu looked at Seiko Akimoto.

“My son, I hope you will visit the members of this agricultural cooperative according to this list. I have confidence in your ability to read people.”

The list that Naoki Hanyu gave to Seiko Akimoto consisted of people from the agricultural cooperative who had come forward to refute Souichi Minamino in the past few days. Perhaps Seiko Akimoto could spot one or two people whose reactions seemed a bit off.

Finally, Naoki Hanyu himself also had a rather important task, which was to investigate the brown-haired woman.

Although there is no official information about the other party, if the other party is really an assassin, he might be able to find some clues, after all, he knows some top figures in the Japanese assassin world.

Office of the Minister of Regional Affairs.

Jingu Futaba sat gracefully in the chair, her long, black legs stretched out perfectly straight in front of someone, unlike the bowed legs of some Japanese women. "I don't know anything about the assassin's inside story."

"Huh? You're from the Shingu family."

Jingu Futaba took two loaves of bread from the cupboard.

"I haven't had breakfast yet, do you want some?"

"."

Sister, I'm talking about serious business.

Jingu Futaba didn't stand on ceremony and started eating bread right in front of Hanyu Naoki, with bread crumbs scattered on her black stockings, which was quite eye-catching.

“My father is the clan chief, and strictly speaking, I am a young lady from a wealthy family, so I have never personally assassinated anyone. I am curious why you ask me these questions, Naoki. Do you think I look like an assassin? I am so gentle.”

"."

Naoki Hanyu was powerless to refute the woman who was already past her prime but still acting strangely, so he could only turn around and leave.

In the Tianyu Qilin R&D lab, Shen Gong San Ye was adjusting the instrument data while giving her own answer.

"My grandfather is the clan chief, and my mother is a princess of the Divine Palace family. Apart from not being able to choose my own marriage, I am not qualified to do assassinations. If you want to know more, I can introduce you to some of my clansmen."

"No need, I'll ask someone else."

Seeing that Naoki Hanyu was about to leave, Mitsuha Jingu suddenly blocked the man's path, licking her lips with a seductive expression.

"Since you're already here, don't you want to feed me?"

"I have important things to do."

"Feeding me is the most important thing, otherwise I won't have the energy to do any more research."

"Don't pull down my pants."
.
Tianyu Orphanage is an eight-story building with a modern style.

Naoki Hanyu drove to the welfare institution he founded, and took out bags of gifts from his car. These were for the children at the orphanage, and he couldn't believe that even Kana Sakura didn't know.

Naoki Hanyu suddenly stopped. Wait a minute, isn't Sakura Kana the granddaughter of Sakura Isshin? So she could be considered a rich girl, right?
Before Naoki Hanyu could dwell on his thoughts any further, the voices of several children came from nearby. A six-year-old boy rushed over and hugged Naoki Hanyu's leg, and several other children of similar age also ran over.

"Uncle, you've arrived."

"My uncle played games with me."

Naoki Hanyu patted the child's head. These were the only little ones around at this time; the other orphans had all gone to school.

"Sweetie, Uncle has something to do."

"No, we want Uncle to stay with us."

Although Naoki Hanyu has only visited about 10 times, he always brings a lot of gifts and acts like a nice guy, so the children under 12 years old in the orphanage all like him.

"Good children get toys. Are you good, obedient children?"

As the children saw the luxurious toys being taken out one by one, their eyes lit up with excitement, and they shouted excitedly.

"We are good children."

"I listen to my uncle the most."

As Naoki Hanyu finished handing out gifts and picked up the children one by one, a beautiful figure appeared before him—it was Aya Sakura, who was wrapped up tightly in her clothes.

Naoki Hanyu nodded as he looked at the woman wearing an apron.

"Hello, Ms. Sakura. I'm here to see Hana."

Sakura Aya was not feeling as well as the other person at this moment. Seeing the child being close to her, she couldn't help but feel a little uncomfortable.

She had learned about the operation of the orphanage in the past few days. Apart from a few family members over the age of 14, the other children all had great goodwill towards Naoki Hanyu. At least compared to the closed cell in the research institute, the current environment was much better.

"Hana has to go out temporarily. If it's about the orphanage, you can talk to me."

"I wanted to ask Hana about the Japanese assassin world."

The assassin world?

"Is this man planning to raise the children to be assassins?" Fortunately, Naoki Hanyu's next words dispelled her worries.

"I have a case that might be the work of an assassin, so I'd like Hana to give me her opinion."

Aya Sakura shook her head.

"Hana has only been involved in the assassin industry for two years, and it was all arranged by her family. She doesn't know much about the assassin system in Japan."

"And you, Black Widow."

"I?"

Sakura Aya stared blankly at the outstretched hand in front of her, unable to respond for a moment.

Naoki Hanyu wasn't in a hurry.

"If Ms. Sakura is willing to help me, then she is my friend, Naoki Hanyu. I just don't know if Ms. Sakura would be willing to be my friend."

"."

Sakura Aya couldn't help but reach out and grasp the other person's hand. The intense gratitude she felt made her lose herself for a few seconds. This feeling was indeed too strange.

As Naoki Hanyu described the case and his speculations about the killer, Aya Sakura actually came up with a useful clue.

"I've heard of symptoms similar to a heart attack. A wealthy man offended a fighting team called Female Warriors, who frequently held underground boxing matches called The Night Banquet. That wealthy man died in a similar manner."

"Fighting team?"

In this world where martial arts are flourishing, both official matches and underground boxing are very popular, and so-called fighting organizations are similar to those that participate in underground boxing matches.

Naoki Hanyu wasn't very familiar with these organizations, since fighting groups are generally associated with gangs and are the responsibility of the Organized Crime Countermeasures Division.

"Please explain in detail."

Underground boxing matches are like underground gambling, illegal horse racing, and similar businesses.

While the fighting teams make a living by fighting in underground boxing matches, they sometimes also work part-time as assassins.

If the Jingu and Sakura families control the top-tier assassin business in Japan and collaborate with world-class assassin platforms like the Continental Hotel, then the local assassin platforms and lower-level assassin businesses are taken over by these fighting teams.

The lowest-level fighting teams are usually peripheral organizations of various gangs. Their members are not highly skilled, and some are even minors who have dropped out of school. These people may be willing to kill for hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars. Their methods are very brutal and easy to detect.

Mid- to high-level fighting teams are no longer peripheral organizations of gangs, but rather core departments of gangs, or fighting teams that have achieved economic freedom and own their own underground boxing matches.

Sakura Aya continued to explain her guess.

“Some illegal foreigners join similar fighting teams, which are freer than joining a gang, and they can make a living by fighting in underground boxing matches and working as hitmen. Once they have saved enough money, they can ask the fighting team to help them with their documents.”

"How does that so-called female warrior team compare to your Sakura clan?"

Aya Sakura felt instantly insulted. Although the Sakura family was cold-blooded and dark, they were not inferior to any trash.

"We can wipe out a team of 10 female warriors in one night."

"Haha, that's really scary."

Sakura Aya rolled her eyes at the man. The Sakura clan was terrifying, but what about you, the man who single-handedly destroyed the Sakura clan?
Ignoring the woman's disdainful look, Naoki Hanyu thought it was quite nice to make new friends like her; he realized that it's true that you need to experience something new to understand it.

"Ms. Sakura, could you take me to see the so-called female warrior team?"

Sakura Aya hesitated for a moment before nodding.

"no problem."

(End of this chapter)