Chapter 23: It Is Merely a Matter of Familiarity

"Shinichi, it’s too dangerous! Didn't the police say there was a collapse over there and to stay away?" A girl in a school uniform, her unique hairstyle contrasting with her gentle demeanor, urged the childhood friend beside her.

"Ran, you know how efficient the police are. I learned video analysis techniques in Hawaii, and I’m certain that live stream was real. A heinous murder occurred in Adachi Ward! The building collapse might have been caused by the perpetrator using some kind of weapon, like a time bomb."

Watching Kudo Shinichi’s excitement, Mouri Ran could only press a hand to her forehead. Fortunately, she was already accustomed to his obliviousness and his zeal when faced with a case; the guy was completely lost in the world of detective work.

"Even so, you won't be able to get in. The area has been cordoned off."

"I can ask my old man. He knows people at the Metropolitan Police Department; I'll see if I can get in that way."

The two figures gradually walked away as they talked.

Minazuki Haku looked at the back of the "washing machine"—no, Kudo Shinichi—with a thoughtful expression. Teitan High School was also located in Bunkyo Ward. As the institution attended by the second young lady of the illustrious Suzuki family, and one that had produced famous writers, award-winning actresses, undefeated lawyers, and even politicians, it was naturally no ordinary school. In Bunkyo Ward, it was considered top-tier.

As for Kudo Shinichi, nicknamed "The Washing Machine," perhaps because this was Tokyo—the turf of the Metropolitan Police—he hadn't yet gained the title of "Savior of the Police Force." However, he had already been featured in the newspapers several times, and the media paired him with Hattori Heiji of Kansai as the two great high school detectives. He held quite a reputation among high schoolers. And as everyone knew, boys his age were exactly at the stage where they craved public attention.

"Kudo Shinichi..."

He would be an excellent subject to develop. A detective's curiosity...

Minazuki Haku stood at the traffic light, surrounded by the ceaseless flow of traffic.

***

Metropolitan Police Department.

Aside from the top brass of the department, the Chief Cabinet Secretary, the Ministry of Finance, the Public Safety Commission—all the big shots who could sway the will of the island nation were present. Yet, these powerful figures almost all wore dark expressions as they looked at the uninvited guest: the garrison commander, Lieutenant General Lital.

*Bastards!*

Although everyone had anticipated this scenario in their hearts, when it actually came to pass, they couldn't help but curse inwardly. They couldn't even wait a moment longer before reporting everything to their "daddy" across the ocean.

However, Lital’s expression was equally sour. With a stern face, he looked at the Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan and rebuked him: "When America learned that Japan was under attack by monsters, we immediately dispatched our most elite squad to help. Yet, you blocked our rescue efforts! This is shameful behavior!"

"According to the Security Treaty, we have a responsibility to assist you when the lives of Japanese citizens are threatened. We have sacrificed so much, and this is how you treat your American friends who came to help?!"

Superintendent Hakuba scoffed internally. Who among those present didn't know that after Master Jirokichi returned to Senso-ji Temple, the American soldiers tried to force their way in, only to be blocked by a flash of Buddhist light? No matter how much they shouted or charged, it was futile; they were simply repelled. The gates of Senso-ji did not open for them.

"Our side does not believe the situation has reached such a critical juncture," the Chief Cabinet Secretary stated.

"Is it the 'earthquake' that killed over a thousand people, or the 'gas explosion' that leveled half a city block?" Lieutenant General Lital tilted his head slightly, his tone flat.

Naturally, there were casualties in Adachi Ward, but compared to the thousand-plus from before, that portion was negligible. Regarding such tragic losses in peacetime, Lital was extremely indifferent; he even wanted a glass of whiskey. Mere islanders were not worth half as much as his soldiers. His only regret was that the deaths of these Japanese people hadn't managed to make the supernatural entities stay.

"Japan needs America's help."

"Japan can handle it..."

...

After long negotiations, a decision was reached. "Then it is decided: all materials obtained regarding the supernatural will first be sent to America’s top-tier laboratory in Japan, and the resulting findings will be split thirty-seventy."

Why seventy percent? Because seventy percent belonged to them.

After much back-and-forth, the Japanese side ultimately couldn't withstand America’s hardline stance and agreed to the conditions with an expression of constipation. Seeing the ugly expressions of the Japanese elite, Lital’s dissatisfaction over being snubbed at Senso-ji faded.

*It’s a pity that Japan gets thirty percent of the results,* Lital still felt unsatisfied. In his view, treasures involving the supernatural and beyond human comprehension should not be shared with the lowly islanders. However, this was, after all, Japanese territory. American missiles could make Japan fear them on the surface, but they couldn't make their hearts truly submit. America was indeed powerful, but not invincible on this planet. If they didn't give Japan any benefits, they would only force them to turn to other great powers, and letting those others join would only muddy the waters.

They needed to be like they were during the war: make a fortune in silence and develop rapidly while no one was looking. Back then, they sold arms while operating from the shadows and taking in scientists from all over the world. Now, they were simply swapping scientists for supernatural power; the essence was the same.

It was just a pity about that bald guy. Lital felt a pang of regret. The value of a supernatural being capable of manifesting such massive energy was immense. Unfortunately, the Japanese authorities were adamant, and without resorting to weapons of mass destruction, he couldn't guarantee he could take down that monster capable of blocking bullets.

Again, the same principle: develop quietly, and do not alarm other nations.

Superintendent Hakuba sighed in his heart. Fortunately, he had long prepared for America’s forceful intervention. Now, he only hoped the local supernatural forces could remain hidden and not be discovered by these mountain bandits.

***

Meanwhile, in Osaka.

In a standard Japanese-style garden, Hattori Heiji lay on the tatami in a state of defeat, listless.

"That squinty-eyed old man, warning me not to talk nonsense is one thing, but to forbid me from leaving the house? What kind of father does that?"

Recalling the shocking scene he had witnessed with his own eyes that day, Hattori’s heart skipped a beat, and he sprang to his feet.

"No, I have to go through the files. Maybe those unsolved cases from the past were the work of spirits!"

Dressing quickly, Hattori Heiji bolted out the door. The ban? It didn't count if he didn't get caught. If he could find clues in those cold cases, he would definitely be able to beat Kudo!

***

The next morning.

Minazuki Haku, in high spirits, stepped into Sobu High School and gave a high-five to Shizuka Hiratsuka, who had been waiting at the entrance for quite some time.

With an unlit lady’s cigarette dangling from her mouth, Shizuka Hiratsuka stood there, blinking, and didn't react until Minazuki Haku was several meters away.

"You brat... wait for me."

"Don't even mention participating in activities, don't mention joining clubs, and joining the student council is out of the question."

Minazuki skillfully blocked every one of Shizuka Hiratsuka’s approaches. There was no other reason; he was just used to her.