Tokyo: From Lawless Madpolice to Minister
Chapter 153 - 149: Criticism and Torture at the Meeting, Appointment with the Judge

Chapter 153: Chapter 149: Criticism and Torture at the Meeting, Appointment with the Judge

Noda Court pointed out that Suzuki Junko and Asano Hirofumi had been coerced into confessing through torture, causing a huge uproar.

The public vehemently criticized Suzuki Junko and Asano Hirofumi, and there were marches demanding severe punishment for both.

But soon, as more "details" were revealed,

the winds of opinion began to change.

According to the police interrogation in Noda, it was revealed that only Asano Hirofumi had coerced confessions, not Suzuki Junko. He had fabricated her involvement just for revenge on the prosecutor who had charged him.

Four days later, on July 5th, the prosecution office responded to this controversy. After investigation, they confirmed that Suzuki Junko was completely deceived by Asano Hirofumi and had not participated in the torture. Her position was immediately reinstated, but due to her negligence, she was fined three months’ bonus as disciplinary action.

At the same time, the Police Headquarters publicly disclosed the investigation results concerning Asano Hirofumi. His crimes were heinous, including torture for confession and framing his superior, tainting his name even in death.

Only then did the matter truly come to rest.

Stepping into her office and looking at the familiar surroundings, it seemed as if nothing had changed, but Suzuki Junko knew she had changed; the prosecutor once passionately committed to justice had disappeared in this controversy.

From now on, within her abilities, she would handle cases fairly and justly, but she wouldn’t be foolish enough to sacrifice everything for so-called justice anymore.

"How do you feel, quite a lot of thoughts, right?"

A familiar voice came from behind.

Suzuki Junko instinctively turned around and saw Aoyama Xiu Xin, dressed sharply, holding a bouquet at the door.

"This is for you, congratulations on clearing your name and returning to your position," Aoyama Xiu Xin said with a smile, handing over the roses he had picked up from his sister-in-law’s flower shop.

Suzuki Junko looked at him with complicated eyes, took the flowers, and smelling them, she said, "They smell good."

"Not as good as you smell," Aoyama Xiu Xin replied with a smile.

Suzuki Junko rolled her eyes. "Are you this slick with all women?"

She was wearing a black women’s suit, seemingly not fond of skirts, with trousers that outlined her shapely form, stirring desires.

"Not everyone gets this kind of treatment from me," Aoyama Xiu Xin said, glancing at his watch before adding, "I have to leave for another engagement."

With that, he turned away and left without looking back.

Suzuki Junko was stunned for a moment; she hadn’t expected Aoyama Xiu Xin to just come to congratulate her and then leave.

She had thought he was trying to flirt with her.

Although Aoyama Xiu Xin had a fiancée, men, if not nailed to the wall, would never truly be faithful.

It seemed maybe she was being paranoid?

This made her lower her guard slightly towards Aoyama Xiu Xin, yet she felt somewhat indignant. Glancing down at her round chest and then at her full hips, wasn’t she attractive enough?

Ultimately, she attributed it to her youthful face; maybe Aoyama Xiu Xin wasn’t interested in that.

But Aoyama Xiu Xin was interested!

He knew he shouldn’t rush things, playing hard to get.

Love-struck as Suzuki Junko was, once she genuinely fell for a man, she would, like with Asano Hirofumi, be totally compliant and considerate.

Thus, Aoyama Xiu Xin aimed not only to win her body but also her heart, and he knew this needed to be handled delicately.

Of course, when he said he was busy, it wasn’t just an excuse.

He was indeed busy.

Police Headquarters was holding a meeting, and all chiefs and above had to attend.

Due to the large number of people, the conference room was too small.

Thus, the venue was set in the auditorium.

.........

When Aoyama Xiu Xin arrived, many were already there. He just considered himself an observer in such meetings, as his role didn’t involve active participation or speaking.

"I’m just here to listen."

"Police Chief Aoyama, this way, this way."

While he was searching for a seat, a young man of average built and appearance but with a comforting smile stood up to greet him, patting the seat next to him.

Aoyama Xiu Xin didn’t recognize him.

But since the man was extending friendliness, he couldn’t disregard it—it was just a seat, after all.

"Hello, how should I address you? I seem to not have seen you before," Aoyama Xiu Xin said, moving to sit down and offering his hand.

The young man shook it, smiling. "It’s normal that you haven’t seen me; I just arrived today. My name is Fujiwara Takahiro, Deputy Director of the Homicide Division."

Aoyama Xiu Xin then realized, this guy was his new assistant after Asano Hirofumi’s death.

How come Asai Ayumi didn’t notify him?

"I see, they didn’t give me a heads up to be prepared, catching me off guard," chuckled Aoyama Xiu Xin.

He just hoped this new colleague was sensible, as he didn’t want to waste too much energy on internal conflicts.

Though battling with others could be enjoyable, fighting without tangible benefits was just a waste of time.

Fujiwara Takahiro, smiling, responded, "Police Chief Aoyama can rest assured, I’m not the unwise kind like Asano Hirofumi. I’ll follow your lead."

Aoyama Xiu Xin was somewhat surprised by his directness, struggling to respond immediately, and with a slight twitch of his lips, he finally said, "Police Chief Fujiwara is quite straightforward."

"I don’t have many strengths, but I am aware of my limitations. Police Chief Aoyama, you have a bright future and won’t be in this position for long. I plan to just get by until you get promoted, then I’ll climb up a level too," Fujiwara Takahiro said, grinning broadly.

Aoyama Xiu Xin ended up liking him quite a bit and firmly shook his hand, saying, "I think, Mr. Fujiwara and I will definitely enjoy working together."

"I feel the same."

Right then, Renping Kuniaki, along with other high-level officers of Police Headquarters, entered the venue, and everyone stood up to greet them.

Their conversation was paused.

"Gentlemen, please be seated."

Renping Kuniaki bowed and then spoke.

Everyone had just taken their seats.

As the meeting began, Aoyama Xiu Xin’s mind started to wander, hoping it would end soon.

"Police Chief Aoyama!"

A voice suddenly broke into his ears.

A distracted Aoyama Xiu Xin was jolted to attention and instantly stood up, "Hi!"

Why was he suddenly being called?

"Bang bang bang!" Renping Kuniaki banged on the table crisply, his face expressionless and his tone displeased as he questioned, "Why haven’t I received any report on the progress of the serial murder case investigation so far? The entire nation is concerned, reporters keep asking me about it every time, what am I supposed to tell them?"

"Hi!" Aoyama bowed in apology.

Being criticized and questioned in front of everyone was not a pleasant feeling, even though he was already an adult.

"Ten days, just ten more days," said Renping Kuniaki, giving a number and spoke solemnly, "Based on the investigations of your predecessors, if even Police Chief Aoyama can’t find results, then we might as well announce the resealing of this case, but for the reputation of the police force, I hope Police Chief Aoyama can push harder."

"Hi!" Aoyama Xiu Xin bowed again.

Renping Kuniaki’s tone softened slightly, earnestly saying, "I entrusted this case to you because I have high hopes for Police Chief Aoyama’s abilities. Please do not disappoint me and all our citizens!"

"Hi!" Aoyama Xiu Xin seemed to only know how to bow.

Damn it, old fart Renping, just wait, you want to make me a laughing stock, but I’ll turn it into a legend.

Renping Kuniaki did not continue to berate Aoyama Xiu Xin, as he was just a minor character, and continuously targeting him would seem too narrow-minded.

So he quickly let Aoyama Xiu Xin sit down.

After the meeting, the leaders left first, and others followed them toward the exits like a tide.

"Police Chief Aoyama, do you need my help with the serial murder investigation?" Fujiwara Takahiro volunteered.

Aoyama Xiu Xin smiled helplessly and shook his head.

It seemed he didn’t want to drag the other party into this mess.

"Police Chief Aoyama."

A familiar voice came.

Aoyama Xiu Xin and Fujiwara Takahiro promptly bowed to the newcomer, "Police Chief Asai."

"Police Chief Fujiwara, I’d like to have a word alone with Police Chief Aoyama," Asai Ayumi said coldly.

"Hi!" Fujiwara Takahiro turned and left.

"What is it with him?" asked Aoyama Xiu Xin.

Referring, of course, to the sudden appearance of Fujiwara Takahiro.

"He must have some connections, I only found out about him today, his paperwork came directly through Police Chief Hattori," Asai Ayumi explained briefly, then turned to the matter of the serial murders, "The chief clearly wants to use this case to suppress you, are you confident?"

"Until the final moment, who can be truly confident? I can only say, I’ve picked up some clues," replied Aoyama Xiu Xin conservatively.

Asai Ayumi nodded and briskly walked away.

When Aoyama Xiu Xin returned to his office, Nakamura Shinichi was already waiting at the door, handing him a document, "Chief, here is the thing you asked for."

"Good, thank you," Aoyama Xiu Xin took the document, entered, and sat down on the sofa to read it.

It was the information about the beautiful female judge.

Hashimoto Miho, 32, judge at the Tokyo District Court, daughter of ordinary farmers, yet had shown excelling grades from a young age, graduated from Tokyo University’s Law program, married to Takizawa Shikou, 55, Deputy Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and they had a 5-year-old daughter.

"Damn!"

No wonder a woman so young could be the judge at the District Court, she had real connections indeed.

Seeing Hashimoto Miho’s husband’s status, Aoyama Xiu Xin then dismissed any inappropriate thoughts; the woman was charming and tantalizing, but he wasn’t foolish enough to cuckold the Deputy Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

Playing around has risks, can’t be reckless.

The Supreme Court, as the name implies, is Japan’s highest court, comprised of 15 esteemed justices including one Chief Justice and one Deputy Chief Justice.

With such a powerful and influential husband, Hashimoto Miho would be insane to collaborate on anything shady with him, a mere police chief, let alone engage in a liaison.

He carelessly tore up the information, dismissing any wild fantasies.

"Ding-dong, ding-dong."

Just then, his phone suddenly rang.

Aoyama Xiu Xin answered, "Moshi moshi?"

"Police Chief Aoyama, this is Judge Hashimoto Miho from the Tokyo District Court. We met briefly in court a few days ago. Could I have the pleasure of your company for dinner tonight?"

A gentle voice came through the phone, as if someone was whispering in his ear, it felt ticklish.

Aoyama Xiu Xin was quite astonished, not expecting that just after giving up on the idea of seducing her, she would take the initiative to contact him, plans always seem to never keep up with changes.

"If Judge Hashimoto invites, Xiu Xin naturally has no reason to refuse," Aoyama Xiu Xin accepted.

Even though he had dismissed the idea of flirting with Hashimoto Miho, he didn’t want to offend her either.

Even becoming acquaintances would be beneficial.

"Then tonight at nine, Ginza... Western restaurant, let’s not miss it," Hashimoto Miho hung up.

Aoyama Xiu Xin was still sitting, lost in thought.

Why did that woman ask him out?

Could it be because of her age, like a wolf at thirty and a tiger at forty, her old man can’t satisfy her, so she’s coveting his body to plow her field?

"Knock knock knock."

It wasn’t until the knock sounded that he was brought back to reality.

"Come in," Aoyama Xiu Xin cleared his messy thoughts and called out properly seated.

Yoshikai Yoshitsune hurried in, holding a document, "Chief, the test report is out."

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