The First Investigation of Rookie Career Police Officer Akechi - Chapter 1

Chapter 1 : Akechi and Kobayashi

Kobayashi Hideo, the Assistant Inspector of the Criminal Affairs Division of the Akabane Minami Police Station under the Metropolitan Police Department, was called by the head of the Criminal Affairs Division over the intercom system located behind his desk.

In the reception area, the stern Criminal Affairs Division chief and the imposing Traffic Division chief sat facing each other, while a petite young man in a black suit occupied a seat beside the Traffic Division chief.

He seems to be in his early twenties. With a clean and naturally styled haircut and a well-proportioned face that leaned towards a more neutral appearance, make him look more of a pretty boy than a young man. Could this be the reason why female employees were giggling and chatting in the hallway during lunch break?

“Assistant manager Kobayashi, come on, sit over here quickly.”

Kobayashi held back the urge to refuse and say, “No, I’m fine,” to the welcoming gesture from the Criminal Affairs Division chief. Instead, he sat down beside the chief, across from the young man in the reception area. The overly soft sofa quickly caused discomfort in his lower back.

Kobayashi knew why the Criminal Affairs Division chief had called for him. He could hear the conversation in the reception area quite clearly. He had been pretending not to hear because he found it bothersome.

“You might have caught some of it, but it’s Assistant Inspector Akechi from the National Police Agency, who was assigned here today.”

“It’s Akechi Keiichirou !”

After the introduction by the head of the Criminal Affairs Division, the young man across from him greeted energetically. His smile was radiant.

Being an Assistant Inspector from the National Police Agency at such a young age, I assume he is a recent university graduate starting his career. That’s how his  name has piqued my interest.

The conversation was continued by the head of the Criminal Affairs Division.

“Assistant Inspector Akachi, first things first, you’ll be undergoing training with the Traffic Division. I’m sure you’ve heard about the recent spate of major traffic accidents, right? It appears that the Traffic Division is short-handed, and that’s why they’ve asked for our division’s support to have you as a mentor. I contemplated resisting this, but given our debt to them from the last investigation, I’ve accepted.”

The Traffic Division chief gave an exaggerated nod, and the Criminal Affairs Division chief patted Kobayashi’s shoulder.

“Therefore, Kobayashi-san, we’d like to entrust you with the mentoring role. You do have experience with the Traffic Division. I also discussed it with the precinct chief, and he’s of the opinion that Kobayashi-san is the best choice for supporting Detective Akachi. Well, perhaps not so youthful anymore, but let’s put jokes aside for now. We’re relying on you!”

“I look forward to working with you !”

Kobayashi could only manage a wry smile as the Criminal Affairs Division chief tightened his grip on Kobayashi’s hand, and Detective Akachi stood up energetically, offering a bow.

†?†?†

Kobayashi led Akachi out into the hallway, heading towards the Traffic Division.

“Geez, what’s this about ‘Kobayashi middle-aged’? I’m not that bored, you know.”

“I apologize for any inconvenience…”

“Oh, sorry, don’t worry about it. Let’s get along, okay? So, Akachi-kun, you’re from Tokyo University, right? Where’s your hometown?”

“I did attend the University of Tokyo, but my hometown is Kyoto, near the Ginkaku-ji Temple.”

“Ginkaku-ji Temple, huh? I visited there on a school trip a long time ago. It’s a nice place, isn’t it? By the way, even though you’re from Kyoto, you don’t have a Kansai dialect, huh?”

“Perhaps it’s because I spent my four years of college here. When I talk to my family and friends from back home, it’s a different story.”

As they continued chatting about trivial matters while walking down the hallway, they could feel the glances of passing staff members, especially female ones. Of course, these gazes were directed at Akachi, but he seemed completely oblivious to them. In fact, it appeared as though he hadn’t even noticed. Could it be that female attention was so commonplace for him that he didn’t register it at all? Well, it was a bit frustrating.

“All right, here’s the Traffic Division… Wait, did Akachi stop by before coming to the Criminal Affairs Division? Anyway, let’s head to the document storage room at the back for now.”

Kobayashi opened the door to the document storage room and flicked on the lights

The windowless room had a dusty atmosphere, with lockers mounted on the walls and thick files crammed into them. In the available spaces, whiteboards and old documents were haphazardly placed, while a rickety desk and metal chairs were positioned in the center of the room. 

“It’s still as messy as ever.”

As Kobayashi said this, he took a seat in one of the metal chairs and gestured for Akachi, who was standing somewhat hesitantly, to sit as well.

“Now then, let’s start by studying some of the Traffic Division’s investigation materials today. What kind of documents would you like to read? You don’t need to hold back; I’ve already obtained permission.”

“Thank you so much ! Well then, let’s start by reviewing standard traffic investigation reports and, let’s say, records of investigations that presented challenges or weren’t successful. We’ll read and compare them.”

“As expected, the perspective of a University of Tokyo graduate career officer is quite different, isn’t it?”

As Kobayashi teased, Akachi’s cheeks reddened, and he lowered his head shyly.

“I was kidding, don’t make that face. But honestly, it’s a smart decision.”

“Thank you so much !”

Akachi’s face brightened up. His natural smile was so infectious that it made Kobayashi feel happy too… Wait, this wouldn’t do for mentoring. It seemed like things were getting a bit off track.

“Well then, shall we take a look at a hit-and-run case? Although the recent arrest rate is close to 100%, there might not be any apparent failures.”

“We do have some~” Suddenly, a young woman’s voice came from the direction of the door.

Translated by : Cutae30