Chapter 18: A Closed System—Progressing Together (Please Vote for Me)

“In fact, it’s all quite simple.” Shu Nobu Aoyama set down his wine cup, tapping his fingers lightly against the table. “The key to the matter is to find the key question.”

Ryoichi Fujimoto: (“▔□▔)???

Listening to your words is truly like… listening to your words.

He resisted the urge to splash his drink and listened patiently.

After all, he’d already paid for this meal.

“So, what is the key question?” Shu Nobu Aoyama asked, but without waiting for an answer, he continued, “The key is that your promotion isn’t just about you—it would shake the entire foundation of the Japanese police system. For someone your age to try to climb higher, it’s tantamount to challenging the whole collective on your own!”

“Those in the career track spent years studying, graduated from prestigious universities, and passed civil service exams to become bureaucrats at a young age. If someone like you, a country bumpkin, could rely solely on diligence and ability to reach the same position at the same age as us, what meaning would our ten years of hard study have? What would our elite diplomas mean then?”

“Now, everyone in power, without exception, comes from the career track. Of course, they won’t let you set a precedent or give someone like you the chance to stand shoulder to shoulder with us. So no matter how many achievements you rack up, no one will promote you, because anyone who does would be betraying their own class interests, joining you in defying the current bureaucratic class of the police headquarters!”

Japanese society may appear inclusive and fair, but that’s only true at the lower levels. In the upper echelons, especially within power structures, the system is highly closed.

If your background isn’t good enough, no matter how capable you are, the best you can hope for is a middle-management position—don’t even think about climbing higher.

That’s why Shu Nobu Aoyama's identity as a scion of a declining noble family, though seemingly useless, proves invaluable when he tries to rise. There’s no bottleneck: as long as he demonstrates value and capability, a whole cohort of nobles will step up to support him.

“I didn’t understand this in my early years, but I’ve figured it out in recent times, so there’s no need for your analysis, Aoyama-kun.” Ryoichi Fujimoto’s expression darkened, downing a gulp of liquor, his gaze tinged with grievance. “That’s why I considered changing my surname and marrying into a family, but Inspector Asai was overtaken by you.”

“Actually, I prefer staying at the bottom,” Shu Nobu Aoyama replied, a little embarrassed, correcting gently.

Ryoichi Fujimoto’s mouth twitched slightly as he took a deep breath. “Please, Nobu-san, just tell me the solution.”

“I’ve already said—the crux is that no one will betray their interests or promote you against their class, so you just need to find someone who would.” Shu Nobu Aoyama spoke lightly.

Ryoichi Fujimoto couldn’t hold back, slapping the table. “Are you playing games with me? You just said no one would promote me. Where am I supposed to find such a person?”

“Far away, yet right before your eyes.” Shu Nobu Aoyama smiled faintly, serene as the breeze and clouds.

Ryoichi Fujimoto’s eyes widened. “You?”

Shu Nobu Aoyama nodded without hesitation.

“Hahaha!” Ryoichi Fujimoto laughed bitterly, pointing at him. “You’re only at my level now. How are you going to promote me?”

“Ryoichi-san, when I first joined, I wasn’t at your level. Even just a few days ago, I wasn’t at your level.” Shu Nobu Aoyama replied calmly.

Ryoichi Fujimoto’s laughter gradually faded.

Shu Nobu Aoyama gazed straight into his eyes. “If I make it to the police headquarters’ upper echelons, I’ll break all precedent and put you to use. Only I would dare do such a thing!”

Whether he could manage it was another matter.

Regardless, he’d paint the picture for now.

Ryoichi Fujimoto pursed his lips, recalling the decisiveness with which the man had shot Akihiro Nakayama. He had to admit, only someone this audacious and unconventional in the entire police headquarters would dare promote him.

“What if, by the time you reach the upper ranks, I’m already old and gray?” Ryoichi Fujimoto joked.

Shu Nobu Aoyama laughed as well. “That’s why you need to help me—help me rise faster, which is also helping yourself.”

Ryoichi Fujimoto fell silent.

“So, what do you say, Ryoichi-san? Are you willing to stake your life’s future on me?” Shu Nobu Aoyama looked at him earnestly, extending a hand.

“I hope that when you’ve achieved fame and success, you’ll still remember your promise to me today.” Ryoichi Fujimoto said, slowly clasping Shu Nobu Aoyama’s hand. Yet, as their gazes met, both men were struck by a wave of revulsion and embarrassment, quickly letting go with a mutual look of distaste.

Ryoichi Fujimoto had no better options; he’d have to place his bet on Shu Nobu Aoyama. It was better than doing nothing, and things couldn’t get any worse than they were.

He refused to accept that after so much blood and effort, he would never attain the position he deserved!

Most crucially, Shu Nobu Aoyama was indeed a promising investment: skilled, resolute, of noble lineage, a University of Tokyo graduate, and favored by Aya Asai. Betting on him was highly likely to pay off.

“Ahem!” Shu Nobu Aoyama coughed twice to mask the awkward moment, composed himself, then sat up straight and said, “There’s something I need your help with right now.”

“Please, Nobu-san, speak.” Ryoichi Fujimoto was someone who could adapt to circumstance. Having made his decision and agreed to cooperate, he quickly adjusted his attitude.

Shu Nobu Aoyama said, “I need detailed information about the Noguchi Association, especially regarding their recent attempts to acquire Nozahara Finance Corporation.”

“Understood! Within two days, I’ll get the documents to you.” Ryoichi Fujimoto replied, then asked curiously, “Nozahara Finance Corporation?”

“That’s the company owned by Nozahara-dong. Since ancient times, no great undertaking can succeed without money. Without enough funds, how are we to buy off superiors, recruit subordinates, and advance together?” Shu Nobu Aoyama laughed heartily.

Ryoichi Fujimoto wholeheartedly agreed.

Why were the people in the Criminal Division currently isolating him? Wasn’t it because they’d been quietly bought over by Akihiro Nakayama’s long-standing favors?

Money truly is a wonderful thing!

Still, he feigned concern and said, “Isn’t it bad to bully a widow?”

“No worries, I’ve already subdued her before I came.” Shu Nobu Aoyama replied, unconcerned.

Ryoichi Fujimoto wasn’t sure he fully understood.

Shu Nobu Aoyama poured a glass of sake, raised it, and said, “Let’s drink to our shared progress.”

Their cups clinked lightly in the air.

A clear, pleasant sound rang out.

…………………………

At 10 a.m., after a hearty meal and drinks, Shu Nobu Aoyama and Ryoichi Fujimoto headed to the precinct together.

“Bakayaro! Ryoichi Fujimoto, where the hell have you been?” No sooner had they entered the office building than a fat, big-eared young man came striding over, loud and brash, drawing the attention of many colleagues.

Ryoichi Fujimoto’s expression changed, a mix of disgust and irritation. “Damn, that’s my boss—the Head of the Serious Crime Investigation Section, Inspector Saburo Shimizu.”

Clearly, he’d been harassed by this man quite a bit lately.

“Idiot! Can’t even find you to organize a file…” As Saburo Shimizu approached, his curses abruptly stopped. He sniffed, eyes widening. “Bakayaro! You bastard! You’re off drinking during work hours instead of being at your post?”

He raised his hand, ready to slap Ryoichi Fujimoto.

In Japan, workplace bullying was common, especially in the chaotic ‘90s.

Ryoichi Fujimoto dared not evade, nor could he. He could only brace himself for the humiliation, waiting to endure the slap.

Shu Nobu Aoyama caught the raised wrist of Saburo Shimizu. “Inspector Shimizu, please calm yourself.”