The First Investigation of Rookie Career Police Officer Akechi - Chapter 18
Chapter 18 : A step closer to the truth.
“Big sis ! I told you to dress normally!”
“Oh, isn’t this perfectly ‘normal’? Nice to meet you all. I’m Mayumi, Keiichiro’s Older sister. I work as an auditor in the 6th division of the 2nd bureau of the Board of Audit. Keiichiro has always been a great help to me, so I’m truly grateful.”
Dressed in her stunning kimono, Mayumi casually dismissed Akechi’s anger and gave an elegant bow to Kobayashi and Nakamura, taking her place on the sofa to their right.
Her remarkably gender-neutral facial features could make people think she was Akechi’s twin. Combined with the garden view seen through the window behind her, it created an almost magical atmosphere.
After offering everyone the tea placed on the coffee table and taking a sip herself, Mayumi began speaking to Kobayashi and the others.
“I heard the story from Keiichiro. It’s about the meeting in Akabane, right? I apologize for any inconvenience.”
Kobayashi responded. “No, no, we’re the ones who should apologize for any inconvenience. On the night of March 23rd, Mr. Yoshida from the Ministry of Defense, who was with you in Akabane, was a victim of a hit-and-run accident. As part of the investigation into that incident, we were hoping to ask about the situation on that day.”
“I understand. By the way, did anyone from the Ministry of Defense mention anything about that gathering?”
“No, for some reason they’re hiding the fact that Mayumi-san and the others were participating. That’s also what I’m curious about.”
Mayumi gave a wry smile when she heard that.
“I see… Actually, it’s strictly forbidden for Audit Office staff to dine with the inspected agencies, in this case, the Ministry of Defense. That’s why the Ministry of Defense might have been considerate towards us.”
“Is that so… But still, why did you attend such a gathering, even at the risk of breaking those rules?”
“The meeting that day was an initiative by my former superior, Vice Director Nagayama, and Mr. Yoshida, to join forces for the improvement of the Ministry of Defense.”
Mayumi began to explain the details.
†?†?†
“Vice Director Nagayama was known for his gentle personality, and was well-liked by everyone, but he was also highly respected for his auditing capabilities. What Vice Director Nagayama had been working on since last year was the assessment of the effectiveness of Self-Defense Forces facility construction projects.”
“He conducted on-site investigations at various military bases nationwide to determine whether the Self-Defense Force facilities, which had received substantial government funding for construction, were indeed contributing to our country’s defense.”
“That’s a grand story.”
Kobayashi was taken aback by the magnitude of the topic. Mayumi continued.
“Yes, I believe it was Vice Director Nagayama’s position that allowed him to conduct the audit. I can’t go into details, but as the audit progressed, there arose the possibility that many of the Self-Defense Force facilities’ NBC protection measures did not meet the standards. Are you familiar with NBC?”
“Chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons, right?”
Nakamura responded proudly, and Mayumi smiled.
“That’s when Vice Director Nagayama asked for opinions from the Facility Planning Division, responsible for coordinating construction of NBC protection measures, and the Facility Technology Division, in charge of setting technical standards, during on-site inspections of the Defense Ministry’s internal divisions in February. However, both divisions refused to respond directly, and they continued to delay submitting documents, citing various reasons.”
“During this time, it was Mr. Yoshida from the Facility Technology Division who secretly made contact with Vice Director Nagayama.”
Mayumi reached for her teacup and took a sip of tea. Each of her movements was like a picture. After placing the teacup back on the coffee table, Mayumi continued her story.
“Mr. Yoshida had been questioning the insufficiency of the Self-Defense Force facilities’ NBC protection measures for a while. He thought that making improvements from within would be difficult and aimed to use external pressure in the form of Audit Office recommendations to enhance NBC protection measures. Therefore, the secret meetings for this purpose led to the Akabane gathering on that day.”
“Is that how it happened…”
Kobayashi leaned back on the sofa. The magnitude of the story left him feeling slightly dizzy. He gathered himself and asked the question that had been on his mind.
“Come to think of it, it seemed like Mr. Yoshida handed something to Vice Director Nagayama. What was that all about?”
“It was a list that summarized the required NBC protection standards for Self-Defense Force facilities nationwide and their actual achievement status.”
“It’s indeed a matter of national secrecy. It’s like something out of a spy movie.”
Nakamura exclaimed in surprise. Mayumi laughed.
“No, it’s not quite that dramatic. However, it’s valuable information for the audit.”
“Sis, does that mean Vice Director Nagayama is currently conducting inspections using that list?” Akechi asked, and Mayumi’s expression turned solemn.
“No, Vice Director Nagayama passed away. On the same day as Mr. Yoshida.”
It could have been the wind, but the trees in the garden behind Mayumi shook violently.
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Translated by : Cutae30