Chapter 73 - Light and Shadow 52 {Combined 62/63} (251–252, 253–255: Sawai's Decision on Kosaka's Plan)
Yoshimura, watching Nishida maintain a silent expression of "agony," seemed to understand the situation.
"Did they... not match?" he confirmed.
Nishida, still on the phone, simply nodded. Upon seeing this, Yoshimura fell silent after muttering, "After coming all this way, it ends like this..."
However, there was no point in standing there dazed forever. Nishida squeezed out the words to Matsuzawa as best he could.
"Anyway, I understand Matsuzawa's explanation well. Put Section Chief Sawai on..."
"Nishida, it's unfortunate, but that's how it is this time."
The Section Chief spoke as soon as he took the phone from Matsuzawa. His tone was heavy, as if he were trying to convince himself as much as he was telling Nishida.
"Is everyone else alright?"
Nishida asked, concerned for his subordinates.
"It's exactly as you'd imagine... As expected... yeah," he replied.
"But isn't it possible... we still don't know for sure if the fingerprints Takagaki-san sent really belong to Oshima Kaiji?"
"That may be so, but we made this request precisely because we trusted him, right? If that's the case, don't you realize yourself that there's little hope in that?"
Having been hit where it hurt by his superior, Nishida couldn't think of any further excuses. Indeed, putting aside values, considering Takagaki's personality and convictions, he had been certain that he could trust him to a certain extent regarding this request. That was exactly why this conclusion was so painful.
"Anyway, since the results are out, it can't be helped... Right now, I'm not in a state to think of anything concrete... Later, after returning to Engaru... Ah, the Section Chief is probably about to go home..."
"No, I'll be at the station today until you and the others return, so let's talk then."
"Understood, then."
As the conversation ended, a wave of exhaustion hit Nishida. Since this was a situation that could potentially collapse the entire framework they had built up until now, the shock was immense.
"What did the Section Chief say?"
"He said we'll talk after returning to Engaru, but what is there to talk about at this point? I can't think of anything."
"But it's not guaranteed that what Takagaki-san sent was Oshima's, right? Even if the possibility is low."
"When I said that, the Section Chief shot back with, 'Did you ask someone with that little credibility?' Come to think of it, I couldn't say anything back because I asked him precisely because I thought he was trustworthy."
"In the end, it comes down to that... The Section Chief only gave permission, so he might have a 'didn't I tell you so' attitude... But, is it possible that the blood seal on the deed wasn't actually Kuwano's in the first place?"
It was a statement from Yoshimura that, like the one in the conversation with Matsuzawa earlier, threatened to flip everything from its very foundation.
"Among those blood seals, we've confirmed that Isaka's and Hojo Masato's, who were supposed to receive a share of the gold dust, match their own. Mende's son's isn't there, so putting that aside, I wonder if it's possible that Kuwano's was someone else's blood seal... Or maybe it was actually his left hand."
As he spoke, Nishida was becoming slightly irritable.
"That's true too."
Yoshimura seemed dejected, but then he looked lost again.
"If by some chance he really did send Oshima Kaiji's fingerprints, then the story truly becomes a mess. I don't know what to think."
"Exactly... Up until now, Oshima has exerted pressure on the investigation to varying degrees since Sada Minoru's disappearance. And from Motohashi, the relationship between the Aoi-ikka and the political forces around Oshima emerged, leading to the flow that Motohashi received the request to kill Sada Minoru through Oshima, not Isaka. To explain the motive, we have the tape from Kitamura's effects, and based on that, we became certain from the family register that Oshima was Kuwano, and Takeshita and the others did the investigation in Honshu to specifically reinforce that."
As Nishida listed the flow of events so far, Yoshimura responded.
"However, with this comparison, the possibility has emerged that Kuwano and Oshima are different people, right?"
"That's the problem. Certainly, even if the story that the current Oshima Kaiji was heavily involved in Sada Minoru's murder and the shootings of Kitamura and Matsushige could exist independently of the fingerprint mismatch, the motive that we could explain clearly until now becomes quite invisible. The credibility of the testimony tape of Matsushige that Kitamura took would also drop significantly. In that tape, Isaka explicitly stated that Oshima Kaiji was the Kuwano Kinya from the deed. The transitions in the family register also supported that. The process of Kuwano transforming into Oshima Kaiji in Tokyo was also identified. 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 on the deed might be different people with the same name. I can't even imagine how to explain the complex entanglement of two Kuwano Kinyas. If they have the same name, could such a coincidence even exist!? It makes no sense. The scenario we've drawn so far so well no longer forms a single line."
Nishida was becoming emotional toward Yoshimura, but Yoshimura didn't seem to mind. More than that, he seemed concerned that the situation was rapidly deteriorating.
"About the fingerprints, could Oshima Kaiji have changed them through plastic surgery?"
He raised a common question.
"Fingerprints eventually become the same during the skin regeneration process, so as long as you're alive, plastic surgery is pointless. But if the three fingerprints were recent, there's a slight possibility of such a temporary measure. However, the problem is that handprint. That's from three years ago, right? As long as we take that as a premise, he would need to continuously undergo surgery to match the fingerprints he's always changing. Thinking common-sensically, that should be quite difficult."
"Then, what about something like... applying a bit of oil to the shape where the fingerprints adhere, and wearing something like a colorless, transparent finger cot?"
"I won't say it's absolutely impossible, but it's hard to imagine him wearing such a thing all the time in his daily life."
Nishida rejected every one of Yoshimura's doubts.
Then, as the two stood there lost in thought for a while, Kosaka arrived.
"How is it? Did the results come out?"
He asked, but seeing the two's disappointment, he immediately sensed that the desired result had not been achieved.
"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 understood it. Kosaka also mentioned that they didn't know yet if what Takagaki sent was Oshima's, but even if Kosaka's own level of trust in Takagaki was lower compared to Nishida and the others, he must have known deep down that it was a rather convenient way of thinking.
"Instead of the investigation being stopped by pressure, we've ended up playing a part in dispelling the suspicion of Oshima's involvement. What a joke," Nishida said, laughing at himself weakly.
After finishing their work in Kitami and returning to Engaru in a state of near-collapse, Nishida and Yoshimura saw their colleagues and subordinates looking even more drained than themselves.
"Good work," said Sawai, who seemed the most energetic despite being the oldest. Takeshita was leaning back on the sofa, deep in thought. Since he had been the most vocal proponent of Oshima's central involvement from early on, this result must have been painful for him.
"Everyone's taken a hit..."
As Nishida sat at his desk while checking the surrounding situation, Sawai gave a report.
"Yamashita from Forensics and Matsuzawa said that even after a close examination just now, they are indeed different people. Well, if the fingerprint types themselves are different, there's no way to overturn it..."
Nishida didn't answer that with a single word, instead asking, "What should we do from here? In the end, it's turned into a situation where we've brought the curtain down on the investigation ourselves..."
"Why don't you try confirming the process of obtaining the fingerprints with that Takagaki person once more?" he was instructed.
"Now that the Section Chief mentions it, that's true. There's no point in us speculating over here."
As he said that, he immediately called Takagaki to rouse himself. He was worried if the other would answer since he was supposed to be starting his writing activities, but the other party picked up immediately.
"This is Nishida."
"Yes, yes, the package arrived, right? So how was it? Did you compare them?"
From Takagaki's tone, he seemed to be asking on the assumption that they had matched.
"No, this is very hard to say... but unfortunately, they didn't match."
After he finished saying that, there was a few seconds of silence before Takagaki reacted, and then suddenly,
"What the hell is going on!"
He blurted out a line as if picking a fight. Of course, rather than having a grievance with Nishida, he probably had no choice but to say that in the face of such an unthinkable and irrational conclusion.
"You might feel that way, Takagaki-san, but we're also wondering what on earth is happening... Just to be sure, we were able to collect one person's common fingerprints from the three samples you provided, so I think Oshima's fingerprints were probably properly included in what you sent, but..."
"I'll say this much for my part: I obtained them from quite reliable people while hiding the purpose. I think the handprint is especially easy to understand. If you want, why don't you try a handwriting analysis of the signature in Oshima Kaiji's name that was 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 really 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, alias Tadokoro Yasuo..."
"To be honest, our expectations were completely off, and we're at a loss," Nishida confessed his feelings frankly.
"I understand. I'll try reconfirming with the providers on my end too. But man, even though all three were from different acquisition routes, if there were fingerprints that matched after all, I think there's no doubt that's Oshima Kaiji! It might take some time, but I'll contact you again in a few days. Is your personal cell phone okay?"
"That's fine. I appreciate the trouble."
He decided to accept Takagaki's kindness, but he knew full well that it was a slim hope.
On the afternoon of Monday, December 4th, Nishida, who was at the investigation headquarters in Kitami, received a report on his cell phone from Takagaki saying that, as expected, "there were no problems."
"So, what's going to happen after this? I'm not involved in the investigation, but this is quite painful, isn't it?"
"Yeah, well."
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 this way just having a finger in the pie, so I can only imagine how you guys feel," he said in a volume that was difficult to catch.
"Anyway, thank you for your cooperation this time. Unfortunately, it's tough, this result," Nishida said, squeezing the words out.
"By the way, about the matter Takeshita asked me for, what should I do with that? At this rate, isn't it a waste to look into it?" he started to say.
"Ah, the matter of Kuwano's school... Yes, it might be a bit of a waste, but since it's Takeshita's case, please check with him."
"I see, got it. I'll ask Takeshita directly. That aside, it's not over yet, right? Don't lose heart and do your best! Definitely nail Oshima!"
At the end, he closed with a statement typical of Takagaki, and the conversation ended.
When he conveyed Takagaki's story to Kosaka in a deserted small meeting room, Kosaka started saying something unexpected to Nishida.
"Nishida. Do you know that Oshima Kaiji is coming here this weekend, on Saturday the 9th?"
"No, that's news to me."
"I see... well, that doesn't matter, but anyway, he's apparently coming. And it seems he'll be 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."
Generally, common Diet members often enter their local constituencies on weekends, but for someone of Oshima Kaiji's class, they only return about once a month, and mostly leave visiting supporters and attending meetings to veteran local secretaries.
"Onneyu Onsen, huh. Since it's already December, does it also have the meaning of a year-end party?"
Nishida was unable to gauge the intent of Kosaka's statement, so he spoke in a way that probed for his true meaning bit by bit.
"It might be something like that. Well, that's not important. So, I got that information from the Security Division of my precinct (Kitami Station). Apparently, several people will be assigned to Oshima's protection."
"Even at a time of play like that, SPs are assigned even if he's not the Prime Minister, huh."
Since Nishida thought it was a "waste of taxes," he made such a statement, but Kosaka continued without minding.
"From our Security Division, it's not so much personal protection like an SP, but apparently just surrounding security. However, it seems that SP-class response personnel will be assigned from the Security Division of the Kitami Regional HQ."
"Is that so?"
He still didn't know what Kosaka was thinking.
"The place he's staying is Hotel Shochikubai, where you and Kitamura went before to do inquiries about the Jomon Tunnel Research Group."
"Ah, Matsushige-san's place. That's a long-established 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 that the fingerprints sent were not Oshima Kaiji's to begin with, or that the fingerprints on the deed were not Kuwano's to begin with, 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 that no one can deny!"
Even at Kosaka's heated assertion, Nishida still hadn't grasped his true intent.
"Really, even after several days, I'm honestly confused because I can't understand at all why it turned out like this."
In response to Nishida's near-whining, Kosaka started saying something unthinkable.
"In that case, all the more reason I'm thinking that Oshima Kaiji's upcoming entry into 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. 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 an "outrageous" plan.
"How on earth are you going to take the fingerprints? We're not even doing the security!"
In contrast to Nishida, who raised his voice at his senior detective, Kosaka remained perfectly calm in his tone despite making a bold statement.
"We'll have Kurano-san do something about that."
"No, no, even if you say have him do something..."
Nishida was listening half-mockingly, thinking it was an absurd plan even if it was the idea of an experienced veteran detective.
"This is exactly the time when you have to use your head! The fact that the fingerprints provided by Takagaki didn't match Kuwano is actually a convenient fact for the upper management of the investigation headquarters, even if it was something we did on our own, right?"
"Come to think of it... It becomes a convenient reason to avoid investigating Oshima directly."
"If that's the case, let's report that information to the top now!"
"What? Then it'll be found out that we were investigating on our own, right?"
Nishida was taken aback by the bold idea.
"It's fine. Since Nishida and the others have grasped a fact that reduces their own responsibility, they'll surely be happy with the result."
"Aren't you being a bit too optimistic?"
"No, both Otomo-san and Kurano-san should want a 'proper' reason to not have to investigate, just as Nishida said. It should be a godsend for them."
Kosaka was full of confidence.
"Even if that's the case, going back to what we were talking about earlier, how are we going to take Oshima's fingerprints ourselves?"
"Actually, Security Section Chief Mizushima of the Kitami Regional HQ is coincidentally a former subordinate of Kurano-san. And when I was in the Violent Crimes Unit of 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 at a drinking party, he must have become loose-lipped... Apparently, Section Chief Mizushima made a pretty dangerous investigation error before, but Kurano-san, who was his superior at the time, managed to cover it up well. If it weren't for that, it would have been disciplinary action, or at worst, a level of encouraged resignation. Specifically, I think it was something like losing important evidence for an investigation... At the time, it could be laughed off, but it seems it was no laughing matter in real-time."
"Which means Section Chief Mizushima owes a debt to Kurano-san, is that it? The only problem is whether Kurano-san will accept our request first. If he accepts it, I think it's quite possible that Kurano-san will make the request and Section Chief Mizushima will listen to it... Even though they have the same Section Chief treatment, 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 the top of our organization want a legitimate 'reason' to pull back from Oshima, not pressure. And the vanguard opposing that is, in a sense, us. If they are provided with that legitimate reason by us, it means we'll have a favor to call in from them in a sense. As compensation for that favor, we'll have one of us participate in the security and have them take the fingerprints. That's the plan."
Nishida voiced his disagreement with Kosaka's bold plan.
"Wait a minute! That plan is an undercover investigation because we suspect Oshima, so isn't it an idea that the upper management wouldn't accept?"
"That's where you're naive, Nishida! As you also understand, while I and everyone else don't understand at all how it turned out like this, it's also a fact that if you look at it realistically from a third-party perspective, unfortunately, the possibility of Kuwano's and Oshima's fingerprints matching is quite low. Although it's completely unknown why the result contradicts other circumstantial evidence... If we talk properly, both Otomo-san and Kurano-san should be able to understand that, right? They are people with good brains, after all... 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, this time they can completely silence us, the 'pro-active' group for Oshima's involvement, so to speak. On the other hand, for us too, unless we try taking the fingerprints directly from Oshima, we'll be left with some kind of lingering, hazy feeling that we can't completely deny the way the scenario we've drawn fits together. That's where a mutual compromise will naturally be found."
Kosaka's plan was a way of skillfully utilizing the gap between the logic of the police organization and the pursuit of justice. To put it poorly, it was truly cunning. However, Nishida was also starting to feel that Kosaka's plan was well worth a try.
"To think that Kosaka-san had thought that far... 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 indeed low. But you can't give up like this, can you? Then this deal should be worth doing, right?"
"I understand. So, will you be the one to talk, Kosaka-san?"
"Yeah. As the one who proposed it, I should be the one to bring it up. However, if the investigation is actually permitted, I'm sorry, but I think we'll have to move mainly with Engaru Station."
He looked away from Nishida for a moment, looking awkward.
"As I thought, Kitami Station can't move?"
"It's probably impossible. My Section Chief is basically the type who moves by the logic of the organization. Section Chief Sawai is still far more cooperative with the 'radicals' in that regard. I think you, being by his side, understand 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 indeed had some parts that seemed a bit unreliable, but he had shown a certain level of understanding for Nishida and the others' independent investigation. It was no exaggeration to say that it had been an investigation for half a year that had relied on such things.
"I hadn't thought about that very deeply, but now that you mention it, that's true..."
"Probably, even if they agree to let one of us slip into the security, they'll want to prepare an 'emergency exit' to avoid final responsibility in case Oshima finds out about the movement. They'll want to pin the responsibility on the precinct. A pattern where a precinct staff member who happened to be supplemented did it on their own."
"Hmm... I wonder what Section Chief Sawai will say..."
Nishida considered Sawai's state of mind.
"No, it's not just Sawai-san; the management-level members of Engaru Station could also be subject to responsibility issues to a greater or lesser extent. Of course, you too, Nishida."
Kosaka warned Nishida that it was not someone else's problem.
"When I asked for Takagaki-san's cooperation, Takeshita and I had already made up our minds to some extent. However, the subordinates... although I've only talked to Yoshimura and Kurosu, they were wavering."
"Well, it's no good if only we get excited over here. Take it back to Engaru Station once and talk to everyone. If we get approval, I'll finally bring it up."
A strong will could be felt in every word of Kosaka's.
After finishing their work in Kitami and returning to Engaru Station with Yoshimura, Sawai was still in the Violent Crimes Unit. To be precise, it was because Nishida had already told Sawai while they were in Kitami, "I have an important talk, so please don't go home until I return." However, Sawai basically often waited until his subordinates returned when they were late, so he had just contacted him like that "to be perfectly sure."
"Is the talk about that fingerprint matter?"
He had also 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 to Kosaka-san about that today... and I received a proposal."
When Nishida said that much, he took a light deep breath once.
"This coming weekend, Oshima Kaiji will apparently be staying at Onneyu Onsen with local supporters."
"Ho. A local entry, huh... I've heard he's the type who doesn't return very often."
As Sawai said that, he raised his face slightly and looked toward the ceiling, though it was unclear what it meant. Nishida waited until Sawai's movement returned to normal, then said,
"The plan is to have someone from our station participate in the security at that time and directly take Oshima's fingerprints."
He spoke all at once in one breath. This was because he felt it would be hard to say if he stopped even once. Then, he observed Sawai's reaction. However,
"Hmph, I see," Sawai said, showing no great surprise.
Nishida, finding himself in an unexpected situation, didn't know what to do and ended up confirming,
"No, uh... is that all?"
This was because he had been quite let down, as he had thought there would be some kind of reaction.
"Because, you. When I'm told there's an important talk, and then told that Oshima is coming here, I somehow knew that's the kind of thing you'd want to do... I know Kosaka is in the same position as you and Takeshita."
"What, I was completely found out..."
Nishida said that and scratched his head with a wry smile. He guessed that the action of looking at the ceiling earlier was because of the thought, "So that's how it is." Whether that thought was correct or not, in any case, he had been completely read by his superior.
"But, what about Kitami (Regional HQ) or the main office? I heard there was direct interference from the (National Police) Agency, right? Will they let us 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 of that?"
As expected, immediately after hearing it, Sawai did not understand the meaning of Kosaka's statement. If one thought with normal logic, it was natural not to be able to grasp its significance. Nishida felt the need to explain carefully.
"I think it's a bit hard to understand, but according to Kosaka-san, the result we were 'dejected' by is 'ecstasy' or 'good fortune' for the leadership."
"Good fortune?"
"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 until then suggested Oshima's involvement in the murder and that he was the same person as Kuwano Kinya, had the destructive power to sever the 'line' we had built up 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 regarding the credibility of the contents of Kitamura's tape containing Matsushige's testimony. Because Oshima would end up being a different Kuwano Kinya from the Kuwano Kinya on the deed. Isaka Daikichi's story that Matsushige was telling could end up being a lie. Here, honestly, I can only think that it's not something that can be settled by saying they have the same name, even now... That aside, if that happens, it does become a proper reason to weaken the suspicion against Oshima, doesn't it?"
"Hmm, I guess so... Even before the tape came out, the possibility that Oshima was involved in Sada's murder was quite high. And after the contents of the tape became clear, especially as a motive for being involved in Sada's murder, everything was a development that connected if he was the same person as Kuwano Kinya. However, with that mismatch in the comparison, the story suddenly stopped connecting. Certainly, the suspicion against Oshima hasn't been extinguished, but from the situation where it was blazing, the intensity of the fire seems to have weakened considerably."
Sawai also seemed to be able to understand quite well.
"It really is. If that's the case, Kosaka-san's speculation is that if we tell the investigation leadership about that, they'll 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 have understood everything.
"And as a barter for that, we'll ask to be allowed to take the fingerprints directly as a last request, huh. The common-sense reading is that even if they let us do it, the possibility of them matching is extremely low anyway."
"That's exactly the aim. However, searching directly involves risks. Kosaka-san was saying that at that time, Kitami (Regional HQ) would want to pretend they didn't know."
"Aha... In other words, if we create someone to be a sacrificial lamb, Kitami might listen to that request? Is that it?"
When Sawai said that much, his face distorted slightly. He probably predicted what was going to be said next. But Nishida ignored it and said,
"As that sacrificial lamb—no, of course, Kosaka-san didn't put it that way—Engaru Station is the only suitable candidate; that was Kosaka-san's answer. If Kosaka-san were to participate in the security, even if it were Kosaka-san's personal action, if anything happened, responsibility would extend at least to his direct superior at Kitami Station, the Section Chief of the Detective Division, so cooperation wouldn't be obtained. In the first place, it's impossible for the Team Leader currently in charge of the case to be involved in another matter."
He conveyed.
"On the other hand, if I approve and we dispatch someone from Engaru Station for security, the responsibility for the 'unauthorized' investigation of that dispatched person will come back to us, is that it?"
"Is that how it will be..."
Nishida looked away from Sawai, just as Kosaka had done to Nishida when they were in Kitami. Then, a strange silence flowed between the two.
"I understand. Well, I don't mind... In this investigation, there have been several moments where I had to make up my mind until now. However, I won't actively affirm it, so to be honest, it would be a problem if it were made out that I gave direct instructions, even if it's pathetic. Even if I'll resignedly accept being held responsible for supervisory failure as a result!"
What Sawai was saying was reasonable. Supervisory responsibility and breaking the investigation policy of the upper organization by giving instructions are completely different dimensions of responsibility even if they are the same responsibility. The weight of the punishment is also different. The former is responsibility for results, but the latter is responsibility for intent.
"That's true too."
"I'm also over 50, and I probably won't be able to hope for 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 (T/N: Memuro Town, Tokachi region) and finding a new job through the introduction of a police OB. However, whatever the reason, it has to be in the form of a 'voluntary resignation' on the surface."
Nishida remembered Sawai saying several times since he was assigned to Engaru in April, "I can see the end of my detective career coming soon, so I want to retire early, return to my hometown of Memuro, and maybe do insurance sales for police officers around Obihiro." It was a modest hope, but it was surely not a joke but his true feelings, given that he made such a statement even in a place like this...
"I think Kosaka-san is also considering that."
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 Deputy Station Chief and Station Chief above me. As long as Nishida and the others do it independently, the responsibility of the Station Chief and others toward me will be, so to speak, 'supervisory responsibility for the person in charge of management,' but if I ordered it, it would become 'direct supervisory responsibility,' and the degree of trouble I cause would be different. Either way, it's the same if you look at it within the framework of a big trouble, though..."
When he said that, Sawai even had a certain kind of tragic air about him.