The First Investigation of Rookie Career Police Officer Akechi - Chapter 31
Chapter 31 : Terrifying Conclusion
In the evening, as Kobayashi and Nakamura were eating snacks in the document storage room while discussing what had happened today, Akechi, who was supposed to be at home, ran into the room. Kobayashi was surprised and asked Akechi.
“What’s… what’s wrong? Did something happen?”
Akechi, who tried to say something, coughed and apologized to the two of them with an apologetic look.
“I’m… I’m sorry. I’ll go get some drinks.”
†?†?†
Akechi came back after buying a paper carton of strawberry milk and a plastic bottle of green tea. Drink a gulp of green tea. Kobayashi and Nakamura watched in silence. Kobayashi asked, seeing Akechi calm down a little.
“What on earth happened? Why are you in such a rush?”
With a slightly flushed face, Akechi looked at Kobayashi, who was sitting across from him, and Nakamura, who was sitting next to him.
“I’m sorry. The purpose behind the suspect I deduced was so frightening that I felt the need to consult with everyone directly. The email I received from Mr. Kobayashi earlier provided a clue.”
“Huh? Was there something like that in the email?”
“Yes, those are the words that Kadono heard from Endo, a former employee.”
Upon hearing this, Nakamura read aloud the email on her smartphone.
“Is that the one that says, ‘It’s unavoidable to create self-defense facilities with insufficient protective capabilities. It’s for the Defense Ministry. We must ensure that this process isn’t disrupted by Staff Yoshida’?”
“Oh, that one. But I didn’t understand why it would be beneficial for the Defense Ministry, and I wonder if it might be some sort of clue.”
Kobayashi tilted his head. Akashi proceeded to explain.
“The Defense Ministry has been gradually working to ensure and enhance the protective capabilities of self-defense facilities over many years. In our country, which has walked the path of a peaceful nation since the post-war era, it has been difficult to allocate significant budgets for ensuring and improving protective capabilities. They had no choice but to make gradual progress with the limited budgets available.”
“Well, certainly, in a peaceful world, it would make more sense to allocate funds to welfare and the economy rather than spending on NBC protection.”
“I’ve also taken ‘a peaceful world’ for granted without thinking. However, what if it’s not a peaceful world?”
“Well, for example, if there is a risk that poisonous gas will actually be released, we would need to take measures to eliminate all possible dangers. It would be a matter of life and death for people.”
“That’s right. If there’s a real possibility of self-defense facilities being attacked by NBC weapons and facing another immediate attack, the chances of making significant strides in ensuring and enhancing protective capabilities increases.
“That, could it be…”
Kobayashi was at a loss for words. Akechi answers the details.
“Yes, it’s likely that the culprit is planning an NBC terrorist attack targeting self-defense facilities.”
Akechi’s hands were shaking slightly.
†?†?†
“So, in other words, are you saying that Haruki and Endo are planning a terrorist attack?”
Kobayashi asked in disbelief. Akechi responded.
“There’s no solid evidence yet. However, if someone is willing to go as far as taking two lives to prevent the improvement of protective capabilities, especially if it’s deemed beneficial for the Defense Ministry, then I believe the possibility is high.”
“It would be good if Kadono just misunderstood…”
Akashi took a sip from the green tea in the plastic bottle. Nakamura asked Kobayashi.
“Should we inform the Public Security Division?” Kobayashi thought for a moment and then began to speak.
“No, we don’t have any evidence yet. If we report it to Public Security now, they’ll probably dismiss it outright. What’s more, they might think we’re intruding on their turf and pressure us to stop our investigation. If that happens, we won’t be able to prevent the terrorism.”, Kobayashi looked at Akechi and Nakamura.
“We need to gather evidence ourselves.”
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Translated by : Cutae30