Chapter 27: This Case Runs Deep—It's Beyond Your Grasp (Please Vote for Me!)

“Deputy Director.”

Shinichi Nakamura called out to Hidenobu Aoyama.

“What is it? Do you think my actions tonight were inappropriate?” Hidenobu Aoyama halted, turned, and looked at Shinichi Nakamura with a smile.

Shinichi Nakamura smiled without answering, crouched down, and used his sleeve to wipe a stain from Aoyama’s leather shoes. Only then did he stand and say, “I wanted to tell you that your shoes were dirty.”

Aoyama glanced down at the spot just cleaned, patted Nakamura’s shoulder, and walked away without looking back. “Follow.”

“Yes, sir!” Nakamura responded loudly, trailing closely behind Aoyama.

The reason Aoyama brought Nakamura along tonight was because he was impressed by the young man's demeanor and wanted to test his mettle, to see if he could make him a trusted confidant.

Nakamura’s performance had thoroughly pleased him.

If Nakamura had dared complain or question Aoyama’s methods tonight, Aoyama would have had Aya Asai remove him from the ballistics division without hesitation.

While waiting for Yoshikazu Fujimoto, Aoyama called Asai.

At that moment, Aya Asai had just finished her shower, changed into her nightgown, and was lying in bed, ready to sleep. Hearing her phone ring, she could only climb out of bed with a sigh.

“Moshi moshi, this is Aya Asai.”

“Inspector, it’s me.” Aoyama identified himself and got straight to the point. “I have concrete evidence of Matsuo Noguchi’s drug trafficking. Gather your team immediately and arrest him tonight.”

“What did you say?” Asai thought she must have misheard and asked again, “You’re saying you have evidence that Matsuo Noguchi is trafficking drugs? Is that true?”

“Do you think I’d joke about something like this?” Aoyama’s tone was impatient.

“That’s not what I meant.” Sensing his impatience, Asai’s heart skipped a beat. She hurriedly explained, “I’m just surprised—it’s such rapid progress.”

“I’ll wait at the station. That’s all.” Aoyama couldn’t be bothered with her chatter and hung up.

Nakamura, waiting nearby with coffee, was filled with admiration. This subordinate truly exuded the aura of a superior—Deputy Director Aoyama was remarkable!

He hurriedly offered the coffee. “Deputy Director, you’ve been working hard in interrogation. Please refresh yourself.”

“Thank you.” Aoyama took the coffee and sipped it, then ordered, “Go stake out near Matsuo Noguchi’s residence. Notify me if anything happens.”

“Yes, sir!” Nakamura left immediately.

Listening to the busy tone, Aya Asai felt no offense—she was exhilarated.

She was about to be in the spotlight again! As long as she could shine in front of others, what did it matter if Aoyama humiliated her in private?

If you want to flaunt, you can’t fear hardship.

To look her best on camera, Asai even put on her police uniform, which she rarely wore, then knocked loudly on her parents’ door. “Dad, are you asleep?”

Bang! Yasuhiko Asai opened the door, barely suppressing his irritation. “What are you doing up so late?”

You may not have a sex life, but your father does!

“I have important case news to report.” Asai, oblivious to her father’s mood, spoke with excitement. “Aoyama just called—he has evidence that Noguchi Matsuo, the Noguchi Association president, is trafficking drugs. I request immediate authorization to arrest him.”

“What?” Yasuhiko Asai’s expression changed, then he replied solemnly, “This case is very complicated, Aya, you’re too young to handle it. I must personally supervise on-site. Go wait in the car; I’ll get dressed and come down.”

“Huh?” Asai was stunned, but before she could protest, the door slammed shut.

“Damn it! He’s stealing his daughter’s credit!” She shook her fist at the closed door, fuming, but could only head downstairs to start the car.

Asai’s mother was equally frustrated, left in an awkward position. Still graceful and alluring, she watched her husband dress, bit her lip, and asked with longing, “What am I supposed to do when you leave?”

“There are cucumbers in the fridge—if they’re too small, there’s eggplants. Once they’re inside, they’re family; let them help out.” Yasuhiko replied offhandedly, donned his uniform, grabbed his cap, and strode out.

His wife could always be satisfied later.

But if the credit was missed, he’d have to wait for the next opportunity.

He understood priorities well.

Meanwhile, after delivering the evidence to Aoyama, Yoshikazu Fujimoto left the station. Since Aoyama had other plans, Fujimoto could not participate in the case or share in its glory.

Fujimoto didn’t mind.

No matter how much credit he accrued, he’d never get promoted anyway.

…………………………

Before setting out, Yasuhiko Asai had already issued instructions by phone, so when he arrived at the station, the arrest team was fully assembled.

Nearly twenty police cars flashed their lights in front of the station building. Over a hundred officers in uniform, armed and ready, stood in formation awaiting orders.

“Salute!”

Asai stepped out of his car, and everyone stood at attention, saluting in unison. The station chief’s prestige was on full display.

He casually returned the salute and walked steadily through the crowd into the office building, entering a conference room where all the leadership involved in the operation awaited him, including Aoyama.

“Superintendent!”

Everyone rose to greet him.

“Sit.” Asai gestured, then surveyed the room and asked, “Let’s hear the plan.”

“Superintendent, my suggestion is to avoid a firefight if possible,” said the head of the Organized Crime Countermeasures Division, glancing at Aoyama. “Deputy Director Aoyama obtained evidence against Noguchi Matsuo by gaining his trust during the investigation of Noguchi Jiro’s murder. Noguchi Matsuo likely has no idea he’s been exposed, so we can hide the main force outside. Let Deputy Director Aoyama lead a small team to convince Noguchi to open the door, then make the arrest.”

“Very well.” Asai nodded, then asked, “Do we have surveillance on Noguchi Matsuo’s residence?”

“Yes!” Aoyama stood up. “No activity there at the moment.”

“Then we’ll proceed with Chief Aoi’s plan. Deputy Director Aoyama and the ballistics division will execute the arrest. The rest will stake out the perimeter, ready to support as needed.” Asai decided, then added, “Make sure the ambulance and media contacts are prepared in advance.”

“Yes, sir!” the group responded in unison.

Asai walked up to Aoyama.

Aoyama bowed slightly in respect.

“I’m counting on you, Aoyama. This is a risky operation,” Asai said gravely.

Aoyama’s expression was stern as he declared, “Chief, Aoyama will see the mission through!”

Damn it, he knows it’s risky but sends me anyway.

He glanced at Aya Asai.

A debt owed by the father must be paid by the daughter—she’ll have to answer for it.

Asai’s heart fluttered, and she lowered her head.

“Excellent! Very spirited!” Asai praised, patting Aoyama’s shoulder, then turned and beckoned, “Let’s begin the operation.”

“Yes, sir!” everyone echoed.

At Asai’s command, the hundred police officers boarded their vehicles. The patrol cars, lights and sirens off, moved silently through the darkness toward the Noguchi residence.