Tokyo Detective

Chapter 467 Everyone should stop following the rules.

Of course, it cannot be said that Akimoto Shingen's apprentice's appointment as the head of the Kanagawa Prefecture Criminal Investigation Department as a semi-professional was without his master's support as a member of parliament.

It can be said that Shingen Akimoto did not leave his detective resources to his son, but rather his apprentice used them the most.

With Kiryu Kazuma's order, the detectives and prosecutors clashed, much to the chagrin of the Special Investigation Department's squad leader.

He was just the head of the corruption investigation team under the Special Direct Investigative Cases Division. Now that there was a conflict with the criminal police, the division chief, who had given the order, would definitely shift the blame to him.

In the end, the squad leader of the Special Investigation Department left with a single sentence and then departed with his men.

"Congressman Akimoto, please wait for our news."

Akimoto Shingen continued pouring tea without turning his head.

"I'm busy campaigning these days, so I don't have time to wait for you."

"."

As the Special Investigation Department personnel left, Kiryu Kazuma took his master's teacup and told his subordinate to wait outside for a moment, as he wanted to have a talk with Akimoto Shingen.

"Master, why did you switch parties? Aren't you just publicly slapping the ruling party in the face? It's no wonder they retaliate. Do you think the ruling party has a higher chance of losing?"

Shingen Akimoto shook his head.

"How could I tell who has a better chance of winning? I'm just trying to cooperate with my grandson-in-law. If it works out, I might be able to get you promoted to Superintendent of Police before you retire."

“Me, Superintendent General? No way, I’m just a quasi-professional officer. My only backer is you, and I’m already very content.”

"So I found you a new backer. Whether in politics or the police system, you can't get anywhere without a backer."

"Naoki Hanyu?"

Kiryu Kazuma's impression of his master's prospective grandson-in-law was limited to what he saw on TV; in reality, he had only met him and chatted with him briefly on his master's birthday.

Shingen Akimoto patted his apprentice on the shoulder and said that he was training his apprentice as a second version of himself. Sometimes he regretted not studying hard when he was young, otherwise he would not have retired as a police superintendent. So, the apprentice he trained was to make up for his regret.

“Yes, Naoki’s power is beyond your imagination. Go and arrange for someone to cut out the surveillance video. Master, I’m going to complain now.”

Shingen Akimoto made a phone call in front of his apprentice, speaking with a calm expression but revealing a hint of panic.

“Naoki, just now some people from the Special Investigation Department tried to take Grandpa away. They only had a search warrant, not an arrest warrant. Luckily, Chief Kiryu from Kanagawa Prefecture brought people to rescue me. Otherwise, you would have to come to the Special Investigation Department to find me. I’m an old man, and I don’t know if I could even make it out.”

"They actually dared to make a move! Grandpa, don't worry, I will avenge you. I'll arrange for people to go and protect you right now."

Shingen Akimoto seemed to want to avoid troubling others.

"No need, Minister Kiryu will arrange for someone to help. Just focus on your work. I won't hold you back. I heard you know quite a few media people. I'll send you the surveillance video later."

"Well then, I'll have to trouble Minister Kiryu. I owe him a favor."

After hanging up the phone, Shingen Akimoto regained his composure and looked at his disciple.

"Naoki said he owes you a favor. You can ask him for help with anything that isn't too troublesome in the future. Of course, I suggest you don't use it. Use the favor to build a good relationship with Naoki."

Kiryu Kazuma nodded.

"Thank you, Master."

"No need to thank me. I really need to trouble you these next few days. I have to go out and campaign for votes later."

Meanwhile, on the other side, Naoki Hanyu hung up the phone and looked at the others in the conference room.

Here is former Security Minister Gen Yamada, who developed his career in Shinjuku Ward after retirement and is now a candidate for Shinjuku Ward Councilor. However, he is far behind the candidates nominated by the ruling party and has no chance of winning without external support, as he lacks the necessary background and experience.

Also present were Akiyama Akechi, leader of the Justice Party, and other high-ranking members of the Justice Party (opposition party), as well as Tanaka Juzo, who served as a contact person.

Naoki Hanyu looked at the party leader across from him, who was clearly a politician but had a deep red name. However, for the sake of interests, Naoki Hanyu had no choice but to cooperate with him.

"Gentlemen, Representative Akimoto is now a member of your party. Will there be any problems with what he promised me?"

Some of the members present looked rather grim; they clearly didn't want to go to such lengths for a newly joined member, as this would be tantamount to declaring war on the ruling party.

Although it is currently an election period and the cabinet and prime minister are in caretaker status with their powers limited by the constitution, the situation remains one of the stronger side.

Akiyama Akechi clearly didn't think so; he nodded decisively, more like a ruthless and powerful figure.

"Of course it counts. Since the ruling party is persecuting our party's members without following the rules, then we don't need to be polite either. This document is what you wanted. I hope Minister Hanyu can keep his word and not say there are difficulties later."

Naoki Hanyu took the document that made Gen Yamada nervous, because it contained two pieces of criminal evidence, one of which was evidence of a member of parliament's crimes.

Since the ruling party can ignore the election freeze, the opposition party can also ignore it.
.
At 6 p.m. that evening, Fuji Television suddenly broadcast a news report featuring video footage of the Special Investigation Department forcibly entering a house, which was clearly related to the Akimoto Shingen incident.

Yoko Okita, a key figure at Fuji Television, gave a thorough report.

"This is a video of the Special Investigation Department forcibly entering the residence of Yokohama Congressman Shingen Akimoto. The content of the video shows that the Kanagawa Special Investigation Department only had a search warrant and not an arrest warrant. Moreover, they did not comply with the election freeze period and acted 62 hours before the election, which is unprecedented in cases involving congressmen."

In particular, the fact that this lawmaker recently left the ruling party to join the opposition raises suspicions about potential political persecution. Of course, we also hope that the Kanagawa Prefectural Special Investigation Department will provide an explanation to the public.

Fuji Television, which is already biased towards the opposition party, would certainly not refuse to report on this matter.

With various media outlets joining the fray, discussions quickly erupted online.

Even more ruthless was Shingen Akimoto, who not only published his own asset declaration data, but also the assets of his entire family, shocking a group of onlookers.

Japanese politicians are required to publicly disclose their income and assets annually.

However, there are still four major flaws: concealment of family assets, vague declarations, weak supervision of cash flow, and insufficient penalties.

Among these, family members conceal the largest amount of assets, which is also the easiest to do.

But now that Shingen Akimoto dares to announce these things, it's clear that he has confidence in his entire family.

The crowd immediately understood that the richest person was actually the granddaughter, but Akimoto Seiko's stock was legal and compliant in accordance with procedures.

The winds of change were shifting dramatically. Early the next morning, under the influence of some mysterious force, a large group of people protested at the Kanagawa Special Investigation Department, demanding an explanation.

What could the Special Investigation Department do? They could only play dead and let it slide.

But soon another unexpected event occurred.
.
Shinjuku Station South Exit

Saburo Shimatani, a member of the ruling party whose constituency is Shinjuku, is giving a passionate speech.

"This is the most difficult and dangerous time for Japan. There are many powerful forces causing trouble internally, and the number of major incidents and police deaths has been increasing in recent years. I know they have done their best, but they still cannot protect our citizens. There are also many external forces eyeing our interests."

After speaking for more than 30 minutes, Saburo Shimatani finally stopped to take a sip of water.

Just then, a commotion arose outside, and a group of men in suits walked in. The man in the lead made Saburo Shimatani pause for a moment.

"Naoki Hanyu?"

Those around recognized the police hero in front of them, and immediately public opinion began to speculate about why the police had arrived.

Naoki Hanyu said calmly, "Congressman Shimatani, a young girl recently reported that you sexually assaulted her. Our police force is now requesting your assistance in the investigation (anyone may accompany you)."

These words immediately stunned the surrounding audience. How could it be possible that the politician they were going to vote for had sexually assaulted a girl?

Saburo Shimatani looked at the policeman in front of him with a very gloomy face. Although he was absolutely certain that he could get away with the sexual assault of a girl and that he would not be prosecuted, the other party had jumped out during the speech, obviously trying to ruin his reputation, just as his parliamentary immunity was about to expire.

"Officer Yuzuru, I don't know what you mean, and I don't want to know what nonsense you're spouting. I did not commit sexual assault at all. If you have evidence, bring me an arrest warrant. In any case, I will file a complaint against your misconduct."

Naoki Hanyu took a few more steps forward until three staff members stopped him, and there was some physical contact between them.

"That's what the head security guard said."

"Officer Yuzuru, please don't act recklessly. The councilor does not accept arbitrary police presence. Please wait until you have evidence before you come back."

Naoki Hanyu didn't lift a finger the entire time, but instead allowed the three security guards to touch his shoulders.

“According to the victim’s statement, Representative Shimatani carries gamma-hydroxybutyric acid with him. I need to conduct a body search on Representative Shimatani. Please cooperate.”

"Nonsense! Representative Shimatani is a member of parliament. You have no right to search him."

Naoki Hanyu smiled faintly.

"Really? I remember he didn't have parliamentary immunity today, just like an ordinary citizen."

"you"

Naoki Hanyu suddenly took two steps back and looked at the three security personnel.

"Do you think the bulges around your waists mean you're carrying weapons?"

The security personnel nodded nervously, after all, the man's track record was verifiable.

"Yes, we have gun licenses."

"Since you've taken out a handgun, show me your firearms license. I need to check it."

The three security guards glanced around suspiciously. Seeing that the criminal police officers brought by the other party had subtly surrounded them, they had no choice but to first take out their gun licenses from their upper pockets, and then take out the pistols from their waists.

Just then, something unexpected happened. A security guard in the middle suddenly dropped a small object onto the ground. But because of this small object, everyone present was so shocked that they took a few steps back, because this thing was a hand grenade.

Even the other security personnel widened their eyes and took a few steps back, looking at him with a "you kid are not joking, are you?" expression.

The security guard in the middle was also quite confused. Although he was the person who made the most black gloves for the senator, he really didn't bring any grenades with him. He wasn't stupid; grenades were hidden in the senator's secret armory, and they weren't all the same type.

"It wasn't me, this grenade isn't mine, someone's framing me."

Naoki Hanyu picked up the grenade and tapped it, producing a metallic sound.

"With so many eyes watching the grenade fall on you, it's a good thing you didn't do anything that could be misunderstood, otherwise I would have had reason to shoot you."

"It's not really me."

Naoki Hanyu wasn't going to waste time with the other party; he simply pinned him down and had his men take him away.

Because the security personnel were carrying illegal weapons, they now had a legitimate reason to search everyone.

When Naoki Hanyu pulled a bottle of γ-hydroxybutyric acid from Saburo Shimatani, both Saburo Shimatani and the onlookers were stunned. Saburo Shimatani did have it, but he wouldn't be stupid enough to carry it around. He immediately struggled violently.

"No, this isn't mine. It's you, Naoki Hanyu, who framed me. It's all for revenge. You're framing me."

Naoki Hanyu shook his head and called out to the onlookers.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I believe there are many cameras pointed at me right now, and even our police force has more than a dozen body cameras running the whole time. Under such circumstances, how could I possibly frame someone?"

Many people have provided answers.

"No."

Naoki Hanyu waved his hand.

"Take the suspect away. Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is a drug used for date rape. You're finished, Congressman."

Just then, an audience member spoke up and asked a question.

"Officer Yuzuru, why did you launch this operation so close to the general election? Isn't that against the rules?"

Naoki Hanyu turned to look at everyone.

“There is no such rule in law, but political parties have this unspoken rule. However, the unspoken rule no longer exists. I was a little hesitant because I had several cases involving members of parliament. However, with seniors setting an example, I think I shouldn’t have too many concerns. I am just a policeman, not a politician. My job is to act in accordance with the law. If you commit a crime, I will enforce the law.”

"."

That makes a lot of sense. Although it's obvious to anyone with eyes that there's a suspicion of retaliation, it's all within the bounds of the law.

Thus, a member of parliament was taken away in public, less than 38 hours before the election, a first in decades.

Viewers also posted videos online, causing quite a stir in Japan.

At this point, the ruling party was equally bewildered. How dare a mere policeman challenge the unspoken rules? Immediately, there was much discussion within the faction, with many saying they should teach that ungrateful policeman a lesson for daring to arrest one of their likely winning members of parliament.

Interim Prime Minister Ryota Morinaga was furious.

"That guy, how dare he, how dare he?"

Chief Cabinet Secretary Takamori Masada said in a deep voice.

"You know how bold that guy is. He's Naoki Hanyu. When you called for people to attack Shingen Akimoto, you should have been prepared for this. Besides, he probably has those guys from the opposition party backing him up."

"."

Ryota Morinaga knew this, but he didn't expect the other side to be so ruthless. He didn't expect the opposition to be so vicious; this was a full-scale war.

“Since the enemy wants to fight, I will fight to the end. Let the Commissioner General of the National Police Agency demand the release of the people, and let the Tokyo Special Investigation Department take action against the opposition party election officials. Since they don’t follow the rules, we don’t need to follow them either. I believe the Tokyo Special Investigation Department has a lot of information on them.”

“They do have them. I’ll go and have Shirakawa Ryu arrange it now.”
.
Half an hour later, the police commissioner slunk away from the Metropolitan Police Department. His plan to take the person had completely failed, and the entire Metropolitan Police Department, from the superintendent to a section chief, refused the police department's intervention.

This setback suggests that the Metropolitan Police Department's cohesion is at its best in decades.

Next, Naoki Hanyu led his team directly to Saburo Shimatani's house. After a thorough search, they found some hydroxybutyric acid, some firearms, and even some nude photos of the victims.

At 4 p.m., the Metropolitan Police Department subtly announced the results of the investigation, causing an uproar. It turned out that Saburo Shimatani had really done it.

What the onlookers didn't know was that this was just the beginning.

As night fell, the Special Investigation Department and the Metropolitan Police Department were mobilized again, their targets being two lawmakers with a high chance of winning.

This election will stir up a very different kind of turmoil in Japan. It is the biggest turmoil in nearly 30 years, no, it is the biggest turmoil since the 70s.

(End of this chapter)