October 15, the day of the 11th Regional Headquarters' regular meeting for police chiefs.
In the conference room of Haido Police Station in Haido Town, which also served as the 11th Regional Headquarters, a large projection screen was playing a recording of Shiraishi's interview from the previous day.
"Protecting the public is our responsibility. I didn't think much about it at the time. Besides, I don't know any orcas."
"My build? Haha, I don't go to the gym. It's mostly just daily exercise."
"There was indeed an element of risk. This time, we were fortunate that Mrs. Suzuki was willing to cooperate with our operation."
"The kidnapper... As for the specific sentence, that will depend on the prosecution's charges and the court's ruling."
After it finished playing...
Clap clap clap—
Ganto, the Area Chief Superintendent, sat at the head of one end of the long conference table and took the lead in applauding. "As expected of the pride of our Metropolitan Police Department—and now, the pride of our 11th Regional Headquarters!"
The other eleven chiefs present wore varying expressions, but they all followed suit and gave a round of applause.
Only Shiraishi, seated at Ganto's left, remained naturally unmoved—after all, the applause was for him, and besides... he couldn't clap.
He sat at the left-hand seat not only because Ganto intended to commend him specifically today. Since this was also his first time attending the regular meeting, it served as a welcome for the new chief of the 11th Regional Headquarters. Besides... Beika Police Station was already a major station, and Ebihara often occupied that left-hand seat!
"Chief Shiraishi, this is your first time attending the regular meeting, and you did not previously serve under our Area Headquarters, so everyone is still rather unfamiliar with you. Since this is