Mediation

Shiraishi called the heads of each department in the station that morning and lectured them all, but... Shiraishi himself was lectured immediately!

Almost as soon as Shiraishi finished arranging his work, he received a call from "11th Regional Headquarters Chief, Ganto Kaiji."

Between the over one hundred police stations in Tokyo and the "Metropolitan Police Department," there's a level called "Area Headquarters." There are a total of eleven Area Headquarters in Tokyo, each overseeing several police stations. Beika Police Station belongs to the "11th Regional Headquarters."

Among the eleven Area Chiefs, only the "Area Chiefs" of the 1st, 4th, 8th, and 11th Headquarters hold the title of "Superintendent General." The rest, like the chiefs of major police stations, are "Chief Superintendents."

"Area Chiefs" generally also serve as the chief of their respective regions. If there are several major police stations within an Area Headquarters, the "Area Chief" will be of "Superintendent General" rank. The 11th Regional Headquarters includes Beika Police Station, Haido Town, and Kamurocho, all of which are major police stations.

Ganto Kaiji, the "Area Chief" of the 11th Region, is the chief of Haido Town and also oversees the chiefs of over a dozen surrounding stations!

Initially, Ganto Kaiji intended to speak with Ebihara, but Shiraishi directly took the call.

"Area Chief Ganto, I took office on September 17th and am already organizing a reinvestigation of the case. If there's anything, you can tell me."

"Chief Shiraishi certainly takes responsibility. Then I'll be direct: the impact of this matter is extremely negative! Because of the former minister's issue, the public is already doubting judicial fairness. Right now, from the National Police Agency to the Metropolitan Police Department, everyone is on edge..." Ganto's tone was serious, and he gave Shiraishi a scare.

However, after a good scare, Ganto changed his tune and said, "Of course, I also know that Chief Shiraishi has nothing to do with this matter. It was Inspector Shirai who, taking advantage of Chief Ebihara's impending retirement and the transition period, acted on his own. After all, Chief Shiraishi has just taken office, and I am aware of that..."

Shiraishi frowned on the phone—this guy... doesn't seem to have good intentions?

Although he appeared to be looking out for Shiraishi and helping him "shift the blame," he was willing to "sacrifice" Shirai?

Indeed, that guy deserved to be pushed out!

But Ganto seemed to want Shiraishi to accept his protection, while Ganto would arrange for Shirai to take the fall...

If Shiraishi really agreed, he wouldn't be implicated in this incident. However, not only would his authority within the station decrease, but he would also inevitably be subservient to Ganto in the future!

"Inspector Shirai was indeed too hasty in this case. I have already severely criticized him and ordered him to reflect... As for the final disciplinary outcome, I believe it's best to decide after this case is concluded," Shiraishi stated, neither humble nor arrogant.

How to deal with Shirai is Chief Shiraishi's responsibility. As for what additional demands Ganto, the "Area Chief," might have, he could address them directly to Shiraishi!

Hearing Shiraishi repeatedly refuse his "kind offer," Ganto paused for a moment, but then a hearty laugh erupted from the receiver: "Hahaha, as expected of our police world hero, Chief Shiraishi is indeed a good chief who protects his subordinates. I can rest easy then."

"You flatter me. It is because of my dereliction of duty that I have caused trouble for the 11th Region, and I ask for your understanding, Area Chief Ganto," Shiraishi replied politely.

"What I can understand is certainly not a big deal..." Ganto said in a friendly tone, but then his tone shifted, and he lowered his voice: "However, if this drags on too long, the Metropolitan Police Department will step in at any time, and then the situation will be beyond our control. I hope you understand... Chief Shiraishi."

"Rest assured, Area Chief Ganto, I will take responsibility!" Shiraishi responded firmly.

Shiraishi was now quite certain that Ganto... wanted to use this opportunity to "subdue" him—the kind of subjugation that involves "breaking their wings before bringing them under one's command."

It seemed Ganto Kaiji had considerable ambition...

Otherwise, even an "Area Chief" wouldn't want to get involved in such a situation.

However, Shiraishi clearly didn't want to give him the chance to "subdue" him. Furthermore, Shiraishi's previous actions in the Metropolitan Police Department were still "intimidating," so Ganto merely issued a routine warning and didn't push too hard.

Even though his kind offer was rejected, he didn't lash out.

After hanging up Ganto Kaiji's call, Shiraishi understood that the situation was not optimistic, so...

Shiraishi quickly drafted an "apology letter," preparing himself to be called in front of the cameras to bow—this kind of thing was naturally the chief's responsibility to apologize; Inspector Shirai, a mere inspector, was not qualified to bow to cameras.

To write the draft, Shiraishi only had bread for lunch.

At 1 PM, just as Shiraishi finished eating seven or eight pieces of bread, Akasaka and Aoki came to report on the work plan...

"Chief, our unit will split up. One team will visit the crime scene... Since there were no signs of forced entry or struggle at the scene, it's undoubtedly a crime committed by someone known to the victim. Furthermore, their valuables were not searched, so it wasn't a robbery-homicide. We'll also interview the neighbors to see if there are any new discoveries.

Another team, Gen and Yamada, will further confirm the surveillance footage and related witness testimonies from Beika Park. Although the park area had no shade at the time of the incident, so there weren't many people, someone might have seen something..." Akasaka explained the subsequent action plan.

"We plan to investigate... the kitchen knife, which is the main piece of physical evidence. If it got fingerprints because of a home gathering, why are there only his fingerprints besides the victim's, and only on that one kitchen knife? We'll also look into the surveillance records around the crime scene, and... try to find the only order placed at the coffee cart in Beika Park during the time of the incident. Perhaps it was purchased by someone else!" Aoki also presented his plan.

"Mm, thank you for your hard work," Shiraishi nodded after listening and added, "I'll be working until 10 PM at the latest. If there are any developments, please report them immediately."

As Shiraishi spoke, he stood up and glanced outside through the blinds—as expected, many reporters were still gathered in front of the police station. In this situation, Shiraishi couldn't leave on time!

However, the official time for "interrogation" or "inquiry" ends at 10 PM. As a chief who works in an office, staying late beyond 10 PM and keeping vigil would be meaningless...

"Yes!"

Both of them acknowledged.

"Also... do not accept any interviews, do not speak to reporters, not a single word. And make sure to instruct the young detectives as well," Shiraishi specifically cautioned, to avoid being taken out of context.