Tokyo: From Lawless Madpolice to Minister

"Thump, thump, thump!"

Standing in front of the office of the station chief, Xiu Xin Aoyama looked up at the sign marked "Senior Police Director" and knocked on the door, "Chief, pardon the interruption. I am Aoyama Xiu Xin. May I come in now?"

"Come in."

Aoyama Xiu Xin pushed open the door, closed it behind him, and quickly stepped forward to bow deeply: "I heard you were looking for me, Aoyama has arrived late; I truly apologize for the discourtesy."

"Aoyama, there's no need for so much formality." Sitting behind the office desk, Asai Ayumi put down the documents in his hand before speaking with a pleasant expression: "If I remember correctly, Sato Police Chief from the Police Headquarters' Criminal Department was your former superior, wasn't he? Do you have any grudges with him?"

A slight furrow appeared on Aoyama Xiu Xin's brow. Sato Police Chief—fully named Sato Rich, the chief of division one of the investigative department at the Police Headquarters.

He was exactly the person who, four months ago, had shifted his own blame onto the original protagonist and spearheaded the protagonist's demotion and transfer.

"You see, I've already prepared to submit a report on your achievements in the raid against Sakura Formation's salt-making hideout, but Sato Police Chief approaches me and, heh, wants me to remove your name from it," said Asai Youki, revealing the reason for summoning him after noticing Aoyama's silence.

Aoyama Xiu Xin hadn't expected Sato to still be suppressing him. It seemed that the reason he hadn't been transferred out of Tokyo was so Sato could keep him within close watch.

"I'm very sorry, the mistake is all mine for causing you such trouble," Aoyama Xiu Xin bowed again deeply.

"Trouble?" Asai Youki laughed, leaning back in his chair before replying, "What trouble do I have?"

Aoyama Xiu Xin slowly raised his head to look at him.

Maintaining eye contact, Asai Youki spoke lightly: "Whatever grudges Sato has against you, that's his problem. You're my man now, and as the chief officer of Shinjuku Police Station, it is my responsibility and duty to ensure that the accolades you earned are duly rewarded. That arrogant man has no influence over my decisions."

Good deeds should not go unnoticed, and he intended to let Aoyama Xiu Xin know that he had snubbed a police chief for him. He wanted Aoyama to remember this favor.

Aoyama Xiu Xin was exceptionally capable and also very perceptive and sensible. If he could be completely won over to his side, it would benefit both him and his daughter.

Most importantly, he had a critical task that needed someone's help, and he had been searching for a suitable candidate. Through this incident, he suddenly realized that Aoyama Xiu Xin was an excellent choice.

"Thank you, Police Chief Asai!" Aoyama immediately showed an excited expression and bowed deeply at a ninety-degree angle to express his gratitude loudly.

Asai Youki smiled slightly, "Now, can you tell me about the grudges between you two? I'm quite curious why a senior police director would target you."

In fact, he already knew the reason and was asking knowingly, setting the stage for the following conversations.

"Yes, sir!" Aoyama Xiu Xin acknowledged before lifting his head to say: "I think, Senior Police Director, you should also be aware of the reason behind my demotion."

"Mhm," Asai Youki nodded, playing along supportively: "I heard that you discovered the robbers from the Changxin Bank heist and in your eagerness to achieve a merit, you attempted to apprehend them before backup arrived, leading to four of your subordinates getting injured—one fatally—and two robbers killed, with the prime suspect Takeda Ichiro escaping. To this day, he remains at large, and the stolen 70 million yen has yet to be recovered."

Four months prior, Changxin Bank's Osaka branch had been hit by three armed robbers who took 70 million yen and killed two bank employees. The incident had shocked the nation.

After investigation, the police had identified the repeat offender Takeda Ichiro as the suspect and issued a warrant for his arrest.

"But the truth is not what it seems," Aoyama Xiu Xin said tersely, his face grim and his tone low: "On the night of the incident, I was leading my subordinates in investigating a burglary when we accidentally stumbled upon Takeda Ichiro's hideout. After reporting to the chief immediately, I was ordered to remain on site for surveillance."

"But before the backup arrived, I noticed that the thieves were about to move, and after reporting this, Sato Police Chief personally ordered me to make the raid and keep them at the hideout until support could arrive."

After receiving the orders, I led four subordinates to launch the arrest. It should have caught the criminals by surprise, but unexpectedly, they seemed to be prepared and caught us off guard instead,"

"Later, Police Chief Sato refused to acknowledge that he had given the orders for the arrest and pinned all the blame on me. He accused me of being reckless and craving glory. Under his pressure, the three surviving subordinates of mine also identified me as acting on my own initiative. I had no defense against their accusations and was thus demoted and sidelined,"

After finishing, Aoyama Xiu Xin maintained a bowed position, quietly awaiting further instructions.

"So that's what happened," Asai Youki said with a look of sudden realization, shaking his head, "I wondered when Sato became so petty, to go after a mere Patrol Captain. Turns out there was more to the story, heh, it's just the kind of thing he would do."

"However...," he paused, interlacing his fingers on the table in the manner of an elder giving advice, "whether you feel aggrieved or defiant, you'd better not talk about this matter outside. It would bring you nothing but harm and not the slightest bit of good."

"Yes! Thank you for the guidance, Station Chief. I will definitely take it to heart," Aoyama Xiu Xin sincerely expressed.

"That's all I can do for you," Asai Youki said dismissively, waving his hand, then sighed again, "I was able to help you this time, but seeing Sato's stance, it's clear he won't let this go. He'll never tolerate you getting promoted and having the chance for revenge. Next time, or the time after, I'm afraid I won't be able to help."

Could he help Aoyama Xiu Xin resolve this situation?

Of course, he could!

But not now.

Asai Youki intended to use this opportunity of Aoyama Xiu Xin getting promoted for his merits to provoke Sato into a more ferocious crackdown, to push Aoyama into despair with no way out and no options left.

When the time came for him to step in and help, he would become Aoyama Xiu Xin's last lifeline, securing his unreserved and ultimate loyalty.

In the process of human evolution, some learned how to shepherd sheep and horses, while others learned how to dominate their own kind, and thus they became the elite among men.

"Station Chief, your assistance has already filled Aoyama with profound gratitude, a sentiment I can never forget. I dare not ask for more," Aoyama Xiu Xin truly felt the other party had been generous enough, speaking with emphasis.

"Sigh," Asai Youki shook his head with a sigh, seeming to bemoan his lack of power or perhaps Aoyama Xiu Xin's uncertain future, holding back his words. Finally, he waved his hand, "Get back to work. The credit for eradicating the Sakura Formation's stronghold is significant, and you were also a highly educated talent who joined the Police Headquarters through exams, enough for a promotion. Your new appointment will arrive soon."

Although Aoyama Xiu Xin had been demoted, he originated from the professional group. As long as he made merits and no one interfered, his promotion would also be quick.

"Yes! Aoyama takes his leave!" Aoyama Xiu Xin bowed deeply and then turned to leave, closing the door behind him. As soon as the door shut, his expression immediately turned dark and gloomy.

Sato Rich!

It seems unless this obstacle is removed, any hope of achieving something in the Police Headquarters is mere wishful thinking.

If that's the case, then when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Follow the esteemed Japanese tradition of toppling those above."

......…

When Aoyama Xiu Xin returned to the Firearms and Drugs Department office, Asai Ling was holding a meeting. Seeing him come in, she said, "Just in time, listen in."

"Yes," Aoyama Xiu Xin approached.

Asai Ling was holding a document, and as her gaze swept over everyone, she said, "This is information just sent by the Criminal Department. Three days ago, a police officer named Yamamoto Hiroshi lost his service pistol. He has just been suspended, and the problem now is that yesterday, near West Hushan Middle School, a man was found shot to death. Forensic tests confirmed the bullet in his body came from the lost police gun. Our task is to recover the firearm and catch the murderer. Any other questions?"

The Firearms and Drugs Department's responsibility is to investigate all cases involving weapons and illegal substances in their jurisdiction.

"Inspector, I have a question," While others were discussing in low voices, Aoyama Xiu Xin raised his hand.