Chapter 13 : Within the Ministry of Defense part 1

“We’ve finally arrived at the Ministry of Defense!”

At the front gate of the Ministry of Defense in Ichigaya, Nakamura took a selfie with her smartphone in hand. The security guard is giving us strange looks.

Kobayashi hurriedly stopped Nakamura’s selfie with Akechi and together, the three of them headed towards the main gate to complete the entry procedures.

With the entrance pass strapped around their necks, they held it up to the security gate and entered through the main gate. Kobayashi took the escalator on the left, while Nakamura, accompanied by Akechi, sprinted up the central staircase. They were full of energy.

After Kobayashi ascended the escalator, they encountered the ceremonial guards practicing in the central plaza. They were then guided by Akechi and the waiting group towards Building D on the right side of the front.

Upon entering Building D, security personnel in the lobby were meticulously verifying each person’s identification. As expected from the Ministry of Defense, security was tight. They took the elevator in the lobby and arrived at the designated conference room as instructed.

†　†　†

As they glanced into the conference room, they noticed that Senior Officer Takayanagi and Chief Kadono were already present. Both had their ID badges hanging from neck straps.

Takayanagi, in his late 40s, has a slightly plump figure with wavy hair and a well-defined face. Kadono, in his late 20s, is slender with slightly longer straight hair and a somewhat oblong face featuring distinctive features.

Once they had exchanged business cards, Kobayashi and the trio, including Takayanagi and Kadono, took their seats, facing each other at a rectangular table. Kobayashi, occupying the center seat, started the conversation.

“Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule today. Regarding Mr. Yoshida’s hit-and-run incident, it has been six months since the incident occurred, and we have not yet made any arrests. We are re-examining the evidence from scratch, and as part of that process, today we would like to inquire about Mr. Yoshida’s activities on the day of the incident and his situation at his workplace.”

With a smile on his face, Takayanagi replied.

“I’m the one who should be grateful for your visit all the way to Ichigaya. We’ve been concerned about Mr. Yoshida’s situation as well. Mr. Yoshida has been a great help to us. Please feel free to ask anything! Right, Mr. Kadono?”

“ye, yes….”

Takayanagi lowered his head and then glanced to the side, where Kanno hastily nodded in agreement. Kobayashi went on.

“Thank you very much.  By the way, I’ve heard that Mr. Yoshida works in the Facilities Technology Division, just like Mr. Takayanagi and Mr. Kadono, specifically in the Equipment Protection Department. Could you provide some details about this job?”,

Takayanagi responded with a friendly tone of voice.

“The Equipment Protection Department is primarily responsible for establishing design standards for defense facilities within the Self-Defense Forces. We provide guidance and advice on design and construction. For instance, we formulate criteria for what protective measures should be implemented to ensure that the facilities can continue to function even if they come under attack. We also handle inquiries from regional offices regarding the design and construction of protective measures.”

“It seems like a difficult job. Did Mr. Yoshida also work in the same position?”

“Indeed. Mr. Yoshida held responsibilities in both the Equipment Protection Department and another department, but his main focus was on the tasks within the Equipment Protection Department. For the other department, he primarily collaborated with the section head and planning officer.”

“I see. Was he really busy with his responsibilities?”

“Well, yes, that’s true. But I suppose it’s like that everywhere within the ministry.”

Takayanagi responded with a wry smile, and Kobayashi continued with the questions.

“I heard that Mr. Yoshida was scheduled for a transfer in April. Did that add to his workload and make things even busier for him?”

“Yes, that’s correct. He was scheduled for a transfer to the Kinki-Chubu Defense Bureau. Before a transfer, there’s always a busy period with tasks like handing over responsibilities. Moreover, that transfer happened quite suddenly.”

“Was it a sudden transfer?”

Without delay, Kobayashi asked, and Takayanagi responded nonchalantly.

“Yes, that’s right. We were surprised because there was a sudden additional transfer notice. It happened right after Mr. Yoshida had a fight with Haruki Sakaki, a dedicated member of the Facility Planning Section, so we were wondering how to handle the situation.”

“Takayanagi-san, we’ve gone off-topic in our discussion.”

Kadono pointed out with an annoyed expression.　

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Translated by : Cutae30