Chapter 24: Asking Matsuo Noguchi to Deal with Himself

Before opening the file folder, Shuhide Aoyama assumed that Shinichi Nakamura had only found the officially registered information on the three individuals, but the depth of detail caught him off guard.

No wonder he’s sporting two dark circles under his eyes—apart from relying on friends for help, Nakamura himself likely hasn’t slept a wink since yesterday afternoon.

Thinking back, while he drifted off last night with Mrs. Nohara’s curvaceous form in his arms after their passionate encounter, his subordinate stayed awake all night to carry out his orders.

This realization made Shuhide Aoyama feel…

Excited!

Being in charge is simply exhilarating. To think that being a minor official is already this satisfying—what heights could he reach if he were Prime Minister?

He reined in his giddy thoughts and focused once more on the documents in his hands.

The three phone numbers belonged to a seasoned pimp from Kabukicho, a manager at an entertainment club, and a businessman named Junichi Matsushita.

Cross-referencing the drug purchase dates provided by Akimasa Takizawa, he found that before each sale, Jiro Noguchi would call Junichi Matsushita. Without doubt, Matsushita was either the head of the Noguchi clan’s drug operations or, at the very least, an active participant. His business persona was merely a smokescreen.

The urgent task was to ascertain whether Matsushita was an accomplice or the mastermind, and then take appropriate measures.

To confirm Matsushita’s true role, Aoyama’s first thought was Ryoichi Fujimoto. He wondered how Fujimoto’s investigation into the Noguchi clan was progressing. Just as he reached for his phone, he spotted Fujimoto at the office door.

Aoyama rose and walked over. “I was just about to look for you. How’s the Noguchi clan investigation?”

“Come over here.” Fujimoto pulled him into the stairwell, then spoke anxiously: “Shuhide-san, the new head for the Criminal Division has been decided. Do you know who it is?”

“Who?” Aoyama asked offhandedly.

“Tomoharu Takahashi.” Fujimoto slowly revealed the name, then continued, “Your former superior at the Metropolitan Police. I hear his appointment came highly recommended by Inspector Sato. Since you and Sato have a history, this spells trouble for you.”

“You—just a minor section chief—how did you learn this?” Aoyama eyed him suspiciously.

Fujimoto chuckled self-deprecatingly, “I used to try every trick to climb the ladder—praying to every local deity I could find. Though none favored me, I was shameless enough and reasonably capable, so I came to know plenty of informants.”

“Oh, so that’s why your information is so well-connected—quite the network,” Aoyama teased.

“That’s beside the point.” Fujimoto steered the conversation back, speaking urgently, “The point is, Takahashi will definitely target you. You’d better prepare yourself and think of countermeasures.”

“I already have a plan—it’s more than enough to keep him busy,” Aoyama replied, lips curling into a faint smile. He didn’t elaborate, instead pressing, “How’s the Noguchi clan investigation I asked you to do?”

“Don’t rush me—I came by just to deliver this.” Fujimoto pulled a thick file folder from his coat. “You were pretty adamant, so I pushed my contacts hard. There’s bound to be gaps. Look through it now and note where information is missing; I’ll make arrangements.”

Aoyama didn’t answer but eagerly took the folder and started reviewing its contents.

Inside were profiles of all the Noguchi clan’s core members, details of their territories, main economic sources, and more. The acquisition of Nohara Financial Corporation was personally handled by Matsuo Noguchi.

Clearly, the clan was treating this acquisition as a key priority. If Aoyama wanted to keep his assets, he’d have to quash Matsuo’s ambitions—an impossible feat.

There was only one solution: remove Matsuo Noguchi himself.

Continuing through the file, Aoyama spotted Junichi Matsushita’s name, circled for emphasis.

Fujimoto noticed his interest and explained, “I know this man. He’s not a member of any syndicate, not officially listed, but he has a close relationship with Matsuo Noguchi and is highly regarded within the clan. Publicly, he co-manages entertainment venues with the clan, but what happens behind closed doors is unclear.”

Hearing this, Aoyama was now almost certain Matsushita was the Noguchi clan’s drug operation chief. He had no ties to violent groups, wasn’t even a clan member—a deliberate arrangement to facilitate a clean break if things went south.

A new problem emerged: How to obtain evidence of his drug trafficking? Such individuals are typically loyal to their syndicate, whether by choice or necessity.

Even if arrested, they shoulder all charges themselves.

How could he get Matsushita to testify against Matsuo Noguchi?

Aoyama quickly devised a plan.

He’d enlist Matsuo Noguchi’s help!

***

Half an hour later, in a private room at an izakaya in Shinjuku, Shuhide Aoyama sat with his eyes closed, resting.

He opened them at the sound of soft footsteps.

The cedar door slid open, revealing Matsuo Noguchi at the threshold. Aoyama hurriedly stood, bowing respectfully. “Chairman Noguchi.”

“Deputy Aoyama.” Noguchi nodded in return, entered and sat, getting straight to the point. “Your tone on the phone was urgent. What’s happened?”

“Chairman Noguchi, are you certain this place is safe from eavesdroppers?” Aoyama asked, somewhat uneasy.

Noguchi replied confidently, “This is property of the Noguchi clan, Deputy Aoyama. Please speak freely.”

Aoyama inclined his head, then raised it and uttered a name: “Junichi Matsushita.”

Noguchi’s hand, reaching for his teacup, paused briefly but soon resumed as he sipped his tea. “Junichi? He’s a close friend of mine. Why do you bring him up?”

“Chairman Noguchi,” Aoyama swallowed nervously and spoke in a low voice, “Following your instructions, I’ve been pressing Akimasa Takizawa to admit to premeditated murder, but he insists he was under the influence at the time—his mind clouded, no intent to kill.”

Noguchi’s expression darkened.

Aoyama continued, “Since the interrogation has stalled, my superior questioned Takizawa personally. Unexpectedly, he rambled on, refusing to confess, and even accused the Noguchi clan of drug trafficking, naming Junichi Matsushita. He claimed to have overheard your brother and Matsushita discussing drug deals over the phone.”

“Damned fool!” Noguchi exploded, smashing his teacup in rage. “That bastard is spouting nonsense—Matsushita is my friend, not a clan member! Even if he were trafficking, what does that have to do with the Noguchi clan?”

He was livid; had Jiro Noguchi not already died, he would have strangled him himself.

“Yes, yes, of course,” Aoyama nodded repeatedly in agreement, then shifted his tone, “But our country enforces strict drug laws. My superior has likely already reported this, and Director Asai will surely investigate. Though Matsushita isn’t a clan member, as your friend, you must take precautions to avoid being implicated.”

Noguchi took a deep breath, suppressing his anger and bowing his head slightly to Aoyama. “Thank you, Deputy Aoyama, for your concern.”

He then clapped his hands decisively.

The cedar door slid open, and a subordinate bowed at the entrance. “Chairman.”

“Bring the gift for Deputy Aoyama.”

“Yes!” The subordinate departed, soon returning with a small leather case, placing it on the table and opening it. Inside were financial bonds.

Originally issued by the Bond Credit Bank, these bearer bonds deduct interest at purchase, and upon maturity, anyone holding the bond can redeem it at full face value.

This unique property makes them the perfect tool for bribery—a beloved staple in Japanese political circles.

“This… I can’t accept such an unearned reward,” Aoyama exclaimed in feigned protest.

Noguchi pushed the case toward him, speaking earnestly. “Deputy Aoyama, your warning is a great favor to me. Please, you must accept.”

“This… You’re far too generous. I cannot refuse such kindness, truly cannot!” Aoyama closed the case, picked it up, and rose to take his leave. “I’ll be going now, Chairman Noguchi. Please make arrangements for Junichi Matsushita as soon as possible. I’ll keep you informed.”

“Thank you, Deputy Aoyama.”

“No trouble at all—it's my duty. Chairman Noguchi, please, no need to see me out.”