Chapter 21: Reporting in This Manner, First Encounter with Matsuo Noguchi (Seeking Monthly Votes)

Aoyama Hidenobu had originally paid little attention to the case. After all, the facts were clear, both witness and material evidence were present, and it was simply a matter of following procedures for collection and submission. But upon hearing that the deceased, Noguchi Jirou, was the younger brother of Noguchi Matsuo, president of the Noguchi Association, his interest in the case soared severalfold.

Though Noguchi Jirou was already dead, that did not mean his criminal activities as a drug dealer could be ignored. It was imperative to dig deep, to uncover and dismantle the drug network hidden behind him.

Fueled by righteous indignation and a vow to stand against drugs and gambling, Aoyama Hidenobu delegated the subsequent interrogation work to Sachiko and Inoue. He himself hurried to Ayai Aya’s office to report his thoughts to his superior.

He knocked briskly on the door.

"Come in."

He pushed the door open, then closed it behind him. Ayai Aya, busy approving documents, glanced up at him before returning to her work, absentmindedly asking, "What brings you here, Aoyama?"

"Chief Inspector, please stand up for a moment. I have something to report," Aoyama Hidenobu said casually.

Ayai Aya cast a resigned glance at him, set down her pen, and stepped out from behind her desk. Aoyama, meanwhile, walked over and sat in her office chair, pressing his hands against the armrests, tapping his toes to spin the chair once, moving his fingers as he remarked, "My mouth is a bit dry. Make me a cup of coffee; I’ll report while I drink."

"Understood," Ayai Aya bowed slightly, restraining her irritation as she turned to prepare his coffee.

Aoyama Hidenobu lounged comfortably in the chair, watching Ayai Aya’s every move. Perhaps to avoid any untoward behavior, she had chosen trousers instead of a skirt today, pairing them with her suit. When she bent over, the thin fabric stretched tightly across her shapely hips, faintly revealing the pattern of her undergarments. Though not as alluring as a short skirt and stockings, it had its own unique appeal. Especially since she had tied her hair into a single ponytail today—it was enough to stir up trouble with a mere tug.

Ayai Aya was oblivious to Aoyama’s scheming thoughts. After preparing the coffee, she placed it before him with a polite "Please enjoy," then stood obediently at the desk, ready to listen to his report.

"Remember to add more milk next time," Aoyama Hidenobu tasted the coffee and frowned in dissatisfaction.

Ayai Aya forced herself not to throw the coffee in his face, squeezing out a smile. "Understood."

Idiot! This scoundrel—she’d only ever made coffee for her father at home, and he dared complain!

Aoyama Hidenobu set down the coffee and first reported the details of the Takizawa Akira murder case. Then he explained his purpose in coming, "Though Noguchi Jirou is dead, the drug network behind him remains. I believe that being a police officer is like being a doctor: we must address the root, not just the symptoms. We must uproot the entire network to prevent another tragedy like the Takizawa family’s from happening to another innocent person."

He spoke with conviction and righteous fervor.

But Ayai Aya was not deceived. She regarded him with suspicion, as if trying to see through to his true intentions. After all, from her knowledge of Aoyama Hidenobu, he was not one for such high-minded ideals.

"You want to target the Noguchi Association? Hoping to replicate the credit you earned by dismantling the drug den of the Sakura Seikai?" She pondered for a moment and concluded this was likely his motive.

"Idiot!" Aoyama Hidenobu slapped the desk, his face filled with displeasure. "Can’t I simply be motivated by justice? Is that how you see me?"

Ayai Aya shook her head solemnly.

In her eyes, he wasn’t even human.

Aoyama Hidenobu couldn’t be bothered to argue further. "That’s how it is. I hope you’ll approve."

"Understood," Ayai Aya replied respectfully.

At that moment, a knock sounded at the door.

Ayai Aya looked up at Aoyama Hidenobu.

Aoyama Hidenobu had no choice but to rise and switch places with her. Thus, when the officer who had knocked was allowed in, he saw Ayai Aya calmly seated in the chair, while Aoyama Hidenobu stood respectfully before the desk with his hands at his sides.

"Chief Inspector, Deputy Superintendent," the officer bowed to both before reporting, "Noguchi Matsuo has arrived. It’s about his brother’s case."

"Deputy Superintendent Aoyama," Ayai Aya spoke.

Her words were crisp, and as soon as she opened her mouth, Aoyama Hidenobu responded promptly, "Understood!"

"This case is your responsibility. Go and meet him," Ayai Aya instructed with serene authority.

"Understood," Aoyama Hidenobu bowed, lifted his head to say, "Excuse me," and then turned to leave.

…………………………

Aoyama Hidenobu entered the reception room to find a middle-aged man with curly hair and a thick beard, dressed in a brown kimono, sitting grim-faced on the sofa.

It was Noguchi Matsuo, president of the Noguchi Association.

Upon hearing footsteps, he looked up and, seeing Aoyama Hidenobu, stood to greet him, "Deputy Superintendent Aoyama."

"President Noguchi knows who I am? I’m truly surprised," Aoyama Hidenobu replied, shaking the man's hand. "Please, have a seat."

In 1985, the Yamaguchi-gumi, active in the Kansai region, launched an eastward expansion, extending their influence into Tokyo and engaging in repeated conflicts with the Sumiyoshi-kai. Noguchi Matsuo had distinguished himself in the confrontations between Sumiyoshi-kai and Yamaguchi-gumi, making him a notable figure in the underworld. Police personnel who interacted with him were usually at least of inspector rank, often even senior inspectors, so Aoyama Hidenobu was indeed surprised that Noguchi Matsuo knew him.

Japan’s syndicates are unlike those in other countries; they are legally registered organizations. They wield significant electoral power, and thousands of votes can directly sway election outcomes. Thus, large violent groups generally have politicians backing them, and some even put forward their own candidates. The status of syndicate leaders in Japan is not low—at least, not at present.

"Sakurai Seikai’s Okita caused me no end of trouble. Deputy Superintendent Aoyama, you killed him, so that saved me a great deal," Noguchi Matsuo explained simply after sitting down, clarifying why he knew Aoyama Hidenobu.

"President Noguchi, you flatter me," Aoyama Hidenobu shook his head, his expression turning grave. "I did not assist anyone; I am merely upholding justice