kscans

Chapter 72 - Light and Shadow 51 {Combined 60/61} (248, 249-250: Items Sent from Koshiba and Takagaki)

The four looked in the direction he pointed and saw a stone monument on a small hill.

"Ah, you mean the 'Remote Grave Marker'... That is, well, it's a combination of a grave and a memorial for the people who died during the construction of the tunnel you see over there."

Nishida gave a rough explanation to Takagaki after muttering the name that only they understood, but Takagaki immediately questioned him back.

"Remote Grave Marker? Tunnel construction?"

"Yes. It's a tunnel called the Jomon Tunnel..."

Before Nishida could finish, Takagaki cut in excitedly.

"Hey! Is that tunnel over there the Jomon Tunnel!? Hey, hey, you should have told me sooner! I see, I thought the place name sounded familiar, so that's what it was!"

He suddenly raised a voice so loud it echoed through the mountain valley.

"Do you know about the Jomon Tunnel?"

Yoshimura confirmed, to which Takagaki replied,

"Know about it? It's about the tako-beya labor, right? When I heard Ikutahara earlier, I thought I'd heard it somewhere before; it was the Ikutahara of the Jomon Tunnel... I was also stuck on the name Rubeshibe that we passed earlier... To think I'd miss that!"

He felt frustrated for no apparent reason.

"Is it really that famous... even for someone with no connection to Hokkaido to know about it?"

As Nishida marveled, he was lightly shouted at.

"What are you talking about! It was right before I quit being a reporter, I think, when a book about tako-beya labor was published and became quite famous (Author's Note: Koike Yoshitaka's 'Jomon Tunnel: Monument to the Tako Laborers Who Perished in the North'. Incidentally, Mr. Koike was involved in the publication of 'Anne of Green Gables' at Mikasa Shobo as an editor, along with Muraoka Hanako, the model for the protagonist of the morning drama 'Hanako to Anne'). I read it back then too. That's how I learned about the Prisoner Roads as well."

Thinking that things had become troublesome again, the four were further subjected to grumbling complaints.

"I see... I didn't think the scene was near the Jomon Tunnel. Why didn't you tell me properly beforehand?"

"No, there's a lot we have to talk about regarding the investigation, so we omitted the minor details. My apologies," Takeshita apologized immediately, though they truly had no obligation to explain the "surrounding information" as well.

"I didn't say that because I wanted an apology..."

Takagaki looked a bit awkward, perhaps feeling he had gone too far.

"Regarding the accidental death that triggered this, to explain in detail, we believe the ghost stories of the Jomon Tunnel—you'd know them if you read the book—are involved. Around the time the accidental death of the middle-aged man named Yoshimi occurred, ghost stories began to be whispered as truth among the JR drivers passing through here. Looking back, it seems the 'ghost' was actually Kitagawa, who was searching for the body of the university student believed to have been murdered three years ago—the same Kitagawa who collapsed during interrogation in August and caused a problem. And the one who murdered the university student is believed to be Kitagawa's colleague, Shinoda."

"I still don't quite understand, but is it correct to say that such a commotion became the catalyst for the investigation into the series of incidents?"

Following Takeshita's explanation, Takagaki confirmed, and Takeshita gave him a passing grade.

"It can't be helped if it's not perfectly clear. For now, that's more than enough."

However, Takagaki seemed more curious about what Nishida had muttered.

"That's fine, but Nishida-san, you said 'Remote Grave Marker' earlier, right? Is that the official name of that thing?"

"No, that's just something we call it among ourselves... Our boss, Section Chief Sawai, just named it that on his own when we first found that memorial monument during the investigation. It's not a general name or anything. Well, if I think about it, I was actually the first one to use the word 'remote'... It's just something we say for convenience; these guys actually think it sounds a bit too 'grandiose'."

As he said this, Nishida scratched his head. In fact, at the time, Nishida's subordinates felt the expression "remote" was an exaggeration.

"Your boss's naming, huh. Hmm, you guys don't seem to like it much, but 'Remote Grave Marker'... I think it's quite good, don't you?"

Despite Nishida's joking tone, Takagaki seemed to like it unexpectedly.

"Well then, since we're here, would it be alright if I went closer to see it?"

"Go right ahead. We have plenty of time."

Nishida gave permission, and the five of them climbed the gentle slope to approach the grave marker. Even so, Nishida felt the gap in regional perspectives; to someone from Tokyo, the word "remote" seemed to fit perfectly even in these mountains, which were average for rural Hokkaido. Though, since Nishida was the one who used the expression in the first place, he couldn't really complain...

Upon reaching the "grave marker," Takagaki read the stone monument for a while, looked around at the sotoba (T/N: wooden grave tablets) and the surroundings without saying a word, and finally pressed his hands together in silent prayer for a long time. It goes without saying that the four detectives followed suit and offered a silent prayer.

"To be forced into heavy labor in these mountains, summer or winter, and then die... they can't rest in peace. The grave marker looks like it's rotting away too. I suppose it will gradually fade from the memories of us modern people... If I'd known it would be like this, I should have brought some sake to offer..."

"Now that it's come to this, I wish I'd told you properly about the Jomon Tunnel beforehand, Takagaki-san, but I couldn't have predicted this turn of events..."

Nishida made an excuse to Takagaki, who had shared his impressions after finishing his prayer. Of course, even if told to "read" that far ahead, it remained an impossible task.

"It's all the more ironic that only the tunnel remains probably the same as it was back then, and is still 'active' today. Besides, it's the fault of your predecessors for not properly cracking down on tako-beya labor! Taking money, or turning a blind eye for the sake of promoting development... The police have always been too busy maintaining order for the powerful rather than social justice, which is why victims like this are produced!"

He spat out these criticisms and stared at the grave marker again. Regarding that, they felt like strongly retorting since they couldn't stand being blamed for the responsibilities of "predecessors" from decades ago, but the four remained silent, hesitant to start an argument. However, it could not be denied that a part of them that had to admit 'that' still continued today was what made them hesitate to retort.

※※※※※※※

Afterward, they returned to the Kitami Regional HQ. Since the reason Takagaki remained in Kitami was for questioning regarding the weekly magazine article, they conducted a perfunctory interrogation. However, the content discussed was not about that, but rather the final details regarding the collection of "Oshima Kaiji's fingerprints" requested of Takagaki and the "educational background of Kuwano Kinya after elementary school."

Regarding the fingerprints, Takagaki would ask multiple people in a position to get close to him to collect them and send them to the Engaru Station. On the other hand, regarding the educational background, although the region could be narrowed down, Takagaki also had his own work, so it was conveyed that a verbal promise to move seriously after the fingerprints were verified was the extent of what could be promised at present. Then, they reported the completion of the witness questioning to Kurano and the others on that day, and Takagaki was to return to Tokyo the following day.

※※※※※※※

The next day, November 24th, Nishida and Yoshimura were originally supposed to be off-duty for the first time in a while, but they ended up seeing Takagaki off at Memanbetsu Airport along with Takeshita and Kurosu, resulting in a half-day off. Still, it was good just to be able to rest their bodies. However, the mental tension that had been continuing lately was not something that could be removed so easily.

※※※※※※※

On the morning of November 27th, a single large and thick envelope arrived at the Engaru Station Criminal Investigation Division, which was waiting for the fingerprints from Takagaki. It was from the elderly Koshiba, whom Takeshita and Kurosu had questioned in Tokyo. The handwriting was quite elegant, but the problem was the contents.

※※※※※※※

Dear Sirs,

As the end of the year approaches and the temperature drops daily here in Tokyo, I imagine that Engaru, where Mr. Takeshita and Mr. Kurosu work, is likely entering the season of accumulating snow. Now, as it would be a nuisance to take up your precious time with unnecessary writing, I shall get straight to the point.

It is fresh in my memory that when you visited the other day, you requested, despite my rude manner of speaking, that I trace various memories regarding Oshima. At the same time, that request sparked a desire in me to look back once more on the past, considering my remaining years are few.

Thus, a few days after your visit, I immersed myself in the task of looking back on the past, organizing old materials and photos and turning my closet upside down. Then, something I had been keeping for (Tada) Sakura-san before she passed away happened to turn up. In a corner of my memory, I seem to recall her saying, "If Yasuo should ever lose his way in the future, please give this to him without a word." Regarding details, origins, or history, I remember that Sakura-san did not give specific answers even when asked.

However, I also seem to recall her hinting that he had entrusted it to her around the time he was adopted. In any case, it seems to have been a kind of "admonition" for Oshima at the time.

I do not know specifically what you gentlemen are investigating, but should Oshima ever come under your care, showing this to the man himself might lead to some progress. I feel somewhat hesitant to pass this on to others without permission when I think of Sakura-san, but believing that it ultimately aligns with Sakura-san's dying wishes, I have enclosed it herewith for your acceptance.

Sincerely yours,

While using formal greetings like "Dear Sirs" and "Sincerely yours," the occasionally arrogant expressions were very much like Koshiba, Takeshita thought. Inside a plastic bag was a piece of cloth about 20 centimeters square—though it wasn't a perfect square, surrounded by edges that looked as if they had been forcibly torn off... Kurosu, along with the other investigators, stared intently at this reddish-black stained scrap of cloth.

To describe this scrap more accurately, it was probably originally indigo overall, with what were also probably white-stenciled triangle patterns lined up on it. It appeared as though the whole thing had been stained reddish-black.

"What is this? Looking at the edges, it feels more like it was forcibly ripped off rather than cut. This reddish-black stain is blood, isn't it...? The original fabric seems to be dark blue, but it's stained so much it's hard to tell... It looks like a kimono. But the pattern is many small triangles lined up. It seems like a pattern you don't see often for a kimono."

When Kurosu said that, Takeshita replied,

"The reddish-black part is almost certainly a bloodstain, just as you say. Shall we have Forensics check if it's human blood just in case?"

Takeshita said this and headed to Forensics, where he immediately had Senior Staff Matsuzawa spray it with luminol. As expected, it glowed overall in the dark, proving it was blood. Afterward, a human blood test was conducted, and it was confirmed to be human blood.

※※※※※※※

"The contents of Tada Sakura's will and human bloodstains... smells like a crime..."

Ignoring Kurosu, who was with him, Takeshita asked the Forensics Lead, Matsuzawa,

"Is it certain that this cloth is quite old?"

"There's no doubt it's quite old. I think it's on the scale of decades. The statute of limitations has likely passed."

True to a forensics expert, he seemed concerned about the statute of limitations.

"I don't know when this bloodstain was made, but since the original owner Tada Sakura had it before she died, the history of the cloth itself is definitely from before Showa 35 (1960). It clearly doesn't look like it was cut with scissors; does it look like it was ripped off or something?"

"I can't say. However, since thick cloth has ended up like this, there's no doubt that a considerable amount of force was applied."

"A considerable amount of force, huh..."

Takeshita couldn't think of a reason on the spot and tilted his head.

"But 'show it to him when he loses his way' is very intriguing."

Kurosu stared at the scrap of cloth on Matsuzawa's desk with his arms crossed.

Afterward, upon leaving Forensics, they immediately reported to Sawai. They decided to tell Nishida, who was investigating in Kitami, after he returned, and kept it as investigative material just in case.

※※※※※※※

When Nishida and Yoshimura returned from Kitami, Takeshita immediately showed the letter from Koshiba and the scrap of cloth to Nishida, who had finished his report to the Section Chief.

"This is blood, right? Is there a criminal element?"

As expected, he first showed interest in the bloodstains spread across the cloth.

"We don't know about the criminal element, but since it was handed over just before the adoptive mother died, it must be from before then, so either way, it's a case where the statute of limitations has expired. I don't think we need to think about the criminal element itself more than necessary."

To Takeshita's answer, Nishida said,

"When you put it that way, you're right. However, if Koshiba's story is true, it seems to have had a major impact on the life of the man named Oshima Kaiji, so I'm curious as to why it became blood-soaked."

Nishida said this and held the scrap of cloth up to the fluorescent light once. However, the fabric seemed quite thick, and naturally, no light passed through.

"The point about showing it to him when he loses his way is also curious."

Kurosu said as he took the scrap of cloth from Nishida, who had finished his "inspection," and put it back into the plastic bag.

"Maybe something will become clear eventually. Unfortunately, nothing comes to mind at the moment..."

Nishida sat down in his chair and fell into thought along with Tada Sakura's words, with both hands behind his head.

※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※

On November 28th, the first report from Takagaki came to Takeshita's mobile phone. It was the "investigation results" of how the articles in the Tozai came to be and what kind of pressure was applied to the National Police Agency.

"According to information from the reporters currently there, it seems Shiino was indeed involved in those Tozai articles. Based on what I heard the other day, there's no mistake. As for the pressure from the National Police Agency, it's being whispered among the career officials there that Minister of Home Affairs and National Public Safety Commission Chairman Tsuyama gave instructions to Commissioner General Tajima. However, this is top secret, so it's hard to say for sure. Tsuyama himself isn't from the Hakozaki Faction but belongs to the Hosuikai, but his wife is the daughter of MP Osumi of the Hakozaki Faction, so something might have happened through that route. Unfortunately, this is the extent of what I know for now."

"I see... It can't be helped if you can't find out more. The other side wouldn't do things in a way that's easily exposed."

"Sorry. I thought I could go a bit further..."

It was a humble way of speaking for Takagaki. Conversely, it meant he had thought he could get closer to the core and was reasonably confident.

"More importantly, how about the fingerprints? Can you do it?"

"I've already requested those through several routes. I've also confirmed he's right-handed. I think I can send them to you soon."

"Is that so! That's great news. I'm counting on you! Also, regarding Oshima's educational background..."

Immediately after Takeshita started to say that,

"I have to write articles too, so please let me do that only when I'm really free! Sorry, but that's a low priority, right?"

Takagaki cut him off, sounding slightly irritated. Takeshita knew he was relying on Takagaki's goodwill, so he stopped at saying,

"Understood. Continue when you're free."

※※※※※※※

December 2nd. Since the end of November, Engaru had been thinly covered in snow, but on this day, Nishida and Yoshimura were waiting at the Engaru Station, their original post, rather than the Kitami Regional HQ where the investigation headquarters was located. They had already contacted the Kitami headquarters to say they would be late, giving a suitable excuse. This was because objects believed to have multiple fingerprints of Oshima Kaiji were scheduled to arrive at the Engaru Station from Takagaki. They were sent on November 29th and were supposed to arrive on the morning of this day, but the post office delivery person hadn't come yet, and the clock was already nearing 10:00 AM.

Normally, to exclude the fingerprints of unrelated people from those on the evidence, they would have the fingerprints of everyone who might have touched it submitted, but since people other than those cooperating with Takagaki were involved in securing the "items," Takagaki had mentioned during his stay in Kitami that it would be impossible. Indeed, if the same fingerprints as Kuwano Kinya's were on the "items," that would be enough, so even if it took some effort, it wasn't a big problem.

However, Nishida also suspected that Takagaki had effectively refused this, knowing that it was standard procedure for the police to keep fingerprints in a database regardless of whether someone was a person of interest or not. For the police, whether the person is a general good citizen or not, keeping all kinds of fingerprints on file is something they don't want to rule out, as it could potentially lead to a breakthrough in a future investigation.

Of course, as a method of evidence collection, it was quite a gray area, and even if Takagaki had "refused" based on that premise, he couldn't be blamed. At the same time, Takagaki had also said before sending them that he had been careful from the moment he received the "items" until he sent them, wearing plastic gloves so that his own fingerprints wouldn't get on them at all. However, Nishida also knew that if it came down to it, they still had the copies of the contract and the letter that Takagaki had touched during the lecture Nishida and the others gave him in Kitami, so there would be no problem detecting them from those.

Despite being specified for morning delivery, it was nearly noon when a female staff member brought the package from Takagaki, received from the delivery company, to the Criminal Investigation Division. It was a fairly small cardboard box, but Nishida, Sawai, and the other members of the division immediately swarmed it and broke the duct tape seal.

According to the advance notice, three items—a "teacup," a "shikishi" (T/N: square art board), and a "glass"—were supposed to be sent, and indeed those three were inside when opened. He wouldn't tell them the details because the "source" must not be exposed, but they were three pieces of evidence that Nishida and the others could easily guess had been obtained from someone in a position to get close to Oshima, whether they were close to him or directly unrelated.

However, among those three items, the one that could be called unique, or rather, likely to be very important evidence, was the "shikishi." And the story of how Takagaki came to send the shikishi as an "item" was as follows.

The current stablemaster of the "Onoyama Stable" in professional sumo was the former Ozeki "Tourai," but because he was from the town of Bihoro near Kitami and Abashiri, the local influential Member of Parliament, Oshima Kaiji, had become the head of his supporters' association. Afterward, when the retired Tourai took over the elder name "Onoyama" from his master at the time and succeeded the Onoyama Stable, Oshima reigned, in a sense, as the head of the supporters' association for the Onoyama Stable itself.

The shikishi was apparently from a promotion party three years ago for "Namiarashi," a wrestler from the Onoyama Stable who had reached the rank of "Komusubi" and was currently at Maegashira 5. Along with Namiarashi, influential "tanimachi" (T/N: sumo sponsors) like Oshima Kaiji had taken "handprints" for fun, signed them themselves, and distributed them to the attendees of the supporters' association along with Namiarashi's shikishi on the spot.

He had obtained one of those from an acquaintance of Takagaki's in the supporters' association and sent it. The existence of the handprint itself was a product of chance, but for Takagaki, the fact that Oshima was the biggest tanimachi of the Onoyama Stable was already in his head, and it seemed to be "good luck" drawn in by that information. No, since that was the case, it might be rude to Takagaki to dismiss it as simple coincidence.

In any case, since all five fingerprints of the right hand, including the palm print (which includes not just the palm lines but also the fine lines of the palm like fingerprints), could be confirmed to some extent—even if there were blurred or unclear aspects due to it being a handprint—it was undoubtedly a very powerful piece of evidence. And since the blood seal on the contract was stated to be the "right index finger" in the "letter" to Sada Toru's parents, it was a perfect match with the same right hand. If there were no shifts or blurs, it would have been an even more perfect comparison object...

The Engaru Station Forensics Team Leader Yamashita and Senior Staff Matsuzawa had already been called. They carefully took the three pieces of evidence out of the cardboard box, showed them briefly to the detectives, and then carried them to their own workspace. Since it was expected that forensics would take some time, and it was already past noon at this point, Nishida and Yoshimura headed to the Kitami Regional HQ without waiting for the results. The notification of the results should come to their mobile phones. The upper management of the Kitami investigation headquarters was completely unaware of this, but if there was a match, Nishida intended to convey that as a follow-up report. He thought it would be the last chance to tell Criminal Investigation Director Otomo, Section Chief Kurano, and Manager Hiruma that they needed to "prepare for the worst."

※※※※※※※

They arrived at the Kitami Regional HQ before 2:00 PM after having lunch, and the two began helping with the task of checking out yakuza connections. In reality, it was a re-verification of the information Kurano and the others were chasing based on the name "Abe," but according to what Kurano said the other day, they had already finished checking the name Abe among gang members within Hokkaido and had already entered the nationwide check for members of the Aoi-ikka, who were closely related to Oshima. However, because it was a task permitted only to the two who knew of the tape's existence, it was a quite plain and difficult job.

They had already told Kosaka that the evidence would arrive when they were contacted by Takagaki. Perhaps because of that, after Nishida and the others arrived in Kitami and told him "we haven't been able to confirm yet," he seemed to be constantly looking toward Nishida, anxious for news from the Engaru Station. For the usually steady Kosaka, he seemed quite restless, but Nishida was in no position to talk about others; he tended to be distracted and was careful not to overlook anything while checking the list.

It was past 3:00 PM, and while he was drinking coffee in the break room to take a breath with Yoshimura, his phone suddenly rang.

"Ah, it's finally here!"

Yoshimura's eyes widened as he looked at Nishida, but Nishida didn't react to each thing and quickly took his phone out of his pocket to answer.

"It's Sawai. Can you talk now?"

"I happen to be on break, so it's fine! More importantly, did it come out?"

To Nishida, who hurried for the results, unexpected words were conveyed from his boss's mouth.

"Well... listen calmly. To conclude, it didn't match..."

At the unexpected words, Nishida became flustered.

"No, no, wait a minute! Did you check properly? Not much time has passed, maybe there was an oversight?"

"No, they say that's not the case... I'll switch you to Matsuzawa now, so hear the details from him."

Saying that as calmly as possible, the person on the phone switched to Forensics Senior Staff Matsuzawa.

"Team Leader Nishida, this is Matsuzawa..."

At the timing of whether the other person introduced himself or not,

"Hey! You seem to have reached a conclusion quite quickly, but you really checked properly, didn't you?"

Nishida shouted without thinking. However, Matsuzawa didn't mind and replied in a low tone,

"Although we didn't spend that much time, the result is certain..."

"No, that's impossible, right!?"

Nishida repeated words and actions while the blood was still rushed to his head, but Matsuzawa said quietly,

"Unfortunately, Kuwano Kinya's fingerprint from the blood seal was not found on any of the three items. Also, just in case, we checked if there were any priors for the fingerprints on the items, but those were completely clean as well. It has nothing to do with the main point, but just in case."

"Was it just that the right index finger wasn't there?"

"Since fingerprints that almost match the right index finger of the handprint have come out from the other two (pieces of evidence) as well, those matching ones are undoubtedly for the right index finger."

Hearing those words, Nishida became even less able to stay calm and blurted out the forbidden words.

"If you want, I can have Shibata-san at the Kitami Regional HQ re-examine it."

To be honest, Nishida knew this was a statement that quite trampled on Matsuzawa's pride, but his sense of impatience easily overcame that "hesitation."

"I don't mind, but the result should be the same no matter who examines it."

He must have been quite angry inside, but the local colleague said that firmly as if suppressing his emotions. Nishida finally came to think that perhaps the reason he was speaking and acting more calmly than usual, including the statements up to now, was out of consideration for Nishida's state of mind. Matsuzawa must have felt the dejected atmosphere within the Engaru Station Criminal Investigation Division.

"Sorry, I said too much... Anyway, explain the situation in detail. I can't accept this."

Thinking he should apologize, he first made amends and then asked for an explanation.

"There are parts that overlap with what I've already said, but I'll explain. First, we analyzed the fingerprints on the shikishi where all the fingers of the right hand are present, which is by far the most likely to be Oshima's. Since the purpose was a handprint, it's true that there were many blurred parts and many unclear spots. However, it was clear enough that the index finger and thumb are of the tented arch type within the arch patterns, and the others are whorl patterns (Author's Note: Previously, I described fingerprints when detecting and collating Managing Director Kitagawa's fingerprints from Yoshimi's stolen camera, but looking in detail, it seems the arch, whorl, and loop patterns can be quite different for each finger. In any case, the arch pattern seems to be rare among Japanese people). Multiple fingerprints were detected from the teacup and glass as well, and all of them had tented arch type fingerprints. Incidentally, there were no loop patterns in any of them. Furthermore, among the tented arches detected from the teacup and those from the glass, as I said earlier, fingerprints that match almost certainly at this point have been found. We also collated those with the fingerprints on the shikishi, and even allowing for the blurred or unclear parts, they are similar, including the fingerprints of all five fingers on the shikishi. For the fingerprints detected from these three pieces of evidence, especially considering the low proportion of arch patterns, it should be interpreted that the fingerprint of almost certainly the same person's right index finger is included."

"In other words, the fingerprints Takagaki-san sent almost certainly have the fingerprint of the same person on each of them, and assuming the name on the handprint, that would be Oshima's, right?"

"That's right. Regardless of whether we have to believe what the other person says about whose fingerprint it is, I think we can see that they were probably the fingerprints of the same person. And Oshima Kaiji's at that."

"And it's correct that the matching, probably Oshima's right index fingerprint, and the blood seal of Kuwano on the contract were different, right? Since it's normal to see the handprint as Oshima's, unless Takagaki-san is maliciously committing perjury..."

"Yes. It was as you expected, Team Leader."

Because Nishida had regained his composure at this time, he recalled the shape of the fingerprint of the person believed to be Kuwano Kinya that was on the blood seal.

"Was the one on the contract (Kuwano's) a loop pattern? And that didn't come out from any of the items?"

"That's right. It's a type B (left) radial loop that flows to the left. Nothing matching the blood seal has come out at all. As I said, no loop patterns were detected in the first place."

"I see, the shape of the fingerprint is fundamentally different. Is that why the result came out relatively quickly..."

Nishida muttered as if groaning.

"To be honest, that's why the result was known immediately in less than an hour, but considering everyone's disappointment..."

Matsuzawa said that and then said nothing, as if he had lost his words. For about ten seconds, only the sound of the two of them breathing leaked from each other's receivers.

But as if to break the silence, Nishida spoke.

"However, fundamentally, if the 'owner' of the fingerprints attached to the three items sent this time was not Oshima Kaiji in any of them, then the 'line' isn't cut yet, right?"

"Yes. Naturally, that would be the case... However, as I've said many times, there's no doubt that the person whose right index finger matched is certainly involved in the items provided. We know from the fingerprints on the copies of the contract and letters you already had from him that it's not that Takagaki person's. If that's the case, I wonder... Or maybe the fingerprint on the blood seal wasn't Kuwano's in the first place, or it was the left hand..."

Matsuzawa said various things to Nishida. However, if it were the former pattern, it would require the premise of the sender Takagaki's own intent, no, malice, or the malice of another provider. Considering Takagaki's personality, it was honestly hard to think he would perform such a fabrication to protect Oshima. As for the problem of the blood seal itself, that would mean the contents of the letter written by Sada Toru were at least partially wrong, which would collapse the major premise up to now, so they would have to rethink many things.

"Man, I'm really stumped..."

The words Nishida spat out sounded like the forced lines of an actor giving a tedious performance, but conversely, they were filled with that much strong realization.

CHAPTER 73

Yoshimura, who had been watching Nishida's "agonized" expression as he remained silent, seemed to understand the situation.

"Did they really not match?"

He confirmed. When he saw Nishida just make a nodding gesture while still on the phone,

"To come all this way and then that..."

He said that and was at a loss for words. However, since it was no use just standing there dazed,

"Anyway, I understand Matsuzawa's explanation well. Put Section Chief Sawai on..."

Nishida said, squeezing the words out with all his might.

"Nishida, it's unfortunate, but that's how it is this time."

The Section Chief told him as soon as he took the phone from Matsuzawa. He wasn't just telling Nishida; he spoke in a heavy tone as if trying to convince himself as well.

"Is everyone else alright?"

To Nishida, who was concerned about his subordinates, he replied,

"It's as you'd imagine... As expected... yeah."

"But isn't it like this... We don't know yet if the fingerprints Takagaki-san sent are really Oshima Kaiji's."

"That may be so, but we made this request precisely because we trusted him, right? If so, don't you realize yourself that it's a slim hope?"

Nishida, having been hit on the mark by his boss, couldn't think of any more excuses. Certainly, setting aside values, considering Takagaki's personality and beliefs, he was convinced that he could be trusted to some extent regarding this request. That's why this conclusion hurts.

"Anyway, since the result is out, it can't be helped... I'm not in a position to think of anything specific right now... Later, after returning to Engaru... Ah, is the Section Chief about to head home?"

"No, I'll be at the station today until you and the others return, so let's talk then."

"Then let's do that."

When the conversation ended, fatigue hit Nishida all at once. As expected, the shock is great since it's a situation that could collapse the framework they've built up until now.

"What did the Section Chief say?"

"He said we'd talk after returning to Engaru, but what's the point of talking about what to do now? I can't think of anything."

"But it's not necessarily Oshima's that Takagaki-san sent, right? The possibility might be low, though."

"When I said that, the Section Chief shot back, 'Did you ask someone with that level of credibility?' Since I thought he was trustworthy, I couldn't say anything back."

"In the end, it turns out that way, doesn't it... The Section Chief only gave permission, so he might have had the 'I told you so' mindset... But is it possible that the blood seal on the contract wasn't actually Kuwano's in the first place?"

It was a statement from Yoshimura that would flip everything from the roots, which had also come up in the conversation with Matsuzawa earlier.

"Among those blood seals, it's been confirmed that Isaka's and Hojo Masato's, who were supposed to receive a share of the gold dust, match their own. Since there's no share for Men's son, setting that aside, as for Kuwano having someone else's blood seal there, well, I wonder if that's possible... If so, then maybe it was actually the left hand."

As he said this, Nishida was becoming a bit grumpy.

"That's true too."

Yoshimura seemed dejected, but Nishida said,

"On the off-chance that he did properly send Oshima Kaiji's fingerprints, then the story would be truly messed up, and I don't know what to think."

He was at a loss again.

"Exactly... Up until now, Oshima has applied pressure to the investigation starting from Sada Minoru's disappearance. And from Motohashi, the relationship between the Aoi-ikka and the political forces around Oshima emerged, and it became a flow where it seemed Motohashi had received the request to murder Sada Minoru through Oshima, not from Isaka. And there was Kitamura's keepsake tape that would solve the motive, and based on that, we were convinced from the family register that Oshima was Kuwano, and Takeshita and the others did the investigation in Honshu to specifically reinforce that."

To Nishida, who enumerated and stated the flow up to now, Yoshimura responded,

"However, with this collation, the possibility has emerged that Kuwano and Oshima are different people, right?"

"That's the problem. Certainly, the story that the current Oshima Kaiji was heavily involved in the murder of Sada Minoru and was involved in the shooting of Kitamura and Matsushima can exist independently of the fingerprint mismatch, but now the motive that could be clearly explained until now becomes quite invisible. The credibility of Matsushima's testimony tape that Kitamura took will also drop significantly. In that, Isaka clearly stated that Oshima Kaiji was the Kuwano Kinya of the contract. The transitions in the family register also supported that. In Tokyo, the process of Kuwano transforming into Oshima Kaiji was also revealed. However, if that Kuwano Kinya is a different person from Oshima Kaiji, then Isaka's story in the tape becomes a lie, and in the first place, the Kuwano Kinya who became the basis for Oshima Kaiji and the Kuwano Kinya of the contract would end up being different people with the same name. I can't imagine at all how to explain the complex entanglement of two Kuwano Kinyas. If they have the same name, could such a coincidence be possible!? I don't understand. The plot we've drawn well until now has ceased to be a single line."

Nishida was becoming emotional toward Yoshimura in front of him, but Yoshimura didn't seem to mind. He seems more concerned that the situation is rapidly deteriorating.

"About the fingerprints, did Oshima Kaiji have plastic surgery to change them?"

He presented a common question.

"Fingerprints eventually become the same in the process of skin regeneration, so plastic surgery is meaningless as long as he's alive, but if the three fingerprints are recent, there's a slight possibility of such a stopgap measure. But the problem is that handprint. That's from three years ago, right? As long as we assume that, he would need to continuously keep having surgeries to match the changed fingerprints. Common sense says that would be quite tough."

"Then, something like, applying a bit of oil or something to form a shape where fingerprints would attach, and wearing something like a colorless, transparent finger cot?"

"I won't say it's absolutely impossible, but it's hard to think he wears such a thing all the time normally."

Nishida denied every one of Yoshimura's questions.

And before the two of them, who remained standing for a while lost in thought, Kosaka arrived.

"How is it? Did the result come out?"

He asked, but seeing the dejection of the two, he seemed to immediately sense that the desired result didn't come out.

"What, it was no good!? What on earth is going on..."

He didn't hide his disbelief. Nishida explained the situation to Kosaka as far as he knew. Kosaka also made a statement that they didn't know yet if what Takagaki sent was Oshima Kaiji's, but although Kosaka's own level of trust in Takagaki was lower compared to Nishida and the others, he must have known in his heart that it was a quite convenient way of thinking.

"Instead of stopping the investigation due to pressure, we ended up playing a part in dispelling the suspicion of Oshima's involvement ourselves; it's a total irony."

Nishida said this and laughed at himself weakly.

※※※※※※※

After finishing their work in Kitami, Nishida and Yoshimura returned to Engaru in a state of "utter defeat," and they saw their colleagues and subordinates even more drained of strength than themselves.

"Good work."

Sawai, who called out to them, seemed to be the most energetic despite being the oldest. Takeshita was leaning back on the sofa, thinking about something. Since he had been the most vocal in asserting Oshima's central involvement from before, this result must be painful.

"Everyone's beaten down..."

To Nishida, who took his seat while checking the surrounding situation, Sawai reported,

"From Forensics' Yamashita and Matsuzawa, the result of the scrutiny just now is that they are indeed different people. Well, if the type of fingerprint itself is different, there's no way it can be overturned..."

Nishida didn't answer a word to that and asked,

"What shall we do from here on? As a result, we've ended up bringing the curtain down on the investigation ourselves..."

Then he was instructed,

"Why don't you try confirming the fingerprint acquisition process properly once more with that Takagaki person?"

"Now that you mention it, Section Chief, you're right. There's no point in us speculating various things here."

As he said that, he immediately called Takagaki as if to rouse himself. He was worried if the other person would answer since he should have entered his writing activities, but the other person answered immediately.

"It's Nishida."

"Yes, yes, the package arrived, right? So how was it? Did you collate them?"

From Takagaki's tone, he seemed to be asking on the assumption that they had naturally matched.

"No, it's very hard to say... but unfortunately, they didn't match."

After he finished saying that, there were probably a few seconds before Takagaki reacted, and then suddenly,

"What the hell is going on!"

He blurted out words as if picking a fight. Of course, rather than having some complaint against Nishida, he probably had no choice but to say that to the unthinkable, irrational conclusion.

"Takagaki-san, you might feel that way, but we're also wondering what on earth is going on... Just in case, we were able to collect one person's common fingerprint from the three fingerprints you provided, so I think Oshima's fingerprint was probably properly among what you sent, but..."

"I'll say this just in case, but I obtained them from quite reliable people while hiding the purpose. I think the handprint is the easiest to understand, though. If you want, why don't you try a handwriting analysis of the Oshima Kaiji signature on the handprint?"

Takagaki had anticipated and answered the confirmation regarding the "credibility of the provided items" that Nishida was about to say.

"I thought so."

"But it doesn't sit right with me that they didn't match. Your story had enough consistency, and from circumstantial evidence other than fingerprints, I can only think that Kuwano Kinya has become the current Oshima Kaiji, also known as Tadokoro Yasuo..."

"To be honest, our expectations were completely off, and we're at a loss."

Nishida frankly expressed his thoughts.

"Understood. I'll try re-confirming with the providers here too. But man, even though they were obtained through three different routes from different people, if there were matching fingerprints after all, I think it's certain that it's Oshima Kaiji! It might take some time, but I'll contact you again in a few days. Is your personal mobile phone alright?"

"That's fine. Sorry for the trouble."

He decided to accept Takagaki's kindness, but he knew well that it was a slim hope.

※※※※※※※

On the afternoon of Monday, December 4th, Nishida received a report on his mobile phone while at the Kitami investigation headquarters that there were indeed "no problems" from Takagaki.

"So, what's going to happen after this? I'm not involved in the investigation, but it's quite painful, isn't it?"

"Well, yeah."

It was a noncommittal answer, but Takagaki seemed to sense his feelings.

"Well, it can't be helped. The expectations were off. Anyway, call me again if anything happens. If there's anything I can help with... But it's frustrating, isn't it? Even I feel that way just having a hand in it, so I can only imagine how you guys feel."

He said in a volume that was difficult to hear.

"Anyway, thank you for your cooperation this time. Unfortunately, it's tough, this result."

When Nishida said that as if squeezing it out, Takagaki started saying,

"By the way, about the matter Takeshita asked me for, what should I do with that? If it's come to this, isn't it useless to look into it?"

"Ah, the matter of Kuwano's school... Yes, it might be a waste, but it's Takeshita's case, so please confirm with Takeshita."

"I see, understood. I'll ask Takeshita directly. That aside, it's not over yet, right? Don't lose heart and do your best! Definitely get Oshima!"

At the end, he closed with a statement typical of Takagaki, and the conversation ended.

※※※※※※※

When he told Kosaka about Takagaki's story in a small, deserted meeting room, Kosaka began to say something unexpected to Nishida.

"Nishida. Do you know that Oshima Kaiji is coming here this weekend, on Saturday the 9th?"

"No, it's news to me."

"I see... that doesn't really matter, but anyway, he's apparently coming. And it seems he's staying at Onneyu Onsen at night with local supporters from Kitami and Abashiri. I checked, and it seems Isaka Masamitsu's name wasn't on the list, though."

Basically, general Members of Parliament often enter their local constituencies on weekends, but it is said that someone of Oshima Kaiji's class returns only about once a month, and mostly leaves visiting supporters and attending meetings to veteran local secretaries.

"Onneyu Onsen, huh. It's already December, so maybe it's in the sense of a year-end party?"

Nishida couldn't gauge the intent of Kosaka's statement, so he spoke in a way that probed his true meaning little by little.

"It might be something like that. Well, that's not important. So, I got that information from the Security Division of my station (Kitami Station). Apparently, several people will be assigned to Oshima's protection."

"Even at a time of play like that, SPs (T/N: Security Police) are assigned even if he's not the Prime Minister."

To Nishida, it seemed like a "waste of taxes," so he made that statement, but Kosaka continued without minding.

"From our Security Division, it seems it's not so much personal protection like SPs, but just peripheral protection. However, it seems protection personnel of the SP class will be assigned from the Kitami Regional HQ Security Division."

"Is that so."

He still didn't know what Kosaka was thinking.

"The place he's staying is the Hotel Shochikubai, where you and Kitamura went before to ask about the Jomon Tunnel Research Group."

"Ah, Matsushige-san's place. That's an old establishment. I see..."

"Hey, Nishida... Unfortunately, the fingerprints of Kuwano and Oshima Kaiji didn't match the other day... But if the scenario we drew is still correct... The possibilities are either the fingerprints sent were not Oshima Kaiji's in the first place, or the fingerprint on the contract was not Kuwano's in the first place, right?"

"That's true, but you know the possibility is extremely low, don't you, Kosaka-san?"

"Of course."

"Then, shouldn't we just give up on that?"

"Can you be satisfied with that? Every piece of circumstantial evidence suggests that Kuwano and Oshima are the same person. This is at a level no one can deny!"

Even at Kosaka's heated assertion, Nishida still hadn't grasped his true meaning.

"Really, even now, several days later, I'm honestly confused and don't understand at all why it turned out like this."

To Nishida's half-whining, Kosaka began to say something unthinkable.

"If that's the case, then all the more, I'm thinking that Oshima Kaiji's upcoming visit to Kitami is a chance for us to make that clear."

"A chance?"

"Yeah, a chance. We take fingerprints directly from Oshima Kaiji, who is right in front of us, and check if they match Kuwano's. This should make everything clear."

"No, no, wait a minute!"

At this point, he finally read Kosaka's intent, but at that moment, he ended up being told a "ridiculous" plan.

"How on earth are you going to take the fingerprints? We're not the ones doing the protection!"

To his senior detective, Nishida raised his voice, but Kosaka remained perfectly calm while making the bold statement.

"We'll have Kurano-san do something about that."

"No, no, even if you say have him do something..."

Nishida listened as if it were a half-mocking, absurd plan, even if it was the idea of an experienced veteran detective.

"We have to use our heads at times like this! The fact that the fingerprints provided by Takagaki didn't match Kuwano's is actually a convenient fact for the upper management of the investigation headquarters, even if it's something we did on our own, right?"

"Now that you mention it... It becomes a convenient reason to avoid investigating Oshima directly."

"If so, let's report that information to the top now!"

"What? Then it'll be exposed that we were investigating on our own, right?"

Nishida was taken aback by the bold idea.

"It's fine. Since Nishida and the others caught a fact that reduces their own responsibility, they'll surely be happy with the result."

"Aren't you being a bit too optimistic?"

"No, Otomo-san and Kurano-san should be wanting a 'proper' reason to not have to investigate, just as you said. It should be a godsend."

Kosaka was full of confidence.

"Even if that's the case, returning to the story from earlier, how are we going to take Oshima's fingerprints ourselves?"

"Actually, Kitami Regional HQ Security Section Chief Mizushima is coincidentally Kurano-san's former subordinate. And when I was in the Investigation Division 1 at the Asahikawa Regional HQ, my previous post, the Section Chief at that time was in the same class as Section Chief Mizushima. I once drank with Section Chief Mizushima when he was on a business trip to Asahikawa. Since it was a drinking session, he must have become loose-lipped... Apparently, Section Chief Mizushima once made a quite dangerous investigative mistake, but his boss at the time, Kurano-san, managed to cover it up well. If not for that, it would have been at the level of disciplinary action, or at worst, a disciplinary dismissal. Specifically, it was something like losing important investigative evidence... At the time, it could be dismissed as a joke, but in real-time, it seems it was no laughing matter."

"Which means Section Chief Mizushima owes Kurano-san a debt, is that it? But the problem is whether Kurano-san will accept our request in the first place. If he accepts that, I think it's quite possible that Kurano-san will make the request and Section Chief Mizushima will listen... Even though they have the same Section Chief status, the Section 1 Head is in a higher position than the Security Section Chief, so that point should be fine too."

"It's fine. The people at our top want a legitimate 'reason' to pull back from Oshima, not pressure. And we are, in a sense, the vanguard opposing that. If we provide that legitimate reason, we'll end up having a favor to call in from them, in a sense. As compensation for that favor, we'll have one of us participate in the protection and have them collect the fingerprints. That's the plan."

Nishida objected to Kosaka's bold plan.

"Wait a minute! That plan is an undercover investigation because we suspect Oshima, so wouldn't it be an incompatible idea for the upper management?"

"That's where you're naive, Nishida! As you know, while I also don't understand at all what happened to make it like this, realistically, from a third-party perspective, it's also a fact that the possibility of Kuwano's and Oshima's fingerprints matching is quite low. It's completely unknown why the result contradicts other circumstantial evidence, though... If we talk properly, Otomo-san and Kurano-san should be able to understand that, right? They're simply people with good brains... If so, even if they let us investigate, they should also think there's almost no fear of it being overturned, right? And since we're taking them directly, if it's denied, then this time they can completely, so to speak, silence us 'active proponents' of Oshima's involvement. On the other hand, for us, unless we try taking the fingerprints directly from Oshima, we'll be left with some unsettling, fuzzy feeling that prevents us from completely denying the way the scenario we've drawn holds together. There, a compromise for both sides will naturally emerge."

Kosaka's plan was a way to skillfully use the gap between the logic of the police organization and the pursuit of justice. To put it badly, it's truly cunning. However, Nishida was gradually starting to feel that Kosaka's plan was well worth trying.

"To think you'd thought that far, Kosaka-san... It's quite too bold... Honestly, I take my hat off to you."

Nishida was forced to steer toward accepting Kosaka's plan.

"As a practical matter, I think the possibility of Oshima's and Kuwano's fingerprints matching is still low. But you can't give up like this, can you? Then this deal should be worth doing, right?"

"Understood. So, will you be the one to talk, Kosaka-san?"

"Yeah. I, who proposed it, should be the one to speak up. However, if the investigation is actually permitted, I'm sorry, but I think the Engaru Station will have to be the center of the movement."

Feeling awkward, he averted his eyes from Nishida for a moment.

"As I thought, the Kitami Station can't move?"

"It's almost impossible. My Section Chief is basically the type who moves by the logic of the organization. Section Chief Sawai is much more cooperative with the 'radicals' in that regard. I think you, being by his side, know that best. Naturally, it's completely impossible for the Kitami Regional HQ itself to move. Even by process of elimination, only Engaru remains."

I see, Section Chief Sawai does seem a bit unreliable at times, but he had shown a certain level of understanding for Nishida and the others' independent investigation. It was no exaggeration to say it had been six months of investigation relying on that.

"I hadn't thought about that very deeply, but now that you mention it, you're right..."

"Probably, even if they agree to let one of us slip into the protection, they'll want to prepare an 'emergency exit' to avoid final responsibility in case the movement is exposed to Oshima. They'll want to pin the responsibility on the local station for that. The pattern of saying a local station staff member who was added as a supplement did it on their own."

"Hmm... I wonder what Section Chief Sawai will say..."

Nishida considered Sawai's feelings.

"No, it's not just Sawai-san; the management-level members of the Engaru Station could also face responsibility issues to a greater or lesser extent. Of course, you too, Nishida."

Kosaka warned Nishida that it was not someone else's problem.

"Takeshita and I have already made up our minds to some extent when we asked Takagaki-san for help. However, the subordinates... well, I've only talked to Yoshimura and Kurosu, but they were wavering."

"Well, it's no good if only we get excited. Take it back to the Engaru Station once and talk with everyone. If you get approval, then I'll finally bring it up."

A strong will could be felt in every part of Kosaka's words.

※※※※※※※

When he returned to the Engaru Station with Yoshimura after finishing work in Kitami, Sawai was still in the Criminal Investigation Division. To be more accurate, it was because he had already told Sawai while in Kitami, "I have an important matter to discuss, so please don't go home until I return." However, since Sawai basically often waited until his subordinates returned when they were late, he had contacted him just to "be absolutely sure."

"Is the matter about those fingerprints?"

He had already sent Yoshimura home first, and the two had started talking in the break room, but Sawai seemed to already understand what Nishida was going to talk about.

"Yes. I talked with Kosaka-san about that today... and received a proposal."

When Nishida said that much, he took a light, deep breath once.

"It seems Oshima Kaiji will be staying at Onneyu Onsen with local supporters this coming weekend."

"Ho. A local visit, huh... I've heard he's the type who doesn't return much."

As Sawai said this, he lightly raised his face and looked toward the ceiling, though it was unclear what it meant. Nishida waited until Sawai's behavior returned to normal, then said,

"The plan is to have someone from our station participate in the protection at that time and directly collect Oshima's fingerprints."

He spoke it all in one breath. He felt that if he stopped even once, it would become hard to say. Then, he watched Sawai's reaction. However,

"Hmph, I see."

Sawai only said that and didn't show much surprise. Nishida, in an unthinkable situation, didn't know what to do and ended up confirming,

"No, uh... is that all?"

Since he thought there would be some reaction, he was quite let down.

"Because, you. When told there's an important matter and then told Oshima is coming here, I somehow knew you'd want to do something like that... I know Kosaka is in the same position as you and Takeshita."

"What, it was completely exposed..."

Nishida said this and scratched his head with a wry smile. He guessed that looking at the ceiling earlier was an action due to the thought, "So that's how it's going to be." Whether that thought was correct or not, in any case, he had been completely read by his boss.

"But how about the Kitami (Regional HQ) or the HQ? I heard there was direct interference from the (National Police) Agency, right? Will they let you do such a thing?"

"I said that to Kosaka-san too, but Kosaka-san said that if we tell Otomo-san and Kurano-san that the fingerprints we got from Takagaki-san didn't match..."

"Huh? I don't understand the meaning?"

As expected, immediately after hearing it, Sawai did not understand the meaning of Kosaka's statement. It's natural not to be able to grasp its significance if thinking with normal logic. Nishida felt a keen need to explain carefully.

"I think it's a bit hard to understand, but Kosaka-san says that the result we were 'dejected' by is 'ecstasy' or 'good luck' for the top brass."

"Good luck?"

"Yes. No matter what, there shouldn't be a police officer who doesn't feel guilt about stopping an investigation that should be done due to pressure. However, the fingerprint mismatch we did on our own the other day, no matter how much the circumstantial evidence up to then suggested Oshima's involvement in the murder and that he was the same person as Kuwano Kinya, had enough destructive power to sever the 'line' we've built and drawn until now. After all, it's a denial by 'science'. And although we haven't made it public to everyone yet, various suspicious points have also emerged in the credibility of the contents of Kitamura's tape containing Matsushima's testimony. Because Oshima would end up being a different Kuwano Kinya from the Kuwano Kinya of the contract. Isaka Daikichi's story that Matsushima was telling could become a lie. Honestly, I can't think of this as something that can be settled as just having the same name, even now... That aside, if that's the case, it becomes a proper reason to weaken the suspicion against Oshima, doesn't it?"

"Hmm, I suppose it does... Up until the point before the tape came out, the possibility of Oshima's involvement in Sada's murder was already quite high. And after the contents of the tape became clear, especially as a motive for involvement in Sada's murder, it was a development where everything connected if he were the same person as Kuwano Kinya. However, with that mismatch in the collation, the story suddenly stopped connecting. Certainly, the suspicion against Oshima hasn't been extinguished, but from the situation where it was blazing, the fire seems to have weakened considerably."

Sawai also seems to be becoming quite convinced.

"Exactly. If so, Kosaka-san's speculation is that if we tell the investigation leaders (T/N: refers to Otomo and Kurano) about that, they might be happy in one way or another, even if we were investigating on our own without asking for instructions."

Having said this much, Sawai seemed to understand everything.

"As a bargain for that, you'll ask to be allowed to take the fingerprints directly as a last request, huh. From a common-sense reading, they'd see the possibility of them matching as extremely low even if they let you try."

"That's exactly the aim. However, probing directly carries risks. Kosaka-san said that at that time, the Kitami (Regional HQ) would want to be able to say they didn't know."

"I see... In other words, if you create someone to be a sacrificial lamb, Kitami might listen to that request? Is that it?"

Sawai said that much and then distorted his face slightly. He probably predicted what was going to be said next. But Nishida ignored it and said,

"As for that sacrificial lamb, well, of course, Kosaka-san didn't use that kind of expression... but only the Engaru Station is the right fit; that was Kosaka-san's answer. If Kosaka-san participates in the protection, even if it's Kosaka-san's personal action, if something happens, responsibility will reach at least the Criminal Investigation Section Chief, his direct boss at the Kitami Station, so cooperation won't be obtained. In the first place, it's impossible for a Team Leader currently in charge of a case to be involved in another matter."

He conveyed.

"On the other hand, if I approve and we dispatch someone from the Engaru Station for protection, the responsibility for the 'independent' investigation done by that dispatched person will come back to me, is that it?"

"Will it turn out that way..."

Nishida averted his eyes from Sawai, just as Kosaka had done to Nishida when they were in Kitami. Then a strange silence flowed between the two.

"Understood. I don't mind... In this investigation, there have been several times up to now where I've had to make up my mind. However, although I won't actively affirm it, it's honestly troublesome if I'm made out to be the one who gave direct instructions, though it's pathetic to say. Even if I'm resigned to being held responsible for supervisory failure!"

What Sawai was saying was reasonable. Supervisory responsibility and giving instructions to break the investigation policy of a superior organization are completely different levels of responsibility, even if they are both responsibilities. The weight of the punishment is also different. The former is responsibility for the result, but the latter is responsibility for intent.

"That's true too."

"I'm over 50 too, and I can't expect much more in terms of promotion, so early retirement is starting to become one of my options. If that happens, I have a vague idea of returning to my hometown of Memuro (Author's Note: Memuro Town, Tokachi region) and finding a new job through the introduction of a police OB. However, whatever the reason, it has to take the form of 'voluntary retirement' on the surface."

Nishida remembered that Sawai had said several times since Nishida was assigned to Engaru in April, "I'm starting to see the end of my detective career, so I want to retire early and return to my hometown of Memuro to work as an insurance agent for police officers around Obihiro." It's a modest hope, but it was surely not a joke but his true feelings, to make such a statement in a place like this...

"I think Kosaka-san is considering that too."

Nishida also had to say that, considering the Section Chief's position.

"I don't want you to misunderstand, but while it's for my sake, I also have to think about the people in management above me, like the Vice Station Chief and the Station Chief. If you guys do it independently, the responsibility of the Station Chief and others toward me will be, so to speak, 'supervisory responsibility for the supervisor,' but if I ordered it, it would become 'direct supervisory responsibility,' and the degree of trouble I cause them would be different. Either way, it's the same in the sense of being a big trouble..."

When he said that, Sawai even had a certain sense of tragedy about him.

CHAPTER 74

"I think I understand your position well enough."

Nishida kept his eyes downcast. He felt a sense of guilt as if he were saying something he understood lightly.

"No, wait a minute! It's obvious, but if we execute this, you also need to make up your mind, you know? You understand, right?"

Seeing Nishida like that, Sawai seemed to fear that Nishida felt it was "someone else's problem."

"No, I understand! Or rather, I'm prepared to take responsibility as the specific 'person responsible for giving instructions.' Unlike you, Section Chief, I've made my position clear that I'm with Takeshita in trying to bring Oshima in somehow."

"If you've thought that far, then that's impressive! Sorry for saying something rude."

Sawai lightly put his hand on Nishida's shoulder.

"No, since I'm making an impossible request of you, Section Chief, I have no right to..."

At Sawai's apology, Nishida remained hunched over and shook his head in embarrassment.

"Now we both understand each other's determination. However, the problem is who to make the 'perpetrator'..."

"I haven't told the person himself yet, but in the talk with Kosaka-san, we thought it would be Takeshita."

"Even if you're his boss, that's not something you should decide on your own! Based on Takeshita's thoughts up to now, he probably won't refuse, but proceeding on your own without the person's consent is not fair no matter how you look at it!"

For the gentle Sawai, he unusually strengthened his anger.

"It's certainly not a decided matter. Certainly..."

Nishida could only make that excuse, but it was as clear as day that Sawai was entirely in the right. Of course, he didn't intend to decide on his own, but the fact that he could talk about it so calmly meant that, along with Kosaka, he might have been placing too much emphasis on clarifying the facts and losing sight of various things.

"Takeshita would probably volunteer instead... but it's 'voluntary' to the end. Never forget that."

Sawai returned to his normal tone and instructed Nishida.

"I know. If no one wants to do it, I'll do it. Either way, I'll make it so that I'm the one who ordered it, so it's almost the same!"

"If you're that determined, then you're something else! Let's gather everyone first thing tomorrow morning for a meeting. Even though it's the weekend, considering various things, time is short. Also, you contact Takeshita today. He'll probably volunteer anyway, but he should be given a certain amount of time... No, saying this makes me just as guilty as you, Nishida... I'm a failure as a boss."

Sawai said this with a wry smile, lightly tapped Nishida's back two or three times, and left the break room first. Nishida stood there for a while, then as if coming to his senses, he sat down heavily on the hard bench next to the vending machine.

※※※※※※※

Nishida felt that if he waited until he got home to call, it would become harder to bring up, so after finishing a smoke, he called Takeshita on the spot as if pushed by something. When he laid out everything from Kosaka's story to Sawai's story, Takeshita indeed volunteered. However, perhaps because he felt a pang of conscience for the "dirty" thought of using Takeshita's temperament, Nishida frankly expressed his feelings.

"I'm grateful that you volunteered for the role of executor, but to be honest, both Kosaka-san and I had a conviction somewhere that you, being a radical, would volunteer. Earlier, the Section Chief gently warned me that I was 'dirty,' and I think that's true. I didn't want to say it, but if I don't say it honestly, I feel like I won't be able to sleep well..."

"Is that all? That's ridiculous."

Takeshita laughed it off.

"Even if you say that..."

"Because, it's in the form of you giving the instructions, right, Team Leader? Then you'll also end up being made to take some major responsibility if something happens... And it's not decided yet whether it'll become a responsibility issue. If we do it well, it won't be exposed to Oshima's side at all."

Whether it was intentional or natural, he couldn't tell, but Takeshita had a bright voice. If it was natural, he might be happy that an opportunity to "settle things clearly" was about to arrive. Or was it an act out of consideration for Nishida...

"Of course, I don't know what decision the Kitami (Regional HQ) will make. But Kosaka-san seemed confident."

"I really think it's an idea that could work surprisingly well. It's no use being hesitant at this late stage. By the way, please contact Kosaka-san now. The sooner the better, right? I could do it myself, though."

"No, I'll do it. I'll tell him we're all ready."

When he finished saying that, he was starting to strongly realize that he himself was becoming "pumped up."

※※※※※※※

The next day, December 5th, Kosaka and Nishida, who had finished their meeting last night, were negotiating directly with Kurano. He probably hadn't expected in the least that detectives who had conducted an independent investigation without instructions would then thrust further demands at him.

However, Kosaka's reading was spot on. Otomo and Kurano formally blamed them for the independent investigation at first, but they were more pleased with the fingerprint mismatch... No, they had a look of being troubled on the surface, but Nishida and Kosaka saw through it, thinking they definitely weren't feeling that way inside. Even if that was an exaggeration, it could be said that a feeling close to that existed simultaneously with the agony that the investigation would become muddled again.

Oshima's actions up to now in putting pressure on the investigation, the secret relationship with Motohashi, and Matsushima's testimony tape. And the family register history and the testimonies Takeshita and Kurosu had gathered in Iwate and Tokyo that supported those. A mere fingerprint mismatch had greatly disturbed all this circumstantial evidence. While confused by that fact, the plan to take them directly in front of their eyes to put an end to that confusion was adopted quite smoothly, including the means of using Kurano's "repayment of a favor" from the Security Section Chief. Even if he hadn't been specifically told by Kosaka, he probably would have thought of using the favor himself.

At the same time, as expected, neither Otomo nor Kurano had forgotten what to do about responsibility in case something happened. By creating a flow that made the proposing side take responsibility without saying it, they showed they were as clever as expected of an NPA career official like Otomo and a prefectural police elite like Kurano. To put it badly, they were adept at avoiding responsibility, but since they had proceeded on the premise of accepting it, there was no use complaining. Since they needed to negotiate with the protection team, they didn't give a definite promise, but the two must have thought it was almost certainly a go.

And by evening, it was successfully decided to add Takeshita to the protection and guard for Oshima Kaiji's "return" over the weekend. Needless to say, it had no direct relation to the criminal investigation, so it was a decision by the Security Division of the Kitami Regional HQ. Upon receiving that, Nishida immediately contacted Sawai and Takeshita. In Engaru, as planned, the Section Chief had already told all the investigators about last night's talk with Nishida since morning, and the Engaru Station was also moving toward the time to decide the outcome.

※※※※※※※

On Wednesday, December 6th, Nishida, who had been instructed by Otomo and Kurano to make "advance preparations," went to see the owner of the Hotel "Shochikubai," Matsushige, where Oshima's party was scheduled to stay. This was because immediately after taking the fingerprints from Oshima, they would enter the analysis, so it was necessary to have investigators and forensics staff stay at the same hotel secretly, and he needed to get permission in advance for that. It was his first contact with Matsushige since he had called him to ask him to give up on this year's investigation for the Jomon Tunnel Research Group.

"I caused you various troubles back then."

"Since there was an incident like that, it couldn't be helped. But from the time you first came, things have progressed in an unthinkable direction, haven't they? On top of that, for Kitamura-san to even die in the line of duty... I never even imagined it when I first met you. It was truly a pity."

Matsushige must have known from the news, but he offered his condolences for Kitamura, who had fallen to a assassin's bullet. It wasn't a social nicety, but must have been from his heart. And as Matsushige said, at that time, even Nishida... no, which means almost everyone, didn't think it would go as far as the murder of Sada Minoru eight years ago. Matsushige, of course, wouldn't know that the incident at the Kitami Kyoritsu Hospital seemed to be related to that, but for Nishida, he was reflecting on how things had suddenly progressed in an unthinkable direction, including that.

"So, about that. Since MP Oshima is staying, I believe you're supposed to have the protection personnel stay here too, right?"

"Yes, we've already heard from the Kitami Regional HQ, the Kitami Station, and from MP Oshima's side about half a month ago."

"About that, actually, there's some unsettling movement, and we're planning an increase in personnel. The Engaru Station has been asked to help with that..."

"Uh, I haven't heard about that from the Kitami side beforehand..."

The reason Matsushige hadn't heard about the "unsettling movement" was that this operation was something not told to the Security Division at all. The reason Otomo and Kurano allowed Takeshita's participation to the Security Division was that they were using the "convenient excuse" that "there is an excellent officer at the local station who wishes to be assigned to the Security Division, and we want to see his aptitude." Even if it was forced, they hadn't told the true purpose. This was because it would be troublesome if such a thing leaked.

"Actually, it's a completely secret investigation... The Engaru Station is moving because there's a possibility that information is leaking internally, so the request came to our station, which is a complete outsider."

Nishida said that, but if he thought about it well, if they wanted to manage information that much, they shouldn't even tell Matsushige. Furthermore, for Nishida and the others' own plan, it would originally be better not to tell Matsushige. However, since Nishida was also participating in the investigation, he was conscious that it would be complicated and troublesome if he happened to run into Matsushige on the day because they had met before. So, he had made Otomo and Kurano allow the "false advance notice."

Even so, a layperson has no way or mind to poke holes in a "plausible but flawed logic." Matsushige completely accepted Nishida's bluff.

"Understood. How many people will be staying? There's room to spare, so there's no problem with that. I will cooperate."

"That helps. It's impossible to be certain at this point, but it should be within eight people."

In his head, he was thinking of some members of the Criminal Investigation Division, forensics staff, and in some cases, Section 1 Head Kurano or Manager Hiruma from the Kitami Regional HQ, and Forensics Senior Staff Shibata.

"Then shall I reserve about three rooms? They will be Japanese-style rooms."

"Yes, please. The Engaru Station Criminal Investigation Division will handle the payment."

"It seems to be part of the work, but what shall we do about the meals?"

He couldn't answer Matsushige's unexpected question instantly. Certainly, it's not official, but it's work since it's an investigation. However, since they're staying at a hot spring inn, it wouldn't hurt to eat the hotel's food.

"Then, the same as a normal stay."

"Is that so. I've heard the same from the Kitami protection side, so I think that's better. Our hotel is confident in its cuisine, so look forward to it."

Matsushige said this and smiled.

※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※

Ultimately, including Kitami Regional HQ Forensics Senior Staff Shibata, who knew the circumstances, and Manager Hiruma, who would play the role of an overseer, and excluding Takeshita, who would participate in the protection itself, a total of eight people—Section Chief Sawai, Nishida, Yoshimura, Kurosu, Oba, and Engaru Station Forensics Senior Staff Matsuzawa—were to conduct the secret investigation. The reason for including Oba was the somewhat anxious thought that since he hadn't been in and out of Kitami recently, even if he ran into the protection team, he wouldn't be seen as acting suspiciously.

Regarding the fine details, the command was left to Sawai, Takeshita had meetings with the Security Division, and Nishida and Yoshimura were basically engaged in the investigation of the shooting incident until the day of the plan's execution. Also, information was coming in from somewhere that the reason Isaka Masamitsu would not participate in the meeting was that he was apparently going on a business trip to Sapporo on Saturday and Sunday for company business.

The check of yakuza connections by Otomo, Kurano, and Hiruma had extended to gang members and associates nationwide who had the surname "Abe" and a relationship with the Aoi-ikka. However, they hadn't been able to narrow down the applicable person easily. There were several people with the same surname who were possibilities, but all of them had clear alibis for either the day before, the day of, or the day after the crime, and it was judged that the crime was physically and temporally impossible for them. With such a flow, the idea was even born among the top brass that the "Abe" statement was a hoax intended to disrupt the investigation.

However, whether the two perpetrators knew that Kitamura was recording the audio was an unthinkable story even for Nishida. This was because if they had known, he didn't think they would have hinted at the existence of the bug they had planted. In the first place, if they had known, leaving the tape at the scene as it was would be nothing but a "trap" for the police investigation, but such an impression of a master criminal was not seen from the manner of the crime.

And probably, Hamana's suicide suggested the bugging by the bug he was thought to have installed. However, since not all the investigators knew the entire contents of the tape, those deductions could not yet be made public. Whether to disclose everything was not Nishida's exclusive decision.

On the other hand, the approach to the Kyoritsu Hospital shooting murder case from the Sada Minoru murder case had turned into almost two separate investigations after the questioning around Isaka and Matsushima was finished.

First, the cooperation in the investigation of the yakuza check. For those who knew the information about the "Abe surname" like Nishida and Yoshimura, this was a re-check of Otomo and the others' already-checked list; for general investigators who didn't, it was a check centered on general information about Aoi-ikka-affiliated yakuza within the prefecture and nationwide.

Second, considering the range of action of the fugitives, they were checking rental properties for single-person households within a two-kilometer radius of the vacant lot where the stolen car used for the escape was found, based on the idea that there might have been something like a hideout nearby. In fact, the setting up of checkpoints immediately after the incident was quite swift, but the criminals had effectively escaped (it was safe to say).

Since the checkpoints on that day were set up in a way that narrowed from the suburbs toward the city center, it was safe to say that the possibility of them having passed through the checkpoints and gone out of the city by car was low in terms of time. Of course, the possibility of having passed through back roads or forests, or escaping on foot, was not impossible...

If that were the case, there was a possibility that they had performed a "time-lag attack," waiting somewhere until the police movement like checkpoints subsided once, and then executing their escape. In that case, they would be quite likely to be caught at hotels and the like, and in fact, the police side had been checking them, so that point could be ignored. Also, considering the temporal proximity from when Kitamura visited Matsushima's hospital room for questioning until the murder, and the fact that they couldn't have murdered him in conjunction with the timing of handing over the "written statement" unless they had prepared quite far in advance, it also matched the point that they must have been in Kitami for a certain period before the incident occurred.

It could be said to be natural, but about five days after the incident, the investigation headquarters had actually already checked rental properties within a one-kilometer radius of the vacant lot. They were expanding that to two kilometers and re-checking if there were any applicable people at the time.

In the end, they were just busy with cooperation in those two investigations, and the investigation from the Sada Minoru case remained in a state where it could hardly move. The main cause was the lack of evidence directly linking to Oshima Kaiji, and the fact that the outer moat they had been filling in had become strange due to the fingerprint mismatch. It could be said that the future investigation policy depended on the "final battle" at Onneyu Onsen.

※※※※※※※

On the afternoon of Saturday, December 9th, men in plain clothes who did not look like detectives at first glance were waiting in the hotel lounge. Nishida, who had returned from the front desk, arrived there.

"How shall we do the room assignments... Shall we divide them into Hiruma-san, Shibata-san, Matsuzawa, and the others?"

To Nishida's proposal, Sawai confirmed,

"That's fine for the Engaru Criminal Investigation Division, but how about Hiruma-san?"

Actually, just before, they had changed the plan of taking three rooms to two rooms. There was the issue of budget, but it was also because it would be troublesome for the investigators to move one by one if they divided the rooms too much.

"Is it alright not to be half and half? If so, I don't mind."

Hiruma was looking at a newspaper, but he turned his face toward Nishida once, said that, and then faced the paper again.

"Then, let's do that. Let's go to the rooms after taking a breath. Here, Hiruma-san."

Keys were handed to Manager Hiruma and Section Chief Sawai from Nishida. At that time, Hiruma placed the newspaper on the desk while it was spread out, and the page was the article about the sodium leak accident at the fast breeder reactor the previous day, December 8th. Nishida also knew about it from the news the previous night. Having also heard Takagaki's story about the cover-up of the nuclear accident the other day, he had the vague impression that "it really isn't safe, is it?"

※※※※※※※

A fast breeder reactor is a "dream nuclear power plant" that uses MOX fuel (mixed oxide of plutonium and uranium) to obtain more fuel than the energy consumed. However, it is accompanied by great danger, such as having to use "liquid sodium" for cooling. Sodium is highly flammable and shows a rapid reaction even to water, making safety management difficult. It is one of the major reasons countries hesitated to introduce it despite being a "dream nuclear power system" (although there are many other factors, I will omit them). In Japan, the fast breeder reactor "Monju" caused a sodium leak accident on December 8, 1995. At present, the policy is expected to be changed toward decommissioning.

※※※※※※※

After a while, Hiruma finished reading the newspaper, so at a good timing, everyone headed toward the elevator together.

※※※※※※※

Oshima arrived at Memanbetsu on the first flight in the morning, finished visiting supporters in Abashiri from there, had a meeting with supporters in Kitami in the afternoon, and was scheduled to have a social gathering at Onneyu Onsen. Takeshita had already entered Kitami since yesterday and had already started his protection work. It seems information on the overall situation is coming in one by one from Director Otomo through the Security Section Chief. The pretext is to check Takeshita's work performance, though...

The two rooms were naturally next to each other and were Japanese-style, but they were larger and cleaner than expected. The room next door was the same size, but perhaps because of the three large bags for forensics work, it felt a bit narrow. As expected, it was good not to have divided the numbers half and half. With this, a simple investigation headquarters (T/N: chouba) consisting of two rooms within the hotel was completed.

However, now both rooms had a relaxed feeling before a job. In a few hours, things will become busy in various ways. For now, they relaxed and prepared for the advance confirmation meeting two hours later.

After 6:00 PM, Oba, who was waiting in the lobby, contacted Nishida to say that Oshima Kaiji, his local resident secretary Nakagawa, a party of over ten supporters, as well as the Security Divisions of the Kitami Station and Kitami Regional HQ, and Takeshita had finally arrived at the hotel.

Incidentally, Secretary Nakagawa was the head local secretary, called the banto (T/N: manager), who had been in charge of Oshima's base in the Abashiri and Kitami areas since the 80s. Oshima's base was originally Abashiri, his true home, but because the Kitami area was a larger source of votes, he was a secretary who mostly worked at the Kitami office. He is a "yes-man" who listens to anything Oshima Kaiji says, but at the same time, it is said that he is in a position to have quite a lot of influence locally based on that authority.

And while "the party" is staying, the plan is for Takeshita to skillfully seize an opening to obtain an object that Oshima touched and fingerprints are attached to, and provide it to this side at any time.

Takeshita tried to get the teacup Oshima was drinking from while Oshima took a breath and went to the bath, but because the secretary remained waiting in the room, he gave up on the first chance. He made a short phone report to Nishida and the others, seizing an opportunity, saying he "failed."

The next chance is dinner. If he misses this, there probably won't be an opportunity until breakfast the next morning. Nishida spurred him on, and Takeshita got fired up, but considering the opponent and the surrounding situation, he didn't know if it would go that easily. Of course, before that, if there was an opportunity to secure something with fingerprints attached and take it out, he would just execute it without hesitation.

Meanwhile, Nishida and the others were enjoying an early dinner in preparation for the later work. No, they were certainly tasting it, but they weren't in a state of mind to enjoy it from their hearts. Since they had heard the rough "execution plan" from Takeshita, they thought it could be finished before Oshima and the others had dinner, but since they didn't know when Takeshita would secure the fingerprints, they were in a restless state. Even in such a situation, Yoshimura seemed to be smacking his lips with ease; was he a big shot or just thick-skinned...

"Yoshimura, Oba is keeping watch now without eating, so don't have such a carefree face and think a bit about your junior while you eat."

He said that as a light sarcasm, but Yoshimura made a sulky excuse.

"Even if you say that, I'm just in this position because it's bad if I run into those guys since I've been in and out of Kitami lately..."

However, that excuse was not a sophistry but a proper one, so Nishida started to say,

"That's true, but..."

But he was lightly rebuked by the Section Chief.

"Don't argue over trivial things before an important matter! Even the delicious food will taste bad."

※※※※※※※

Around the time Nishida and the others were finishing dinner, Oshima and the others, who had come out of the bath, started dinner in a small banquet hall. Because it was a banquet, the protection just secured the area near the entrance from the outside, but since the fusuma (T/N: sliding doors) were left open, they could check the situation inside at all times. However, since he couldn't enter the room directly, it was impossible to obtain used dishes, beer bottles, or tokkuri (T/N: sake carafes) with his own hands. The nakai (T/N: waitresses) moved busily without even time to be stopped, and there were the eyes of other protection personnel. Takeshita was realized now that it was unexpectedly difficult. If it came to it, he had made up his mind to stop a nakai and take things including those of people other than Oshima, but the chance came from an unexpected place.

"Hot!" "Ah-ah." "I did it." "Are you okay?" "Give me a cloth!"

Multiple voices echoed from the banquet hall. Checking the situation, the chairman of the Shari branch of Oshima Kaiji's supporters' association had gotten drunk and overturned a small pot on his tray. Since he was sitting diagonally opposite Oshima, Takeshita rushed over, thinking a good opportunity had arrived. It was also lucky that Secretary Nakagawa had also gone to the toilet and was not there, and there was only one nakai in the room at that point.

"Are you alright?"

Takeshita said this while taking the cloth from the nakai who had brought it, and instructed,

"Please bring more."

He made her leave the spot. Other nakai would probably come soon anyway, but even if temporarily, he wanted to manage the spot with a small number of people. While wiping the tatami with another protection person, he glanced toward Oshima. As expected of a big-shot politician, Oshima was watching the situation steadily without rushing around, but next to Oshima was the tokkuri he had just finished drinking from. Since he had already confirmed that Oshima had definitely touched it with both hands many times as if holding it, Takeshita, while pretending to clean up various things, took advantage of the confusion and asked Oshima,

"It's dangerous, so may I clear this away?"

This was the first conversation they had directly exchanged.

"Ah, I don't mind."

Perhaps because he had been drinking, he replied in a higher voice than the voice he had heard on TV, no, than the voice in the conversation until they arrived at the hotel. And, just as Takeshita had originally intended, he succeeded in hiding it in a large bag he had set inside his jacket so it wouldn't stand out. Normally, he would hesitate to touch it directly with his hands, but it was clearly unnatural to do protection work while wearing gloves, so it couldn't be helped. Since the fingerprints of the two forensics staff had already been submitted, they should exclude them. And, along with the nakai who had arrived, he finished the cleanup and returned to protection as if nothing had happened.

※※※※※※※

For about 30 minutes after that, Takeshita engaged in the protection of the banquet, but since a rotation for dinner came in, he seized an opening and contacted Nishida. Oba immediately went to pick up the tokkuri and successfully returned to the temporary investigation headquarters (T/N: chouba). Everyone was already waiting in the room on Hiruma's side.

"This is it!"

Even though he had used the elevator, Oba, who was a bit out of breath from the tension, handed the tokkuri in the plastic bag to Shibata, who entered the forensics work along with Matsuzawa.