Salivating Yamabuki

"Helping the police solve a case—how could that be a waste of time? Besides, there has never been a precedent for a sleepwalking crime in our country. Our academic community should cooperate with the police and provide assistance." Professor Yamabuki spoke with righteous conviction.

Officer Shiraishi naturally knew this guy was definitely up to no good.

"At present, Ms. Koga's situation appears to have been a misunderstanding. If we need a psychology expert to intervene, we'll trouble Professor Yamabuki then." Shiraishi said politely.

As Shiraishi spoke, there came a knock at the office door. When Yamabuki had entered, Shiraishi had already hung up on the General Affairs Division.

"Excuse me—come in." Shiraishi apologized.

Section Chief Maruo entered just then. Upon seeing Yamabuki, he immediately said, "Chief, Public Security has something they need to discuss with you." He was clearly using the excuse because he knew the chief had connections with Public Security.

"Oh, I'll go right over. Help me receive Professor Yamabuki." Shiraishi went along with it.

"All right. No need to see me out, Officer Shiraishi. Let's keep in touch." Yamabuki said after looking at Shiraishi.

Because Public Security had been mentioned, Yamabuki could not tell whether this was an excuse.

But like Shiraishi, Yamabuki was wary of Shiraishi's special standing within the police force—

Although Shiraishi was merely a local precinct chief and could not decide anything for the police as a whole, he was still capable of ruining someone's plans if he wanted to.

Thus, even though Yamabuki sensed Shiraishi's resistance, he maintained surface-level politeness—

"Yes, Professor Yamabuki. Please come with me." Knowing Yamabuki had not driven here, Maruo arranged for a quick-witted officer to take him back.

Yamabuki had been turned away and was somewhat unhappy. On the way, he kept chatting with the officer, probing