Chapter 131 - Name and Reality 54 {82 Solo} (191–193: Finally Moving Toward Oshima's Arrest)
Afterward, Nishida consulted with Koyabu and the others in the small conference room about the future, and decided to leave the request for the arrest warrant and the investigators to be dispatched to Tokyo to the two Senior Staff, Yoshimura and Kusaka. Then he immediately summoned all the investigators and reported the sudden turn of events.
However, the investigators overall didn't react as much as he had expected. Perhaps they had developed immunity to such unexpected movements from recent events.
On the other hand, Yoshimura and Kusaka were more than a little shaken, perhaps because they hadn't been mentally prepared for such a major role. That said, since it shouldn't be reported properly until the transport to Sapporo was finished, it wouldn't be a huge uproar like the escort of Motohashi to Sapporo back in '95. When he told the two that, they regained some of their composure. In particular, Yoshimura, who had experienced the escort of Motohashi, seemed to have gained some leeway, perhaps comparing it to that uproar which he had experienced firsthand.
Once the necessary matters were settled, Nishida pretended to take a break, left the Regional Headquarters building, and contacted Igarashi of Doho, who was in Tokyo, directly. He could have gone through Takeshita, but he did it this way because he knew the direct phone number now and thought there would be no transmission errors if he 'dealt' with him directly.
As expected, Igarashi was delighted by the leak that would lead to a scoop he hadn't expected. However, since the detailed schedule hadn't been set at this point, Nishida told him he would contact him to finalize things from the next day onward and hung up.
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"Yoshimura, come here for a second."
At 6:00 PM, after already receiving the arrest warrant from the court, he called Yoshimura to a deserted small conference room. Like the phone call earlier, he had thought about talking outside the building, but he reconsidered, thinking there was no need to go that far.
"Is it about tomorrow?" Nishida told the subordinate who followed him about the leak.
"That kind of bold move is exactly Takeshita-san's specialty; it's not something an Assistant Section Chief would do."
Immediately after hearing it, he looked stunned, and while the words themselves were phrased as if he were dissatisfied, he didn't appear to have any particular complaints from his expression.
"From tomorrow, the 16th, we're supposed to have the cooperation of the Yotsuya Station (Metropolitan Police Department), which is in charge of the jurisdiction for Keiyo Hospital, so once the meeting over there is finished, give me the information. Then I'll pass it on to Igarashi-san."
"You say it so easily, but does that mean we're inevitably going to be dragged into this too... Well, fine, but it'll cost you!" He stared at Nishida resentfully.
"Your 'costing me' is unexpectedly cheap, so I don't mind at all." Nishida's comment was based on their past relationship and experience.
"Well, it's settled with food and drinks," he said, his previously stern expression crumbling as he spoke with plenty of playfulness.
"You don't have to tell Kusaka about this. It would probably just make things harder for him. Ignorance is bliss." Just as he said that, contact came from Takeshita.
"Oh, this is good timing. It's from Takeshita!"
When he answered the phone immediately, he was pressed right away: "Nishida-san. I heard from Igarashi-san. Sorry, it seems you've gone to a lot of trouble... But are you really sure?"
"Yeah, it's fine. The Headquarters Chief says he'll turn a blind eye too."
"The Headquarters Chief too!? Well, that's fine then. I just thought you were being quite daring for you, Nishida-san..."
Since Takeshita expressed a similar sentiment to Yoshimura, Nishida felt somewhat uncomfortable.
"But well, since the other side is also using a dirty tactic by deliberately matching the timing of Prime Minister Takamatsu's visit to North Korea, the guilt is thinned out, isn't it?"
"No, I'm not as jaded as you." Nishida was a bit irritated by Takeshita's somewhat detached comment that followed, but it was also true that it wasn't an off-target point.
"Setting that aside, we've finally reached the main stronghold, haven't we? Even if we didn't expect this kind of development... When that moment comes so easily, I don't really feel much emotion, or rather... most of our clandestine activities using Sensuku have gone to waste."
While saying he didn't feel much emotion, the image of Takeshita, who likely harbored a fair amount of 'emotion' on the other end of the receiver, was clearly reflected in Nishida's mind.
"Certainly, it deviated from the flow we envisioned, but that article must have definitely influenced the administration's decision this time. In the first place, we're likely to be able to arrest him sooner than expected, so it's not a bad story, right?"
"Well... I couldn't have predicted in a good way that they would move on their own. It's just that the essence of being toyed with by politics is the same..." Showing that he had regained his composure, Nishida inwardly thought "That's just like him" at Takeshita's characteristic conclusion, but he dared not mention it. Then he asked, "By the way, will the front page of the evening edition be this, or will it be about North Korea?"
"It depends on the results of the negotiations and the situation of the abductees, but if you look at it solely from Doho's perspective, the fact that Oshima, who was elected from Hokkaido, was arrested on suspicion of murder will probably have more news value. After all, an arrest of a Member of Parliament on suspicion of murder is unprecedented as far as I know. Especially since he's a former minister. Normally, it would definitely be this nationwide too... Well, since that's also the opponent's aim, it can't be helped..." While saying "it can't be helped," Takeshita was openly expressing his dissatisfaction, and since that was the case, Nishida had no room to interject a different opinion.
"So, if the time of Oshima's arrest is around noon, it'll be impossible in terms of time in Sapporo where he's brought, so we have to take photos at the Tokyo stage or we won't make it. If it's without photos, it doesn't matter, but if it's a front-page arrest report, they'll want photos of the arrest and transport. I'm not an editor, but I'm sure of that. However, not only the photos but the article itself has to be prepared to some extent in advance, or it won't make it for the evening edition at all, so it'll only be possible for us, unless the leak was made to other papers too. It's the same as the story of that Motohashi case in Osaka." Takeshita cited the story of the press conference at the Osaka Prefectural Police when Motohashi's involvement in the Sada Minoru murder was discovered.
"I also thought this would be possible from the time of the arrest because of your method back then, Takeshita." Nishida confessed immediately.
"I see... I'm glad that was of use. In the end, it's turned out to be for our benefit too, so I guess it's a case of 'a kindness is never lost.' However, back then, I didn't reveal what was going to happen to Igarashi-san until the very last minute, but this time, you've revealed it completely, Nishida-san."
"Back then, even for you as an old friend, it must have been uncertain how much trust could be placed in Igarashi-san, but now that we're getting so much cooperation, I thought it would be absolutely fine." Nishida explained the difference in response as if making an excuse, but in fact, the sense of trust in Igarashi had become quite high within Nishida as well. And he continued, "The matter of the photos will have to wait until tomorrow or later. It's not clear to us yet what form the arrest and escort will take. It'll also depend on whether the arrest is inside the hospital or after he's been discharged once."
"In other words, the Kitami side isn't the 'master' of the initiative for this arrest, but is completely in a 'servant' position. For you not to know even that much, Nishida-san." Takeshita spoke in a tone that seemed to say it was lamentable, but there was no denying that the investigation headquarters, even if the investigation itself wasn't being hindered, was under some kind of pressure. If you only look at the aspect of yielding to pressure, it's essentially the same as having the investigation obstructed by pressure. Needless to say, this time the direction was the exact opposite in the sense that they were being instructed to make an arrest...
"Still, it's far better than not being able to arrest him, right?" Nishida countered Takeshita's opinion, citing the worst-case scenario.
"That's true, but..." As if to preempt the other person who seemed to want to say something, he said, "But it's good that it's not during a Diet session. No extra procedures are needed."
"When MP Masukawa was arrested in June, the Diet was in session, and a request for permission to arrest was necessary... Certainly, compared to that, it'll be easier in terms of procedures." Takeshita agreed. If the Diet were in session, it would involve Diet operations, so it would be necessary to consult with relevant agencies behind the scenes. It was much easier this time because that wasn't the case.
"Setting that aside, the promise of a scoop that I couldn't fulfill for Igarashi-san—to think that you'd fulfill it for me seven years later, Nishida-san... I have nothing but gratitude for that. Igarashi-san was happy too. Anyway, what I want to say is that's the most important thing after all, despite everything I've said up to now."
"I'm not doing this out of pure goodwill either, so being thanked that much just makes me feel awkward instead." When spoken to humbly, he felt a ticklish sensation.
"I'd like to help if there's anything I can do, but at this stage, nothing really comes to mind. The weekly magazine thing seems to have had some effect, but beyond that, right now, nothing..." To the hesitating Takeshita, Nishida said, "No, you've already been a great help, so don't worry about it. There's no doubt you created the catalyst for the other side to move this time. Besides, I'm sure there will definitely be something I'll need your help with in the future." He conveyed his true, unvarnished feelings.
"I understand. If such a thing happens... if by any chance it does, I'll be happy to do it. I feel that as long as this isn't resolved, I won't be able to reach a conclusion no matter how much time passes." Strength naturally entered the words 'reach a conclusion.'
"You're right. I think so too, but for you, this case is the reason you quit (the police), after all." At Nishida's muttered words, it was unclear if Takeshita didn't hear or if he pretended not to hear, but he just said, "Well, I'll call you again. Goodbye," and hung up.
At that time, even if it was just one person, the police who were forsaken by a decent detective might have had no choice but to say that nothing would change unless they got through this case. However, even if they did get through it, judging from the process so far, it was also true that essentially not much had changed, Nishida thought self-mockingly as he put his cell phone in his pocket.
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Monday, September 16. The world was on holiday for Respect for the Aged Day, but Yoshimura and Kusaka had been in the air heading for Tokyo since morning. As for Nishida, he was inside Kitami Station before 2:00 PM to take his direct subordinate Mayuzumi and Miyabe—who had a connection from his days at Engaru Station—from the Kitami Station investigation headquarters members to Sapporo.
Since Oshima would be detained at the Kotoni Detention Center from arrest until the detention decision, and at the Sapporo Detention Branch, which has medical facilities, during the detention period, they would have no choice but to conduct the interrogation in Sapporo. Incidentally, the detectives named Kimata and Mori, who had come from Section 1 of the Prefectural Police HQ to help with the investigation, had returned to Sapporo earlier on the morning Okhotsk No. 2.
With interrogations also being conducted in Kitami, and with Yoshimura and Kusaka also arresting Oshima and interrogating him in Sapporo as he was, he couldn't afford to thin out the main members in Kitami any further. That was the reason for selecting the two young men, Mayuzumi and Miyabe.
Regarding Miyabe, to be honest, it couldn't be helped if it was called 'nepotism' due to his connection with Nishida from his Engaru Station days, but when it came to taking someone from Kitami Station too, his eyes inevitably went to him. That said, since no one else really knew about his relationship with Nishida, he had braced himself, thinking he wouldn't be blamed by anyone...
As for Kimata and Mori, when they were dispatched to Kitami from the beginning to help with the investigation, they had received a lecture directly from Nishida about the possibility of Oshima's involvement in the murder and understood the outline of the Sada Minoru murder case, even if not perfectly, so they were being sent back to Sapporo.
As for Yoshimura and Kusaka, they should have met up with two investigators dispatched directly from the Prefectural Police HQ in Sapporo at the Yotsuya Station in Tokyo before noon. There, they should be having detailed discussions with the Yotsuya Station investigators who would help with the escort to Haneda, following instructions from the National Police Agency. And for the time being, Nishida had told Yoshimura to contact him once the talk had been settled to some extent. Furthermore, based on that information, Nishida intended to have a meeting with Igarashi.
Since he had already told Yoshimura of his intention to leak to Doho, just in case, he had made it so Yoshimura and Igarashi could contact each other directly without going through Nishida. If there was a major change tomorrow, there wouldn't be time for a game of telephone through Nishida.
Nishida intended to head to Sapporo on the Okhotsk No. 6 leaving Kitami after 2:00 PM, so if possible, he wanted to receive contact from Yoshimura before the train departed. However, he was already at Kitami Station, and the arrival time of the Okhotsk coming from Abashiri was approaching. Of course, cell phones can now be used while the train is running, but he had considerable doubts about whether a cell phone would work from a running train, especially in the sections between Rubeshibe and Ikutahara, or between Shirataki and Kamikawa, which were purely in the mountains.
However, the ticket gate for passengers of the Okhotsk No. 6 opened (Author's Note: At manned stations in rural areas where there are few trains, many stations do not have the gates open at all times), and while he was crossing the overpass after entering the premises through the ticket gate, contact came from Yoshimura.
"Assistant Section Chief, can you talk now?"
"You're late! I've been waiting! The train is about to enter the platform, so it might get a bit noisy with the engine sound, but it's still okay."
"I see. Then I'll keep it as short as possible. I heard various things from the NPA person in charge. Apparently, the hospital officials have already told the Oshima side about the retraction of the medical certificate. However, while they said hospitalization could continue, it seems the secretary protested quite a bit... Oshima himself didn't seem to say anything in particular."
"I see... It seems the other side has sensed the change in the situation too. So, was the time of the arrest decided accurately?"
"The plan is to arrest him in the hospital around 12:00 PM, and there's a passage in the hospital that only staff use, so we'll go down to the underground parking lot by elevator from there, and instead of a van for transport, we'll leave the hospital in an ordinary minivan and head to Haneda. Apparently, there are no reporters staking out the hospital right now. It seems arrangements have been made to enter through a special gate at Haneda too. Well, up to that point, the Yotsuya Station investigators will be driving, so we're just along for the ride."
"Do you know the flight?"
"Um, please wait a moment. I'll check now."
While letting the two companions go ahead, Nishida was slowly descending the stairs of the overpass while being careful, but he knew the Okhotsk had arrived as he heard it pulling into the platform with a roar.
"Um, it leaves Haneda at 2:00 PM and arrives at Chitose at 3:30 PM. We should be able to reach the Kotoni Detention Center by 5:00 PM."
"Just to confirm, the exit from the hospital is from a normal place, and the car is a normal minivan type, right? It's a convenient type of vehicle for letting them get a photo, but it'll be a problem if the exit itself is from a different place."
"No, sorry. The exit is... I'll check, so I'll call you again later."
Just then, the body of the Okhotsk slid onto the platform while making a roar. As expected, it became quite difficult to hear due to the diesel engine sound, but Nishida said in a loud voice, "Got it. I'm about to head to Sapporo on the Okhotsk, so please be aware that there will be sections where the cell phone won't work on the way!" he shouted and boarded with Mayuzumi and Miyabe.
Immediately after that, there was a return call from Yoshimura, saying that although no reporters were in sight, it would be bad to just leave from the normal exit, so it would be from the staff exit. After confirming that, Nishida contacted Igarashi in Tokyo from the deck while running near Asahikawa and conveyed the situation.
"...So, for now, the schedule is like this. If anything happens at the last minute, contact will go directly to you, Igarashi-san, so I think it'll be fine."
"I'll pray that nothing happens. I've pushed it with the head office editors to make Oshima's arrest the front page instead of North Korea! If the photo fails, I don't know what they'll say to me."
"Have you already written the article?"
"I've got the rough draft ready."
The voice when he told Nishida that was full of confidence, and Nishida was certain that rather than a rough draft, it was likely perfectly written.